Spy films are truly fascinating as they unravel the covert world of secret agents on deadly missions, blending elements of danger, unexpected twists, and political intrigue. Thus, it’s no surprise these types of movies consistently rank among the most beloved in cinema. Even in 2023, this sub-genre maintained its enduring appeal, with engaging spy thriller shows, such as Reacher, The Night Agent and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. As mentioned before, spy movies are truly intriguing — even more so when based on actual events.

There’s something truly appealing about knowing that a story is based on true events — that, at some point, real individuals confronted danger while gathering information and made sacrifices to prevent wars or protect their nations’ interests. This authenticity heightens the impact and appeal of the film, providing a more compelling viewing experience. Additionally, these movies unfold against historical backdrops, offering viewers connections to real-world events from the past.

Here are the best spy movies that are based on true stories, ranked.

10 Syriana (2005)

Syriana is a spy thriller that weaves multiple storylines that revolve around the oil industry, geopolitics, and corruption. Starring George Clooney, Chris Cooper, and Jeffrey Wright, among others, the plot follows a veteran CIA operative tasked with assassinating a powerful prince of a rich oil country, but things go awry, and he becomes a pawn in a high-stakes power game. The film also delves into the struggles of other characters that play important parts in this narrative.

An Intelligent, Geopolitical Spy Film

Syriana isn’t a blockbuster spy movie, and isn't for those seeking action-packed or straightforward storylines. Instead, it offers an intelligent and intriguing examination of petroleum power, terrorism, and geopolitical issues, rife with mind games and complex political dynamics. Ultimately, Syriana makes for a compelling commentary on real-world issues and stands as a well-crafted spy movie loosely based on Robert Baer’s memoir See No Evil. Rent on Apple TV

9 The Good Shepherd (2006)

Loosely inspired by real-events and figures in the CIA, The Good Shepherd explores the early history of the CIA, beginning with its inception in the aftermath of World War II. The story is told through the perspective of an idealistic and dedicated intelligent officer, played by Matt Damon.

The Early Days of the CIA

Sitting in the director's chair, Robert De Niro presents The Good Shepherd more like a character study of Damon's officer, Edward Wilson, delving into the moral and personal sacrifices made by him and other individuals in intelligence work. Unlike most flashy spy thrillers, this one is serious, thought-provoking, and somewhat troubling. Recognized for its attention to detail, The Good Shepherd perfectly captures the essence of its time period, boasting a strong cast that includes Damon, Alec Baldwin, Angelina Jolie, and De Niro. Stream on Starz

8 Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

Based on George Crile’s non-fiction book, the political comedy film, Charlie Wilson's War, revolves around the efforts of the titular character, a U.S. congressman, who played a crucial role in supporting the Afghan Muhjahideen in the Soviet-Afghan war during the 1980s. Tom Hanks plays this charismatic congressman, while Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Huffman play the political activist and CIA operative, respectively, who help him to achieve this goal.

What Makes it Great

With a concise script, a great cast with undeniable on-screen chemistry, and an entertaining plot that stays true to history, there’s plenty to love about this film. In the capable hands of director Mike Nicholas and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, the movie effortlessly immerses viewers into the fascinating and harrowing world of espionage and war. By combining elements of humor, drama, and political intrigue, the film sheds light on a lesser-known part of history. Stream on Max

7 Fair Game (2010)

Fair Game is a riveting spy film that dives into the true story of Valerie Plame (Naomi Watts) and her husband, Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn). It details the impact of her CIA operative position on her family and the consequences of a whistleblowing scandal. This 106-minute film serves as a remainder of a costly mistake in the lead-up to the Iraq war, highlighting the subsequent controversy surrounding the leak of Plame’s identity.

A Deeply Personal Spy Thriller

Fair Game is exceptional in its combination of powerful performances and compelling drama with a very personal perspective on the abuse of power in government. It is the perfect flick for those who appreciate films about real characters and events, as well as intense political drama and ethical dilemmas. Watts and Penn deliver brilliant performances as a wife and husband navigating personal and professional conflicts, leaving many in awe of their dedication and talent in bringing these roles to life. Rent on AppleTV

Related: 10 Underrated Movies Based on Actual Spies

6 Argo (2012)

Directed by Ben Affleck, the 2012 thriller, Argo, unfolds the true story of the CIA’s mission to rescue American diplomats during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979-1980. It follows as CIA operative Tony Mendez (Affleck) devises a bold plan to use a fake movie production as a cover to extract the hostages. The film expertly blends suspense, humor, and historical accuracy as it depicts this high-stakes rescue mission, highlighting the collaboration between Hollywood and the intelligence community.

