The best spy movies of all time range from outlandishly hilarious to being extremely accurate, thanks to the input of a consultant. Though the espionage genre has developed into a niche of filmmaking that typically involves epic action blockbusters like James Bond or Mission: Impossible, there are also quieter, slow-burn additions to the filmography. While fight scenes and fun gadgets make for great props and feature dynamic set pieces, these aspects don’t necessarily mean that a movie will stand the test of time. Many of these films are considered classics and have been in the spy thriller rotation for years.
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There are war movies that experts have praised for accuracy, and the same can be said for espionage thrillers based on true events. However, historical accuracy isn’t typically the metric that former officers, agents, and analysts use to judge these movies. Emotional truths, the appeals to pathos, and the larger global implications of these stories are also heavily taken into consideration. Some of these movies are based on books that imagine what a real spy’s life might look like, but when it comes to capturing the hearts and minds of audiences, sometimes fiction is better than the real thing.
10 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Directed by Tomas Alfredson
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy RThrillerHistorical
Based on the novel of the same name by John le Carré, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy tells the story of a search for Russian spy deep within the British intelligence service, at the height of the Cold War in the 1970s.
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*Availability in US Director Tomas Alfredson Release Date September 16, 2011 Studio(s) StudioCanal Writers Bridget O’Connor , Peter Straughan Cast Gary Oldman , Benedict Cumberbatch , Colin Firth , Stephen Graham , Tom Hardy , Ciarán Hinds , John Hurt , Toby Jones , Simon McBurney , Mark Strong Runtime 127 minutes Expand
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Set during the Cold War, a period of history well known for its espionage, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy features an all-star cast of British actors, including Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, and Tom Hardy. This is far from the only espionage thriller that these actors have worked on, but the early 2010s movie is a great example of how to adapt a work of literature to the screen. Based on the 1974 novel by John le Carré, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was warmly received by both critics and audiences.
The film does an excellent job of illustrating the tensions between the different sides of the conflict and how, no matter what organization the characters are working for, there’s still a level of moral compromise.
There’s a reason why former CIA agents like Alex Finlay cite movies like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy on their lists of great espionage thrillers. The film does an excellent job of illustrating the tensions between the different sides of the conflict and how, no matter what organization the characters are working for, there’s still a level of moral compromise. Additionally, the dedicated performances of the actors are what makes their actions so believable.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy |
84% |
65% |
9 The Hunt For Red October (1990)
Directed by John McTiernan
The Hunt for Red October PGThriller
1990’s The Hunt for Red October is a Thriller and Spy film directed by John McTiernan and based on the Tom Clancy novel of the same name. The film sees the United States searching for a rogue submarine that is nearly undetectable thanks to a special piece of technology.
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*Availability in US Director John McTiernan Release Date March 2, 1990 Studio(s) Mace Neufeld Productions Writers Larry Ferguson , Donald E. Stewart Cast Sean Connery , Alec Baldwin , Scott Glenn , James Earl Jones , Sam Neill , Stellan Skarsgård , Peter Firth , Tim Curry Runtime 135 Minutes Expand
The Hunt for Red October is one of the best movies about the Cold War, and its star is well-versed in the complexities of the spy genre. After starring as James Bond in the beloved original James Bond films for over two decades, Connery lent his skills to a variety of other genres. However, it’s difficult not to associate him with the suave British agent. However, in The Hunt for Red October, Connery’s character, Marko Ramius, is on the other side of the conflict.
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Since Ramius is an invention of the American novelist Tom Clancy, he ultimately is awakened against his native government and decides to defect by helping the Americans. While this is a hopeful characterization for the U.S., former CIA expert Rosanna Minchew’s knowledge of recruitment made her believe that his reasons for defecting were believable and compelling. This speaks to the overall character development, which makes the simmering action and tension all the more palpable.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Hunt For Red October (1990) |
88% |
88% |
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8 North By Northwest (1959)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
North By Northwest pg-13AdventureMysteryThriller
North By Northwest is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most popular films and was released in 1959. The film centers on Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant), an average advertising executive in New York who is hunted by foreign spies who think he is actually a secret agent. The film co-stars Eva Marie Saint, whose character Eve Kendall acts as a love interest to Roger.
