🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Brad Bird
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
- Release year: 2011
- Runtime (length): 2h 12min
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10 (539K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Tom Cruise and his buddies get blamed for blowing up the Kremlin, so they go on a world tour involving suction gloves and a desperate attempt to stop a nuclear war, all while proving their innocence because apparently international relations are that simple.
🍿 Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Escape from Russia
Ethan Hunt is broken out of a Russian prison by IMF agents Jane Carter and Benji Dunn. Their immediate mission is to locate information about “Cobalt,” a person of interest. Hunt insists on extracting a valuable source, Bogdan, as well. This sets the stage for a globe-trotting adventure with high stakes.

Kremlin Infiltration and Disaster
The team infiltrates the Kremlin to identify Cobalt, but the mission goes awry when someone within their frequency alerts the Russians. Shortly after their departure, the Kremlin is bombed. Ethan and his team are framed for the bombing, leading to the President invoking “Ghost Protocol,” effectively disavowing the IMF and leaving them without support.

Dubai and the Burj Khalifa
The team tracks Cobalt, now identified as Kurt Hendricks, to Dubai. Hendricks plans to acquire nuclear launch codes, and the team attempts to intercept him. This leads to the iconic scene where Ethan scales the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, to hack a server room. Their efforts are thwarted, and Hendricks escapes with the codes.

