There’s something undeniably fascinating about the world of espionage, and many of us have daydreamed about becoming a spy at some point in our lives. While we may never get the chance to live out those fantasies, we can at least immerse ourselves in the thrilling stories of real-life spies through the magic of cinema. If you’re looking for some edge-of-your-seat films about agents and counteragents, here are five movies you should add to your must-watch list.
Argo
Argo is a gripping historical drama-thriller that premiered in 2012, based on the true story of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran by militants, who took 66 American hostages. The film follows the daring rescue mission led by CIA operative Tony Mendez (played by Ben Affleck), who devises a plan to pose as a Hollywood producer scouting locations in Iran and train the refugees to act as his “film” crew. Argo was a critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and earning accolades for Affleck’s dual role as star and director. The film also features standout performances by Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman. CinemaBlend praised the film, saying, “The emotional catharsis of Argo isn’t what happens onscreen, but the sheer knowledge that the creaky old moviemaking system has put together something this crowd-pleasing and great.”
The Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd delves into the untold story of the birth of counterintelligence at the Central Intelligence Agency, focusing on the character of Edward Wilson Sr., who is loosely based on real-life CIA counterintelligence chief James Jesus Angleton. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, and Robert De Niro, who also directed the movie. While reviews were mixed, some critics praised the film’s solid storytelling and De Niro’s direction. The BBC, however, felt that Damon was too young for the lead role, saying, “It’s solid, but like Damon himself it’s a bit dull.”
The Courier
The most recent entry on this list, The Courier is a 2020 film that tells the story of Greville Wynne, a British businessman who becomes an unlikely spy during the Cold War. Directed by Dominic Cooke and starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Wynne, the film also features Merab Ninidze, Rachel Brosnahan, Jessie Buckley, and Angus Wright. In an interview with Hey U Guys, Cumberbatch admitted that he wasn’t familiar with the story until he took on the role, saying, “That’s why these stories need to be rediscovered, confronted. I think we’ve been living in an extraordinary time where ordinary people have done remarkably brave things so there’s a resonance through the culture at the moment.”
Bridge of Spies
Directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 2015, Bridge of Spies is a historical drama that portrays the legal complications surrounding the exchange of two agents, American Francis Gary Powers and Soviet agent Rudolf Abel. Tom Hanks stars as lawyer James B. Donovan, who is tasked with negotiating the release of Powers. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning six Academy Award nominations and praise for Hanks’ performance. Collider wrote, “Bridge of Spies is a quality film featuring loads of commendable work, but Spielberg’s glossy and exceedingly upbeat take on the material might make it more of a crowdpleaser than an Oscar contender.”
Munich
Another Spielberg-directed historical drama, Munich tells the story of the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, in which 11 Israeli athletes and their coach were murdered by Palestinian terrorists. The film follows a team of Israeli agents, led by Avner Kaufman (played by Eric Bana), who are tasked with carrying out a series of strategic retaliations. The movie also stars Daniel Craig, Geoffrey Rush, and Ciaran Hinds. Munich received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Bana’s performance. The Daily Telegraph wrote, “Eric Bana gives a performance that deserves something more serious than an Oscar. It’s a sublimely convincing portrayal of a man who is travelling far from who he is in order to defend who he is.”
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