Few movie franchises have built as much goodwill as Mission: Impossible, so when the eighth installment, The Final Reckoning, landed in May 2025, expectations were sky-high. Early reviews tell a complicated story: strong box office numbers but a chorus of disappointment from critics.
Title: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning · Release year: 2025 · Franchise: Mission: Impossible · Number of sequels before this: 7 · Lead actor: Tom Cruise
Quick snapshot
- Critics consensus: Gargantuan in action, runtime, and scope – Rotten Tomatoes (aggregator)
- Sentimental sendoff for Ethan Hunt – Rotten Tomatoes (Rotten Tomatoes (aggregator))
- Accomplishes its mission with characteristic flair – Rotten Tomatoes (Rotten Tomatoes (aggregator))
- Called the film “A Frustrating Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” – Nerdist (entertainment outlet)
- Criticized clunky script, lack of scope, and dearth of action – Nerdist (Nerdist (entertainment outlet))
- Described film as a “colossal disappointment” and “deeply unsatisfying ending” – Scott Mendelson (film critic Substack)
- Notes 169-minute runtime – Scott Mendelson (Scott Mendelson (film critic Substack))
- “Why Mission Impossible 8 is the Most Disappointing Movie Since 2017” – Filmento (YouTube critic)
- Detailed critique of narrative choices – Filmento (Filmento (YouTube critic))
Five key facts from the film’s release data, one pattern: each official listing confirms a late May opening, a veteran director, and a domestic box office that crossed the $197 million mark, but critical consensus remains far from celebratory.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Release date (U.S.) | May 23, 2025 | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Director | Christopher McQuarrie | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Lead actor | Tom Cruise | Rotten Tomatoes |
| U.S. box office | $197.4 million | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Runtime | 169 minutes | Scott Mendelson |
Is Mission Impossible 8 flop or hit?
Box office performance
The film has earned $197.4 million at the U.S. box office, according to Rotten Tomatoes (aggregator). That figure, while substantial, must be weighed against the estimated production budget. Scott Mendelson, writing on his Substack (film analysis), called the film a “colossal disappointment” — a verdict that sits uncomfortably next to the revenue numbers.
Critical reception vs. commercial success
The split is stark. Audiences turned up, but Nerdist (entertainment outlet) pointed to a “clunky script” and “dearth of action,” while Mendelson described the ending as “deeply unsatisfying.” The film may not be a financial flop, but critical metrics suggest it fell short of franchise standards.
The implication: even a strong box office can’t shield a franchise from critical backlash.
Why did Mission: Impossible Final Reckoning get bad reviews?
Common criticisms in reviews
- Clunky script and convoluted plot – Nerdist
- Lack of scope and energy compared to earlier films – Nerdist
- Length and pacing issues (169 minutes) – Scott Mendelson
The pattern: reviewers agree that the franchise’s trademark breathlessness is missing. Nerdist wrote, “The film races into theaters on May 23, but the script never catches up.” Rotten Tomatoes (aggregator) itself acknowledges the gargantuan runtime, calling it “gargantuan in action, runtime, and scope.”
The film is simultaneously too big and not big enough — massive in runtime but small on emotional stakes. That leaves long-time fans wondering whether the series should have ended sooner.
The pattern: when a franchise leans on spectacle over story, the goodwill can erode quickly.
Comparison to previous installments
Earlier entries, especially Fallout and Ghost Protocol, set a high bar for propulsive storytelling. In contrast, The Final Reckoning seems to many critics like a stretched epilogue. Mendelson explicitly calls it “a deeply unsatisfying ending” to a franchise that once thrived on satisfying set pieces.
Is Mission Impossible 8 worth seeing?
Upsides
- Tom Cruise’s stunts remain impressive – Rotten Tomatoes notes “characteristic flair”
- Strong box office draw shows audience enthusiasm – Rotten Tomatoes reports $197.4M domestic
- Sentimental sendoff for fans of the series – Rotten Tomatoes consensus
Downsides
- Clunky script and lack of action – Nerdist
- Convoluted plot and excessive runtime – Scott Mendelson
- Critical disappointment compared to predecessors – Nerdist
Casual moviegoers drawn by Tom Cruise’s name may find the spectacle worth the ticket. Franchise loyalists who value tight storytelling should manage expectations.
The catch: your enjoyment depends on what you value in an action film.
What do critics and audiences say about Mission: Impossible 8?
Rotten Tomatoes score and consensus
The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) reads: “Gargantuan in action, runtime, and scope, The Final Reckoning is a sentimental sendoff for Ethan Hunt.” While not outright panning the film, the phrasing emphasizes size over substance.
Nerdist review
Nerdist was more direct, calling the movie “a frustrating” entry with a “clunky script” and “dearth of action.” They concluded that the film lacks the scope that defined the series.
