Best Spy Movies–Let’s be real, sometimes you want all the glamour, gadgets, and globe-trotting of a spy thriller without having to rewatch Ethan Hunt sprint for the 50th time. We get it. The genre is a magnet for a reason—the slick suits, the heart-pounding suspense, the charisma of it all—it’s the perfect recipe for a fantastic movie night.
Whether you’re a long-term expat curled up during a Balinese downpour, a tourist taking a break from the sun, or a local looking for weekend plans, we’ve intercepted top-secret data on the latest and greatest spy movies that have actually dominated the box office and streaming charts. Consider this your classified briefing.
1. Argylle (2024): The Meta Spy Comedy We Didn’t See Coming
This film had everyone talking. Why? Imagine this: you’re a bestselling spy novelist (Bryce Dallas Howard), and you suddenly discover the plot of your books is weirdly, and dangerously, starting to happen in real life. Cue Henry Cavill’s perfectly coiffed fictional agent and a very real, very confused Sam Rockwell.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: It’s a wildly meta, twisty, and self-aware romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The action choreography is bizarrely brilliant (think ice-skating assassin fights), and the humor is sharp. It’s the perfect pick if your brain needs a vacation from standard espionage plots. Just go with it.
Vibe: A mind-bending cocktail of action and comedy, shaken (not stirred) with a healthy dose of “wait, what?!”
2. The King’s Man (2021): A Stylish Origin Story with a History Twist
Before the fancy umbrella and the tailored suits, there was the origin story. This prequel to the beloved Kingsman franchise takes us back to the trenches of World War I to witness the birth of the independent intelligence agency.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Ralph Fiennes is impeccable, trading wizard robes for a razor-sharp wit and even sharper blades. It’s a historical epic dressed in a spy thriller’s clothing, featuring brutal, elegant action set against a stunning period backdrop. It’s all the Kingsman style you love, with a fresh, weightier feel.
Vibe: If James Bond and your favorite history professor had a baby, and that baby was ridiculously stylish and good in a fight.
3. The Man from Toronto (2022): For When You Need Spies & Chuckles
This Netflix hit is the definition of a “comedy of errors.” It serves up the perfect double act: Kevin Hart as a loveable screw-up who gets mistaken for the world’s deadliest assassin (a fantastically grumpy Woody Harrelson).
Why It’s a Must-Watch: The chemistry between Hart and Harrelson is the entire mission here. It’s a lighter, laugh-out-loud option packed with chaotic fight scenes and hilarious misunderstandings. It’s the spy movie you watch with a Bintang in hand, not needing to overthink the plot.
Vibe: A buddy-cop movie where one buddy isn’t a cop… or competent in any way. Pure, easy-watching fun.
4. Heart of Stone (2023): Gal Gadot’s Global Action Spectacle
Wonder Woman hangs up the lasso to become Rachel Stone, an agent for a shadowy global peacekeeping org. This Netflix original exploded onto the scene, topping charts in 80+ countries for a reason.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: It’s a full-throttle, big-scale blockbuster made for your living room. Gal Gadot is a powerhouse, the locations are breathtakingly exotic, and the plot revolves around a powerful AI—a very modern spy mcguffin. It’s for those who crave the stakes of a Mission Impossible but are eager for a formidable female lead to root for.
Vibe: High-altitude, high-stakes action that’s designed to make your jaw drop. Perfect for an epic movie night.
5. The 355 (2022): The Ultimate Female-Led Spy Squad Goals
This movie assembled a dream team of acting powerhouses: Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Fan Bingbing, Diane Kruger, and Lupita Nyong’o as rival agents who must overcome their differences to prevent World War III.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: It’s a classic, solid spy romp that puts a diverse, talented ensemble of women front and center. No romantic subplots saving the day—just pure, unadulterated skill, teamwork, and brutal hand-to-hand combat across international capitals. It’s empowering, entertaining, and exactly what the genre needed.
Vibe: Ocean’s Eleven meets Jason Bourne, but with even better fighting skills and less daddy issues.
Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It…
The world of spy movies is vast and wonderfully varied. From the laugh-out-loud chaos of The Man from Toronto to the stylish history of The King’s Man, there’s a secret mission for every mood.
So, the next time the Bali rain starts pouring in or you just need a night off from the hustle, lock the doors, order some mie goreng, and queue one of these up. Your mission—to be thoroughly entertained—is now declassified.
Happy watching, agents!
