History of Mission: Impossible in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 26, 2026

Mission: Impossible is a franchise centered on the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), a secret espionage agency. It began as a TV series in 1966, running for seven seasons and was revived in 1988 for two more. The franchise expanded into theatrical motion pictures starting in 1996, starring Tom Cruise. The movies continue the themes of espionage, action, and elaborate missions that characterized the original television series.

1966: Theme Music Composition

In 1966, Lalo Schifrin composed the signature theme music for the Mission: Impossible series, incorporating the Morse code for "M.I."

1966: Original TV Series Debut

In 1966, the original Mission: Impossible TV series, centered on the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), premiered in the United States.

1988: TV Series Revival

In 1988, the Mission: Impossible TV series was revived for two additional seasons.

1996: Theatrical Film Series Begins

In 1996, the Mission: Impossible theatrical film series, starring Tom Cruise, was launched, expanding the franchise to the big screen.

2011: Franchise Revenue Milestone

By 2011, the Mission: Impossible franchise had generated over $4 billion in revenue, establishing itself as one of the highest-grossing media franchises worldwide.

May 5, 2025: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Premiere

On May 5, 2025, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning premiered in Tokyo.

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June 2025: Death of Lalo Schifrin

In June 2025, Lalo Schifrin, composer of the Mission: Impossible theme, died at the age of 93, with obituaries widely highlighting his influence on spy film music.