When it comes to the genre of spy movies, there are a plethora of choices for viewers to pick from.
From classic films like the James Bond series to modern-day thrillers like the Bourne franchise, the spy genre has been popular for decades.
With the rise of streaming platforms like Hulu, viewers can access a wide range of spy movies with just a few clicks.
Here are the best spy movies that are streaming on Hulu that you can watch right now.
True Lies
True Lies is a 1994 American action-comedy film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Tom Arnold. It tells the story of a secret agent (Schwarzenegger) who leads a double life, keeping his wife (Curtis) in the dark about his true job.
When terrorists threaten the United States, he enlists his wife’s unwitting help in stopping them. The film received positive reviews and was a box-office success, grossing over $378 million worldwide.
It is a film about a man named Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) who leads a double life as a top-secret agent for a United States intelligence agency. Harry’s wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) believes he is a boring computer salesman, and feels neglected in their marriage.
Harry’s latest mission involves stopping a group of terrorists from detonating nuclear bombs in the United States.
However, things become complicated when Helen becomes embroiled in Harry’s dangerous work, believing that he is having an affair. As the couple attempts to reconcile, they must also work together to stop the terrorists and prevent a catastrophic attack.
The film features high-speed chases, elaborate fight scenes, and humorous moments and culminates in a thrilling finale on a bridge in the Florida Keys.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Based on the novel by John le Carré, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a British spy thriller directed by Tomas Alfredson.
The film takes place during the height of the Cold War, and follows a retired MI6 agent named George Smiley (Gary Oldman) as he is called back to the agency to root out a Soviet mole in the top ranks of the organization.
The film features an all-star cast, including Colin Firth, John Hurt, Tom Hardy, and Benedict Cumberbatch, and is known for its slow-burn tension and understated performances.
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (1965)
Based on John le Carré’s 1963 novel of the same name, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a classic espionage film starring Richard Burton.
Burton plays Alec Leamas, a British intelligence officer who is sent to East Germany to discredit a top East German intelligence officer.
The film is a bleak and somber examination of the Cold War, and is known for its gritty realism and Burton’s powerful performance.
The film follows a British spy who is sent on a dangerous mission to East Germany. He poses as a disillusioned former spy and is recruited by East German intelligence to carry out a covert operation.
However, as the mission progresses, he begins to question his loyalties and the morality of his actions. The movie received critical acclaim for its taut direction, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of the spy game.
It is regarded as a classic of the spy genre, and was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor for Richard Burton.
Casino Royale (2006)
The James Bond franchise is certainly one of the most iconic spy series in film history, and Casino Royale is widely considered one of the series’s best entries.
Directed by Martin Campbell and featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond, the film tells the story of Bond’s first mission as a 00 agent, in which he must stop a terrorist financier from winning a high-stakes poker game.
The film features stunning action set-pieces, a memorable villain in Mads Mikkelsen’s Le Chiffre, and a strong performance by Craig as the suave and ruthless spy.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
The Bourne series of films starring Matt Damon as amnesiac spy Jason Bourne reinvigorated the spy genre in the 2000s, and The Bourne Ultimatum is widely regarded as the best entry in the series.
Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film sees Bourne on the run from both the CIA and a ruthless assassin as he tries to uncover the truth about his past.
The film features thrilling action sequences, a memorable performance by David Strathairn as CIA Deputy Director Noah Vosen, and a powerful emotional payoff as Bourne finally uncovers the truth about his identity.
Spy Game (2001)
Directed by Tony Scott and featuring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt, Spy Game is a high-stakes thriller about a veteran CIA agent (Redford) who must rescue his protégé (Pitt) from a Chinese prison.
The film features intricate plotting, sharp dialogue, and a complex relationship between the two leads as Redford’s character wrestles with the moral implications of his work as a spy.
The movie tells the story of a veteran CIA agent (Redford) who tries to rescue his former protégé (Pitt) from imprisonment in China.
The film is set in the context of the end of the Cold War and the changing world of espionage.
It features a complex and suspenseful plot that interweaves past and present events and explores loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice themes. “Spy Game” generally received positive reviews and was praised for its direction, performances, and intricate storytelling.
Bridge Of Spies (2015)
Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, Bridge of Spies is a historical drama based on the true story of lawyer James B.
Donovan’s negotiations for releasing a captured American U-2 pilot in exchange for a Soviet spy during the Cold War.
