10 Action Franchises To Watch If You Love 'Mission: Impossible'

Published on

Jakob Barnes

Jakob Barnes

JustWatch Editor

For almost 30 years now, Tom Cruise has been entertaining audiences with death-defying stunts and world-saving escapades in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Sadly, Ethan Hunt’s adventures are now over with Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning bringing the series to a close, but that doesn’t have to be the end of the action.

Whether it’s the man on a mission trope, or bombastic, explosive chaos you’re into, there are decades of brilliant action movies to explore. From super spies and superheroes to AI annihilation and apocalyptic wastelands, we’ve compiled a list of the best action franchises to watch for anyone who loves Mission: Impossible, and we can also tell you where to stream them all.

John Wick

There’s a good chance that even Ethan Hunt would cower in the shadows if the Baba Yaga ever came to hunt him down. If this were a contest to find the most dangerous man on the planet, there’s a good chance that the John Wick movies would give us the winner. 

The great thing about this franchise is there are four movies starring Keanu Reeves as the titular hitman, and they become more and more bonkers and brutal with each installment. Plus, there’s a new spin-off, Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, which is just as slick and action-packed as the main quadrilogy.

Bourne

There are a lot of similarities between Ethan Hunt and Jason Bourne; both are highly-trained, highly-dangerous government weapons who have a tendency to go against the grain from time to time. From The Bourne Identity through to Jason Bourne, Matt Damon has wowed audiences with his gritty espionage movies, and they’re perfect for anyone who loves Mission: Impossible.

While the Tom Cruise franchise has taken things to dizzying heights with its last few entries, the Bourne series has always kept things slightly more grounded, but these movies are still just as thrilling and fun as their chaotic cousin.

James Bond

So, what do you do if the likes of Wick, Bourne, and Hunt are a little too roguish for your tastes? Well, if you want something a bit more refined and professional, there’s no one better suited for the mission than James Bond.

The one thing to note here is, you’re in for the long haul if you want to watch every entry in the 007 franchise; there are 25 movies, from 1962’s Dr. No, starring Sean Connery, right through to 2021’s No Time to Die, which brought Daniel Craig’s fantastic run as Bond to an end.

Fast & Furious

Just like Mission: Impossible, these movies have ramped up the scale of things and become more and more ludicrous as time has gone by. The Fast and the Furious kicked things off way back in 2001 with a fairly simple story of street crime and stolen DVD players. By the time you get to Fast X, though, the crew have been to space, which tells you all you need to know about the direction this franchise has gone in.

It’s impossible not to love it all, though. They may be silly and incredibly over-the-top, but that’s what action movies are all about, right?

The Terminator

By the end of the Mission: Impossible saga, the threat of global destruction at the hands of an evil AI becomes the core storyline. But, this is nothing new, as Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron can attest to with The Terminator franchise.

The first movie in the series is almost like a slasher movie, with Arnie’s titular robotic menace on the loose, but Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a bona fide action movie classic. Not only does it flip the narrative entirely, but it also introduces Robert Patrick as T-1000, who could be the greatest movie villain of all time.

The Matrix

Keanu Reeves isn’t just a deadly assassin, he’s also a messianic hero who saves the world from annihilation in The Matrix. This astounding creation from the Wachowski sisters is an incredible blend of action and science fiction, with an epic story of distorted realities, robotic overlords, and superhuman kung-fu battles.

The original trilogy is regarded as one of the best collections of the modern era within both genres, and fans were treated to a fourth installment almost 20 years later with The Matrix Resurrections in 2021. You’re unlikely to find action sequences quite as stylish as you get from this mind-blowing franchise.

Mad Max

If you ever wondered what might happen if Ethan Hunt ever failed in his missions, you only have to look at the apocalyptic world we are left with in Mad Max to realise how far civilisation could fall. From brutal revenge on the backroads of Australia to all-out despair in the desert, this franchise has been through a strange evolution over time.

These films are weird, there’s no denying it. But, with Mad Max: Fury Road and the more recent prequel, Furiosa, you have two of the most slick, stunning action movies of the last decade. 

Rambo

How many times have we seen Ethan Hunt defy all the odds and the rules and still come out on top? Well, if that’s the kind of vibe you’re after, the Rambo franchise will be right up your street. Indeed, this Sylvester Stallone franchise is, at its best, a fascinating study of masculinity, while also being absolutely ridiculous and bombastic with its more recent entries.

With varying degrees of quality, the franchise requires real dedication toward the end, but with 1982’s First Blood, you get a genuinely thrilling, gritty, intriguing action flick with a strong message at its core.

Jack Ryan

Diving into the Jack Ryan franchise is a surefire win for anyone craving more gun-toting government officials and globe-trotting adventures post-Mission: Impossible. While the modern TV show and the 2014, Chris Pine-led Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit are more glossy and forgettable, you cannot go wrong with the old ‘90s flicks.

In fact, just like James Bond, the Jack Ryan series has been through a few different lead actors. From The Hunt for Red October-starring Alec Baldwin to the brilliant Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford in the titular role, through to Ben Affleck’s one-film appearance in The Sum of All Fears, Jack Ryan is the gift that keeps on giving.

