Looking for more Netflix content? Here are our picks for the Best Historical Movies On Netflix.
8 Best Spy Movies On Netflix
What are the best spy movies on Netflix you can watch right now? Here are 8 of the top choices you can find today.
The Angel
Genre: spy, thriller Length: 1h 54m Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.6/10 Language: English
If you’re up for the best spy movies on Netflix, then you shouldn’t miss out on “The Angel.” That’s because, unlike many other spy movies, it tells the tale of a true story. It’s taken from the book “The Angel: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel” by Uri Bar-Joseph. The story follows Ashraf Marwan, an Egyptian official who’s secretly an Israeli spy. However, contrary to what you might expect, people believe Ashraf Marwan was a double agent. This is because his acts created enduring peace between the two countries after the war of 1973. The movie showcases Ashraf’s life before and after his life as an Egyptian official. Moreover, it broadcasts the events that led to his becoming an Israeli spy. It’s certainly one of the best secret service movies you must watch if you’re a spy genre fan. Watch the Angel
The Coldest Game
Genre: spy, thriller Length: 1h 43m Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.2/10 Language: English
Who is the best secret agent in movies? You would think that an American alcoholic might not cut it. However, against everyone’s expectations, Joshua Mansky fit the bill exceptionally well. That’s because he’s not only an alcoholic but also a mathematician and pro-level chess player. Now, being a chess player might not seem like much, especially for the American secret service. Nonetheless, the US government requires his unique abilities to accomplish this very specific task. Through his wit and skill, he must participate as a substitute chess player in a match in Warsaw. His goal? To win the game, of course. However, he must also collect as much data as he can regarding the soviets while doing so. It’s certainly a riveting tale and serves as one of the best spy movies on Netflix. Coldest Game
Extraction
Genre: action, thriller Length: 1h 56m Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.7/10 Language: English
The best spy movies on Netflix don’t necessarily have to have traditional spies from the secret service. That’s because they can also be about hired help, just like Tyler Rake from Extraction. The movie is unconventional in that it follows a hired underground mercenary instead of a spy. Tyler’s task? To recover an Indian drug lord’s son who was taken by enemy forces. With that said, the movie is more of an action/thriller film instead of something that engages in covert operations. Nonetheless, its scenes rife with action, betrayal, and sympathy makes it one of the best spy movies on Netflix. Extraction
The Gray Man
Genre: action, thriller Length: 2h 2m Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.5/10 Language: English
The Gray Man is one of the new spy movies on Netflix that’s a must-watch for fans of the genre. This is, in large part, because two of Hollywood’s famous actors take antagonistic roles. Ryan Gosling plays CIA agent Six who discovers his supervisor, Carmichael, was organizing an underground assassination force. As agent Six refuses to indulge Carmichael, forcing the latter to send Chris Evans who plays Lloyd Hansen. Lloyd is a professional killer and is tasked to destroy agent Six regardless of the cost or collateral damage. Now, the movie wasn’t a big hit with the critics overall. Nonetheless, it’s one of the best spy movies on Netflix if watching two leading actors play antagonistic roles interests you. Watching Chris Evans’ rendition of a bloodthirsty child kidnapper is certainly entertaining and interesting. It’s especially compelling if you’ve only watched his straight-laced role as Captain America in the MCU. The Gray Man
Munich — The Edge Of War
Genre: drama, thriller, historical Length: 2h 3m Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.8/10 Language: English
You may have heard of cold war spy movies on Netflix. However, did you know there are also other war-based spy films on the platform? Munich — The Edge of War follows that format. However, instead of being an all-out war film, it’s more of a period spy thriller set in 1938. During this time, Hitler is still getting ready to conquer Czechoslovakia. Naturally, Neville Chamberlain’s government is desperate to find a peaceful way to resolve this issue. That’s why two former classmates, one British and another German, set off to Munich to barter for peace. It’s certainly a thrilling film and one of the best spy movies on Netflix if you like period pieces. Watch Munich – The Edge Of War Today
Red Notice
Genre: comedy, thriller, action, crime, adventure Length: 1h 57m Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.3/10 Language: English
Red Notice is one of the best modern spy movies you can watch. It stars three big names: Dwane Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds. Given its star-studded cast, it’s certainly one of Netflix’s largest and most costly productions. Moreover, it’s a decent substitute for James Bond movies on Netflix because the James Bond films aren’t on the platform. At least, they’re unavailable in the USA. What is Red Notice about? It follows an FBI agent played by Dwayne Johnson. He must work together with Ryan Reynolds, who plays an art thief. His goal is to hunt down and apprehend the world’s largest and most notorious art thief played by Gal Gadot. With that said, it’s certainly one of the most compelling and best spy movies on Netflix you’ll watch this year. Red Notice
The Sleepover
Genre: teen, comedy, romance Length: 1h 40m Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 5.6/10 Language: English
