10 Ways The Mission Impossible Movies Keep Getting Better

Each of these movies has at least one moment where the director does something you've never seen in quite the same way before, and sometimes there are several of those throughout. How often can you say that a fifth action sequel features truly interesting filmmaking?  

Rogue Nation showcases quite a few moments like these, the clearest example being the motorcycle chase filmed in a unique style with cameras placed on the actual vehicles. The underwater set-piece, in addition to being a cool and dangerous stunt, is also an impressive exercise in capturing a claustrophobic environment effectively and in several long takes. 

Brad Bird was similarly innovative in Ghost Protocol, and the way he frames the Burj Khalifa scene to maximize the tension and keep you looking down is absolutely brilliant. There's also the sandstorm sequence, where Bird plays with the audience not being able to see what they'd want to see. In Mission: Impossible III, J.J. Abrams uses plenty of his trademark movie magic as well.

It's not just Cruise's agility that makes these movies stand out. Through these interesting experiments with filmmaking, the directors are performing massive feats themselves that have been getting more interesting as the franchise progresses, culminating in Rogue Nation.