The Best Movies About Agents and Operatives
Photo: IMDb / via Pinterest

The Best Movies About Agents and Operatives

Ranker Film
Updated May 11, 2024 53 items
Ranked By
1.5K votes
239 voters
1 reranks
Latest additions: Khufiya, A Day to Die, Role Play
Most divisive: The Expendables
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Movies About Agents & Operatives

When highly trained spies set out to complete secret missions it's hard to know who to trust. The best movies about agents and operatives are action-packed thrillers that bring movie-goers on the edge of their seats. This is a list of the best special agent movies including everything from Point Break to The Bourne Identity to Burn After Reading.

What films will you find on this list of the best movies about agents? The big-screen adaptation of Mission: Impossible helped bring this genre back in the 1990s. Tom Cruise – who has been known to do his own stunts – stars as IMF agent Ethan Hunt in the first exciting film of the ongoing series. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is more of a cerebral thriller full of interest and intrigue. For his The Expendables series, Sylvester Stallone recruited an all-star cast of the best action actors in the business, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham, Jet Li, and more. Other good films featured on this best spy and secret agent movies list include RED, Spy Game, and The International.

Do you have a favorite spy thriller? Give your favorite movies a thumbs up and please add any exciting films that are missing.

  • GoldenEye
    1

    GoldenEye

    Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Izabella Scorupco
    29 votes

    For Fans Of: Spy, Action, Thriller, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Espionage: This film revitalized the James Bond franchise, with Pierce Brosnan's suave and sophisticated portrayal of 007. With its high-stakes plot involving a stolen satellite weapon system, viewers will enjoy its thrilling action sequences and well-crafted espionage scenarios that keep tensions high throughout the movie.

    In GoldenEye, James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) returns, tasked with halting a lethal satellite weapon system from falling into the wrong hands. Aided by CIA agent Jack Wade (Joe Don Baker) and computer whiz Boris Grishenko (Alan Cumming), Bond navigates a world of treachery, betrayal, and high-tech espionage. The film, notable for its thrilling action scenes and introduction of Judi Dench as M, marked Brosnan's debut as the iconic British spy. With its blend of classic Bond charm and modern sensibilities, GoldenEye revitalized the franchise for a new era.
    More GoldenEyeRight Arrow
  • Goldfinger
    2

    Goldfinger

    Sean Connery, Gert Fröbe, Honor Blackman
    21 votes

    For Fans Of: Spy, Action, Thriller, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Spycraft: As one of the classic James Bond films, Goldfinger showcases Sean Connery's iconic performance as 007 and features memorable characters like Auric Goldfinger and his henchman Oddjob. The film offers an exciting mix of elaborate heists, cutting-edge gadgetry, and pulse-pounding action - all set against the backdrop of international intrigue.

    In the third installment of the James Bond series, Goldfinger, agent 007 (Sean Connery) is pitted against a wealthy and cunning gold magnate, Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe). The plot thickens as Bond uncovers Goldfinger's audacious scheme to irradiate the U.S. gold reserve at Fort Knox, thereby skyrocketing his own wealth. This thrilling spy-adventure, infused with iconic gadgets and high-speed car chases, won an Academy Award for Best Effects/Sound Effects in 1965. A must-watch for fans of classic cinema and espionage thrillers.
    More GoldfingerRight Arrow
  • The Bourne Identity
    3

    The Bourne Identity

    Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper
    72 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Mystery, Action, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Intelligence Operations: This fast-paced thriller follows amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne as he pieces together his past while evading relentless pursuit from government operatives. With gritty realism and intense hand-to-hand combat scenes, this film delves into the world of covert intelligence operations while humanizing its protagonist through questions of identity and morality.