If you miss Spy Kids, then The Sleepover should be one of the best spy movies on Netflix for you. The kids themselves aren’t spies like in the Spy Kids films. Nevertheless, it’s certainly great fun to watch, especially for children. The movie follows two siblings named Clancy and Kevin. Clancy has an honest sleepover, like most girls her age do. However, what they didn’t expect was to discover their mother’s secret: that she was a high-end thief. Moreover, she’s under the witness protection program and has to re-enter the scene when she’s found by her former gang. With that said, it’s a more lighthearted film compared to the ones listed here. Nonetheless, it’s one of the best spy movies on Netflix, especially if you’re watching with teens. The Sleepover
Yaksha: Ruthless Operations
Genre: spy, action Length: 2h 5m Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.2/10 Language: Korean
If you don’t mind foreign language films, then Yaksha: Ruthless Operations is one of the best spy movies on Netflix. The Korean film is set in Shenyang, China, and follows a demoted (but honest) prosecutor. His initial goal was to go to China to check out a black ops team and its leader. However, his journey takes a turn when he’s caught in a war between espionage agents. With that said, it’s certainly one of the best spy movies on Netflix if you also like Korean dramas. Yaksha: Ruthless Operations
Alternatives: 10 Best Spy Series On Netflix
If you’ve already watched the best spy movies on Netflix and still crave more, we recommend considering shows. They’re a great alternative and should give you more content than a simple movie. What’s more, there is plenty to choose from in Netflix’s catalog. Here are our top picks for you.
Bard Of Blood
Genre: spy, thriller, action Length: 7 episodes, 40-49 minutes each Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.8/10 Language: Hindi, English, Pashto, Urdu
Bard of Blood is an Indian series based on a novel by Bilal Siddiqi. It follows the tale of a former Indian Intelligence Wing (IIW) agent, Kabir Anand, who leaves after his partner’s death. He moves on in life and becomes a literature professor who now cares for his former partner’s family. However, the secret service calls him back after the Taliban kidnaps four IIW officers. He agrees reluctantly, only to find out that the service’s director is dead and he’s being suspected as the murderer. Kabir later walks free but learns that his mission given by the director is unsanctioned. As a result, he must team up with other individuals to accomplish the task. Bard of Blood
Fauda
Genre: spy, action, political, drama, thriller, psychological Length: 3 seasons (12 episodes each), 45 minutes per episode Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 8.2/10 Language: Arabic, Hebrew
Fauda, meaning “Chaos” in Arabic, depicts the story of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. It mainly follows the leader of a covert Israeli special forces unit named Doron. He and his team are tasked with tracking Abu Ahmed, a Hamas terrorist, within Palestine. With that said, Fauda is a foreign-language series and you might need subtitles to enjoy it. Nonetheless, it’s one of the highest-rated options on our list. It’s certainly a must-watch if you like witnessing the best spy movies on Netflix. Fauda
Gloria
Genre: historical, thriller, drama Length: 10 episodes, 40-47 minutes each Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 7.9/10 Language: Portuguese
Gloria is a unique Portuguese drama that showcases the story of a youthful agent during Portugal’s Cold War. The show is set in the 60s, with the tension between the Americans and Soviets serving as the main backdrop. Both countries are vying for world power and aim to control Europe. The story zooms in and follows João Vidal who lives in the tiny village of Glória do Ribatejo. Vidal’s life takes a turn when he’s enlisted as a KGB spy. What he does from that moment on changes Portugal’s fate and the course of history. Gloria
In From The Cold
Genre: spy, thriller Length: 8 episodes, 41-53 minutes each Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.2/10 Language: English
Most people want to live a calm and peaceful life. The same is true for Jenny Franklin, a divorced single mother, and a former Russian spy. Her exciting yet dangerous days as a spy are behind her now. However, her world turns upside down when the CIA discovers her identity and drags her back into her old life. In From The Cold
Messiah
Genre: thriller Length: 10 episodes, 38-55 minutes each Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 7.6/10 Language: English
Messiah revolves around a CIA officer who’s tasked to look into a man who claims to be the returned messiah. Like Jesus of Nazareth, this Middle Eastern man performs miracles and attracts a large global following. Of course, there are doubts about the man’s identity and it’s up to the CIA’s investigations to uncover the truth. Is this man a con or is he the real deal? As you might expect, the show deals heavily with the lines between politics, faith, and religion. Messiah is a riveting tale. However, it was canceled after only one season. Regardless, it’s worth watching especially if you loved seeing the best spy movies on Netflix. Messiah
Pine Gap
Genre: political, thriller, drama, mystery Length: 6 episodes, Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 Language: English
Foreign relations and alliances are hard to manage, especially when two militaries must work together with conflicting interests. This is the main tension in Pine Gap, a show named after an intelligence establishment in Alice Springs, Australia. The series showcases what happens after an airplane is annihilated above Myanmar. A joint force of the American and Australian militaries must now uncover the hidden motives behind the attack. However, differing values and interests come in the way. How will the two forces reconcile their differences and reach a conclusion? You’ll need to watch to find out. Pine Gap
