With Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning hitting theaters this month, Tom Cruise is once again set to dazzle audiences with his signature blend of high-octane action and jaw-dropping stunt work. At 62, the Hollywood icon continues to defy both age and gravity, fearlessly performing his own stunts and pushing the limits of what’s possible on screen. As fans gear up for the latest installment in the blockbuster franchise, it’s the perfect time to revisit some of the most dangerous and iconic stunts Cruise has pulled off in previous Mission: Impossible films. Each one stands as a testament to his relentless pursuit of cinematic thrills and unwavering dedication to delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Before he raises the bar once again, let’s look back at seven of Tom Cruise’s most daring stunts from the Mission: Impossible series.
Scaling the Burj Khalifa (Ghost Protocol)
Perhaps Tom Cruise’s most iconic stunt, he climbed the exterior of the world’s tallest building — Dubai’s 2,722-foot Burj Khalifa. Using specialized climbing gloves and safety cables that were digitally removed in post-production, Cruise performed real exterior climbing sequences filmed up to approximately 1,700 feet above the ground. When the safety harness repeatedly appeared in shots by hitting the building, Cruise suggested removing it altogether, though the production team wisely refused for safety reasons.
HALO Jump (Fallout)
For Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Cruise became the first actor to perform a HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jump on camera. This military-grade skydiving technique involved jumping from a C-17 aircraft at 25,000 feet, free-falling at speeds exceeding 200 mph, and opening his parachute at a dangerously low 2,000 feet. The shot required a custom helmet with a special breathing apparatus and lighting, and Cruise performed over 100 jumps to perfect the three-minute sequence.
Underwater Heist (Rogue Nation)
In Rogue Nation, Cruise held his breath for an underwater computer vault sequence. Rather than using multiple cuts, he trained with military diving experts to hold his breath for over six minutes. The final scene required him to swim without breathing equipment through a complex underwater set for long takes, with some shots lasting nearly three minutes of continuous underwater filming.
Hanging from an Airbus A400M (Rogue Nation)
For the opening sequence of Rogue Nation, Cruise hung from the exterior of an Airbus A400M military transport aircraft as it took off and climbed to 5,000 feet. Wearing only a harness hidden under his costume, he endured eight takes at speeds of 160 mph, battling intense wind pressure and debris that could have damaged his eyes despite protective contact lenses.
Motorcycle Chase and Cliff Jump (Dead Reckoning Part One)
In the latest installment, Cruise performed a high-speed motorcycle chase across a Norwegian mountain road culminating in a cliff jump. The stunt involved speeding toward the cliff edge, launching off a ramp, releasing the bike mid-air, and deploying a parachute after a significant free-fall. Cruise performed this stunt six times in one day, having prepared with 500 skydives and 13,000 motocross jumps during training.
The Opera House Fight (Rogue Nation)
Less talked about but equally dangerous, the Vienna Opera House sequence had Cruise navigating intricate rooftop structures without visible safety equipment in many shots. The sequence required precise timing as he fought opponents while balancing on steep, slippery surfaces several stories above ground, with minimal safety wires that were digitally removed in post-production.
Helicopter Chase (Fallout)
Cruise learned to pilot a helicopter for the climactic chase in Fallout. Not content with basic flying, he mastered aggressive corkscrew dives and other advanced maneuvers, performing a complex aerial chase through mountainous terrain. This stunt required him to simultaneously fly the helicopter, act, and coordinate with camera crews — a rare triple-threat feat.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]