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20 Best Spy Movies of all time, According to IMDb rating
Get ready for heart-pounding action and intrigue as we have curated 20 best spy movies that thrills like no other. From classic Bond to Hitchcock's brilliance - this genre has it all.
Spy movies are action-packed and thrilling, a genre that has been around since the early days of cinema, like the 1914 silent film, "The German Spy Peril." The Cold War era intensified the genre, led by the famous James Bond movies, but it goes beyond just 007.
The best spy movies mix exciting elements like fast cars, strong drinks, and mad scientists with real-world dangers like nuclear weapons and scheming politicians. Audiences love them because they tap into our concerns about government actions in the shadows.
These films offer comfort by showing well-trained agents taking down the bad guys. Today, espionage movies still captivate audiences with their action-packed entertainment. Here are the top 20 spy movies from various cinematic eras, featuring iconic characters from Bond to Hitchcock and real-life heroes.
1. Bridge of Spies (2015)
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Star Cast: Mark Rylance, Domenick Lombardozzi, Victor Verhaeghe, Mark Fichera, Brian Hutchison, Tom Hanks, Joshua Harto, Henny Russell.
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Writer: Steven Spielberg
- Run time: 2h 22m
- Year of release: 2015
- OTT Platform: Sony Liv
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
"Bridge of Spies" is an exciting historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, based on real events. Tom Hanks plays James B. Donovan, an American lawyer assigned to negotiate the release of a captured U.S. pilot during the Cold War. Mark Rylance stars as Soviet spy Rudolf Abel and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
The movie is a great example of storytelling, with Spielberg's talent for creating powerful performances and an engaging plot while staying true to history. It's a spy movie that sets a high standard for the 21st century, featuring stunning visuals and convincing acting.
2. Sicario (2015)
- Genre: Thriller/Action
- Star Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, Jon Bernthal, Victor Garber
- Director: Denis Villeneuve
- Writer: Denis Villeneuve
- Run time: 2h 1m
- Year of release: 2015
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Sicario is a crime thriller about the dangerous drug trade on the US-Mexico border. FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) joins a task force led by CIA operative Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and the mysterious Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro). Kate starts questioning their methods and motives as she gets deeper into this dark world. The movie has intense performances from the actors and brilliant direction by Denis Villeneuve. If you like gritty crime dramas, this one is a must-see. Josh Brolin's role as Graver is especially menacing, even more so than his portrayal of Thanos. One chilling scene shows him whistling the American national anthem on the way to torture a suspect.
3. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Star Cast: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles
- Director: Paul Greengrass
- Writer: Robert Ludlum
- Run time: 1h 48m
- Year of release: 2004
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
The Bourne Supremacy is the second film in the series based on Robert Ludlum's books. It follows Jason Bourne (played by Matt Damon), who is trying to uncover the truth about his past while running from the CIA. Directed by Paul Greengrass, the movie takes a serious approach and becomes one of the most thoughtful action flicks of the 2000s.
The cast includes Joan Allen as CIA Deputy Director Pamela Landy and Brian Cox as Bourne's former handler, Ward Abbott, both delivering fantastic performances. Greengrass's trademark shaky-cam style, combined with Damon's magnetic acting, makes The Bourne Supremacy a worthy follow-up to the hugely successful first film.
4. Argo (2012)
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Star Cast: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Scoot McNairy.
- Director: Ben Affleck
- Writer: Ben Affleck
- Run time: 2 hours
- Year of release: 2012
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Argo is a thrilling movie directed by Ben Affleck, based on a true story about the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. Affleck also stars as Tony Mendez, a CIA agent who comes up with a risky plan to rescue six American diplomats from Tehran. They pretend to be a Canadian film crew looking for places to shoot a fake sci-fi movie called "Argo."
The film has a fantastic cast, including Bryan Cranston as Mendez's CIA boss, John Goodman as a Hollywood makeup artist, and Alan Arkin as a tired movie producer. The animated opening sequence that tells the story of the Iranian Revolution is outstanding. Even though Ben Affleck wasn't nominated for Best Director, the movie won the Best Picture Oscar, which sparked some controversy.
5. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
- Genre: Action/Comedy
- Star Cast: Adrian Quinton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Jonno Davies, Jack Davenport, Alex Nikolov, Samantha Womack, Mark Hamill
- Director: Matthew Vaughn
- Writer: Matthew Vaughn
- Run time: 2h 9m
- Year of release: 2014
- OTT Platform: Hotstar
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Kingsman: The Secret Service is a comedic spy movie directed by Matthew Vaughn, based on Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons' comic book series. It follows Eggsy, a young man from a working-class background, who joins a secret group of elite British spies.
The film has a fantastic cast, including Colin Firth as Harry Hart, Eggsy's mentor and an experienced Kingsman agent. Samuel L. Jackson plays Richmond Valentine, the villainous tech billionaire, while Mark Strong portrays Merlin, Kingsman's tech expert.
6. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Star Cast: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Angela Bassett, Vanessa Kirby
- Director: Christopher McQuarrie
- Writer: Christopher McQuarrie
- Run time: 2h 27m
- Year of release: 2018
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Mission: Impossible - Fallout is the sixth film in the popular series that began in 1996. It stars Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, leading his team in a race to prevent a global disaster. Alongside Cruise, we have Henry Cavill as CIA agent August Walker, Rebecca Ferguson as MI6 operative Ilsa Faust, and Simon Pegg as Hunt's tech expert sidekick Benji.
The movie's script might not be as clever as some other spy films, but it excels in thrilling stunts and action sequences. What's even more impressive is that Tom Cruise performs most of these daring feats himself. The result is a non-stop thrill ride, making it one of the most enjoyable action movies in a long time.
7. The Conversation (1974)
- Genre: Mystery/Thriller
- Star Cast: Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Frederic Forrest, Cindy Williams
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Writer: Francis Ford Coppola
- Run time: 1h 53m
- Year of release: 1974
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
"The Conversation" is a psychological thriller directed by the renowned Francis Ford Coppola. It stars Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert. The movie delves into the toll his job takes on him, making him increasingly paranoid that his current assignment might lead to someone's death. Coppola's direction creates suspense and unease in every scene.
The supporting cast includes John Cazale, Allen Garfield, and Cindy Williams. The film offers a more realistic approach to the spy genre, drawing inspiration from the Watergate scandal that made eavesdropping and bugging devices prominent in people's minds.
8. The Bourne Identity (2002)
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Star Cast: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Gabriel Mann, Walton Goggins.
- Director: Doug Liman
- Writer: Robert Ludlum
- Run time: 1h 59m
- Year of release: 2002
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
"The Bourne Identity" is the first film in a famous franchise about a man with amnesia being chased by assassins as he tries to remember his past. Matt Damon gives an outstanding performance, showing both his physical skills and emotions. Doug Liman's direction keeps the movie fast-paced and tense.
The supporting cast includes Franka Potente as Marie, Bourne's ally and love interest, and Chris Cooper as Conklin, the CIA official trying to find Bourne. This movie is now a classic in the action genre. It's no surprise it led to a big franchise and made Damon a top-leading man.
9. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Star Cast: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramírez, Albert Finney, Joan Allen
- Director: Paul Greengrass
- Writer: Paul Greengrass
- Run time: 1h 55m
- Year of release: 2007
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 8/10
The Bourne Ultimatum is the third and the last of the trilogy, directed by Paul Greengrass. It's action-packed and gripping, immersing the audience in the heart of the story. Matt Damon shines once again in his physically and emotionally demanding role. The movie wraps up Bourne's journey and sets the bar even higher with its intense stunts and explosions. After this, a sequel starring Jeremy Renner followed, and later, in 2016, Damon returned in Jason Bourne. However, The Bourne Ultimatum remains the best film in the series.
10. North by Northwest (1959)
- Genre: Thriller/Mystery
- Star Cast: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Jessie Royce Landis, Leo G. Carroll, Josephine Hutchinson, Philip Ober, Martin Landau.
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Writer: Alfred Hitchcock
- Run time: 2h 16m
- Year of release:1959
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest is a top-notch spy thriller. Cary Grant plays Roger Thornhill, an advertising executive mistaken for a spy and chased across the country. Hitchcock's genius shines through with iconic scenes like the thrilling crop duster sequence and the memorable ending train shot.
