'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUG/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABP/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAykoKn//EACAQAAEEAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQSBQYAESIxYYH/2gAIAQEAAT8Aye5ZSZGhznCy61DZsgKRUi57vHsJPzj++7K8844vMy7rUVGp6c//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYf/aAAgBAgEBPwCv/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/aAAgBAwEBPwB//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Espionage thrillers are one of the most popular among movie lovers. From the likes of James Bond to the Mission Impossible franchise, spy films and shows make up for a good chunk of releases every year.
Surrounding the covert operations of national or international enemies, espionage thrillers have always been a rockbed of entertainment.
The earliest espionage films can date back to 1914 with the silent movie, The German Spy Peril. Since then, the genre has made strides in the direction of stories and technical advancement leading to some of the most successful films of all time.
The Sympathizer by South Korean director Park Chan-wook is an espionage thriller series based on a spy during the Vietnam War. The series stars Robert Downing Jr, Hoa Xuande, and Sandra Oh.
Trending
The Spy and 6 other espionage thrillers to watch if The Sympathizer has your heartbeat racing
1) The Gray Man (2022)
The Gray Man is an espionage thriller that fuses comedy and action for an enjoyable ride. Although the film failed to garner appreciation from critics, fans have appreciated the great visuals and action sequences. The Gray Man was directed by the Russo brothers, and stars Chris Evans, Ryan Gosling, and Ana de Armas.
The film's plot revolves around a CIA operative known as the Gray Man who is targeted by his boss for knowing sensitive information, leading to an international manhunt of epic scales.
2) The Good Shepherd (2006)
The Good Shepherd is a highly underrated gem in the spy genre. Consisting of a terrific cast and an interesting story, the film uncovers the layers of spycraft for the audiences to see. The background score, cinematography, and editing of the film have been praised by fans and critics alike. The film is directed by Eric Roth and stars Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, and Rober De Niro.
The plot of the film reads:
"The tumultuous early history of the Central Intelligence Agency is viewed through the prism of one family man's life."
3) Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan (2018-2023)
This pulsating spy thriller is one of the highest-rated shows in the genre in recent times. The show thrives within the tight storylines, making it binge-worthy for fans of espionage. With brilliant action choreographies and multi-location shots, the show grabs the audience's attention successfully throughout its seasons.
The series, created by Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland, also consists of some brilliantly choreographed action sequences according to critics. The cast includes John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, and Abbie Cornish.
The plot of the show reads:
"Up-and-coming CIA analyst, Jack Ryan, is thrust into dangerous field assignments."
4) The Spy (2019)
The espionage spy thriller on Netflix stars Sasha Baron Cohen in the lead. The mini-series is as suspenseful as it is beautifully written, according to audiences. The show's portrayal of the protagonist's dual life as a devoted husband and a man wading the treacherous waters of spying sets it apart from other shows of this genre.
The taut storyline provides an inside look at the workings of international spycraft in detail. The series is directed by Gideon Raff.
The plot of the show follows the life of Eli Cohen as he gets selected to be a Mossad agent infiltrating the Syrian government.
5) Operation Mincemeat (2022)
Operation Mincemeat is a lighthearted spy thriller. Offering an unusual take on the genre, this film combines humor with the workings of World War II espionage to create a worthy watch. The film is directed by John Madden and consists of a cast that includes Colin Firth, Kelly Mcdonald, and Matthew Mcfayden.
The film's plot follows two intelligence officers who deceive the German army using a corpse and false papers.
6) The Little Drummer Girl (2018)
Directed by Park Chan-wook, The Little Drummer Girl is a thrilling spy mini-series. The show is based on John le Carré’s novel of the same name. Suspenseful and intriguing, the film's female lead offers a different perspective on the craft of espionage as compared to other works in the genre. The show's cast includes Florence Pugh, Michael Shannon, and Alexander Skarsgard.
The plot of the show follows a young British actress who gets enlisted by the Mossad to infiltrate an assassin's terrorist cell.
7) Tenet (2020)
Tenet is a spy thriller movie with a side of science fiction. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film has been praised by both fans and critics. The special effects of the film enhance the suspense at every turn, making it one of Nolan's most prolific works. The film's cast includes John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Elizabeth Debicki.
The plot of the film revolves around The Protagonist, a CIA operative who must stop deadly weapons from falling into the wrong hands and destroying the world while navigating the domain of international espionage.
The Sympathizer is available to stream on Max.
