It’s hard to categorize films into simple genres nowadays. While it is possible, more and more subgenres appear to explain the premise of a movie more clearly. One such subgenre is spy films; paired initially with the thriller genre, spy movies can now be mixed with any genre it pleases, establishing itself as its own genre. The spy genre is ever-growing, whether based in reality likeArgoor fantastical with extreme action like TheBournefranchise.
However, with so many legendary classics and revolutionary new hits, finding the perfect spy movie can be challenging. However, certain films present themselves as essential must-watch movies. To do so, they must either becritically acclaimed, beloved by fans, genre-defining/re-defined, revolutionize filmmaking, or influence future spy movies. With that being said, these ten films prove to be the most essential of the spy genre.
10’Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' (2011)
Directed by Tomas Alfredson
John le Carréis known as one of the greatest espionage writers, and that’s hard to argue with, considering two of his adaptations make this list. The first isTinker Tailor Soldier Spy, set in the 1970s during the Cold War. With a Soviet double agent in the ranks of MI6, an aging spy returns to the line of duty to snuff out the mole, using whatever means necessary, creatinga tense political thriller with little action.
Despite a lack of action,Tinker Tailor Soldier Spyoffers fans something much grander, with a thrilling espionage mystery that feels like a captivating puzzle, revealing itself piece by piece. Earning three Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor, this film handled the source material with care.Tinker Tailor Soldier Spyis a complex mind game that doesn’t look down on the audience, delivering a gripping, must-watch spy movie.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
9’Mission: Impossible' (1996)
Directed by Brian de Palma
Kicking off one of the biggest movie franchises,Mission: Impossibleis a classic and inventive spy movie, with the final entry set to release in theaters in 2025. When his mentor is killed, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is the primary suspect and must go on the run and figure out the truth. Putting together a makeshift team, he plans to break into a C.I.A. building and retrieve the files that will prove his innocence.
While many newer movies contain bigger and better action sequences, the original is more of a spy movie, not relying on just action but intriguing plots and daring stunts.Mission: Impossiblecreated a unique hybrid of the spy and heist genres, accentuated byCruise’s impressive stunts. This inventive and high-powered spy movie proved to be a worldwide success and one ofthe most profitable and recognizable spy franchises, making the entire series a must-watch.
Mission: Impossible
8’The Lives of Others' (2006)
Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Most spy films are helmed by noble protagonists who must undertake grueling missions to protect their country against external or internal threats, making the audience root for them. However,The Lives of Otherstakes a different approach. In 1983, it followed a Stasi officer who, with suspicions of them joining the Communist Party, spying on a famous playwright and his actress wife. However, when his official takes a liking to the wife, Gerd Weisler (Ulrich Muhe) is forced to get the playwright out of the picture.
Even when spy movies eschew action, they usually feature righteous goals, butThe Lives of Othersdeviated from the formula, highlighting the harrowing truth agents go through, leading to an empathetic film. This movie not only re-defined how spy movies could be told but alsoinfluenced real-life spies, with many coming forward about their forced injustices, leading to countries changing their policies, makingThe Lives of Othersan essential spy movie for fans to understand the dark, realistic side of espionage.
The Lives of Others
RENT ON AMAZON
7’Army of Shadows' (1969)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville
Based onJoseph Kessel’s 1943 novel of the same name,Army of Shadowsshows the lonely, constant fight the French Resistance endured during the Second World War. Betrayed by an informant, Philipe Gerbier (Lino Ventura) is now held hostage in a ruthless Nazi internment camp. After escaping, he seeks to kill his betrayer out of duty, crawling along the isolated path of his expendable existence for the cause.
WithJames Bondfilms romanticizing spy movies during this time,Army of Shadowsgrounds fans in the reality of the profession, delivering a depressing yet captivating spy thriller. Initially criticized due to the events of May ‘68, the film is now widely praised as one of thebest classic spy movies, which only reached American viewers in 2006.Army of Shadowsavoids stereotypes to deliveran authentic espionage movie, which is essential because of its political context and thrilling plot.
RENT ON APPLE TV
6’The Spy Who Came in From the Cold’ (1965)
Directed by Martin Ritt
Based on Le Carre’s 1963 novel of the same name,The Spy Who Came in From the Coldwas released in theaters two years later. Set during the height of the Cold War, the film follows a spy undertaking his final assignment before retiring, posing as a disgraced MI5 agent to gain information on his captured colleagues. However, he gets captured and realizes that he is caught up in a twisted plot involving all sides.
