An iconic blockbuster thriller from the 1990s will be airing later tonight on BBC One
Lucas Hill-Paul Content Editor
12:10, 31 Dec 2025
A spectacular and legendary blockbuster spy thriller will be broadcasting for free on BBC One this afternoon (Wednesday, 31st December).
Whilst numerous streaming enthusiasts will be welcoming 2026 with the concluding episode of Stranger Things arriving on Netflix on New Year’s Day, those seeking a more relaxed evening before the midnight celebrations might find this cherished 1990s action-packed adventure the ideal choice.
Prepare for heart-pounding excitement with Mission: Impossible, the debut film in the extraordinary espionage franchise starring Tom Cruise as the daredevil covert operative Ethan Hunt, who will go to any lengths to prevent global catastrophe.
First hitting cinemas in 1996, this opening chapter of the increasingly breathtaking action saga was helmed by Brian De Palma, with many arguing it remains superior to the six follow-ups that succeeded it.
Those requiring an adrenaline rush to carry them into the new year are fortunate, as it broadcasts at 8:30pm this evening and remains accessible for streaming on BBC iPlayer for the following five months, reports the Express.
It features one of the most iconic scenes in action movie history(Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES)READ MORE: ‘Amazing’ Channel 5 thriller set to return as creator addresses futureREAD MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer makes huge career move away from show
One glowing 10/10 review from an excited IMDb user proclaimed it “the best spy movie ever”.
They continued: “The movie derives its power from a fine mix of action, suspense, thrill, special effects, and an amazingly crafted *impossible* mission.
“All the characters fit in their roles well. It all starts as a regular spy mission movie, but the unbelievable turn of events leave the viewers as much amazed as the main characters.
“The slow recovery from this initial shock, the pursuit of truth, the mission, the revelation, the hope/love/belief, and the grand finale; all of it has been well knitted in a single fully flowing helluva movie.”
Ethan Hunt’s first mission was released back in 1996(Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
Another critic hailed the first Mission: Impossible as “still the best in the franchise”.
“The film strikes a perfect balance between tense situations and action scenes. De Palma’s prowess in directing a thriller is evident in the scene where Ethan Hunt steals the NOC list – a fantastic sequence that holds your attention for a good 15 minutes without becoming tedious,” they elaborated.
Another viewer enthused: “This is the best film in the world. I absolutely love it and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it. It’s a truly excellent film.
“The plot is intelligently crafted and easy to follow. Tom Cruise delivers a stellar performance as Ethan Hunt of the Impossible Mission Force, brilliantly portraying his character’s journey back into the IMF’s good graces. I would recommend this film to anyone.”
This thrilling spy blockbuster is available for free on BBC iPlayer(Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
A final fan on Letterboxd gushed: “Love the later mission films obviously, but no director today can really compare to De Palma at his finest, who was perhaps the most accomplished cinematic craftsman to emerge out of the new Hollywood.
“Like, nothing today outside of maybe Spielberg looks and feels THIS good, it’s like visual candy, such a rich array of colours and atmosphere and rightfully iconic moments, united by neo-classical style and a playful spirit — every setpiece is 110% perfect, there are no wasted shots, all of it is beautiful and technically adept. It’s not possible for them to make something this precise anymore.”
Will Cruise’s inaugural mission with the IMF be your last film of 2025?
Mission: Impossible will be broadcast at 8:30pm on BBC One and can also be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
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