Batman

Ethan Hunt may be the living manifestation of destiny, but no action hero is cooler than Batman. He’s gone from the pages of your favourite comic books to being one of the biggest stars of the silver screen across a number of different movies, but one thing remains the same; badass action, cool weapons, and devilish villains.

From the more zany Batman of 1989 and Tim Burton’s follow-up, Batman Returns, right through to Christopher Nolan’s impeccable Dark Knight trilogy and the latest version, Matt Reeves’ The Batman, there are so many different styles and takes on this iconic hero. Whatever it is you want from an action movie, you’re sure to find it somewhere in the Batman collection.

Where To Watch Action Movie Franchises Like 'Mission: Impossible' Online

To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the UK, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!

Netflix
Disney Plus
Amazon Prime Video
Apple TV+
Apple TV
Rakuten TV
Crunchyroll
Amazon Video
Paramount Plus
Channel 4
Sky Go
Crunchyroll Amazon Channel
BBC iPlayer
MUBI
Google Play Movies
Sky Store
Microsoft Store
Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads
Curzon Home Cinema
ITVX
YouTube
Shudder
ARROW
Arrow Video Amazon Channel
Talk Talk TV
UKTV Play
GuideDoc
Movietickets
Netflix Kids
YouTube Premium
BFI Player Amazon Channel
Hayu
Hayu Amazon Channel
5
BritBox Amazon Channel
MUBI Amazon Channel
STUDIOCANAL PRESENTS Apple TV Channel
STV Player
Curiosity Stream
Flix Premiere
Revry
Hotstar
DOCSVILLE
Now TV
JustWatchTV
Plex
WOW Presents Plus
Magellan TV
BroadwayHD
Filmzie
MovieSaints
Acorn TV
AcornTV Amazon Channel
Dekkoo
True Story
DocAlliance Films
Hoichoi
Now TV Cinema
CuriosityStream Amazon Channel
DocuBay Amazon Channel
Discovery+ Amazon Channel
Fandor Amazon Channel
Full Moon Amazon Channel
ITV Amazon Channel
Pokémon Amazon Channel
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel
Shudder Amazon Channel
Eros Now Amazon Channel
FilmBox Live Amazon Channel
W4free
Pluto TV
Eventive
ShortsTV Amazon Channel
Cultpix
FilmBox+
Paramount+ Amazon Channel
Discovery+
Icon Film Amazon Channel
Curzon Amazon Channel
Hallmark TV Amazon Channel
Studiocanal Presents Amazon Channel
Sundance Now Amazon Channel
Sooner Amazon Channel
Takflix
Klassiki
Sun Nxt
Netflix Standard with Ads
Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel
Runtime
OUTtv Amazon Channel
HistoryPlay Amazon Channel
Crime+ Investigation Play Amazon Channel
Shahid VIP
Univer Video
Acorn TV Apple TV
Tastemade Apple TV Channel
CuriosityStream Apple TV Channel
BFI Player Apple TV Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
BFI Player
ODEON Cinemas
Cineworld
Vue
Arte
Showcase Cinemas
MGM Plus Amazon Channel
Plex Live TV
Everyman Cinema
Motorvision TV Amazon Channel
Okidoki Amazon Channel
Sat.1 emotions Amazon Channel
Stingray Classica Amazon Channel
Stingray Djazz Amazon Channel
Stingray Karaoke Amazon Channel
TV1000 Russian Kino Amazon Channel
ITVX Premium
H & C TV Amazon Channel
Seven Entertainment Amazon Channel
The Great Courses Amazon Channel
ZDFtivi Amazon channel
Apple TV Plus Amazon Channel
Paramount Plus Premium
Paramount Plus Basic with Ads
Tubi TV
Channel 4 Plus
Acaciatv Amazon Channel
Alchemiya Amazon Channel
All warrior network Amazon Channel
BeFit Amazon Channel
Best of British Tv Amazon Channel
Baeble Amazon Channel
Best Westerns Ever Amazon Channel
Viaplay Amazon Channel
Hidive Amazon Channel
Echoboom Amazon Channel
Gaia Amazon Channel
Here TV  Amazon Channel
Marquee TV Amazon Channel
MHz Choice Amazon Channel
Panna Cooking Amazon Channel
Pinoy Box Office Amazon Channel
PBS America Amazon Channel
Sweatflix Amazon Channel
FUEL TV+ Amazon Channel
Xive TV Documentaries Amazon Channel
Yoga Anytime Amazon Channel
Pongalo Amazon Channel
TVCortos Amazon Channel
UP Faith & Family Amazon Channel
Tastemade Amazon Channel
Qello Concerts by Stingray Amazon Channel
Jolt Film
FOUND TV
Gaiam TV Yoga & Fit
Stupid Co
Kocowa
Filters
  1. John Wick

    John Wick

    2014

    # 1

    Ex-hitman John Wick comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him.

  2. John Wick: Chapter 2

    # 2

    John Wick is forced out of retirement by a former associate looking to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to aid him, Wick travels to Rome and does battle against some of the world’s most dangerous killers.

