The Best Spy Movies Of All Time

Over 6.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Spy Movies Of All Time
Voting Rules
Vote up your personal favorite spy films, regardless of how popular or successful they were at the box office.
Latest additions: Spy Kids: Armageddon, Heart of Stone, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Most divisive: Unknown

Over 6,000 movie fans have voted to shape these rankings of the best spy movies. Whether it’s a classic like Mission Impossible or an underrated gem like Spy Game, there is something for every fan looking for top-notch espionage thrills and excitement. The Bourne Identity offers edge-of-your-seat action with an intriguing story featuring Matt Damon as the titular ex-CIA assassin on the run from his own government. Salt brings Angelina Jolie into the equation, portraying a CIA agent who must go rogue in order to clear her name and save her nation all without missing a beat. Then there's Kingsman: The Secret Service which mixes stylish visuals with outrageous stunts and clever humor - making it one of the most enjoyable entries in this genre.

No matter what your taste, when it comes to spy flicks, there are plenty of great options available here! From slapstick comedies like Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery to gritty crime dramas such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, audiences can enjoy hours of entertainment from some truly outstanding films. So if you're ready for some high-octane suspense or just want to kick back with a good spy movie night, take your pick from our list below and find out which ones fans rated the highest. Make sure you vote up your favorites so others can see which ones come out on top.

Ranked by
  • The Bourne Supremacy
    1
    Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox
    1,719 votes
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Paul Greengrass

    When it comes to spy thrillers, few can match the exhilarating pace and gritty realism of this edge-of-your-seat experience. As the protagonist battles against a ruthless conspiracy to clear his name, viewers are treated to pulse-pounding, expertly choreographed action sequences that leave them breathless. Add to the mix a captivating storyline and a top-notch performance by Matt Damon, and it's no wonder this film has become synonymous with the genre itself.

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  • The Bourne Identity
    2
    Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper
    2,367 votes
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Doug Liman

    Talk about an opening that hooks you right in! Waking up with no memory, a lost identity, and trying to survive assassins? That's one heck of a predicament. This groundbreaking espionage classic combines relentless action with a gripping mystery as our hero uncovers his past, piece by bloody piece. Boasting a killer plot and white-knuckle suspense, it's truly impossible not to be drawn into this exciting world of spies and intrigue.

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  • The Bourne Ultimatum
    3
    Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen
    1,722 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Paul Greengrass

    Arguably the perfect conclusion to a fantastic trilogy, this one wraps up all the loose ends and delivers an absolute adrenaline-pumping experience. With its riveting chase scenes, intense hand-to-hand combat, and a protagonist hell-bent on uncovering the truth, it's safe to say this spy thriller has set the bar high for Hollywood action movies. It's simply a must-watch for fans of the genre.

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  • Casino Royale
    4
    Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen
    1,523 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Martin Campbell

    In a genre often dominated by suave spies, this film revealed a more vulnerable and human side to the legendary 007. Witnessing Bond's metamorphosis from a reckless rookie to the iconic agent we know and love is nothing short of exhilarating. Add in pulse-pounding action, high stakes poker, and a hauntingly beautiful love interest, and you've got yourself a surefire winner. By the end, audiences will have long since forgotten previous incarnations and be completely engrossed in this fresh and gritty take on a classic character.

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  • Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
    5
    Gary Oldman, Kathy Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch
    1,879 votes
    • Released: 2011
    • Directed by: Tomas Alfredson

    A slow-burning, atmospheric thriller that masterfully keeps viewers on the edge of their seat until the very end. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, it delves deep into the murky world of espionage and betrayal, offering a cerebral experience for spy aficionados. Boasting an all-star cast, the nail-biting tension and labyrinthine intrigue make this adaptation of a classic novel an absolute must-watch.

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  • Skyfall
    6
    Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem
    1,478 votes
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Sam Mendes

    This critically acclaimed masterpiece breathes new life into the James Bond franchise, as our favorite spy faces his toughest opponent yet - a man hell-bent on vengeance and destruction. With its dazzling visuals, emotional depth, and expertly crafted action sequences, it's easy to see why this film has been hailed as one of the best in the series. Not to mention, the poignant exploration of Bond's past adds another layer of depth to this already gripping tale.

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