Grant's performance as Thornhill is both charming and vulnerable, as he's in over his head in the world of espionage. The film also stars Eva Marie Saint as Eve Kendall, Thornhill's love interest, and James Mason as the villainous Phillip Vandamm. Even today, North by Northwest remains enjoyable and influential, setting the standard for spy movies that followed.
11. Tenet (2020)
- Genre: Action/Sci-fi
- Star Cast: Juhan Ulfsak, Jefferson Hall, Ivo Uukkivi, Andrew Howard, John David Washington, Rich Ceraulo Ko, Jonathan Camp, Wes Chatham
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Writer: Christopher Nolan
- Run time: 2h 30m
- Year of release: 2020
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
The pandemic messed up the release schedule, and the movie's sound was hard to hear through all the noise. But it was an artistic choice! "Tenet" divided opinions as Christopher Nolan's think-thriller. Looking back, it's not just Nolan auditioning for Bond, but a genre-blending attempt to blow your mind. The protagonist gets recruited by a shadowy organization with time-manipulating tech to stop the villainous Sator. Sator wants to save the world by destroying it in reverse. Don't worry about understanding the plot, it's more about shaking up blockbuster cinema. Plus, Robert Pattinson looks great in suits!
12. Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
- Genre: Drama
- Star Cast: Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Terry Bozeman
- Director: Mike Nichols
- Writer: Mike Nichols
- Run time: 1h 42m
- Year of release: 2007
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7/10
In 1980, fun-loving Congressman Charlie Wilson decided to do some good while in government. He secretly funds guerrillas in Afghanistan fighting the Soviet Union. However, his actions end up changing America's Cold War strategy and set off a chain of events leading to a disastrous outcome. This film was meant to include the 9/11 attacks in its final scene, but before that, it's a fast and loose take on history. Aaron Sorkin writes the script, Mike Nichols directs, and a fantastic cast featuring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman brings it to life. Expect an entertaining story, but not a historically accurate one.
13. Sneakers (1992)
- Genre: Thriller/Crime
- Star Cast: Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Sidney Poitier, Jo Marr, Gary Hershberger
- Director: Phil Alden Robinson
- Writer: Phil Alden Robinson
- Run time: 2h 6m
- Year of release: 1992
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
In this star-studded techno-thriller, Robert Redford plays a former radical hacker named Robin Hood. He now leads a skilled team of good-guy hackers who test companies' security and give to worthy causes. One day, they stumble upon a powerful black box that can break into any computer system. Suddenly, they realize they're in way over their heads. With Ben Kingsley, Sidney Poitier, River Phoenix, and Dan Aykroyd also in the mix, the tension and excitement build as they face the consequences of their discovery.
14. A Most Wanted Man (2014)
- Genre: Thriller/Spy
- Star Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Daniel Brühl, Robin Wright
- Director: Anton Corbijn
- Writer: John le Carré
- Run time: 2h 2m
- Year of release: 2014
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
We'll be seeing many John Le Carré adaptations, and some have been really good. But they often focus on the Cold War mentality, where the 'good' guys defend the West against familiar-looking monsters from the Iron Curtain.
"A Most Wanted Man" is different, set after 9/11 in Germany. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Günther Bachmann, leading a secret team trying to turn dissidents with terrorist ties into informants, even flipping whole chains of command. At the same time, a tough duo named Mohr and Sullivan are after a potentially valuable source.
As always in Le Carré's stories, loyalties are tested, and morality is anything but black and white.
15. Atomic Blonde (2017)
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Star Cast: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Eddie Marsan, Toby Jones
- Director: David Leitch
- Writer: David Leitch
- Run time: 1h 55m
- Year of release: 2017
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
In the movie "Atomic Blonde," Charlize Theron plays MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton during the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. She's called in to explain her recent work in the city after microfilm containing the names of agents from both sides of the Iron Curtain in Berlin is stolen. Her mission is to retrieve the microfilm. The movie may not be highly original, but it's filled with exciting and action-packed scenes, and the dynamic between Theron and James McAvoy is entertaining. If you enjoy intense action and a fun partnership, "Atomic Blonde" is definitely worth watching.
