10 spy movies that real CIA agents recommend watching

The best spy movies of all time range from strangely hilarious to extremely accurate, thanks to the input of a consultant. However The spy genre has developed into a niche filmmaking that typically involves epic action blockbusters as James Bond or Mission: Impossiblethere are also quieter, slower-paced additions to the filmography. While fight scenes and fun gadgets are great props and present dynamic sets, these aspects don’t necessarily mean a film will stand the test of time. Many of these films are considered classics and have been in the spy thriller rotation for years.

There are war films whose accuracy experts praise, and the same can be said of spy thrillers based on real events. However, historical accuracy is typically not the metric that former officers, agents, and analysts use to judge these films. The emotional truths, appeals to pathos, and broader global implications of these stories are also heavily taken into account. Some of these films are based on books that imagine what the life of a real spy would be like, but When it comes to capturing the hearts and minds of the public, sometimes fiction is better than reality.

10

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Directed by Tomas Alfredson

Set during the Cold War, a period of history known for its espionage, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy features an all-star cast of British actors including Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and Tom Hardy. This is far from the only spy thriller these actors have worked on, but the early 2010 film is a great example of how to adapt a literary work to the screen. Based on the 1974 novel by John le Carré, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy it was warmly received by critics and audiences.

There’s a reason why former CIA agents like Alex Finlay cite films like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy on your lists of great spy thrillers. The film does an excellent job of illustrating the tensions between the different sides of the conflict and how, regardless of the organization the characters work for, there is still a level of moral compromise. Furthermore, the dedicated performances of the actors are what make their actions so believable.

9

The Hunt for Red October (1990)

Directed by John McTiernan

The hunt for Red October is one of the best films about the Cold War, and its star is no stranger to the intricacies of the spy genre. After starring as James Bond in the beloved original James Bond films for more than two decades, Connery lent his skills to several other genres. However, it’s hard not to associate him with the suave British agent. However, in The hunt for Red OctoberConnery’s character, Marko Ramius, is on the other side of the conflict.

As Ramius is an invention of American novelist Tom Clancy, he ultimately revolts against his native government and decides to defect to help the Americans. While this is a hopeful characterization for the US, former CIA expert Rosanna Minchew’s knowledge of recruitment made her believe that her reasons for defecting were credible and convincing. This speaks to the overall character development, which makes the latent action and tension even more palpable.

8

North by Northwest (1959)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Cary Grant is at his best in Alfred Hitchcock North by Northwest, a favorite film of former officer Darrell Blocker, who became involved in the mistaken identity case at the center of the story. Although every Hitchcock film has an element of suspense and intrigue, North by Northwest is often cited as one of Hitchcock’s best for a reason. Also set during the Cold War, an iconic period in history for those interested in espionage, North by Northwest sees Grant’s character struggle to save himself after being thought to be a spy.

Part of the enduring nature North by Northwest It’s the beautiful atmosphere and aesthetic of the project, with sets and costumes from the late 50s transporting the viewer back to a bygone era. Grant’s work as the protagonist, Roger, is some of his best, especially in the second half of his career. There are so many iconic moments in North by Northwest It’s hard to choose just one. However, the film’s final act scenes at Mount Rushmore are thrilling and unforgettable additions to the best spy movie action sequences.

7

Argo (2012)

Directed by Ben Affleck

Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, Argo caught the attention of intelligence professionals and ordinary spectators. Part of this is due to the fact that it’s based on a true story, which is always a great way to gain traction at the box office and with critics, especially when some liberties are taken to make the plot more suitable for the big screen. Although not every piece of Argo aligns with what exactly happened, the emotional and sweeping truths of planning an infiltration and rescue mission that hit close to home for viewers.

Cybersecurity expert Peter Warmka was chosen Argo as one of the strongest recent spy films because it sheds light on such an important and relevant operation. Addressing the real mission of rescuing a group of US embassy employees in Iran, Argo explores how the Canadian government was instrumental in executing the mission and bringing them to safety without the rival government noticing. Winning Best Picture at the Oscars, Argo was immediately acclaimed for its ability to capture the complexities of the plan’s execution.

6

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Zero Dark Thirty is memorable for several reasons, including the fact that it was directed by Kathryn Bigelow and centered on a female protagonist. Most spy movies are focused on and directed by men, but Bigelow and Jessica Chastain, in the lead role of Maya, changed the conversation. Released in the same year as Argo and also inspired by a true story, Zero Dark ThirtyThe biggest BS competition during awards season was this other spy movie, but they’re both worth watching today.