Q-Force
Genre: animated, sci-fi, action, comedy Length: 10 episodes, 26-30 minutes each Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.5/10 Language: English
The best spy movies on Netflix or shows like it don’t have to be all serious. Some of them can be comedies. That’s true for Q-Force, a show that follows a team of LGBT superspies, dubbed the Queer Force or “Q-Force.” They set off on various expeditions and adventures, as spies do, proving themselves both personally and professionally. Q-Force
Queen Sono
Genre: crime, action, drama, thriller Length: 6 episodes Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6/10 Language: English
Queen Sono is a gem when it comes to espionage shows that center around other countries. Unfortunately, it was canceled after season 1 because of challenges surrounding filming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, it’s a decent show to watch if you like the best spy movies on Netflix. The show observes the story of a South African secret agent. She has to juggle the perils of her personal life crises and tackle criminal operations at the same time. Can she manage both? Moreover, will she succeed in either mission? You’ll have to watch the show to discover more. Queen Sono
Spycraft
Genre: Documentary Length: 8 episodes, 29-38 minutes each Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 6.7/10 Language: English
If you loved the best spy movies on Netflix, the inner workings of the undercover world might interest you. That’s precisely what we find in Spycraft, a documentary series that follows intelligence experts. These people offer a glimpse of what we might find in the CIA’s most hidden operations in history. Through the show, we can see the technologies they created as well as the tools they used during espionage. It also showcases the tensions and techniques different governments have employed to spy on each other throughout history. Spycraft
The Spy
Genre: spy, drama, thriller Length: 6 episodes, 47-62 minutes each Availability: Netflix USA IMDB Rating: 7.9/10 Language: English
The Spy is one of the best spy series on Netflix and is set in 1959, in Israel. It takes place just a few years before the six-day Syrian-Israeli war in 1967. The plot follows the classic spy films, following Eli Cohen, a nationalistic Israeli accountant recruited by The Mossad. They’re desperate for a good spy to send to Syria, and Eli Cohen takes the job. After training, Cohen begins to assume his new identity as a Syrian national within Argentina. From there, he must try to enter Syria and infiltrate its government. What makes this story compelling isn’t just its setting and plot, but also because it’s based on a true story. It’s thrilling to watch, especially if you love espionage and are curious about historical events. The Spy
What Makes A Good Spy Movie?
Espionage movies come in all different shapes and sizes and can have varying plot points. Some of these agent movies can even have different genres, ranging from political to personal dramas. They can even be comedies or thrillers, depending on the director and plot. On the other hand, the elements of a spy film or series will always remain the same. They should have some sort of espionage or undercover operation element. For a majority of spy movies, the protagonist is a trained covert operative who works on a mission. Moreover, there’s usually an opposing or antagonistic force that they must subdue. Most spy films also feature special gadgets/tools, explosives, chase scenes, weapons, and different locations. If these are all present, you can categorize a film or show under the spy subgenre. However, what makes it great will be the same as what makes any other film or series exceptional. Firstly, the story must have a compelling or interesting protagonist that the viewer can sympathize with. It’s also beneficial if their cause is something the audience can get behind. In addition, a good spy film should have a convincing antagonist. They should have a persuasive or powerful motive that’s opposed to the main character. Furthermore, the stakes, whether personal, professional, or national, should be high in spy films. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be any thrill to what the audience is viewing. High stakes, tension, and real consequences should be at the forefront of every scene.
Netflix Alternatives For Good Spy Movies
Unfortunately, Netflix’s catalog of spy movies is fairly limited in the USA. Hence, we recommend looking to alternative streaming services if you want a larger library. Here are the top options you can choose from.
HBO Max
HBO Max is certainly one of the top contenders if you’re a fan of spy and espionage films. It features some of the great classics from HBO and other production studios. These include Kingsman, Austin Powers, Argo, and the ever-beloved Spy Kids series of films. It’s certainly a good choice if you’re into the spy sub-genre.
Hulu
Finally, while Hulu may not be everyone’s first choice, it’s a decent option if you like spy films. It has some of the best modern and widely-regarded films including American Ultra, Salt, The Bourne Supremacy, and Get Smart. Moreover, you can get a free trial for the service if you want to watch just a few of the select titles.
Final Word
Finding the best spy movies on Netflix shouldn’t be too much of a problem if you’re in the USA. After all, the platform’s catalog of spy films is limited so you can only watch a handful. Nonetheless, they’re worth delving into, especially if you like the sub-genre. On the other hand, we do also recommend giving the platform’s shows a try if you have enough time. However, many of the top-tier shows come in foreign languages so they may have a language barrier. Regardless, they’re some of the best you can find on the platform.