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*Availability in US Director Alfred Hitchcock Release Date September 8, 1959 Studio(s) Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Writers Ernest Lehman Cast Eva Marie Saint , James Mason , Cary Grant , Leo G. Carroll , Jessie Royce Landis Runtime 136 minutes Expand
Cary Grant is at his best in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, a movie that’s a favorite of former officer Darrell Blocker, who was engaged by the case of mistaken identity at the heart of the story. While every Hitchcock movie has an element of suspense and intrigue, North by Northwest is frequently cited as one of Hitchcock’s best for a reason. Also set during the Cold War, an iconic period of history for those interested in espionage, North by Northwest sees Grant’s character step up to save himself after being taken for a spy.
Related 15 Best Performances In Alfred Hitchcock Movies
Alfred Hitchcock is rightly remembered as one of the most influential directors of all time, but his career was boosted by some superb actors.
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Part of the enduring nature of North by Northwest is the gorgeous atmosphere and aesthetic of the project, with the late ’50s sets and costuming transporting the viewer back to a bygone era. Grant’s work as the protagonist, Roger, is some of his best, especially for the latter half of his career. There are so many iconic moments in North by Northwest that it’s difficult to choose just one. However, the scenes in the film’s final act at Mount Rushmore make for thrilling and unforgettable additions to the best action sequences in spy movies.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
North by Northwest (1959) |
97% |
94% |
7 Argo (2012)
Directed by Ben Affleck
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7/10 Argo rBiographyDramaHistoryThriller
Argo is a historical thriller adapted from the memoir of CIA operative Tony Mendez. The film follows Mendez as he infiltrates Tehran, Iran, by pretending to be filming a sci-fi movie during the Iran hostage crisis at the beginning of the 1980s. Ben Affleck stars as Mendez as he infiltrates to save the six escaped embassy staff members.
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*Availability in US Director Ben Affleck Release Date October 12, 2012 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Chris Terrio , Tony Mendez , Joshuah Bearman Cast Ben Affleck , Bryan Cranston , Alan Arkin , John Goodman , Victor Garber , Tate Donovan Runtime 120 Minutes Expand
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Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, Argo captured the attention of intelligence professionals and everyday moviegoers alike. Part of this is because it’s based on a true story, which is always a great way to gain traction at the box office and with critics, especially when some liberties are taken to make the plot more conducive to the big screen. While not every piece of Argo aligns with what exactly happened, the emotional and overarching truths of planning an infiltration and rescue mission hit close to home for viewers.
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Cybersecurity expert Peter Warmka picked Argo as one of the strongest recent espionage flicks because it sheds light on such an important and relevant operation. Touching upon the real mission to rescue a group of staff members at the U.S. embassy in Iran, Argo explores how the Canadian government was instrumental in executing the mission and bringing them to safety without the rival government realizing it. Winning for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Argo was immediately hailed for its ability to capture the intricacies of executing the plan.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Argo (2012) |
96% |
90% |
6 Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Zero Dark Thirty RHistoryThrillerDrama
From Academy Award-Winning director Kathryn Bigelow, Zero Dark Thirty is a fictionalized dramatization of the manhunt for Osama bin Laden after the September 11th attacks. Jessica Chastain stars as Maya Harris, a CIA analyst tasked with locating bin Laden in order for the US Government to assassinate him. Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, and Mark Strong also star.
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*Availability in US Director Kathryn Bigelow Release Date December 19, 2012 Studio(s) Sony Cast Joel Edgerton , Jessica Chastain , Jason Clarke , Kyle Chandler , Chris Pratt2 , Jennifer Ehle Runtime 157minutes
Zero Dark Thirty is memorable for many reasons, not the least of which is that it was directed by Kathryn Bigelow and centered on a female protagonist. Most spy movies focus on and are directed by men, but Bigelow and Jessica Chastain, in the starring role of Maya, changed the conversation. Released the same year as Argo and also inspired by a true story, Zero Dark Thirty‘s biggest competition during award season was this other spy movie, but both are worth watching today.
