20 Most Iconic Hero Introductions In Movie History

19. Ethan Hunt - Mission: Impossible

The Mission: Impossible series has got some serious legs on it. With a fifth film coming out later this year, Tom Cruise has managed to keep the franchise fresh and interesting (if you put the woeful John Woo-directed second instalment conveniently to one side). Brian de Palma's first entry into the series stands as one of the smartest action thrillers of all time, and this is apparent from the great opening sequence. Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is trying to extract information against the clock - but he does so from behind a thoroughly convincing mask of an older man with a moustache. The first time you see it ripped off to reveal Cruise's face beneath is one of the great "I didn't see that coming!" moments of cinema.