Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible looks: Ranking from best to worst in the series

Tom Cruise continues to choose missions that are daring, dangerous and seemingly impossible. His portrayal of Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible series has captivated audiences for decades and will continue to do so for decades to come, owning a special place in cinematic legacy. 

He will soon return in Hunt's shoes for a mega two-part expedition titled Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning and the trailer suggests quite strongly that he has got possibly the toughest mission to date to reckon with. Would this be his final foray into these great depths of danger? Well, we certainly wouldn't want that and neither does Tom Cruise himself. 

But putting that conundrum aside, we have chosen to take a kind and endearing look at all the various looks that Cruise has owned over the years, ever since the first impossible mission was kicked off by Brian de Palma in 1996.

Beyond his daring stunts and intense performances, Cruise's appearance has played a significant role in the franchise's success. In this article, we will rank Cruise's looks in the series from best to not-so-best (carefully choosing to not term any of them as the 'worst'), taking into account factors such as physical fitness, charisma, and overall appeal. 

Bear in mind that this is just a general assessment and subject to personal preferences. Different people may or will have different opinions on which film Tom Cruise looked best in.

Mission: Impossible III (2006)

The third instalment featured arguably Tom Cruise's most compelling performances to date in the film series and his physical appearance in the film, too, carries a striking effect. The neat and timeless, very 'boyish' hairdo that has echoes of the very first Mission: Impossible look just cannot be ignored, and that is why we rank it right on top. While his appearance in Mission: Impossible III may not be as frequently discussed, his overall attractiveness and fit physique were still evident, placing him solidly in the middle of the pack.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

One might define this as a 'hybrid' look which had Ethan Hunt teasing a surfer vibe but keeping it efficiently short for practical purposes. Cruise displayed his age-defying looks and undeniable charisma and with his suave style and intense presence, he was simply effortlessly cool on the screen. From those immaculate suits to his fit, very realistic physique, Cruise exemplified the essence of a seasoned agent, capturing the hearts of fans and solidifying this second-place ranking.

Mission: Impossible II (2000)

Perhaps the most argued-about and polarizing looks that Tom Cruise boasted so far in the series and that is why, without taking sides, this list ranks Mission: Impossible II in the third spot. Some appreciated Cruise's experiment with the long-haired look, considering it a bold departure from his usual style, while others preferred his more classic appearances. Nevertheless, Cruise's undeniable charm and physicality still make this a respectable entry on the list.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

Some might argue that Tom Cruise's appearance in Fallout is his best to date but we opine that it's only a safe extension of the look he carried in Mission: Impossible III. That said, what really impresses is that fact despite being in his fifties, Cruise maintained a remarkable physique and performed jaw-dropping stunts, leaving fans in awe. His rugged charm and determined gaze made him the epitome of an action hero and it's unlikely someone would take his place anytime soon.

Mission: Impossible (1996)

The film that started it all showcased a younger Tom Cruise in his prime. While his appearance in the first Mission Impossible film may not be as prominently discussed as the later instalments, his trademark smile and fit physique laid the foundation for the enduring appeal of his character, Ethan Hunt.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Much shorter hair, like a gleeful medium between Mission: Impossible III and Rogue Nation but may not be as strikingly impressive as some of the other stuff. Since one cannot dare to comment on Cruise's physical commitment to the role, and also considering that he wears his snazziest suits to date in this film, the only criterion to rank it so low is the hair. 

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

Ghost Protocol marked a comeback for the series, and Cruise's appearance did kinda disappoint. It also did not garner as much attention as the later or the previous instalments, mainly because of the sheer volume that gives away a look that feels like he is wearing bangs. Somehow, it doesn't impress :(

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI. The former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.