    The Bourne Identity, a gripping action-thriller, introduces us to Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), a man suffering from extreme memory loss, discovered by fishermen off the French coast. As he embarks on a quest to rediscover his identity, aided by Marie Kreutz (Franka Potente), he finds himself entangled in a web of CIA operatives and assassins. The film, directed by Doug Liman, is renowned for its intense chase sequences and intricate plot. It's an adrenaline-fueled journey into the mind of a man trying to piece together his past while outwitting those who want him dead.
    More The Bourne IdentityRight Arrow
  • Skyfall
    4

    Skyfall

    Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem
    66 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Adventure, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Secret Service: Featuring Daniel Craig's captivating performance as James Bond, Skyfall dives deep into his character's past while exploring themes of loyalty within the British Secret Service. With stunning locations, gripping emotional stakes, and a formidable villain portrayed by Javier Bardem, this film is sure to enthrall fans of espionage cinema.

    In Skyfall, the 23rd addition to the James Bond franchise, Bond (Daniel Craig) is believed to be dead after a failed mission in Istanbul. However, when M (Judi Dench), head of MI6, becomes the target of a cyber-terrorist with a personal vendetta, Bond returns from his presumed demise. He must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. Directed by Sam Mendes, this film breathes new life into the series with its blend of classic Bond tropes and modern storytelling. Skyfall's notable achievements include winning two Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Sound Editing.
    More SkyfallRight Arrow
  • Mission: Impossible
    5

    Mission: Impossible

    Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Henry Czerny
    55 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Adventure, Spy, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Impossible Missions: This blockbuster adaptation of the classic television series follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as he uncovers a mole within his own organization while preventing global catastrophe. The film boasts spectacular set pieces, high-tech gadgets, and complex machinations that will keep fans of spy thrillers enthralled throughout.

    When U.S. government operative Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his mentor, Jim Phelps (Jon Voight), go on a covert assignment that takes a disastrous turn, Jim is killed, and Ethan becomes the prime murder suspect. Now a fugitive, Hunt recruits brilliant hacker Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and maverick pilot Franz Krieger (Jean Reno) to help him sneak into a heavily guarded CIA building to retrieve a confidential computer file that will prove his innocence.
    More Mission: ImpossibleRight Arrow
  • The Bourne Supremacy
    6

    The Bourne Supremacy

    Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox
    18 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Spy, Adventure
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Covert Agents: Continuing the story of Jason Bourne, this sequel ups the ante with even more intense action sequences and an intricate web of conspiracies that reaches deep within the U.S. government. Fans of espionage will enjoy the film's gritty realism and its exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by covert agents operating in secrecy.

    In The Bourne Supremacy, amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is reluctantly thrust back into the deadly world of espionage. After a failed assassination attempt on his life, Bourne is driven to uncover fragments of his past while battling a sinister conspiracy within the CIA. Joan Allen plays Pamela Landy, a high-ranking officer determined to expose the truth. Set against an international backdrop, this action-thriller, second in the Bourne series, weaves suspense and intrigue into a complex narrative. The film won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing, underscoring its gripping pace and layered storytelling.
    More The Bourne SupremacyRight Arrow
  • The Bourne Ultimatum
    7

    The Bourne Ultimatum

    Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen
    17 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Amnesiac Operatives: The thrilling conclusion to the original Jason Bourne trilogy, this film sees its titular character uncover the truth about his own past while outmaneuvering both assassins and government agents. With its relentless pacing and visceral action scenes, The Bourne Ultimatum offers a satisfying resolution to one of cinema's most compelling espionage stories.

    In The Bourne Ultimatum, Matt Damon reprises his role as Jason Bourne, a former CIA assassin suffering from amnesia. The movie, directed by Paul Greengrass, is the third installment in the Bourne series and won three Academy Awards. Here, we follow Bourne's quest to uncover hidden truths about his past while he's pursued relentlessly by law enforcement agencies. Joan Allen returns as Pamela Landy, an ally within the system. With its action-packed sequences and espionage thriller elements, this film completes Bourne's journey towards self-discovery and redemption.
    More The Bourne UltimatumRight Arrow
  • Spy Game
    8

    Spy Game

    Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Catherine McCormack
    43 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Spy, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Mentorship: This stylish thriller features Robert Redford as a veteran CIA operative who must use his wits and experience to save his protégé (Brad Pitt) from a dangerous predicament. Spy Game weaves a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of mentorship in the world of espionage.