Donovan, played by Tom Hanks, is also asked to negotiate the exchange of the pilot for a Soviet spy who the United States captured.
As Donovan becomes involved in the high-stakes negotiations, he finds himself caught in a web of political intrigue and faced with difficult moral decisions.
The film explores themes of patriotism, justice, and the human cost of espionage. “Bridge of Spies” received critical acclaim and was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning for Best Supporting Actor (Mark Rylance) and Best Original Screenplay.
It is widely regarded as one of Spielberg’s finest works and a modern classic of the historical drama genre.
The film is a tense and gripping examination of diplomacy and espionage during the height of the Cold War, and features strong performances from Hanks, Mark Rylance, and Alan Alda.
The Good Shepherd (2006)
Directed by Robert De Niro and starring Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, and Alec Baldwin, The Good Shepherd is a sprawling epic that spans decades of CIA history.
Damon plays Edward Wilson, a Yale-educated man who rises through the ranks of the CIA during the early days of the Cold War.
The film features a complex plot that explores the murky morality of espionage, and Damon’s restrained performance anchors the film.
It tells the story of the birth of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and its early years during the Cold War.
The movie follows the life of Edward Wilson, played by Matt Damon, who is recruited by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA, during World War II. After the war, Edward is recruited by the newly-formed CIA and becomes a high-ranking officer within the organization.
As the years go by, Edward finds himself increasingly consumed by his work, which includes a variety of covert operations and espionage missions. He becomes estranged from his wife, played by Angelina Jolie, and his son, and becomes increasingly isolated.
The movie’s plot is structured around flashbacks and interviews with Edward as he is being investigated for charges of being a Soviet spy. The film explores themes of loyalty, patriotism, and the toll that the work of espionage can take on a person’s personal life.
The Good Shepherd was praised for its meticulous attention to historical detail, intelligent script, and strong performances.
The film was also noted for its exploration of complex moral and ethical issues related to the work of the CIA, and its ability to create a sense of tension and suspense throughout.
Overall, The Good Shepherd is a thought-provoking and engaging film that offers a fascinating look into the early years of the CIA and the world of espionage during the Cold War.
Red Sparrow (2018)
Directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Red Sparrow is a dark and brutal spy thriller about a Russian ballerina who is recruited into a secret intelligence program that trains young people to use their bodies as weapons.
The film features intense action sequences, a strong performance by Lawrence, and a complex plot that keeps the viewer guessing until the end.
The movie tells the story of Dominika Egorova, played by Jennifer Lawrence, a former ballerina who is recruited into a Russian intelligence program known as the Sparrow School. There, she is trained to become a seductress and spy, using her beauty and charm to extract information from her targets.
After completing her training, Dominika is sent to Budapest, where she is tasked with seducing a CIA agent named Nate Nash, played by Joel Edgerton. However, things become complicated when Dominika develops feelings for Nate, and she is forced to choose between her loyalty to Russia and growing affection for him.
The movie’s plot is full of twists and turns, as Dominika and Nate are caught up in a dangerous game of espionage and deceit. The film is notable for its intense action scenes, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as power, loyalty, and trust.
While the film received mixed reviews from critics, Jennifer Lawrence’s performance was widely praised, as was the film’s gritty and realistic portrayal of the world of espionage.
Red Sparrow is a tense and engaging thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Angela Lansbury, The Manchurian Candidate is a classic political thriller about a brainwashed soldier who is programmed to assassinate a political figure.
The film is a commentary on the Cold War and the fear of communist infiltration in American society and features strong performances by all the leads.
The movie follows the story of a Korean War veteran who, along with his platoon, was captured and brainwashed by the communists. Upon his return to the United States, he is unwittingly programmed to assassinate a presidential candidate.
The film features an all-star cast, including Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Angela Lansbury. It is considered a classic of the political thriller genre and has been praised for its direction, screenplay, and performances. The movie was remade in 2004, starring Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.
Salt (2010)
Salt is a 2010 action thriller film directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
The movie’s plot revolves around Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent who is accused of being a Russian spy. Jolie plays the lead role of Salt, who goes on the run to clear her name and protect her husband from harm.
The film begins with Salt being questioned by North Korean authorities after being captured while trying to defect from the US. Later, while at work at the CIA’s office in Washington DC, Salt is informed by a defector that a Russian agent named Orlov will assassinate the Russian President during his upcoming visit to the US.
