In a year packed with Tom Cruise’s high-flying triumphs, including Top Gun: Maverick’s continued reign and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s explosive debut, the return of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) to Netflix on July 1, 2025, is a nostalgic adrenaline shot that demands attention. Directed by Brad Bird in his live-action debut, this fourth installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise stars Cruise as super-spy Ethan Hunt, alongside Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, and Paula Patton. Certified Fresh at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s jaw-dropping stunts, sharp ensemble chemistry, and relentless pace have kept it a fan favorite, climbing Netflix’s Top 10 charts 14 years after its release. As Cruise dominates 2025, this action-packed gem proves why he remains Hollywood’s ultimate stuntman. Don’t miss this thrilling ride—here’s why Ghost Protocol is unmissable on Netflix.

A High-Stakes, Globetrotting Premise

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol throws Ethan Hunt and his Impossible Mission Force (IMF) team into chaos after they’re framed for bombing the Kremlin, prompting the U.S. government to initiate “Ghost Protocol,” disavowing the agency. With no resources or backup, Ethan (Tom Cruise), tech wizard Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), analyst-turned-field-agent William Brandt (Jeremy Renner), and fierce operative Jane Carter (Paula Patton) go rogue to clear their names and stop a Swedish madman, Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist), from triggering nuclear war. The plot races from a Moscow prison break to Dubai’s towering Burj Khalifa and Mumbai’s bustling streets, delivering a classic Mission: Impossible blend of espionage, betrayal, and world-saving heroics.

The premise, written by Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec with uncredited rewrites by Christopher McQuarrie, revitalized the franchise in 2011 after Mission: Impossible III’s lukewarm box office. Critics hailed its “fast-paced, gripping” storytelling (Rotten Tomatoes), with X posts in 2025 calling it “the movie that saved Mission: Impossible.” While some note a predictable villain arc, the film’s focus on teamwork and resourcefulness—think malfunctioning gadgets like a broken mask machine—adds tension and relatability, setting a new standard for the series. For fans of spy thrillers like James Bond or Jason Bourne, this high-concept adventure is pure popcorn perfection.

Jaw-Dropping Stunts and Visual Spectacle

Ghost Protocol is a visual triumph, thanks to Brad Bird’s transition from animation (The Incredibles, Ratatouille) to live-action mastery. Filmed in IMAX for key sequences, the movie’s centerpiece—Ethan Hunt scaling the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 2,722 feet—remains one of cinema’s most iconic stunts. Cruise, performing the climb himself at 1,700 feet with cables digitally erased, delivers a vertigo-inducing spectacle, with his stressed-out “No s***!” line capturing the raw intensity (The Hollywood Reporter). The sequence, shot in Dubai, uses glass-warping reflections to heighten realism, as Bird noted in interviews (Empire). Other highlights include a Kremlin infiltration, a Dubai sandstorm chase, and a chaotic Mumbai parking garage showdown, all showcasing Bird’s knack for clear, thrilling action.

The film’s $694.7 million global box office made it the highest-grossing Mission: Impossible film until 2018’s Fallout, with critics praising its “breathtaking” set pieces (The Guardian). The Chemical Brothers’ pulsating score and Robert Elswit’s crisp cinematography amplify the stakes, though some X users in 2025 note the final act’s parking garage feels underwhelming compared to the Burj Khalifa climax. Still, the IMAX-enhanced visuals pop on Netflix’s streaming platform, making Ghost Protocol a feast for action fans craving spectacle on a massive scale.

Stellar Ensemble and Cruise’s Charisma

Tom Cruise anchors Ghost Protocol with relentless energy, performing his own stunts and infusing Ethan with grit and charm, even as tabloid controversies loomed in 2011 (MovieWeb). His commitment—sprinting, fighting, and dangling off skyscrapers—earned universal praise, with Variety calling him a “movie star giving it all.” The ensemble shines, too: Simon Pegg’s Benji brings scene-stealing humor, notably his “I’m just spitballing” quip (The Guardian); Paula Patton’s Jane holds her own in action and emotion; and Jeremy Renner’s Brandt adds a grounded contrast to Ethan’s daring. Supporting players like Léa Seydoux as assassin Sabine Moreau and Michael Nyqvist as Hendricks add menace, though some critics felt the villain was underutilized (Den of Geek).

The team dynamic, a shift from the Cruise-centric Mission: Impossible III, elevates the film, with X fans in 2025 calling the cast “golden” for their chemistry. Moments like the team’s improvisation when gadgets fail—such as a glitchy camouflage screen—add humor and tension, making the group feel human despite the high stakes (Tom’s Guide). This balance of star power and ensemble interplay makes Ghost Protocol a refreshing, collaborative thrill ride.

A Certified Fresh Comeback with Lasting Impact

With a 93% Certified Fresh Rotten Tomatoes score, Ghost Protocol is celebrated as the film that “reinvented” the franchise, setting the stage for Rogue Nation and Fallout (MovieWeb). Critics lauded its “stylish, fast-paced” energy and Cruise’s dedication, though some noted a “sagging” final act in India (The Guardian). Its 2025 Netflix return has reignited fan love, with X posts calling it “still the best Mission: Impossible” and “a perfect popcorn flick.” Grossing $694.7 million in 2011, it was Cruise’s biggest hit at the time, proving his resilience amid personal scrutiny (Rotten Tomatoes). Its influence endures, with the Burj Khalifa stunt sparking the franchise’s “Cruise tops himself” era, from Fallout’s HALO jump to The Final Reckoning’s plane stunts (Empire).

The film’s PG-13 rating and 132-minute runtime make it an accessible binge, though parents should note intense action, mild language, and violence like gunplay and a skyscraper fall (Common Sense Media). Its lack of overt political content keeps the focus on pure entertainment, appealing to a broad audience (IMDb user reviews).

Why You Should Watch

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is a high-octane triumph that redefined the franchise and remains a pinnacle of action cinema in 2025. Tom Cruise’s death-defying Burj Khalifa climb, paired with Brad Bird’s dynamic direction and a vibrant ensemble, delivers thrills, laughs, and heart-pounding suspense. Certified Fresh and trending on Netflix, this 2011 blockbuster feels as fresh as ever, proving Cruise’s enduring star power in a busy year with The Final Reckoning. Whether you’re a longtime Mission: Impossible fan or a newcomer craving a spy thriller with iconic stunts, Ghost Protocol is the ultimate Netflix binge. Stream it now, grab your popcorn, and brace for a mission that’s anything but impossible—you won’t look away.