Slow Horses brought spies back to TV, but on the big screen, they were never gone. Thrilling adaptations of John Le Carré's stories and Coppola's acclaimed spy movie paved the way for the Slough House team, building the characteristics of the beloved genre.
While waiting for new episodes, fans of the AppleTV+ series have diverse options to dive into the spy genre. Whether it is through bleak masterpieces to humorous takes on the world of espionage, Slow Horses fans will be thrilled with these options as they will have them on the edge of their seats throughout.
The Conversation (1974)
Stream On Paramount+.
Winner of the Palme d'Or in 1974, The Conversation is among the best films of Francis Ford Coppola, showing that Coppola masters both mob and spy movies. This story follows a surveillance agent as he dwells in a crisis of conscience after learning that a murder will be committed.
Starring Gene Hackman, this movie is a fitting way to dive into the complexities of the genre, and its humble depiction of the spy work will surely remind the viewer of Slow Horses.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Stream On Showtime.
Gary Oldman is familiar with the spy business. In Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Oldman leads the adaptation of John Le Carré's brilliant masterpiece. The actor portrays the iconic George Smiley, a retired spy who starts a thrilling investigation to find out who's the mole in the British service.
Like in Slow Horses, the espionage world is depicted in a cold, borderline realistic light, far from the glamour of dashing spies. With a tricky narrative that thrives in subtlety and a stellar cast that includes Ciarán Hinds and Benedict Cumberbatch, this option is a must-watch film for fans of the AppleTV+ series.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Rent On AppleTV.
Guy Ritchie has played with different genres his entire career, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was his formal entrance to the spy genre. In this film, Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavill, and Hugh Grant are the spies facing high stakes in stunning European scenery.
Unlike the show, this movie is mainly about action, not the intricacies of the spy business. However, that makes it a fun choice for those looking for a less dramatic approach within the genre.
A Most Wanted Man (2014)
Stream On IMDb TV.
Written by spy expert John Le Carré, A Most Wanted Man is an enthralling film that sheds light on the espionage world amid contemporary political issues. Much like Slow Horses, the spies must decide the fate of an immigrant against time and bureaucracy.
Along with Rachel McAdams and Daniel Brühl, the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman shines bright in this role, evoking the aesthetic that fans of the AppleTV+ show will recognize.
Burn After Reading (2008)
Stream On Peacock .
Slow Horses is not always serious, nor tries to be. Likewise, the Coen brothers opened space for comedy in the genre with Burn After Reading, an unconventional yet hilarious take on espionage.
Far from the fancy buildings where spy royalty works in London, the movie follows Linda (s McDormand) and Chad (Brad Pitt), two gym employees who get involved with the CIA and the Russian embassy. For fans who appreciate the down-to-earth humor in the AppleTV+ show, this film is a wild-card option to explore new horizons.
The King's Man (2021)
Stream On HBO Max.
Following the success of the Kingsman franchise, The King's Man is the latest project of Matthew Vaughn and no less exciting than its predecessors. Although the movie is set way before the AppleTV+ series, it includes the classic British humor present in the show.
Between comedy and drama, Ralph Fiennes makes a gracious spy. His presence and the compelling story make this option an entertaining cinematic experience for spy lovers.
Bond Films
It would not be fair to leave Bond movies out when they are some of the most memorable spy thrillers. Although 007 presents the world of espionage in a light far more glamorous than Slow Horses, the franchise is a landmark of the genre.
From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, there are twenty-five films portraying the adventures of the dazzling British spy. Options like Dr. No and Casino Royale are perfect for a movie night mid-week as fans wait for a new episode of the AppleTV+ series.
Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Stream On Peacock .
In of historical context, the controversial Bigelow film tackles the war on terrorism from the perspective of an agent who knows the location of Bin Laden.
Like Slow Horses, the movie mixes fiction with reality in a tense narrative, with Chastain's acting being the overall highlight. However, viewers should also be aware that there are some upsetting and violent scenes involved, meaning that discretion is advised.
North By Northwest (1959)
Stream On HBO Max.
One of the greatest movies by Alfred Hitchcock, North By Northwest is a timeless spy thriller. Despite the fact it explores a different angle from the AppleTV+ series, this film is a must-see for all fans of the spy genre.
In usual Hitchcock fashion, Cary Grant plays an advertising executive who finds himself involved in an intricate plot when others mistake him for a spy. Mainly famous for its iconic scene of Grant being chased by a plane, this is a suitable option for every Slow Horses fan while they wait for Friday.
