Before you witness the conclusion of cinema’s most consistently jaw-dropping action franchise, get caught up with The Only Recap You Need Before Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. This fast-paced video breakdown walks you through the franchise’s most pivotal moments—from Mission: Impossible (1996) to Dead Reckoning Part One—with an emphasis on Ethan Hunt’s evolving moral compass, his enduring loyalty to the IMF, and the increasingly global stakes that have shaped each mission.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer looking for a crash course, this recap connects the dots across decades of espionage and jaw-clenching stunts. Learn how recurring figures like Ilsa Faust, Benji, Luther, and Kittridge have shaped the story so far—and why the final reckoning might be Ethan Hunt’s most personal mission yet.

From rogue nations to AI threats, this is the essential briefing before Ethan takes on his final mission.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning hits theaters May 23.