(Credits: Paramount Pictures)

If there’s a face of action movies in Hollywood, it’s undoubtedly Tom Cruise. As one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, he has redefined the meaning of “impossible” single-handedly. And although his most iconic spy stint has come to an end this year with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the frenzy very well lives on. Just in time, Netflix took the cue and dropped the first five Mission: Impossible films this July.

So, if you’re looking for the best one on Netflix, we suggest you take a leap of faith and press play on Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Rogue Nation is often regarded as one of the best or even the best instalments of the fan-favourite franchise. But the reputation? It was not made out of the blue. The first film in the series was a work of genius, and it was the ideal springboard.

By the time Mission: Impossible II was out, fan concerns grew, thanks to the incredible lack of menace and engaging plotline. If the second film in the franchise is the lowest point, Rogue Nation is the turning point. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation picks up with the disbandment of the IMF and CIA tailing of Ethan Hunt as the team goes all out to confront The Syndicate thereafter. The film’s pacing deserves applause, unlike his predecessors, who were marred by weak pacing.

As does McQuarrie, whose directorial vision and partnership with Cruise breathe new life into the franchise. Together, they brought the ultimate balance between story, character, and spectacle. While the Mission: Impossible films had no shortcomings with stylised action sequences, the lack of engagement between the narrative, especially in the second part, ultimately robbed them of that credibility.

The compelling absence of evil in antagonists was another critical point that marked the previous films. But that was changed with the introduction of Solomon Lane. And to make things even more interesting, McQuarrie brought out a highly trained MI6 assassin, Ilsa Faust, portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson. With the right bite of moral ambiguity and complexity, Ilsa’s introduction to the Mission: Impossible films was a highlight loved by all. She even underwent extensive training to do her stunts, and boy, did it pay off!

Although it’s hard to pigeonhole just one standout action sequence, compared to its predecessors, Rogue Nation’s action choreography doesn’t feel over the top. In fact, it strikes the perfect balance, honouring the legacy of what came before while modernising and putting a blockbuster spin on it. From hanging by a thread against a real A400M aircraft to the pulse-pounding motorcycle chase, Cruise set a benchmark, as did McQuarrie.

Besides these absolute takeaways, Rogue Nation is much more grounded. What sparks the tension and intensity with ease is the masterful background score that elevates every minute of suspense, whether it’s quiet or loud. All in all, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation is a complete package. It may not be the best of the entire franchise, but definitely the standout one on Netflix.