Mumbai and Nuclear Threat
The trail leads to Mumbai, where Hendricks plans to use a defunct Soviet military satellite to transmit the launch codes. The team races against time to stop him. Hendricks successfully sends a signal to a Russian nuclear submarine, which launches a missile towards San Francisco. Ethan and his team must prevent nuclear disaster.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise): A resourceful IMF agent who must clear his organization’s name and prevent a nuclear war after being framed for bombing the Kremlin.
- Brandt (Jeremy Renner): An IMF intelligence analyst with a hidden past as a field agent assigned to protect Ethan and his wife.
- Benji (Simon Pegg): A skilled IMF technician who becomes a qualified field agent and provides crucial tech support and comic relief.
- Jane (Paula Patton): A determined IMF agent seeking revenge for the death of a fellow agent, displaying both deadly skills and vulnerability.
- Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist): A Russian nuclear strategist who plans to trigger a nuclear war to initiate the next stage of human evolution.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Ethan Hunt: “So, what’s the plan?” – Ethan’s ever-present question when facing impossible odds, showcasing his reliance on his team’s ingenuity.
- Benji Dunn: “Please don’t let me die a virgin.” – Benji’s humorous plea during the tense and dangerous Burj Khalifa operation, highlighting his comedic relief role.
- William Brandt: “Analyst. I crunch numbers.” – Brandt’s initially understated description of his role, which is later revealed to be much more complex and action-oriented.
- Ethan Hunt: “Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” – The iconic phrase from the series, setting the stage for the impossible tasks ahead.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $145,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $209,397,903
- Worldwide Gross: $694,713,380
💥 Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Reviews
Personal Review
I remember seeing this in IMAX and being completely blown away! The Burj Khalifa scene was insane, I was practically gripping my seat the whole time. I loved how they made the team more of a focus, especially Benji’s character. It’s just a fun, exciting movie that I can watch over and over. Definitely one of my favorite action films, and Cruise at his best!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of action and spy movies”
- “Those who enjoy Tom Cruise’s action films”
- “Viewers who appreciate elaborate stunts and gadgets”
- “Audiences looking for thrilling, fast-paced entertainment”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Intense action violence”
- “Some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers”
- “Brief suggestive content”
- “Explosions and destructive sequences”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “A shot of adrenaline to the franchise, Bird delivers high-octane action sequences with precision. Cruise is reliably charismatic, and the supporting cast shines, especially Pegg, providing comic relief without sacrificing the stakes.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Brad Bird successfully transitions to live-action with a sleek and stylish entry. While the plot is familiar, the film offers breathtaking stunts and exotic locales, making it a must-see for action fans.
- Empire Magazine: “Ghost Protocol is arguably the best in the series. Bird balances action and humor perfectly, with Cruise scaling new heights, literally and figuratively. The Burj Khalifa sequence alone is worth the price of admission.
Audience Reactions
The Burj Khalifa scene was iconic and unforgettable.: Spectacular stunts and thrilling action kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Simon Pegg brought much-needed humor and charm to the film.: The team dynamic and comedic relief enhanced the overall experience.
Overall Consensus: A highly entertaining action spectacle with breathtaking stunts, a solid team dynamic, and a satisfying balance of action and humor.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Tom Cruise performed the sequence where Ethan Hunt scales the outside of the Burj Khalifa tower himself without the use of a stunt double.”
- “Director Brad Bird, known for animation films like ‘The Incredibles’, made his live-action directorial debut with this film.”
- “During filming, Tom Cruise performed the majority of his own stunts, including the skyscraper sequences.”
🖥️ How to Watch Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol?
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Paramount+ (subscription required), and for rental or purchase on services like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite on-demand options. Prices vary depending on the platform and whether you choose to rent or buy.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, you might like these similar films:
- Casino Royale (2006): Features high-stakes action, international espionage, and a focus on reinventing a classic spy franchise with a more grounded and intense approach.
- Skyfall (2012): Shares the theme of a secret agency being compromised and the protagonist going rogue to uncover a conspiracy, with globe-trotting action sequences.
- Ronin (1998): Showcases a team of highly skilled operatives undertaking dangerous missions with shifting allegiances and complex betrayals.
- Tenet (2020): Features intricate plot twists, global locations, and mind-bending action sequences centered around preventing a world-altering event.
- The Recruit (2003): Explores themes of trust, betrayal, and deception within the world of espionage, focusing on the training and moral dilemmas faced by intelligence operatives.
🛒 Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Related Products
- Mission: Impossible: 6-Movie Collection [Blu-ray]: Experience all the thrilling adventures of Ethan Hunt and his IMF team with this complete collection. Enjoy hours of action-packed entertainment with stunning visuals and immersive sound.
- Hot Wheels Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol BMW Z4: Own a miniature replica of the iconic BMW Z4 featured in the film. This die-cast model is a must-have for collectors and fans of the series. Add a touch of automotive flair to your collection.
- Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Movie Poster: High-quality reprint of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office. This eye-catching poster brings the action and excitement of the film to life.
- Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol – Benji Dunn Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure: Add Benji Dunn to your Funko Pop! collection. This vinyl figure captures Benji’s quirky personality and is a great addition to any Mission: Impossible display. Perfect for fans of Simon Pegg.
🎧 Soundtrack
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Mission: Impossible Theme” – performed by Lalo Schifrin
- “Give Her My Love” – performed by The Raveonettes
- “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” – performed by Dean Martin
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
You can stream Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol on Paramount+ with a subscription. You can also rent or buy it on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu.
The main characters include Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Jane Carter (Paula Patton), and William Brandt (Jeremy Renner).
“Ghost Protocol” is a black operation contingency invoked by the President of the United States. It disavows the entire IMF, leaving Ethan Hunt and his team without support or resources to clear their names and prevent a global catastrophe.
Yes, Tom Cruise performed the sequence where Ethan Hunt scales the outside of the Burj Khalifa tower himself without the use of a stunt double. It’s one of the most impressive stunts in the film.
🔥 Bonus Content
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol BEHIND THE SCENES – Burj Khalifa Climb (2011) HD
Witness the astonishing real-life stunts behind the gravity-defying Burj Khalifa climb in Mission Impossible. Prepare to be amazed by the skill and daring of Tom Cruise and the crew.
Everything GREAT About Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol!
Discover why Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol stands as a fan favorite. Join the conversation as we explore its thrilling action, engaging characters, and what makes it so beloved.
Everything Wrong With Mission Impossible In 15 Minutes Or Less
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