Top 20 All Time Greatest Spy Movies

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most enduring and entertaining examples of movies that feature elements of espionage or eavesdropping within their narratives.

#20: “Sneakers” (1992)

Whoever said that all movies involving spying needed to be grim, dour or overtly violent? “Sneakers” from 1992 has a lot of fun with its premise of a security team hired to do a job…only to find out there’s more going on beneath the surface. “Sneakers” benefits from an all-star cast, including Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Sidney Poitier, and Sir Ben Kingsley, in addition to a smart and witty script. This is a movie that’s not out to reinvent the wheel, but instead works within established caper, crime and spy parameters to bring the best out of all its famous faces.

#19: “No Way Out” (1987)

Movie fans need to be paying attention when it comes to the intertwining plotlines of 1987’s “No Way Out.” This is just one of the multiple movie adaptations of Kenneth Fearing’s 1947 novel “The Big Clock,” a story that places a lot of balls and moving parts in the air when it comes to character thoughts and motivations. The cast of “No Way Out” is uniformly excellent, and includes Kevin Costner, Gene Hackman, Sean Young and even “Cannibal Holocaust” star Robert Kerman in a small role as a CID agent. It’s a story of loyalty, deep cover and a twist you almost certainly won’t see coming.

#18: “Argo” (2012)

Don’t let the period-appropriate haircuts distract you from checking out 2012’s “Argo.” Those that were actually involved in the real-life inspiration behind this film, a Canadian/U.S. collaborative rescue mission from 1979, have admitted that “Argo” plays a bit fast and loose with the facts. Still, the overall vibe of the film is one that balances comedic beats with the actual drama of the plot at hand: utilizing the backdrop of a fake sci-fi film to act as a smokescreen for a daring hostage recovery. “Argo” is just fun to watch, regardless of how closely it resembles the original “Canadian Caper.”

#17: “Three Days of the Condor” (1975)

The inclusion of Robert Redford within the Marvel Cinematic Universe was no accident. The acting legend helped carve out his career in high-tension espionage efforts such as “Three Days of the Condor” from 1975; movies that provided huge influences to Marvel’s “Captain America” franchise. Redford’s work in “Condor” proved to be particularly inspiring, primarily due to his character’s status as a pencil-pusher. Redford’s Joe Turner is forced to push himself to the limits of acceptable behavior as he attempts to uncover the sinister motivations behind an internally-executed murder conspiracy. It all comes together as “Three Days of the Condor” exudes 1970s cool from each and every pore.

#16: “Bridge of Spies” (2015)

The murderer’s row of talent behind 2015’s “Bridge of Spies” speaks for itself, really. Steven Spielberg directs a film starring Tom Hanks and featuring a screenplay by The Coen Brothers, alongside Matt Charman. The end results are predictably excellent, albeit more aligned with those that desire a more cerebral experience, rather than slam-bang shoot ‘em up action. “Bridge of Spies” utilizes elements of traditional legal drama against a backdrop of Cold War tensions between the United States and the former Soviet Union. It’s a story of people and countries, told in a way that feels satisfyingly Spielbergian, together with that intelligent Coen Brothers charm.

#15: “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969)

It’s the James Bond film that continues to evoke argument and conversation from just about every fan of this long-running superspy franchise. Was George Lazenby a proper fit for 007? Maybe. Maybe not. We hope that even those that weren’t convinced by Lazenby’s performance can at least recognize how strong “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was from a cinematic standpoint. The film included one of Bond’s best and most capable female co-stars with Diana Rigg’s Countess Tracy di Vicenzo, as well as perhaps the most sinister portrayal of Ernst Stavro Blofeld by Telly Savalas. Oh, and that shocking, final twist? Devastating stuff.

#14: “The Imitation Game” (2014)

This is one of those important biopic movies that still feels somehow underseen, despite “The Imitation Game” being a critical and financial success back when it was released in 2014. Benedict Cumberbatch received rave reviews for his portrayal of Alan Turing, one of the 20th century’s greatest scientific minds. His life was one of professional highs and personal tragedies, since it was his work in cryptanalysis that allowed the Allied Powers to gain substantial upper hands during the Second World War. Turing’s personal life and sexuality were tragically used against him, however, making the telling of his story in “The Imitation Game” all the more important.

