The latest and possibly final installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise has screened for critics, and the early verdict is in: it’s a high-octane, emotionally resonant thrill ride.

Critic Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) described the film on X as “[‘Mission: Impossible- The Final Reckoning’] rips! Loved it. An exhilarating adrenaline rush for the head & heart & immersive, awe-inducing stuntacular of the highest order. McQ, [Tom Cruise] & CO have crafted the gold standard – a brilliant, bold actioner for the ages. See it BIG & LOUD.”

Journalist and BAFTA member Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) also felt the same, saying on social media that “[‘Mission: Impossible- The Final Reckoning’] is whip-smart and razor-sharp, this tense eighth entry in one of the most exhilarating franchises of all time is another winner. With sphincter-tightening set pieces, blockbusters do not get much better than this. Cruise & McQuarrie nail it!”

The Final Reckoning continues the saga two months after the events of Dead Reckoning, with Ethan Hunt racing to stop a powerful AI known as “the Entity.” The cast includes familiar faces like Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg, along with newcomers such as Hayley Atwell and Hannah Waddingham.

Following its press premiere, the film heads to Cannes today (May 14th) for an out-of-competition screening, with a global premiere in London tomorrow on May 15th. Cruise, returning to Cannes for the third time, will attend alongside McQuarrie.

The franchise has grossed over $1 billion, with 2018’s Fallout still standing as its biggest commercial and critical success.

Additional early reactions are full of energy and admiration:

“#MissionImpossible Tom Cruise is truly one of a kind. Loved Final Reckoning.” – Jazz Tangcay @jazzt “MISSION IMPOSSIBLE THE FINAL RECKONING is an absolutely captivating send-off to the franchise’s legacy and what Tom Cruise has given to Ethan Hunt. While the first 30-40 minutes is a bit too much of an exposition dump, all the set-pieces that follow are unbeatable.” – Matt Minton @6MattMinton14

“#MissionImpossibleTheFinalReckoning is an emotional, riveting, & perfect Mission Impossible finale. That feels the most visceral of them all. With pound for pound punches, exhilarating stunts (that might be the best of the franchise), & incredible performances throughout.” – Zach Pope @popetheking

“#MissionImpossible/#MissionImpossibleTheFinalReckoning is action spectacle brimming with jaw-clenching suspense. That is, when it isn’t drowning in a tsunami of exposition & flashbacks. Really good when it’s firing on all cylinders, but overall, mixed.” – Jeff Nelson @SirJeffNelson

“…#MissionImpossible Final Reckoning revs up the engines for a full speed adrenaline rush to the finale! Incredible stunts, great visuals, and a crazy edge-of-your-seat final sequence! Had a BLAST! THIS IS WHAT ACTION MOVIES ARE ABOUT!” – Leo Rydel @GeeklyGoods

“MissionImpossibleTheFinalReckoning is the grand crescendo of a franchise built on speed, suspense, and spectacle. Cruise pushes every limit—soaring higher, diving deeper, and racing toward the edge, risking life, limb, and logic in a three-hour blitz of chaos, precision, and pure adrenaline. It’s not just a finale—it’s a full-body experience. Buckle up.” – Landon Johnson @LandonHJohnson

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning hits UK cinemas on the 21st May, and the USA and rest of the world on the 23rd May.