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It’s been heralded for its realism and accuracy in terms of how missions like this would unfold.
Loosely interpreting the real story of the CIA agents and analysts tasked with tracking down Osama bin Laden, Zero Dark Thirty grapples with heavy subject matter and has faced criticism over its depiction of enhanced interrogation methods. Overall, the fact that it was released so soon after the events it depicts makes Zero Dark Thirty a difficult watch at times. However, it’s been heralded for its realism and accuracy in terms of how missions like this would unfold.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Zero Dark Thirty (2012) |
91% |
80% |
5 Three Days Of The Condor (1975)
Directed by Sydney Pollack
Three Days Of The Condor RThrillerMystery
Three Days of the Condor is a thriller film directed by Sydney Pollack, starring Robert Redford as Joseph Turner, a CIA analyst who uncovers a conspiracy within the agency. When his entire office is massacred, Turner must go on the run to survive and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy. Faye Dunaway co-stars as Kathy, a civilian who becomes embroiled in Turner’s quest for answers.
Director Sydney Pollack Release Date August 1, 1975 Studio(s) Dino De Laurentiis Company , Paramount , Tom Ward Enterprises , Wildwood Enterprises Writers Lorenzo Semple Jr. , David Rayfiel Cast Robert Redford , Faye Dunaway , Cliff Robertson , Max Von Sydow , John Houseman Runtime 117 Minutes Expand
Robert Redford stars in Three Days of the Condor as a CIA researcher who isn’t sure who he can trust in the wake of the murder of his colleagues. His character, Joe Turner, feels threatened and conflicted as he grapples with the possibility that there might be a conspiracy afoot and that the highest-level officers in the CIA might be involved. The film’s release in the years following the Watergate scandal capitalized on the public’s own mistrust of the U.S. government.
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The movie Spy Game was praised by experts as well, another Redford project, adding to the list of works that have seen him tackle realistic depictions of governmental intervention. Three Days of the Condor isn’t just a great spy film but also an incredible mystery that leaves the audience guessing until the very end. It’s likely this carefully built tension and the way Joe carefully outwits his opponents and makes sure that he won’t be another casualty in the counterintelligence war that makes former officers like James Lawler such big fans.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Three Days of the Condor (1975) |
87% |
83% |
4 The Amateur (1981)
Directed by Charles Jarrott
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Audiences will recognize Christopher Plummer in the lesser-known 1981 spy thriller The Amateur. The film might have gone under the radar, but it was singled out by Timothy Patrick Gill Sr., a former officer who was intrigued by the story’s implications. John Savage stars as the protagonist, Charles Heller, a cryptographer who goes rogue and blackmails his superiors so he can take revenge on the people who murdered his financée.
Related 10 Thrilling Spy Movies From The 1980s That Aren’t James Bond
Though James Bond films dominated much of the 1980s, there are a few other spy stories that are just as thrilling, with electric leads and plots.
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Though Heller’s desperation and his financée’s murder make a bleak beginning to The Amateur, it’s hardly the only jaw-dropping twist the movie has in store. Following Heller as he tracks down his love’s killers and surprises everyone, including himself, with his abilities, it’s easy to side with Heller and feel that everyone, including his bosses, must pay. Though revenge isn’t always satisfying, Heller does find some justice by the end of The Amateur.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Amateur (1981) |
N/A |
64% |
3 The Third Man (1949)
Directed by Carol Reed
The Third Man ApprovedNoirMysteryThriller
Set in post-World War II Vienna, The Third Man follows Holly Martins, a writer who travels to the city and becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding his friend Harry Lime’s suspicious death. Directed by Carol Reed and featuring Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten, the film blends elements of noir and thriller genres, exploring themes of deception and morality against a backdrop of a war-torn city.