  3. John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

    # 3

    Super-assassin John Wick returns with a $14 million price tag on his head and an army of bounty-hunting killers on his trail. After killing a member of the shadowy international assassin’s guild, the High Table, John Wick is excommunicado, but the world’s most ruthless hit men and women await his every turn.

  4. John Wick: Chapter 4

    # 4

    With the price on his head ever increasing, John Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.

  5. Ballerina

    Ballerina

    2025

    # 5

    Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Eve Macarro begins her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.

  6. The Bourne Identity

    The Bourne Identity

    2002

    # 6

    Wounded to the brink of death and suffering from amnesia, Jason Bourne is rescued at sea by a fisherman. With nothing to go on but a Swiss bank account number, he starts to reconstruct his life, but finds that many people he encounters want him dead. However, Bourne realizes that he has the combat and mental skills of a world-class spy—but who does he work for?

  7. The Bourne Supremacy

    # 7

    A CIA operation to purchase classified Russian documents is blown by a rival agent, who then shows up in the sleepy seaside village where Bourne and Marie have been living. The pair run for their lives and Bourne, who promised retaliation should anyone from his former life attempt contact, is forced to once again take up his life as a trained assassin to survive.

  8. The Bourne Ultimatum

    # 8

    Bourne is brought out of hiding once again by reporter Simon Ross who is trying to unveil Operation Blackbriar, an upgrade to Project Treadstone, in a series of newspaper columns. Information from the reporter stirs a new set of memories, and Bourne must finally uncover his dark past while dodging The Company's best efforts to eradicate him.

  9. The Bourne Legacy

    The Bourne Legacy

    2012

    # 9

    New CIA operative Aaron Cross experiences life-or-death stakes that have been triggered by the previous actions of Jason Bourne.

  10. Jason Bourne

    Jason Bourne

    2016

    # 10

    Matt Damon returns to his most iconic role in Jason Bourne. Paul Greengrass, the director of The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum, once again joins Damon for the next chapter of Universal Pictures’ Bournefranchise, which finds the CIA’s most lethal former operative drawn out of the shadows.

  11. Dr. No

    Dr. No

    1962

    # 11

    Agent 007 battles mysterious Dr. No, a scientific genius bent on destroying the U.S. space program. As the countdown to disaster begins, Bond must go to Jamaica, where he encounters beautiful Honey Ryder, to confront a megalomaniacal villain in his massive island headquarters.

  12. From Russia with Love

    # 12

    Agent 007 is back in the second installment of the James Bond series, this time battling a secret crime organization known as SPECTRE. Russians Rosa Klebb and Kronsteen are out to snatch a decoding device known as the Lektor, using the ravishing Tatiana to lure Bond into helping them. Bond willingly travels to meet Tatiana in Istanbul, where he must rely on his wits to escape with his life in a series of deadly encounters with the enemy.

  13. Goldfinger

    Goldfinger

    1964

    # 13

    Special agent 007 comes face to face with one of the most notorious villains of all time, and now he must outwit and outgun the powerful tycoon to prevent him from cashing in on a devious scheme to raid Fort Knox -- and obliterate the world's economy.

  14. Thunderball

    Thunderball

    1965

    # 14

    A criminal organization has obtained two nuclear bombs and are asking for a 100 million pound ransom in the form of diamonds in seven days or they will use the weapons. The secret service sends James Bond to the Bahamas to once again save the world.

  15. You Only Live Twice

    You Only Live Twice

    1967

    # 15

    A mysterious spacecraft captures Russian and American space capsules and brings the two superpowers to the brink of war. James Bond investigates the case in Japan and comes face to face with his archenemy Blofeld.

  16. On Her Majesty's Secret Service

    # 16

    James Bond tracks his archnemesis, Ernst Blofeld, to a mountaintop retreat in the Swiss alps where he is training an army of beautiful, lethal women. Along the way, Bond falls for Italian contessa Tracy Draco, and marries her in order to get closer to Blofeld.

  17. Diamonds Are Forever

    # 17

    Diamonds are stolen only to be sold again in the international market. James Bond infiltrates a smuggling mission to find out who's guilty. The mission takes him to Las Vegas where Bond meets his archenemy Blofeld.

  18. Live and Let Die

    Live and Let Die

    1973

    # 18

    James Bond must investigate a mysterious murder case of a British agent in New Orleans. Soon he finds himself up against a gangster boss named Mr. Big.

  19. The Man with the Golden Gun

    # 19

    Cool government operative James Bond searches for a stolen invention that can turn the sun's heat into a destructive weapon. He soon crosses paths with the menacing Francisco Scaramanga, a hitman so skilled he has a seven-figure working fee. Bond then joins forces with the swimsuit-clad Mary Goodnight, and together they track Scaramanga to a Thai tropical isle hideout where the killer-for-hire lures the slick spy into a deadly maze for a final duel.

  20. The Spy Who Loved Me

    # 20

    Russian and British submarines with nuclear missiles on board both vanish from sight without a trace. England and Russia both blame each other as James Bond tries to solve the riddle of the disappearing ships. But the KGB also has an agent on the case.