16. Burn After Reading (2008)
- Genre: Crime/Thriller
- Star Cast: George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins, Elizabeth Marvel, David Rasche
- Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
- Writer: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
- Run time: 1h 36m
- Year of release: 2008
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7/10
In the spy parody movie "Burn After Reading," the Cohen Brothers make fun of intelligence agencies and their bumbling agents. The story revolves around Osbourne "Ozzie" Cox, a CIA operative who quits to write a memoir. His wife, Katie, accidentally mixes the memoir with financial records on a disc she plans to use for divorce proceedings. The disc ends up in the hands of Linda Litzke and Chad Feldheimer, who have no clue what they've stumbled upon. The movie is filled with blackmail, sex, murder, and lots of stupidity. It's been funny since it was released twelve years ago, and the ongoing Russiagate situation adds a touch of relevance to its Cold War theme. One thing that stands out as a good decision in the film is George Clooney's beard. If you want a good laugh, go watch it!
17. The Imitation Game (2014)
- Genre: Drama/War
- Star Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
- Director: Morten Tyldum
- Writer: Morten Tyldum
- Run time: 1h 54m
- Year of release: 2014
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 8/10
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing in this engaging, Oscar-winning film. It tells the story of how Turing worked at Bletchley Park during World War II and invented a machine called Christopher to crack the Nazi's attack plans.
However, there's a dark agent, John Cairncross (played by Allen Leech), in the cryptography department who threatens to expose Turing's secret, which could harm national security.
The movie sheds light on the fact that despite his crucial contributions to the Allied victory, Turing was never properly honored for his work during the war. Tragically, he faced persecution for being gay, leading to his conviction of gross indecency and cruel chemical castration. The film strives to give recognition to Turing's remarkable life, which eventually played a part in Queen Elizabeth II granting him a posthumous Royal Pardon.
18. The Men Who Stare At Goats (2009)
- Genre: War/Comedy
- Star Cast: George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, Stephen Lang, Robert Patrick, Waleed Zuaiter, Stephen Root.
- Director: Grant Heslov
- Writer: Grant Heslov
- Run time: 1h 34m
- Year of release: 2009
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
Jon Ronson wrote "The Men Who Stare At Goats," a true story delving into the US government's psychic spies used for special ops. Little did he know it would become a Hollywood film with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Ewan McGregor. The movie follows Clooney as Lyn Cassady, a Jedi warrior, leading a group called the New Earth Army. They could stop a goat's heart just by staring at it, all in an effort to bring about world peace. The story unfolds mostly in Iraq during the Iraq war, showing the bizarre history of this little-known army unit and shedding light on the absurdity of war.
19. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
- Genre: War/Thriller
- Star Cast: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, Mark Strong, Jason Clarke
- Director: Kathryn Bigelow
- Writer: Kathryn Bigelow
- Run time: 2h 37m
- Year of release: 2012
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Kathryn Bigelow's Oscar-winning movie delves into the CIA's relentless pursuit of Osama Bin Laden. It made Jessica Chastain a star and is considered one of the smartest spy thrillers ever. Similar to "Homeland," but more intense, "Zero Dark Thirty" brought the harsh realities of torture, military attacks, and al Qaeda to mainstream audiences. Before this, people had only read about these events in newspapers and limited accounts. The film strips away the glitz, showing that spy work is gritty and those seeking the truth are often as clueless as everyone else.
20. The Lives Of Others (2006)
- Genre: Drama/Thriller
- Star Cast: Martina Gedeck, Ulrich Mühe, Sebastian Koch, Ulrich Tukur, Thomas Thieme, Hans-Uwe Bauer, Volkmar Kleinert, Matthias Brenner
- Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
- Writer: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
- Run time: 2h 17m
- Year of release: 2006
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 8.4/10
"The Lives of Others" (2006) is a German film set in East Berlin. It follows an agent named Gerd Wiesler, who spies on a playwright and his actress girlfriend for the government. As he listens in, Wiesler becomes emotionally attached to their lives. Gradually, he questions the oppressive regime he serves. The movie explores themes of surveillance, love, and redemption. With its gripping storyline and powerful performances, the film received widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. "The Lives of Others" remains a compelling tale of humanity's capacity to change and find compassion.
Also read: Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Order: Swashbuckling Adventures from Start to Finish
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