Is Age Catching Up With Tom Cruise? Mission Impossible 8 Gets Shockingly Low Rating On Rotten Tomatoes

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning (Mission Impossible 8), but the latest instalment has received a shockingly low 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This marks the lowest rating in the franchise since Mission: Impossible III in 2006. The film may have earned a standing ovation at Cannes, but critics seem divided.

The 62-year-old star continues to perform his own death-defying stunts by riding bikes off cliffs, running at full speed, and bringing explosive energy to the screen. Fans and critics still admire his dedication. However, the numbers have raised the question.

Mission Impossible 8 Gains Franchise’s Lowest Rating Since 2006

The Final Reckoning ranks fifth among all Mission Impossible films based on Rotten Tomatoes scores. It trails behind Fallout (98%), Dead Reckoning (96%), Rogue Nation (94%), and Ghost Protocol (94%). Only three films in the franchise have fared worse, including Mission: Impossible III (71%).

Reviewers agree that it’s not Cruise. Critics praised his commitment and stunt work, and called his performance “another masterclass in action.” According to many, the problem lies in the film’s writing and pacing.

The story focuses on Ethan Hunt facing off against The Entity, a rogue AI described as an “anti-god” capable of controlling global systems. The plot sounds thrilling, but many felt it was buried under long, dialogue-heavy scenes. The film spends too much time explaining its stakes instead of showing them.

Reviewers also criticised the film’s overuse of nostalgia. The movie revisits previous events in Ethan’s journey, but doesn’t give a fresh emotional payoff. The plot feels stretched and loses momentum, especially with its long runtime.

Is Tom Cruise Showing Signs Of Ageing?

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film was originally titled Dead Reckoning – Part Two. It was later renamed to serve as a potential final chapter in Ethan Hunt’s story.

The cast includes returning stars Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Vanessa Kirby, and Pom Klementieff. New faces like Holt McCallany and Nick Offerman also join the mission.

Despite the weaker reviews, Cruise’s action scenes continue to impress. Many agree that age isn’t the issue here. The dip in ratings reflects the film’s storytelling choices rather than Cruise’s performance.

For the unversed, Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning releases in India on May 17 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Are you going to watch it in theatres?