    Redford stars as CIA operative Nathan Muir, who is on the brink of retirement from the field, when he learns his protégé Tom Bishop has been arrested in China on a charge of espionage. No stranger to the machinations of the CIA's top echelon, Muir hones all his skills and irreverent manner in order to find a way to free Bishop.
    More Spy GameRight Arrow
  • Ronin
    9

    Ronin

    Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone
    45 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Mercenaries: Directed by John Frankenheimer, this thrilling film sees Robert De Niro lead an ensemble cast as mercenaries hired for a high-stakes heist involving international espionage. Featuring masterful car chase sequences and expertly choreographed shootouts, Ronin offers viewers an exhilarating journey into the shadowy underworld inhabited by these skilled operatives.

    In Ronin, an intricate dance of intrigue and deception unravels. A motley crew of former intelligence operatives, led by the stoic Sam (Robert De Niro), is assembled to intercept a mysterious briefcase. The team includes the enigmatic Vincent (Jean Reno), the sharpshooter Larry (Skipp Sudduth), and the tech wizard Gregor (Stellan Skarsgård). As they navigate through treacherous Parisian streets, their loyalties become questionable. Directed by John Frankenheimer, this thriller delights with its high-octane car chases and strategic mind games. Ronin is a masterclass in suspense, where not everything is as it seems.
    More RoninRight Arrow
  • True Lies
    10

    True Lies

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold
    24 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Comedy, Thriller, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Double Lives: Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a secret agent leading a double life as a suburban husband and father, in this action-packed comedy from director James Cameron. With thrilling stunts, high-octane car chases, and a humorous look at maintaining work-life balance while saving the world, True Lies offers an entertaining take on the genre.

    In True Lies, a high-octane blend of action-comedy and spy-thriller, Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads a double life. By day, he's a dull computer salesman married to Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), but by night, he's a top-secret government agent combating international terrorism. When his two worlds collide following an investigation into illegal arms sales, chaos ensues. Director James Cameron expertly orchestrates this rollercoaster ride of suspense, humor, and explosive stunts. The film scooped up an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, testament to its groundbreaking spectacle.
    More True LiesRight Arrow
  • Three Days of the Condor
    11

    Three Days of the Condor

    Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson
    14 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Mystery, Action, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Clandestine Activities: This 1970s classic stars Robert Redford as a CIA analyst on the run after discovering a deadly conspiracy within his own agency. With excellent pacing and atmospheric tension throughout, Three Days of the Condor draws viewers into a world of paranoia and political intrigue, where trust is a scarce commodity.

    In the taut thriller, Three Days of the Condor, Joe Turner (Robert Redford), a low-key CIA analyst, finds his life abruptly upended. Returning from lunch to discover his entire office assassinated, he's thrust into a desperate cat-and-mouse game. Faye Dunaway portrays Kathy Hale, a stranger unwittingly entangled in Turner's world of espionage and danger. Directed by Sydney Pollack, this film is a masterful blend of suspense and political intrigue, winning an Edgar Award for Best Motion Picture Screenplay. As Turner delves deeper into the conspiracy, he grapples with trust issues and survival instincts in a world where friends could be foes.
    More Three Days of the CondorRight Arrow
  • Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
    12

    Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

    Gary Oldman, Kathy Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch
    47 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Spy, Drama, Mystery
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Intense Intrigue: Adapted from John le Carré's classic novel, this slow-burning thriller follows retired MI6 operative George Smiley (Gary Oldman) as he unravels an intricate web of betrayal within his own agency during the height of the Cold War. Boasting a stellar ensemble cast and meticulous attention to detail, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy rewards patient viewers with an engrossing study of spycraft at its most subtle and devious.

    Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, a gripping espionage thriller, is set within the shadowy corridors of British Intelligence during the Cold War. It revolves around the stoic and shrewd George Smiley (Gary Oldman), brought out of his forced retirement to root out a Soviet mole lurking in their ranks. The film, winning acclaim for its meticulous plot and taut screenplay, also stars Colin Firth as Bill Haydon and Tom Hardy as Ricki Tarr. With a narrative that weaves suspicion and secrets together, it's a chilling examination of loyalty, betrayal, and the quiet intensity of spy craft.
    More Tinker Tailor Soldier SpyRight Arrow
  • Licence to Kill
    13

    Licence to Kill

    Timothy Dalton, Carey Lowell, Robert Davi
    20 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Adventure, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Personal Vendettas: Timothy Dalton's final outing as James Bond sees 007 go rogue when he embarks on a personal mission to take down a ruthless drug lord responsible for attacking his friend. Licence to Kill delves into the darker side of espionage and showcases Bond's lethal skills while emphasizing the personal costs that come with being an operative.

    James Bond (Timothy Dalton) takes on his most-daring adventure after he turns renegade and tracks down one of the international drug cartel's most-brutal and powerful leaders. After the murder of his just-married friend, he is fighting not only for country and justice, but for personal revenge!
    More Licence to KillRight Arrow
  • North by Northwest
    14

    North by Northwest

    Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason
    35 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller. Mystery, Adventure, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Mistaken Identity: Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this classic film tells the story of an innocent man (Cary Grant) mistaken for a government agent and pursued by nefarious forces across America. With its iconic action set pieces and intriguing exploration of deception and identity amidst political intrigue, North by Northwest remains a cornerstone of the espionage genre.

    In the classic suspense film North by Northwest, Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant), an unsuspecting New York advertising executive, becomes entangled in a web of espionage. Mistaken for a government agent by foreign spies, he's thrust into a perilous cross-country chase. Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint), a mysterious and alluring woman, aids him in his desperate struggle for survival. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this thrilling masterpiece of intrigue and mistaken identity is filled with iconic scenes, including the famous crop-duster sequence and the climactic Mount Rushmore showdown. It's a testament to Hitchcock's mastery over tension and suspense.
    More North by NorthwestRight Arrow
  • Red
    15

    Red

    Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich
    48 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Retired Operatives: Bruce Willis leads an all-star cast as retired CIA operatives forced back into action when they become targets of an assassination plot. Combining explosive action with tongue-in-cheek humor, Red offers a fresh perspective on the spy genre by showcasing the skills and camaraderie of its older, no-less-deadly protagonists.

    Red is a high-octane, action-comedy flick, boasting an ensemble cast headlined by Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), a retired black-ops CIA agent. Upon being targeted in a company-wide assassination attempt, Frank reassembles his old team of skilled operatives - Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich), and Victoria (Helen Mirren). Together, they plunge into a whirlwind adventure, navigating covert affairs and dodging deadly threats. The film's intrigue lies not just in its explosive sequences but also in the dynamic interplay between characters who are past their prime yet undeniably resourceful. Red, a nod to their 'Retired, Extremely Dangerous' status, scooped up a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.
    More RedRight Arrow
  • Enemy of the State
    16

    Enemy of the State

    Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight
    16 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Crime, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Government Surveillance: This techno-thriller sees Will Smith's character wrongly targeted by a corrupt government agency, forcing him to rely on his wits and unlikely allies to clear his name. Featuring cutting-edge technology and an engaging cat-and-mouse game between its characters, Enemy of the State provides a thought-provoking exploration of personal privacy and government overreach.

    In the thriller Enemy of the State, Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith), an unsuspecting lawyer, becomes embroiled in a deadly government conspiracy. Unwittingly possessing evidence of politically motivated crime, he is relentlessly pursued by a rogue National Security Agency official, Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voight). With the aid of ex-intelligence operative Brill (Gene Hackman), Dean attempts to turn the tables on his pursuers. Directed by Tony Scott, this film intertwines elements of action and political intrigue, offering viewers a riveting exploration of privacy invasion and state corruption.
    More Enemy of the StateRight Arrow
  • Mission: Impossible III
    17

    Mission: Impossible III

    Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames
    19 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Adventure, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in High-Stakes Missions: Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in this third installment of the blockbuster franchise, which sees him face off against a ruthless arms dealer (Philip Seymour Hoffman) while trying to rescue his kidnapped fiancée. With its adrenaline-fueled stunts, gripping plotline, and compelling villain performance, Mission: Impossible III takes the series' iconic blend of espionage and action to new heights.

