Paramount clearly has confidence in Tom Cruise and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, with reviews dropping more than a week ahead of release, and that means we’ve got the Rotten Tomatoes score.
What is the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Rotten Tomatoes Score?
With the first batch of 87 reviews from critics, the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Rotten Tomatoes Score stands at 89%.
Update 5/22: The Rotten Tomatoes Score is now at 80% with 251 reviews.
Friday update: Fan score is at 92%.
That’s currently toward the bottom of the franchise, as the previous movie, Dead Reckoning Part One, has a near perfect 96% Rotten Tomatoes Score.
Fallout also comes in near perfect at a 98% score, Rogue Nation 94%, Ghost Protocol 94%, and then the score falls from there with Mission Impossible III (71%), MI:II (57%), and the first Mission Impossible released in 1996 (65%).
What do the reviews say?
The negative:
Of the currently nine negative reviews for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, they paint a picture of a film weighed down by its own ambition.
Critics say the movie is bloated with exposition, heavy-handed dialogue, and a convoluted plot that tries too hard to feel important. While the final 30 minutes and a few standout action scenes earn praise, the rest of the film is called sluggish, overly dramatic, and disappointingly self-serious.
Many reviewers feel the supposed grand finale lacks the excitement and coherence fans expect, describing it as a somber, confused send-off that mistakes grandeur for greatness.
“The Final Reckoning”…delivers a nail-biting last 30 minutes. However, everything that precedes those moments is bogged down by unnecessary exposition, overwhelming explanations, and overly dramatic acting. This mission was indeed tough to sit through. – The Latino Slant
The Final Reckoning does not feel like a grand finale at all. Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise fail to reach their stratospheric ambitions, succumbing to the traps of nostalgia and an extremely nonsensical story. – Discussing Film
For all of its focus on tying its franchise together, “The Final Reckoning” — irrevocably knocked off its axis by the act one decision to separate Ethan from the rest of his team — struggles to strike the right balance between context and conflict – IndieWire
The positive:
Positive reviews for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning praise the film as a thrilling, emotionally-charged spectacle that delivers blockbuster entertainment at a massive scale.
Critics highlight Tom Cruise’s relentless commitment and jaw-dropping stunt work as key strengths, with many calling the finale a worthy—if flawed—send-off to the long-running franchise.
The second half, in particular, is noted for its high-octane action and standout set pieces that rank among the series’ best.
While some reviews acknowledge the film’s bloated runtime and convoluted plot, most agree that its energy, scale, and Cruise’s dedication make for an exhilarating experience that fans won’t want to miss.
An undeniably thrilling send-off that may not match the perfection of “Rogue Nation” or “Fallout,” but still delivers a jaw-dropping high-wire act that proves both the durability of the franchise and the unrelenting commitment of its star. – The Only Critic
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a satisfying, though slightly frustrating, celebration of the series that maintains its quality craftsmanship and thrilling spectacle. – Asynchronous Media
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a globe-trotting and pulse-pounding triumph. Cementing its place as one of cinema’s most consistent franchises, the film’s breathtaking scale and death defying stunts make for a blockbuster masterclass. – The Cinematic Reel
Release info
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning gets released May 23, 2025, directed by Christopher McQuarrie.
Starring includes Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, Mariela Garriga, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Tramell Tillman, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Mark Gatiss, Rolf Saxon, Lucy Tulugarjuk, and Angela Bassett.
