When done well, there are few things more intense, action-packed, and exciting than a spy movie. The spy world is something that everyone wants to know about, and seeing it on the big screen is always exciting. With fancy cars, gadgets, and plenty of weapons, spy movies are normally a ton of fun to watch.
While people often gravitate towards the James Bond franchise for their spy movie needs, that doesn't mean that they are the only movies in this genre. Over the years there have plenty of incredible spy films that have been slightly lost amongst other films, but it is important for audiences who enjoy this content to seek them out.
Bridge Of Spies (2015)
Bride Of Spies might not be as flashy as James Bond, but it is far more realistic and gritty. The film focuses on an exchange of prisoners between the U.S. and the Soviet Union with Tom Hanks' character, James Donovan having to try to bring back a pilot who was taken down in the air.
It's a fantastic film full of engaging conversations as each side desperately tries to get one over on the other. It's an incredibly tense movie, especially with the final meeting on the bridge where James is forced to make a tough call on whether or not it is safe to make a trade, putting his life on the line.
Spies In Disguise (2019)
This animated spy movie is tons of fun but has certainly ended up being underrated. While the idea of a top spy being turned into a pigeon might seem utterly ridiculous, this film is actually hilarious, while also being very warm and emotional at points.
It's a great spy film that the entire family can enjoy and tells the message of celebrating your ions and how being an outcast is actually not a bad thing. Will Smith and Tom Holland bring brilliant performances here as well in what is also a strange buddy-cop style film that everyone should check out.
Enemy Of The State (1998)
Speaking of Will Smith, another underrated spy film that he's part of is Enemy of the State. This time he plays Robert Dean who ends up being given a disc containing information about a corrupt group of NSA agents who plan to murder a major politician.
He's not a typical spy and seeing him thrust into that world is what really makes this movie so enjoyable. However, there is plenty of action involved here in a movie full of secrets and hidden agendas, which makes it a perfect spy thriller.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Another great spy movie that aims to be a little more realistic is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which is set in the Cold War. Here, Gary Oldman plays an excellent older spy who is brought out of retirement in order to uncover another spy within the MI6 who has been sent from the Soviet Union.
The film is incredibly gripping and Oldman really brings a tremendous performance throughout here. There's some brilliant dialogue and the movie does a really good job of transporting the audience into the time frame, making it feel very legitimate.
Get Smart (2008)
Get Smart is unlike many other spy movies in the sense that this is a comedy that pretty much mocks spy films throughout in true parody style. While it isn't perfect and a lot of the film doesn't make sense, it's one that is good-hearted and easy to watch.
Steve Carell always brings the humor no matter what, and that is certainly the case with this film. It's very funny throughout and while there's plenty of spy action as well, it is done in a refreshing and unique manner, which makes this movie a little different to many others.
Quantum Of Solace (2008)
Even though it's a James Bond movie, that doesn't mean it can't be underrated. Because the standards are set so high when it comes to 007, anything that is seemingly below that par is immediately written off. However, Quantum Of Solace was a brilliant film.
It brought the usual romance, action, and flashy gadgets expected, but it also had a really strong storyline. Having Bond actually seek revenge here was a different twist on the classic character and while some didn't appreciate it, the change was nice and his more focused attitude worked well.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
The original Kingsman movie slipped under the radar for a while, but it quickly began to pick up steam when word of mouth got around about how original and unique the movie was. However, the sequel, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, did end up being slightly underrated as it didn't quite live up to the same standards as its predecessor.
Sure, this one is way more over the top, but it introduces audiences to a whole new world within this universe. Adding extra characters and new dynamics helped keep things fresh, and it didn't feel like a rip-off from what came before, which is why the movie stands alone nicely.
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (1965)
This is one classic spy movie that has been lost in the shuffle throughout the years with big-budget Hollywood films taking over. However, it is an amazing movie that focuses on a British agent trying to plant disinformation within the East German camp about one of their officers.
It is incredibly smart in its writing, with Alex Leamas having to work for the East German army and pretend he's given up his past life. The double-life and lies are amazingly well done, and when he ends up getting caught, that only heightens the drama and tension, bringing a really frantic and enjoyable conclusion to the movie.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015)
The Man From U.N.C.L.E is incredibly underrated which is a huge shame as this movie is fantastic. It is a true blockbuster-style spy movie and one that features Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer bringing everything they've got to create an action-packed spy film.
This one is set in the 1960s and brings two rivals together to take down a group working with nuclear weapons. It's a very classic spy style story, but it is done beautifully. The two actors work together very well and the nice balance of tension and teamwork creates a really fun dynamic throughout.
Munich (2005)
Munich was one of the lowest-grossing movies of Steven Spielberg's illustrious career, but that shouldn't have been the case as this is an excellent spy thriller. This movie takes place all around the world as a group of volunteers band together to take out 11 men who allegedly committed a terrorist attack.
Their lack of experience causes great doubt and worry, which is refreshing to see in a film like this when the lead characters are normally very sure of themselves. The action is superb and there are some nice twists throughout in what is a really strong movie.