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*Availability in US Director Carol Reed Release Date February 1, 1950 Studio(s) London Film Productions Writers Graham Greene , Orson Welles , Alexander Korda Cast Orson Welles , Joseph Cotten , Alida Valli , Trevor Howard , Paul Hörbiger Runtime 93 Minutes Expand
In one of his greatest acting roles, Orson Welles stars in the iconic work of film noir, The Third Man, a movie so good it transcends genre. Thanks to its setting, since The Third Man takes place in Vienna, Austria, the movie was in a unique position to explore the immediate aftermath of post-war Europe and how the escalating tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union were sparking the beginning of the Cold War. This period hugely impacted how espionage is approached by world governments, making The Third Man significant to experts like John R. Seeger.
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The city’s underbelly is perfectly expressed by the direction and cinematography of The Third Man, which lean into the harsh lighting and angles that throw the characters and audience off balance. Welles’ character, Harry Lime, is a shady figure who profits off the uncertain times and lack of resources that was characteristic of this era. As his old friend, Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten), investigates his death and searches for answers, it exposes the corruption at the heart of the narrative.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Third Man (1949) |
99% |
93% |
2 Syriana (2005)
Directed by Stephen Gaghan
Syriana RDramaThriller
A complex web of corruption and intrigue unfolds as an oil executive, a CIA operative, and a young laborer become entangled in the cutthroat world of oil politics. As global tensions rise and personal ambitions collide, their fates intertwine in a gripping exploration of power and betrayal.
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*Availability in US Director Stephen Gaghan Release Date November 23, 2005 Writers Stephen Gaghan , Robert Baer Cast Kayvan Novak , George Clooney , Amr Waked , Christopher Plummer , Jeffrey Wright , Chris Cooper Runtime 128 Minutes
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Also known for his work in the blockbuster Bourne spy franchise, Matt Damon stars once again in an espionage story but as a much different character. He’s joined by veteran actors like George Clooney and Jeffrey Wright in a narrative that incorporates multiple perspectives on the struggle for power and control over oil fields in the Middle East. The former operations officer Lindsay Moran discussed Syriana as an interesting take on how governments are working behind the scenes with intelligence agencies to sway the winds of change in politics.
It’s not easy to keep track of the various storylines and plots afoot in
Syriana
, but the movie doesn’t entirely want the audience to catch on.
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It’s not easy to keep track of the various storylines and plots afoot in Syriana, but the movie doesn’t entirely want the audience to catch on. Syriana is meant to keep the viewers and characters on their toes and make them question the motivations behind other people’s actions. Clooney won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Syriana. His character, like all the individuals in the film, isn’t a hero or a villain but exists in the gray area in between.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Syriana (2005) |
72% |
67% |
1 The Good Shepherd (2006)
Directed by Robert De Niro
The Good Shepherd RDramaHistoryThriller
The Good Shepherd is a historical drama directed by Robert De Niro, chronicling the early years of the CIA through the life of Edward Wilson, played by Matt Damon. The film explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complex morality of intelligence work. Angelina Jolie and Alec Baldwin co-star in this intricate portrayal of espionage and its effects on personal and professional relationships.
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*Availability in US Director Robert De Niro Release Date December 22, 2006 Writers Eric Roth Cast Matt Damon , Angelina Jolie , Alec Baldwin , Tammy Blanchard , Billy Crudup , Robert De Niro Runtime 167 minutes
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Robert De Niro takes a spin behind the camera as the director in The Good Shepherd, a film that received a mixed critical response but is interesting to look back on. Unlike many other spy thrillers, The Good Shepherd is set during World War II and follows the OSS, an agency that would eventually lead to the development of the CIA. While the stylization of the era makes for an engaging look and feel that De Niro commits himself to, the story is just as compelling.
Lindsay Moran also cited The Good Shepherd as a film that takes an empathetic look at the personal costs of being part of an agency like the CIA or, in this case, the OSS. Though The Good Shepherd looks at many important moments in history, it zooms in and follows one man’s life, Edward Wilson Sr. (Matt Damon), as he rises through the ranks and decides what parts of his life are worth sacrificing for the cause. Though The Good Shepherd isn’t the most historically accurate, it is one of the most emotionally arresting CIA movies.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Good Shepherd (2006) |
56% |
51% |
Sources: Spyscape, Movieweb, Spyscape
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