The Greatest Spy Movies Ever Made Ranked

Not many characters in movies satisfy audiences as much as the spy. Since the 1960’s, the spy genre has produced strong movies. Whether it’s bold police-officers, bondable figures or hunted agents facing dangers, the genre has produced several characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite spy films of all-time that deserve to be celebrated.

1. North by Northwest

Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that always impressed my teacher. I remember forming strong bonds with a teacher that was a huge fan of the famous filmmaker. He would often fondly recall with nostalgia watching iconic movies made by a director giving him a lifelong love of Cinema. Through his love for watching classic Hitchcock movies, my teacher inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. I’m a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock and adore all the movies he has made in his illustrious career. However, “North by Northwest” is definitely my favourite film. Ever since its release in 1959, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest spy film ever made. With the most entertaining movie of his career, Hitchcock captured a reckless spy on a mission to escape mistaken identities causing despair. Hitchcock is one of those filmmakers that always excelled at using diegetic sounds in his movies to build tension, and his strengths are clearly evident in “North by Northwest”. Hitchcock effectively used diegetic sounds to create a spy film that’s incredibly engaging. For instance, the iconic scene in which Roger Thornhill is chased by a cropduster is one of the greatest moments of the spy genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Cary Grant, who embodied a compelling espionage hero. Ultimately, what makes “North by Northwest” my favourite spy film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1950’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about mistaken identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years following the release of a groundbreaking action film about reckless spies assuming false identities running from cropdusters which are frightening, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced captivating movies which are worth celebrating.

2. Casino Royale

James Bond is a legendary spy that my father always loved dearly. I remember a father that adored the iconic character. A huge fan of James Bond, he adored a character with whom he formed a lifelong bond. He would always love talking about a goldeneye spy falling from the sky with no time to die. As someone treasuring a father that acknowledged a spy with abilities to enthral, I adored “Casino Royale”. Ever since its release in 2006, Martin Campbell’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest James Bond movie ever made. Campbell has an aptitude for staging awe-inspiring action, and his strengths are evident in “Casino Royale”. For instance, the ending scene in which James Bond states his iconic catchphrase declaring his nam is one of the greatest moments of the spy genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Daniel Craig, who embodied a legendary spy character. Ultimately, what makes “Casino Royale” a great spy movie is its humanity. Unlike most James Bond movies, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It turns Bond into a human character that anyone can relate with. A spectacular tribute to a famous spy falling from the sky with no time to die, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced great movies which haven’t lost their abilities to satisfy.

3. Mission: Impossible – Fallout

Mission: Impossible is a spectacular spy franchise that my grandfather always considered special. I remember forming strong bonds with a grandfather that adored a a franchise about spies facing danger. He was always speak passionately about films capturing spies facing a fallout. As someone treasuring a grandfather that loved spies facing a fallout, I adored “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”. Released in 2018, Christopher McQuarrie’s blockbuster changed the spy genre through awe-inspiring action. McQuarrie has always excelled capturing spies, and “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. McQuarrie stages breathtaking action sequences using awe-inspiring stunts that broke ground for the genre. For instance, the scene in which Ethan Hunt has a rooftop chase across buildings with stamina is one of the best moments of the spy genre. At the centre of it all is a strong performance by Tom Cruise, who showcased his commitment. Ultimately, what makes “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about determination which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Ethan Hunt’s desire to accomplish a mission that’s impossible, it’s a commemorated reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences consider to be special.

4. Argo

The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. Whether it’s the gorgeous desert landscapes or prosperous oil economy, I grew up to value a country that I regarded highly. As someone treasuring fond memories of a country I lived in several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the Iranian CIA hostage crisis. Affleck used real-life locations in Iran to capture the beauty of a misunderstood country that faced a tragic hostage crisis in history. For instance, the scene in which Tony Mendez evacuates victims of the hostage crisis out of Tehran in an airport causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the spy genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ben Affleck, who embodies a renowned real-life CIA agent. Ultimately, what makes “Argo” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about crisis that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after a crisis in which a CIA agent saved civilians in Iran held hostage, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced movies which engage through a strong message.

