Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2025

61%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tom Cruise vs. rogue AI in another high-octane, death-defying stunt fest—fun for teens who can handle relentless action.

7.2/10

80%

→

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

movie

PG-13, 2025

61%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tom Cruise vs. rogue AI in another high-octane, death-defying stunt fest—fun for teens who can handle relentless action.

7.2

80%

Jump to

Also rated on

7.2/10

80%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning delivers exactly what it promises: Tom Cruise defying death in increasingly absurd ways while chasing a rogue AI. It's well-made popcorn entertainment with solid reviews and timely themes.

But let's be clear—this is not a cozy family movie night. It's relentlessly intense, with sustained violence and peril that will overwhelm younger or sensitive kids. The 13+ rating is spot-on.

For teens who love action, it's a solid pick—great for conversations about AI ethics and a masterclass in practical stunt work. For everyone else, it's fine but not essential. The WISE score reflects that it's competent and entertaining but not particularly wholesome, creative, or enriching beyond 'wow, cool explosion.'

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who enjoy action thrillers and can handle intense, sustained peril. Younger kids will find it too scary; older teens and adults will appreciate the craft and adrenaline. Not for sensitive viewers or anyone looking for emotional warmth.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

MI films model teamwork and loyalty, with Ethan Hunt as a dedicated protagonist who protects others. However, the tone is intense and relentless—constant peril, high-stakes tension, and betrayal themes don't create an emotionally 'safe' space. Pacing is frenetic, which can feel exhausting rather than balanced. It's not toxic, but it's not exactly warm or nurturing either.

Imaginative

The Mission: Impossible franchise is known for elaborate set pieces and creative problem-solving—think heists, disguises, and impossible stunts. An AI antagonist (the Entity) adds a contemporary tech angle that invites curiosity about artificial intelligence and surveillance. However, it's more 'spectacle' than 'spark your own creativity'—you watch Tom Cruise do wild things, but it doesn't necessarily invite kids to build or explore themselves.

Safe

MI films feature intense action violence—gunfights, explosions, hand-to-hand combat, and characters in mortal danger throughout. While not gory or graphic by R-rated standards, there's sustained peril and some deaths. Common Sense Media pegs this at 13+, which tracks. No sexual content or nudity expected, but the relentless violence and tension mean younger kids could be genuinely frightened or overwhelmed. It's 'safe' in that it's predictable MI fare, but 'unsafe' for sensitive or younger viewers.

Enriching

There's some ethical territory around AI, surveillance, and trust—timely themes that could spark discussion. The film showcases problem-solving, persistence, and teamwork. But let's be real: it's primarily a popcorn thriller designed for adrenaline, not deep insight. You're not walking away with profound life lessons, though you might have a fun conversation about whether AI is dangerous. Entertainment value is high for action fans; enrichment is modest.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Jaw-dropping practical stunts and set pieces that showcase real filmmaking craft (Cruise literally does his own insane stunts)
Timely AI villain provides a hook for conversations about technology, surveillance, and control
Strong reviews (80% critics, 88% audience) suggest it delivers the MI formula fans love—teamwork, twists, and tension
Models loyalty, persistence, and problem-solving under pressure

⚠

What to Watch For

Intense, sustained action violence—gunfights, explosions, hand-to-hand combat, characters in mortal peril throughout
Relentless pacing can be exhausting; not a cozy or emotionally safe watch
Younger or sensitive kids will likely find it too scary or overwhelming
It's a seventh (!) MI film—continuity might confuse newcomers, though each stands alone reasonably well

Conversation Starters

"Do you think AI like the Entity could actually exist? What would make it dangerous?"
"Ethan Hunt always puts his team first—when is it worth risking everything for others?"
"How do you think they filmed that [insert wild stunt]? Would you ever want to do something that risky?"
"If you had to stop a rogue AI, what would your plan be?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic