Thebest spy movies of all timerange from outlandishly hilarious to being extremely accurate, thanks to the input of a consultant. Thoughthe espionage genre has developed into a niche of filmmaking that typically involves epic action blockbusterslikeJames BondorMission: 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.
There arewar 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, butwhen it comes to capturing the hearts and minds of audiences, sometimes fiction is better than the real thing.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Cast
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.
Set during the Cold War, a period of history well known for its espionage,Tinker Tailor Soldier Spyfeatures 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 Spywas 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 likeTinker Tailor Soldier Spyon 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 ofthe actors are what makes their actions so believable.
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The Hunt for Red October
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.
The Hunt for Red Octoberis one of thebest 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 originalJames Bondfilms 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, inThe Hunt for Red October, Connery’s character, Marko Ramius, is on the other side of the conflict.
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 tothe overall character development, which makes the simmering action and tension all the more palpable.
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North By Northwest
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.
Cary Grant is at his best in Alfred Hitchcock’sNorth 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 Northwestis 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 Northwestsees Grant’s character step up to save himself after being taken for a spy.
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Part of the enduring nature ofNorth by Northwestis the gorgeous atmosphere and aestheticof 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 inNorth by Northwestthat 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.
North by Northwest (1959)
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Argo
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.
Directed by and starring Ben Affleck,Argocaptured the attention of intelligence professionalsand 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 ofArgoaligns with what exactly happened, the emotional and overarching truths of planning an infiltration and rescue mission hit close to home for viewers.
Cybersecurity expert Peter Warmka pickedArgoas 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,Argoexplores 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,Argowas immediately hailed for its ability to capture the intricacies of executing the plan.
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Zero Dark Thirty
Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden following the September 2001 attacks, culminating in his death by Navy SEAL Team 6 in May 2011.
Zero Dark Thirtyis 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 asArgoand 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.
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 Thirtygrapples 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 makesZero Dark Thirtya 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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Three Days Of The Condor
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.
Robert Redford stars inThree Days of the Condoras 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 mistrustof the U.S. government.
ThemovieSpy Gamewas praised by expertsas well, another Redford project, adding to the list of works that have seen him tackle realistic depictions of governmental intervention.Three Days of the Condorisn’t just a great spy film but also an incredible mysterythat 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.
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
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4The Amateur (1981)
Directed by Charles Jarrott
Audiences will recognize Christopher Plummer in the lesser-known 1981 spy thrillerThe 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.
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Though Heller’s desperation and his financée’s murder make a bleak beginning toThe 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 ofThe Amateur.
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The Third Man
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.
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, sinceThe Third Mantakes 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, makingThe Third Mansignificant to experts like John R. Seeger.
The city’s underbelly is perfectly expressed by the direction and cinematography ofThe 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.
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Syriana
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.
Also known for his work in the blockbusterBournespy 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 ina 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 discussedSyrianaas 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 inSyriana, but the movie doesn’t entirely want the audience to catch on.
It’s not easy to keep track of the various storylines and plots afoot inSyriana, but the movie doesn’t entirely want the audience to catch on.Syrianais meant to keep the viewers and characters on their toesand make them question the motivations behind other people’s actions. Clooney won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance inSyriana. 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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The Good Shepherd
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.
Robert De Niro takes a spin behind the camera as the director inThe Good Shepherd, a film that received a mixed critical response but is interesting to look back on. Unlike many other spy thrillers,The Good Shepherdis 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 citedThe Good Shepherdas 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. ThoughThe Good Shepherdlooks 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. ThoughThe Good Shepherdisn’t the most historically accurate,it is one of the most emotionally arresting CIA movies.
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