The original Mission: Impossible movie starring Tom Cruise airs on BBC One at 8:30pm this New Year’s Eve – and fans still call it the best in the franchise
A legendary spy blockbuster is set to air for free on BBC One this afternoon (Wednesday, 31st December).
Whilst numerous viewers will be welcoming 2026 with the final instalment of Stranger Things dropping on Netflix on New Year’s Day, those seeking a more relaxed evening before the midnight celebrations might find this cherished 1990s action-packed adventure the ideal choice.
Prepare for heart-pounding excitement with Mission: Impossible, the debut film in the extraordinary espionage franchise starring Tom Cruise as daring secret agent Ethan Hunt, who will go to any lengths to prevent global catastrophe.
First hitting cinemas in 1996, this opening chapter in the progressively spectacular action series was helmed by Brian De Palma, with some fans arguing it remains superior to the six follow-ups that have since emerged.
Those craving an adrenaline rush to propel them into the new year are fortunate, as it broadcasts at 8:30pm this evening and can also be watched on BBC iPlayer for the next five months, reports the Express.
It features one of the most iconic scenes in action movie history(Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
One glowing 10/10 review from an avid IMDb user proclaimed it “the best spy movie ever”.
They continued: “The movie derives its power from a fine mix of action, suspense, thrill, special effects, and an amazingly crafted *impossible* mission.
“All the characters fit in their roles well. It all starts as a regular spy mission movie, but the unbelievable turn of events leave the viewers as much amazed as the main characters.
“The slow recovery from this initial shock, the pursuit of truth, the mission, the revelation, the hope/love/belief, and the grand finale; all of it has been well knitted in a single fully flowing helluva movie.”
Another fan hailed the original Mission: Impossible as “still the best in the franchise”.
Ethan Hunt’s first mission was released back in 1996(Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
They continued: “The movie can balance perfectly well between tense situations and action scenes, De Palma CAN direct a thriller movie, proved by the scene where Ethan Hunt goes to steal the NOC list, that scene is fantastic, and it lasts about 15 minutes without getting tiresome.”
One enthusiastic viewer proclaimed: “This is the best movie in the world. I love it and I recommend it fully to anyone who hasn’t seen it. This is a wonderfully good film.”
They added: “The plot is easy to understand and smartly written. Tom Cruise is brilliant as Ethan Hunt of the Impossible Mission Force and does a hell of a good job getting back on good terms with the IMF. I recommend this film to anyone.”
This thrilling spy blockbuster is available for free on BBC iPlayer(Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
Meanwhile, a final admirer on Letterboxd gushed: “Love the later mission films obviously, but no director today can really compare to De Palma at his finest, who was perhaps the most accomplished cinematic craftsman to emerge out of the new Hollywood.
“Like, nothing today outside of maybe Spielberg looks and feels THIS good, it’s like visual candy, such a rich array of colors and atmosphere and rightfully iconic moments, united by neo-classical style and a playful spirit — every setpiece is 110% perfect, there are no wasted shots, all of it is beautiful and technically adept. It’s not possible for them to make something this precise anymore.”
Will Tom Cruise’s debut mission with the IMF be your closing film of 2025?
Mission: Impossible broadcasts at 8:30pm on BBC One and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
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