Tom Cruise’s $398 Million Action Gem Now Streaming for Free on Pluto TV

Tom Cruise has been one of the biggest names in action movies for years, largely thanks to his role as Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible series. The franchise, which began in 1996, has grown into one of Hollywood’s most popular action franchises.

While the newer Mission: Impossible films get a lot of attention, one earlier movie in the series often doesn’t get the credit it deserves: Mission: Impossible III. This 2006 film is now available to watch for free on Pluto TV as of May 2025, giving fans a chance to revisit it or discover it for the first time.

In Mission: Impossible III, Ethan Hunt faces a dangerous villain named Owen Davian, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. The movie adds more personal stakes for Hunt, focusing on his efforts to save his fiancée Julia. This emotional depth was new for the series and helped make the story more engaging.

Philip Seymour Hoffman’s performance as the villain stands out as one of the best in the whole franchise. His calm but menacing role added a fresh kind of threat. The film was directed by J.J. Abrams, who was directing a feature for the first time. His work brought new energy and style that influenced the later movies in the series.

Although later movies like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and Fallout have received higher praise and better ratings—Fallout currently has a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes—Mission: Impossible III was important in shaping the series’ direction. It introduced a more emotional and character-driven approach, which became a key part of the newer films.

Despite earning nearly $400 million at the box office, Mission: Impossible III is sometimes overlooked when people talk about the franchise’s best moments. The free streaming on Pluto TV might help change that by making the movie more accessible.

If you enjoy action movies or are a fan of the Mission: Impossible series, now is a great time to watch Mission: Impossible III. It offers thrilling action scenes, a solid story, and strong performances that still hold up nearly 20 years later.

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