Loosely interpreting the true story of the CIA agents and analysts tasked with tracking down Osama bin Laden, Zero Dark Thirty fight with heavy subjectre faced criticism for its description of enhanced interrogation methods. Overall, the fact that it was released so soon after the events it portrays makes it Zero Dark Thirty a difficult watch at times. However, it was acclaimed for its realism and accuracy in terms of how missions like this would unfold.

5

Three Days of the Condor (1975)

Directed by Sydney Pollack

Robert Redford stars Three days of the Condor as a CIA researcher who isn’t sure who he can trust after the murder of his colleagues. His character, Joe Turner, feels threatened and conflicted as he wrestles with the possibility that there may be a conspiracy afoot and that the CIA’s highest-ranking officers may be involved. The film’s release in the years following the Watergate scandal capitalized on public distrust of the US government.

The film Spy Game was also praised by experts, another Redford project, adding to the list of works that have seen him tackle realistic depictions of government intervention. Three days of the Condor is not only a great spy movie, but also an incredible mystery this leaves the audience guessing until the end. It’s likely this carefully constructed tension and the way Joe carefully outwits his opponents and ensures he will no longer be a victim in the counterintelligence war that makes former officers like James Lawler such big fans.

4

The Amateur (1981)

Directed by Charles Jarrott

Audiences will recognize Christopher Plummer from the lesser-known 1981 spy thriller The Amateur. The film may have gone unnoticed, but it was picked up by Timothy Patrick Gill Sr., a former officer who was intrigued by the implications of the story. John Savage stars as the protagonist, Charles Heller, a cryptographer who goes rogue and blackmails his superiors so he can get revenge on the people who murdered his financier.

Although Heller’s desperation and the murder of his financier constitute a dark start to The AmateurIt’s hardly the only jaw-dropping twist the film has in store. Following Heller as he tracks down his love’s killers and surprises everyone, including himself, with his skills, it’s easy to side with Heller and feel like everyone, including his bosses, must pay. Although revenge is not always satisfactory, Heller finds some justice at the end of The Amateur.

3

The Third Man (1949)

Directed by Carol Reed

In one of his greatest acting roles, Orson Welles stars in the iconic film noir, The Third Mana film so good that it transcends genre. Thanks to its configuration, from The Third Man Set in Vienna, Austria, the film was in a unique position to explore the immediate aftermath of post-war Europe and how escalating tensions between the US and the Soviet Union were triggering the start of the Cold War. This period had a huge impact on the way espionage is approached by world governments, making The Third Man significant for experts like John R. Seeger.

The city’s underbelly is perfectly expressed by the direction and cinematography of The Third Man, that lean into harsh lighting and angles that throw the characters and audience off balance. Welles’ character, Harry Lime, is a shadowy figure who profits from the uncertain times and lack of resources characteristic of this era. As his old friend, Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten), investigates his death and searches for answers, he exposes the corruption at the heart of the narrative.

2

Syria (2005)

Directed by Stephen Gaghan

Also known for his work on the blockbuster Bourne spy franchise, Matt Damon once again stars in a spy story, but as a very different character. He joined veteran actors like George Clooney and Jeffrey Wright in a narrative that incorporates multiple perspectives on the struggle for power and control of oil fields in the Middle East. Former operations officer Lindsay Moran discussed Syria as an interesting take on how governments are working behind the scenes with intelligence agencies to influence the winds of policy change.

It’s not easy to keep up with the various stories and plots going on in Syriabut the film doesn’t entirely want the audience to understand. Syria aims to keep viewers and characters attentive and make them question the motivations behind other people’s actions. Clooney won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Syria. His character, like all the individuals in the film, is neither a hero nor a villain, but exists in the gray area in between.

1

The Good Shepherd (2006)

Directed by Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro takes a turn behind the camera as director in The good shepherda film that received a mixed critical response, but is interesting to look back on. Unlike many other spy thrillers, The good shepherd is set during World War II and follows the OSS, an agency that would eventually lead to the development of the CIA. While the period stylization provides an engaging look that De Niro commits to, the story is equally compelling.

Lindsay Moran also cited The good shepherd as a film that empathetically addresses the personal costs of being part of an agency like the CIA or, in this case, the OSS. However The good shepherd looks at many important moments in history, zooms in and follows the life of one man, Edward Wilson Sr. (Matt Damon), as he rises through the ranks and decides which parts of his life are worth sacrificing for the cause. However The good shepherd is not the most historically accurate, is one of the most exciting CIA films. ​​​​​​​

Sources: Spy, Movieweb, Spy