5. The Departed

Trusting people is something that I’ve found difficulty doing. Years ago, my family faced grief when we discovered our beloved housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found their housekeeper they trusted had stolen precious jewelry. As someone finding people hard to be trusted, I appreciated “The Departed”. Released in 2006, Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning movie captured undercover cops infiltrating the mob. Scorsese excels capturing gangsters, and “The Departed” showcased his strengths. For instance, the scene in which Billy is interrogated by Frank Constello is one of the greatest moments of the spy genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodies a cop facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Departed” a celebrated spy movie is its message. The flm delivers a profound message about trust which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of conflicted cops that can’t be trusted, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre that has created timeless movies that deserve to be celebrated.

6. Tenet

Time travel is a tricky concept to execute in movies. In order for any film about time travel to be successful, it needs to strike a balance between being entertaining and logical. It’s a balance most movies are rarely able to achieve. However, in 2019 Christopher Nolan pulled it off successfully in his spy film “Tenet”. Unlike most movies in the espionage genre, what makes “Tenet” stand out is its strong depiction of time travel. Nolan uses breathtaking practical effects to capture a spy embarking on a mission of time travel that’s frightening. Assisted by John David Washington who is amazing in the lead role, Nolan created a compelling time travel spy film. A terrific portrait of time travel causing lives of spies to deteriorate, it’s a tremendous reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies audiences appreciate.

7. Spy

Humor is a rare quality seldom seen in spy movies. Movies about espionage have always adopted a serious tone capturing lives of spies that are dangerous. In a genre where humour is rare to come by, it’s worth praising “Spy”. Released in 2015, Paul Feig’s comedy offered a humorous depiction of reckless female spies. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Spy” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Feig uses sharp comedy to capture a spy that faces uncertainty. The hilarious jokes offer a refreshing departure in a genre where most spies are serious. Assisted by Melissa McCarthy who is hilarious in the lead role, Feig created a compelling spy comedy. A hilarious portrait of spies facing obstacles that are dangerous, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies audiences consider to be precious.

8. The Day of the Jackal

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about spies that are powerful, it’s worth discussing The Day of the Jackal. Since its publication in 1971, Frederick Forsyth’s book has become a literary classic. In 1973, Fred Zinnemann adapted the legendary book into his movie “The Day of the Jackal”. Zinnemann used stunning visuals to honour a book about spies that are frightening. Assisted by Edward Fox who is amazing in the lead role, Zinnemann honoured a classic book about spies. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s, the film’s depiction of spies remains relevant today. It’s an influential film that laid the foundation for the modern spy genre. As strong as the Jackal’s desire to assassinate the French president, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre with commitment that has manufactured unforgettable entertainment.

9. BlackKklansman

Few spies in American history built a legacy worth celebrating like Ron Stallworth. During the 1970’s, Stallworth was a committed African-American cop that infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan. An awe-inspiring spy, Stallworth became an icon in history. In 2018, Spike Lee honoured the legendary spy that infiltrated Klansmen in his movie “BlackKklansman”. Unlike most movies in the spy genre, what makes “BlackKklansman” stand out is its sharp satire. Lee used ingenious satire to honour a legendary spy historians admire. Assisted by John David Washington who is amazing in the lead role, Lee created a spectacular spy historical satire. Nearly 40 years after Ron Stallworth infiltrated the Klu Klux Klan, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has gained a huge fan following producing movies with elan.

10. The Bourne Legacy

Jason Bourne is a beloved spy that has built a strong legacy. Since his introduction in the 1980’s, Bourne has appeared in several movies. While most movies have honoured the legendary spy, other have fallen short of expectations. Unfortunately, “The Bourne Legacy” falls into the latter category. Released in 2012, Tony Gilroy’s movie failed to honour the espionage character. Gilroy showcased his strength for staging awe-inspiring action sequences. However, the filmmaker’s focus on style left little room for compelling storytelling. Nevertheless, “The Bourne Legacy” remains a valuable addition to the espionage genre. As strong as Jason Bourne’s desire to become a successful agent, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced poignant movies which I will forever treasure for shaping my lifelong love of entertainment.