Mission Impossible is a 1996 American action-thriller film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise. It is based on the television series of the same name.

The story begins when Ethan Hunt (Cruise), a young agent for the Impossible Missions Force, is sent on a mission to find a package that contains a secret nuclear weapon. However, Hunts mission is complicated by a team of assassins who are out to kill him, as well as a mysterious organization known as the Syndicate. With the help of his IMF team, Hunt must outwit and outmaneuver the Syndicate and discover the packages location before time runs out.

Throughout the movie, Cruises character must face numerous obstacles and adversaries in order to succeed in his mission. As the movie progresses, Hunt is forced to go undercover, engage in extensive car chases and engage in hand-to-hand combat with the Syndicates assassins. The movie culminates in a dramatic sequence of events as Hunt attempts to beat the clock and recover the package.

Mission Impossible was a box office success and was nominated for four Academy Awards. It has since spawned four sequels and several spin-off films and TV series. The movie has become a classic in the action-thriller genre and it continues to be a fan favorite.