    Mission: Impossible III is an adrenaline-fueled action thriller, the third installment in the globally acclaimed franchise. The film pivots around super-spy Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), who is pulled back into action after a period of semi-retirement. Hunt's mission, should he choose to accept it, involves stopping a ruthless arms dealer named Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Amidst high-stakes espionage and heart-stopping stunts, Hunt must also protect his beloved Julia Meade (Michelle Monaghan) from danger. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this movie adds a layer of personal stakes to the usual explosive spectacle that defines the Mission: Impossible series.
    More Mission: Impossible IIIRight Arrow
  • Salt
    18

    Salt

    Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor
    57 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Crime, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Allegiances: Angelina Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper agent who must clear her name while evading her former colleagues' pursuit. This action-packed thriller keeps viewers guessing about Salt's true allegiances throughout its runtime, providing an engaging examination of loyalty and trust amidst international intrigue.

    Salt is a high-octane spy thriller that centers on Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie), a respected CIA officer. With her loyalty put to the test when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy, Salt goes rogue, utilizing her skills and experience as a covert operative to elude capture. The film relentlessly unspools a string of twists and turns, keeping audiences guessing until the explosive climax. Directed by Phillip Noyce and also featuring Liev Schreiber as Salt's ally-turned-adversary Ted Winter, Salt is an adrenaline-fueled ride from start to finish.
    More SaltRight Arrow
  • Mr. & Mrs. Smith
    19

    Mr. & Mrs. Smith

    Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Vince Vaughn
    29 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Comedy, Romance, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Married Spies: This action-packed rom-com stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as a seemingly ordinary married couple who are secretly spies working for rival agencies. With its blend of high-stakes espionage, explosive action sequences, and sizzling on-screen chemistry between its leads, Mr. & Mrs. Smith offers an entertaining spin on the traditional spy film.

    In Mr. & Mrs. Smith, a unique blend of action and comedy unfolds, featuring John Smith (Brad Pitt) and Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie). This seemingly ordinary suburban couple hides a secret - they're both highly skilled assassins working for competing organizations. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they are assigned to eliminate each other. As the mission progresses, the Smiths discover new aspects about their spouse, leading to explosive action sequences and humorous situations. Directed by Doug Liman, this film offers a thrilling ride with its high-octane action and sharp wit.
    More Mr. & Mrs. SmithRight Arrow
  • The Ipcress File
    20

    The Ipcress File

    Michael Caine, Nigel Green, Guy Doleman
    19 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Spy, Mystery, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Counter-espionage: Michael Caine stars as Harry Palmer in this compelling adaptation of Len Deighton's novel, which sees the unconventional British agent tasked with investigating a mysterious brainwashing technique used on abducted scientists. With its Cold War backdrop and emphasis on counter-espionage tactics, The Ipcress File provides a fascinating insight into the more cerebral aspects of spycraft.

    Tasked with investigating the kidnappings and brainwashed reappearances of top scientists, including Dr. Radcliffe (Aubrey Richards), the insubordinate British spy Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) navigates his way through criminals, secret agents, and his superiors (Nigel Green, Guy Doleman). While attempting to bring in the suspect Bluejay (Frank Gatliff), Palmer discovers a mysterious audiotape labeled "IPCRESS," an inconspicuous, but ominous, piece of evidence.
    More The Ipcress FileRight Arrow
  • The November Man
    21

    The November Man

    Pierce Brosnan, Luke Bracey, Olga Kurylenko
    27 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Crime, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Mentor-Protégé Dynamics: Pierce Brosnan plays a retired CIA operative who is coaxed back into action for one last mission only to find himself pitted against his former protégé (Luke Bracey). This tense thriller examines the complexities of mentorship within the world of covert operations while delivering pulse-pounding action and suspenseful twists.