Le Carre’s background as a former MI5 and MI6 agent is evident in this film, whichportrays the world, characters, and plot with incredible accuracy.The Spy Who Came in From the Coldisone of the best Cold War movies, critiquing it by depicting the spies as expendable pawns. The realistic nature gives a good look into how things operated during the Cold War, creating a classic spy movie ahead of its time that fans need to watch at least once.
5’The Conversation' (1974)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppolais known for creating some of the greatest movies of all time, with manyessential films in their respective genres.The Conversationis another masterpiece, following a surveillance expert hired to tail a couple. Tracking and listening in on the couple, he hears them speaking in code, reminding him of a previous assignment that went wrong and leading him to believe they are in danger.
Along withThe Lives of Others,The Conversationsupposedly influenced Edward Snowden’s decision to leak classified information. That alone is enough significance to get fans to watch this movie, but it is also a masterfully written and acted film that portrays the height of paranoia in the 1970s. The film is a tragic look into the lives of spies and how isolation and paranoia influence them, creating an essential film that inspired many later films.
The Conversation
4’North by Northwest' (1959)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcockis known as one of the greatest directors of all time, massively influencing countless genres. One of his more popular genres is the spy genre, withNorth by Northwestserving as his first movie on this list. When a spy mistakes Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant) for a government executive, he goes on the run in an epic and suspenseful road trip while being hunted, making unlikely allies.
Hitchcock films are rooted in spy films, withNorth by Northwestseeing a return to the genre for the director. Instead of his usual dark romance thriller, this movie offers a just as thrilling experience but with more action and intrigue. With phenomenal acting and daring stunts,North by Northwestinspired futureBondfilmsas well asThe Man From U.N.C.L.E., cementing its legacy as an influential and iconic spy film.
North By Northwest
3’The Manchurian Candidate' (1962)
Directed by John Frankenheimer
Based onRichard Condon’s 1959 novel of the same name,The Manchurian Candidatestars legendary musicianFrank Sinatraandearned a remake in 2004. After a platoon is captured during the Korean War, they are freed and sent back to America. However, when one soldier begins having strange nightmares, he realizes they may have been brainwashed and unknowingly have become assassins, targeting political candidates.
With an inventive plot, superb acting, and impressive writing,The Manchurian Candidateis already a classic but is remembered as a must-watch because of its themes. Released during the Cold War, it played on the Myth of brainwashing and the collective paranoia of citizens at the time. With a satirical take, the movie is also fairly funny, mixing this with the thrilling nature and brutal ending, making for animportant critique of the Cold War and paranoia.
The Manchurian Candidate
2’Notorious' (1946)
The second and final Hitchcock movie on this list isNotorious, an impactful spy romance thriller released shortly after the end of the Second World War. When her father is convicted of treason, Alicia (Ingrid Bergman) proves her innocence by going on a mission to infiltrate the manor of her father’s friend. However, her budding romance with Agent Devlin (Grant) complicates her mission, creating a suspenseful spy film.
Being the first feature spy film,The 39 Stepsmay have been Hitchcock’s spy movie to popularize the genre, butNotoriousperfected it. Combing espionage with romance and thrills,Notoriousis a quintessential Hitchcock film from the style, plot, camera shots, and dynamics.The film landed Hitchcock on the F.B.I.’s watchlistafter he asked around about uranium, coinciding with the Manhattan Project. The mix of elements combines to create a perfect film, and Hitchcock at his best, making it an essential watch for every movie fan.
WATCH ON TUBI
1’Goldfinger' (1964)
Directed by Guy Hamilton
Based onIan Fleming’s 1959 novel of the same name,Goldfingeris the third installment of theJames Bondfranchise. When a gold magnate, Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe), plans to contaminate the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, Bond (Sean Connery) goes into action with his iconic Aston Martin to investigate and stop it. This epic spy action thriller wasGuy Hamilton’s first Bond film.
Bond films have changed over time, fromDr. Noestablishing the series toCasino Royalebringing it into modern times. ButGoldfingeris the most essential Bond moviebecause it created the Bond formula, revolutionizing the franchise with over-the-top excitement that would become a staple in cinema. There is no spy franchise larger than this one, andGoldfingeris responsible for that. It launched Bond mania anddefined what the spy genre is today, remaining the most iconic movie of the genre and ultimately the most essential.