#13: “The Ipcress File” (1965)

There were few actors that could keep up with the cool factor that Sir Michael Caine exuded in films such as the original “Get Carter.” This was apparent even as far back as 1965’s “The Ipcress File.” Caine’s secret agent Harry Palmer is certainly as handsome, debonair and charming as any iteration of James Bond, yet “The Ipcress File” never forgets to lean hard into the dangers of spy work. This is a film that possesses thrilling action and dark, downbeat plot turns, while also keeping the excitement of a proper spy picture in check. There’s a reason, after all, why Michael Caine is a legend today, and it’s thanks to outstanding performances such as the one here in “The Ipcress File.”

#12: “Notorious” (1946)

Alfred Hitchcock was already deep into his directorial career back when he helmed “Notorious” in 1946. The film pre-dates Hitch’s horror period, but retains the maestro’s penchant for deep character studies and captivating, cinematic style. “Notorious” features a trifecta of acting legends, too, as Claude Rains, Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman dazzle us up on that silver screen. Rains and Grant portray two men that are in love with the same woman, all told amid a backdrop of international espionage, deceit and intrigue. “Notorious” is definitely worth a watch not only for spy movie fans, but also those who want to experience all the colors of Hitchcock’s cinematic rainbow.

#11: “Mission: Impossible - Fallout” (2018)

It’s crazy to think of how the “Mission: Impossible” franchise has thrived through multiple directors, screenwriters and styles, each bringing a unique flavor to this continuation of the OG TV series from 1966. “Mission: Impossible - Fallout” follows nicely in the footsteps of “Ghost Protocol” from 2011, in that it continues pushing the franchise forward in terms of stakes and execution. The stunt work here feels crazier, the plotlines more complex and the execution exceeding the expectations of most summer blockbusters. Consider “Mission: Impossible - Fallout” to be yet another worthy entry in this increasingly impressive series.

#10: “The Lives of Others” (2006)

How do we live with ourselves (and our actions) during times of conflict and stress? “The Lives of Others” is one film that asks these questions, a German film that’s set prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and his crew were praised for their attention to detail, as “The Lives of Others” documents the covert spying of East German citizens by the Stasi secret police that were set in power during this era. The film remains relevant today, as well, since so much of our private and personal data seems to be compromised on a daily basis - currency for those in power to apparently use as they see fit.

#9: “The Hunt for Red October” (1990)

The character of Jack Ryan is one that continues to fascinate avid readers and moviegoers, decades after author Tom Clancy first introduced him to the masses. “The Hunt for Red October” served as the first cinematic outing for Ryan, here portrayed by Alec Baldwin. The casting of Sir Sean Connery opposite Baldwin is an inspired one, making for a heavyweight foil for which Ryan to prove his mettle. The end results are bolstered by an outstanding score from Basil Poledouris. “The Hunt for Red October” manages to be both thrilling and intellectually compelling from first scene to last.

#8: “Skyfall” (2012)

The Daniel Craig era of James Bond contains more than its fair share of bangers, including Craig’s “Casino Royale” debut from 2006. However, many fans of the 007 franchise point to 2012’s “Skyfall” as not only a high point for Craig, but for the Bond series as a whole. It’s difficult to argue with those people, too, since “Skyfall” boasts perhaps the most memorable villain from Craig’s tenure with Javier Bardem’s Raoul Silva. Meanwhile, the fantastic opening theme from Adele and the exciting cinematography lend “Skyfall” a breathtaking amount of thrills and suspense.