    Five years into his retirement, CIA veteran Peter Devereaux (Pierce Brosnan) is pulled back into service to help retrieve a Russian agent -- also his former lover -- who has incriminating evidence on Federov, a corrupt Russian leader. When a different CIA team, led by Devereaux's former protege (Luke Bracey), shows up, the mission goes south and Devereaux's ex-lover is killed. Now a rogue agent, Devereaux drags a relief worker (Olga Kurylenko) along on his mission to settle the score.
  • Body of Lies
    22

    Body of Lies

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong
    14 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Thriller, Action, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Counterterrorism: Directed by Ridley Scott, this tense political thriller stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a CIA operative working with a manipulative handler (Russell Crowe) to dismantle a terrorist cell in the Middle East. Examining the moral complexities involved in counterterrorism operations while delivering visceral action sequences, Body of Lies immerses viewers into the murky world where real-world espionage meets covert warfare.

    CIA agent Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) hatches a bold but dangerous plan to capture terrorist Al-Saleem. With the help of Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) who is a master of subterfuge, Ferris creates a fake terrorist organization to prompt Al-Saleem out of hiding. At the same time, Ferris must keep his plan secret from Hani (Mark Strong), the head of Jordanian intelligence, because Ferris will lose his own life if Hani finds out.
    More Body of LiesRight Arrow
  • The International
    23

    The International

    Clive Owen, Naomi Watts, Armin Mueller-Stahl
    26 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Crime, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Financial Espionage: Clive Owen and Naomi Watts star as an Interpol agent and a district attorney who join forces to bring down a corrupt global bank involved in arms dealing, money laundering, and assassination plots. With its intricate storyline, stunning international locations, and thrilling action sequences, The International offers a unique take on espionage by delving into the world of high-stakes financial intrigue.

    Interpol agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) joins forces with New York prosecutor Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) to put an end to a powerful bank's funding of terrorism. As they follow the money from Germany to Italy to New York to Turkey, Salinger and Whitman find their own lives are at risk from those who will stop at nothing to protect their interests.
    More The InternationalRight Arrow
  • Burn After Reading
    24

    Burn After Reading

    George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich
    24 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Dark Comedy Espionage: Directed by the Coen brothers, this darkly comedic film follows a motley crew of characters caught up in a web of misunderstandings and deceit after they stumble upon classified information. Burn After Reading offers viewers an entertainingly absurd look at intelligence gathering gone awry while showcasing memorable performances from its ensemble cast.

    In Burn After Reading, chaos ensues when a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst (John Malkovich) falls into the hands of two unwise gym employees, Linda (Frances McDormand) and Chad (Brad Pitt). Their ill-conceived attempts to exploit their find thrust them into the world of espionage. The Coen Brothers' dark comedy intertwines these characters with a paranoid federal marshal (George Clooney) and his cheating wife (Tilda Swinton). This film, acclaimed for its stellar ensemble cast and biting humor, won the 2008 Venice Film Festival's Golden Lion award for best film.
    More Burn After ReadingRight Arrow
  • Mission: Impossible II
    25

    Mission: Impossible II

    Tom Cruise, Dougray Scott, Thandie Newton
    23 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Adventure, Spy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Bio-Threats: Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in this action-packed sequel tasked with retrieving a deadly virus stolen by ex-operative Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott). Featuring breathtaking stunts, high-tech gadgetry, and a race against time to prevent a global pandemic, Mission: Impossible II adds an infectious twist to the espionage genre.

    In Mission: Impossible II, a high-stakes action thriller, secret agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is tasked with stopping the release of a deadly virus. The mission leads him into conflict with rogue agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott), who seeks to profit from the virus. Hunt, aided by skilled thief Nyah Nordoff-Hall (Thandie Newton), must navigate treacherous alliances and adrenaline-pumping stunts to save the day. Directed by John Woo, known for his signature balletic action sequences, this sequel won the 2001 Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Action Team.
    More Mission: Impossible IIRight Arrow
  • Who Am I?
    26

    Who Am I?

    Jackie Chan, Michelle Ferre, Mirai Yamamoto
    23 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Thriller, Crime, Sci-Fi
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cyber-Espionage: Jackie Chan stars as an amnesiac special forces soldier who teams up with a skilled computer hacker (Michelle Ferre) to uncover his true identity and unravel a deadly conspiracy. Combining impressive fight choreography with intricate plot twists and cyber-espionage elements, Who Am I? offers viewers an exciting blend of martial arts action and technological intrigue.

