As the clock ticks down on 2025, BBC One offers a classic cinematic alternative to the usual New Year's Eve festivities. The channel is set to broadcast the original Mission: Impossible film, starring Tom Cruise, for free this evening, Wednesday 31st December.
A Timeless Spy Classic for a Relaxed NYE
While many will be gearing up for the final season of Stranger Things on Netflix tomorrow, those seeking a more subdued night before the midnight celebrations have a perfect option. At 8:30pm, viewers can join IMF agent Ethan Hunt on his first, nerve-shredding mission to prevent global disaster. The 1996 blockbuster, directed by Brian De Palma, kickstarted one of cinema's most enduring action franchises.
Remarkably, nearly three decades after its release, a passionate cohort of fans maintains that this debut chapter has never been surpassed by its six sequels. The film will be available on BBC iPlayer for the next five months, as reported by the Express, giving plenty of time for a repeat viewing.
Why Fans Call It the Ultimate Spy Movie
The film's reputation rests on its masterful blend of suspense, action, and iconic set-pieces. On IMDb, one reviewer awarded it a perfect 10/10, declaring it "the best spy movie ever". They praised its "fine mix of action, suspense, thrill, special effects, and an amazingly crafted *impossible* mission," noting how the plot's shocking twists leave audiences as stunned as the characters.
Another fan championed it as "still the best in the franchise," highlighting De Palma's directorial prowess. They specifically pointed to the extended, dialogue-free scene where Hunt steals the NOC list from CIA headquarters, a sequence lasting around 15 minutes that is hailed as a masterpiece of tension.
A Cinematic Feast from a Hollywood Master
The acclaim extends beyond plot and action to pure filmmaking craft. A devotee on Letterboxd celebrated De Palma's work, stating that "no director today can really compare to De Palma at his finest." They described the film as "visual candy" with a rich array of colours and atmosphere, arguing that every set piece is perfectly executed with no wasted shots—a level of precise, classical style they believe is rarely seen in modern cinema.
With its compelling story, legendary star performance, and technically brilliant execution, the original Mission: Impossible provides a high-octane yet sophisticated way to close out the year. Will you be accepting the mission?
Mission: Impossible airs on BBC One at 8:30pm on Wednesday 31st December 2025 and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