#7: “The Manchurian Candidate” (1962)

Those out there who know Angela Lansbury solely from her classic role of Jessica Fletcher on TV 's “Murder She Wrote” would be well-advised to check out this chilling performance from 1962’s “The Manchurian Candidate.” Lansbury joins an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh, Laurence Harvey and Henry Silva, as “The Manchurian Candidate” executes its dark, Cold War-era plot. Mind-control conspiracies and international domination are all on the table here, as Sinatra’s character attempts to uncover the truth behind a captured U.S. veteran who just may be the unwitting pawn in a game of global chess.

#6: “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” (2011)

The catalogue of works by David John Moore Cornwell, a.k.a. John le Carré has served as the basis for many of the spy genre’s all-time greatest pictures. “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is one of those films, a stunning example of how one doesn’t necessarily have to sacrifice realism or intelligence to execute a compelling narrative. Director Tomas Alfredson leads an enviable cast of stars, including Gary Oldman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy, Colin Firth and Toby Jones. They’re all game for the task of adapting le Carré’s “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” to the big screen, and they succeed in a major way.

#5: “The Spy Who Came In from the Cold” (1965)

The spy movie boom of the 1960s was already in full swing by the time “The Spy Who Came In from the Cold” arrived around the middle of that decade. Still, the swinging adventures of Mr. James Bond feels comparatively absent from this hard-edged adaptation of John le Carré’s best-selling novel. Sir Richard Burton delivers an excellent performance of an MI6 agent that’s tasked with posing as a British defector, while operating in East Germany during the Cold War. This is a film that isn’t about dazzling love interests, or wildly imaginative gadgets, but instead highlights the shadowy alleyways and smokey conference rooms of real-world international espionage.

#4: “The Bourne Identity” (2002)

Moviegoers back during the early 2000s received a new silver screen superspy in the form of Jason Bourne. This character was initially made famous thanks to a popular series of books from author Robert Ludlum, with “The Bourne Identity” adapting Ludlum’s novel from 1980. That decade’s stylistic trappings don’t really come into play here within the film, however, since “The Bourne Identity” instead chooses to update its setting for a new millennium. This decision proved to be a successful one, since “The Bourne Identity” was successful enough to spawn a franchise, including another fan favorite, “The Bourne Ultimatum” from 2007.

#3: “From Russia With Love” (1963)

It’s time for a tale of two Bonds. Do we go with “Goldfinger” from 1964, which arguably codified many of the stylistic trappings we usually associate with 007? Or do we choose 1963’s “From Russia With Love,” a picture that still retained much of Bond’s gritty realism? We have to admit that we’re suckers for the more sinister side of Bond, as this suave secret agent coldly calculates the deaths of his enemies at the end of a gun barrel. “From Russia With Love” also boasts a great theme song from Matt Monro, as well as a heavy-duty antagonist in the form of Robert Shaw’s SPECTRE assassin, Donald Grant. It’s one of the James Bond movies we rewatch on the regular.

#2: “The Conversation” (1974)

It’s not only one of the greatest films ever from the fertile creative mind of Francis Ford Coppola. “The Conversation” is also one of the greatest films from the entire 1970s, a decade that was practically overflowing with innovative ideas. Coppola’s script tackles the business of eavesdropping, specifically the feelings of guilt and paranoia present within those who handle this sort of thing at an extremely high level. Gene Hackman’s performance is one of tension, anxiety and stress; a tragic character who performs his duties at an elite level for a shadowy backer…but at what cost? “The Conversation” doesn’t have any easy answers, but it practically begs for you to join it in asking the questions.

#1: “North By Northwest” (1959)

This 1959 masterpiece from Alfred Hitchcock may not have been the first time the legendary director took on a tale of a man trying to clear his name. “The 39 Steps” from 1935 served as another excellent example of this sort of story. It could be argued that Hitch struck perfection with “North By Northwest,” however, particularly with his casting of Cary Grant in the lead role. Grant manages to be both movie star cool and believably average as he portrays Roger Thornhill, who has been mistaken for an agent that doesn’t even exist, George Kaplan. The film features scenes that exist within the annals of film history, but trust us when we say that “North By Northwest” remains worthy of its praise.

What’s your go-to era for on-screen espionage? Let us know in the comments!