    A group of covert CIA operatives trailing a potential new energy source are double-crossed by corrupt agent Morgan (Ron Smerczak), who causes a helicopter crash in remote South Africa. The sole survivor (Jackie Chan), suffering severe amnesia, is nursed to recovery by a kindly native tribe who call him "Whoami" after the question he keeps asking. With the help of a mysterious reporter (Michelle Ferre), Whoami pieces together his past and tracks the turncoat agent and his criminal cohorts.
  • Fair Game
    27

    Fair Game

    Naomi Watts, Sean Penn, Sam Shepard
    20 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Drama, Spy, Biography
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Political Whistleblowing: Based on real events, this drama follows CIA operative Valerie Plame (Naomi Watts) whose identity is leaked by the US government as retribution for her husband's criticism of their Iraq War policies. Fair Game delves into the world of intelligence leaks and political retaliation while providing an insightful analysis of personal integrity amid public scrutiny.

    Wife and mother Valerie Plame (Naomi Watts) has a double life as a CIA operative, hiding her vocation from family and friends. Her husband, Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn), writes a controversial article in The New York Times, refuting stories about the sale of enriched uranium to Iraq, Then Valerie's secret work and identity is leaked to the press. With her cover blown and other people endangered, Valerie's career and personal life begin to unravel.
    More Fair GameRight Arrow
  • RED 2
    28

    RED 2

    Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker
    27 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Action-Packed Retirement: This sequel to the hit film Red brings back Bruce Willis and his team of retired CIA operatives for another round of high-octane action, international intrigue, and witty banter. Featuring new additions Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins, Red 2 delivers a fun mix of espionage thrills and humor as its seasoned characters navigate their way through dangerous situations with their unique blend of skill and experience.

    Former CIA black-ops agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) and his old partner, Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich), are caught in the grip of retirement -- but that soon changes when a powerful Cold War weapon known as Nightshade resurfaces decades after its disappearance. With assassins hot on their trail, Frank and his team set out to find the one scientist (Anthony Hopkins) who can unravel the mystery of Nightshade and help them save themselves -- and the world.
    More Red 2Right Arrow
  • Funeral in Berlin
    29

    Funeral in Berlin

    Michael Caine, Marthe Keller, Oskar Homolka
    11 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Spy, Crime, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cold War Espionage: This 1960s spy thriller stars Michael Caine as Harry Palmer, a British secret agent tasked with smuggling a Soviet defector across the Iron Curtain. Funeral in Berlin masterfully captures the tension and complexity of Cold War politics, providing an engaging window into this crucial period of history for fans of espionage films.

    Funeral in Berlin is a 1966 British spy film directed by Guy Hamilton and based on the novel of the same name by Len Deighton. It is the second of three 1960s films starring Michael Caine as the character Harry Palmer, that followed the characters from the initial film, The Ipcress File. The third film was Billion Dollar Brain. Caine would reprise the role of Harry Palmer in Bullet to Beijing and Midnight in Saint Petersburg.
    More Funeral in BerlinRight Arrow
  • Homefront
    30

    Homefront

    Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder
    28 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Thriller, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Small-Town Espionage: Jason Statham stars as a former DEA agent who moves to a small town with his daughter, only to find himself entangled with local criminals led by James Franco's ruthless character. Blending intense action sequences with a compelling exploration of personal loyalty and sacrifice, Homefront offers viewers an engaging look at espionage outside the familiar scope of global conspiracies.

    Hoping to escape from his troubled past, former DEA agent Phil Broker (Jason Statham) moves to a seemingly quiet backwater town in the bayou with his daughter. However, he finds anything but quiet there, for the town is riddled with drugs and violence. When Gator Bodine (James Franco), a sociopathic druglord, puts the newcomer and his young daughter in harm's way, Broker is forced back into action to save her and their home. Based on a novel by Chuck Logan.