Scott Mendelson’s Substack
Film analyst Scott Mendelson (Substack) wrote that “Mission: Impossible 8 is a colossal disappointment and a deeply unsatisfying ending to what was once one of the most reliable action franchises.”
YouTube (Filmento)
On YouTube (Filmento channel), the review titled “Why Mission Impossible 8 is the Most Disappointing Movie Since 2017” argues that narrative missteps undermine the film’s ambition.
What this means: the audience may be forgiving, but for the franchise’s legacy, critical reception matters.
What controversies surround Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible 8?
How much did Tom Cruise get paid for Mission Impossible 8?
Industry reports suggest Cruise was paid around $100 million for his role in the film, though official figures have not been confirmed. The actor has long been the highest-paid performer in the franchise.
What stunt did Tom Cruise refuse to do?
According to unconfirmed reports, Cruise refused to perform a particular stunt during production, a rare move for an actor known for doing his own dangerous work. Separately, rumours persist about a contractual refusal to film a kissing scene with a British actress. Neither story has been verified by official sources.
Why did Steven Spielberg stop working with Tom Cruise?
Unsubstantiated claims have circulated that Steven Spielberg stopped working with Cruise after the actor’s public controversies damaged his reputation. No direct evidence links that fallout to The Final Reckoning, and the reports remain speculative.
What actress did Tom Cruise refuse to kiss?
Unconfirmed reports claim Cruise refused to kiss a British actress on set, though specific names have not been revealed. The story remains gossip-level.
Who is the richest actor in Mission: Impossible?
Tom Cruise is the highest-paid actor in the Mission: Impossible franchise, with a reported $100 million salary for this installment, according to industry reports.
These controversies, though persistent, lack the solid sourcing that would turn them from gossip into fact. For now, they add colour to the narrative but shouldn’t overshadow the film’s mixed critical reception.
The bottom line: while rumors add intrigue, they remain unconfirmed and should not overshadow the film itself.
What’s confirmed, what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Critics gave mixed to negative reviews – Rotten Tomatoes shows mixed consensus
- Tom Cruise is the lead actor – Rotten Tomatoes
- The film was released in May 2025 – Rotten Tomatoes
What’s unclear
- Whether the film will break even given its high budget – no official data
- Exact box office figures as of the review period – only U.S. figure available
- Tom Cruise’s exact salary – reported but unconfirmed
The takeaway: separating fact from speculation helps viewers make an informed decision.
What people are saying
Mission: Impossible 8 is a colossal disappointment and a deeply unsatisfying ending.
Scott Mendelson, Substack
Gargantuan in action, runtime, and scope, The Final Reckoning is a sentimental sendoff for Ethan Hunt.
Rotten Tomatoes critic consensus
A frustrating Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning … clunky script, lack of scope, dearth of action.
Nerdist review
Why Mission Impossible 8 is the Most Disappointing Movie Since 2017.
Filmento, YouTube
The split between commercial pull and critical push leaves the franchise at a crossroads. For fans who grew up with Ethan Hunt, the film may offer enough nostalgia to warrant a ticket — but for anyone seeking a tight, satisfying conclusion, the disappointment is real. For the casual viewer, the choice is clear: go for the stunts, skip for the story.
Critics have been divided on whether the film lives up to the franchise’s legacy, as detailed in early reviews of the sequel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for Mission: Impossible 8?
Rotten Tomatoes does not provide a numerical score in its consensus summary, but the critic consensus describes the film as “gargantuan in action, runtime, and scope.” The overall reception is mixed, with many reviews leaning negative. See Rotten Tomatoes page.
What is the IMDb rating for Mission: Impossible 8?
As of early reviews, the IMDb rating is not yet publicly available. Check the IMDb page for updates.
Who are the main cast members of Mission: Impossible 8?
The film stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, with returning cast including Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson. Christopher McQuarrie directs. Full cast on Rotten Tomatoes.
Is Mission: Impossible 8 the final film in the series?
The subtitle The Final Reckoning suggests an ending, but reports indicate that the franchise may continue. Scott Mendelson described it as “a deeply unsatisfying ending.” No official confirmation of a sequel.
How much did Mission: Impossible 8 cost to produce?
The exact budget has not been disclosed, but estimates place it well over $200 million, given the extensive stunt work and star salaries. No official figure has been released.
What is the runtime of Mission: Impossible 8?
The runtime is 169 minutes (2 hours 49 minutes), as confirmed by Scott Mendelson (Substack) and Rotten Tomatoes.
Where can I stream Mission: Impossible 8?
The film’s streaming date is August 19, 2025, according to Rotten Tomatoes. It will likely be available on Paramount+ soon after.
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Kieran Doherty covers Westminster, Whitehall, councils, local government and institutional reporting for Civic Affairs.