A Best Picture Oscar-Winner

Argo is widely regarded as a highly engaging and well-crafted film, and earned several awards for its exceptional quality, including Best Picture at the Academy Awards 2013 ceremony. The film maintains suspense throughout while skillfully balancing the dire and heavy situation with moments of humor and camaraderie among the characters. The fact that it is rooted in real-life events certainly adds an extra layer of fascination to this smart thriller. Rent on AppleTV

5 The Courier (2020)

Read Our Review

In this historical Cold War drama, Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Greville Wynne, a real-life businessman, who played a significant role in providing intelligence during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Set in the early-1960s, the film depicts how Greville became entangled in a web of espionage and faced constant threat of exposure by the KGB.

An Ordinary Man on an Extraordinary Mission

The Courier earns acclaim for its historical accuracy and its portrayal of the human side of espionage. Cumberbatch’s performance as Wynne was praised for its nuance and emotional depth. While it may not be the most talked-about spy thriller — likely due to its release at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 — it is still a solid and well-crafted story that offers an in-depth look into a harrowing time in history and the important role an ordinary man played in preventing a nuclear confrontation between the warring parties. Stream on Prime Video

4 Munich (2005)

With Munich, Steven Spielberg directs yet another remarkable film about a true covert mission based on what’s known as "Operation Wrath of God." Blurring the line between right and wrong, the film explores Israel's retaliation against the Black September (an extremist military party) for their terrorist attack during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, which resulted in the deaths of 11 Israeli Olympic athletes. The film is slow, violent, and thought-provoking.

Munich Asks What It Means to Be Violent

Munich isn’t just about thrilling action, it is more of a contemplative and nuanced examination of the psychological and emotional burden of executing acts of violence in the name of justice. It raises questions about the distinctions between retaliation and justice. While rooted in real events and individuals, it does take creative liberties in its dramatization. Eric Banner’s amazing performance as the leader of the Mossad, along with the cast, adds to the film’s impact. Stream on Starz

Related: 35 Best Thrillers of All Time

3 Breach (2007)

Directed by Billy Ray, Breach tells the true story of Robert Hanssen, an FBI agent who was revealed to be a long-time spy for the Soviet Union and Russia. The film centers on a young, ambitious FBI employee tasked with investigating Hanssen’s activities and gathering the needed evidence to expose him.

An All-Star Cast

More than just the average spy thriller, Breach stands out for its taut and suspenseful storytelling coupled with stellar performances from its cast, which includes Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillipe, and Laura Linney. The film achieves its success through the mental and emotional sparring between the two leads, maintaining an intriguing historical docudrama feel without relying excessively on adventure or action. Stream on DIRECTV

2 Bridge of Spies (2015)

Steven Spielberg, Matt Charman, and the Coen brothers joined forces to create one of the best American spy movies, Bridge of Spies. The film stars Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance, the latter of whom won an Academy Award for his performance. Hanks plays an insurance lawyer leading a normal life until he gets caught up in the Cold War, and his life transforms into quite an adventure.

An Homage to the Past

Bridge of Spies not only pays homage to the past, but also serves as a poignant remainder of the enduring power of humanity through its story filled with lots of heart and inspirational characters. The film tracks the trial and trade of a Russian spy in 1957 in exchange for an American pilot, and Spielberg masterfully captures the tension and facts of this true story, enhanced by powerful dialogues, pristine cinematography, and stellar performances. Stream on Paramount+

1 Zero Dark Thirty (2013)

A gripping and unnerving thriller, Zero Dark Thirty dramatizes the hunt for Osama bin Laden through the eyes of Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst obsessed with finding his whereabouts, played by Jessica Chastain. The narrative spans several years and covers key events in the real-life search for this Al-Qaeda leader.

An Unflinching True Story

Zero Dark Thirty stands out for its unflinching approach in depicting the complexities, the personal toll on individuals involved, and even the controversies surrounding the hunt for Bin Laden. While it captures the gravity of these historical events, the film does not fail to entertain viewers with its thought-provoking story, attention to detail, and strong performances. Chastain’s brilliant performance, in particular, anchors audiences in this grand political struggle, grounding us in the human cost of being a spy. Kathryn Bigelow's masterful direction and Mark Boal's sharp script garnered praise from both audiences and critics upon release. Stream on Starz