Salt is assigned to the case and soon realizes that Orlov’s plan involves a sleeper agent in the US, and that she is the prime suspect.
Determined to clear her name, Salt goes on the run and uses all her skills to evade capture by her fellow agents.
Along the way, she uncovers a sinister plot to ignite a war between the US and Russia, and Salt realizes that she is the only one who can stop it. As the clock ticks down, Salt must use her wit and agility to outsmart her enemies and save her husband from harm.
Salt generally received positive reviews from critics, who praised Angelina Jolie’s performance and the film’s fast-paced action sequences. It was a commercial success, grossing over $293 million worldwide.
A sequel to the film was initially planned, but it was later canceled. Salt is a gripping and entertaining spy thriller that will keep you on the edge of their seats.
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
“The Spy Who Dumped Me” is a 2018 action-comedy film directed by Susanna Fogel and starring Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, and Justin Theroux.
The movie follows best friends Audrey (Kunis) and Morgan (McKinnon), who get caught up in an international conspiracy when Audrey’s ex-boyfriend, a CIA operative, suddenly reappears in their lives.
The two friends are thrust into a world of espionage and danger as they travel across Europe, trying to evade both the CIA and a group of ruthless assassins. They discover hidden talents and develop their spy skills along the way.
The film is noted for its blend of action and humor and the chemistry between Kunis and McKinnon. It received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its female-led cast and others criticizing its plot and pacing.
Get Smart (2008)
Get Smart is a 2008 spy action comedy film directed by Peter Segal and starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, and Dwayne Johnson. The film is a modern adaptation of the classic 1960s television series of the same name.
The movie follows the story of Maxwell Smart, a bumbling intelligence analyst working for CONTROL, a secret government agency. Max longs to be a field agent, but his boss, known as the Chief, believes he is not cut out for the job.
When CONTROL’s headquarters is attacked and many of its agents are compromised, Max is reluctantly sent into the field on a mission to stop the nefarious KAOS organization from carrying out a terrorist attack.
Max is paired with Agent 99, played by Anne Hathaway, an experienced and capable agent who initially doubts Max’s abilities.
As Max and Agent 99 work together to stop KAOS, they face a series of challenges and obstacles, including an intense game of cat-and-mouse with the villainous Siegfried, played by Terence Stamp.
Get Smart is a comedic take on the classic spy genre, with Steve Carell’s comedic timing and physical humor adding a unique and entertaining element to the film.
While the movie may not be as serious or action-packed as other spy films, it is a fun and entertaining watch for those who enjoy a good laugh and a lighthearted take on the genre.
The Man On The Other Side (2021)
The Man on the Other Side is a 2020 Spanish-language crime thriller film directed by Gastón Duprat and starring Guillermo Francella, Luis Machín, and Martina Gusmán. The film is based on the novel of the same title by Eduardo Sacheri.
The film follows the story of Mariano, a successful businessman and family man who lives a seemingly perfect life.
However, Mariano’s life is turned upside down when he receives a call from a stranger who claims to have evidence that Mariano committed a murder twenty years earlier.
Desperate to clear his name, Mariano sets out to find the truth behind the allegations with the help of his childhood friend, now a detective, and a mysterious woman who seems to have connections to the crime.
As Mariano delves deeper into the past, he uncovers a web of lies, betrayal, and corruption that threatens to sabotage everything he loves.
The film explores themes of loyalty, family, and the consequences of one’s actions, as Mariano is forced to confront his past and make difficult choices about his future.
The Man on the Other Side is a gripping and intense crime thriller, with strong performances from its lead actors and a well-crafted storyline that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end.
The film has received positive reviews for its intricate plot, atmospheric cinematography, and skilled direction, making it a must-watch for fans of the crime thriller genre.
The Voyeurs (2021)
The Voyeurs is a 2021 erotic thriller film written and directed by Michael Mohan, starring Sydney Sweeney, Justice Smith, and Ben Hardy.
The movie follows the story of Pippa and Thomas, a young couple who move into a new apartment in Montreal. They soon discover that their window offers a clear view into the apartment across the street, where they become fascinated with the seemingly perfect life of their attractive and mysterious neighbor, Julia.
As they become increasingly obsessed with watching Julia and her boyfriend from their apartment, Pippa and Thomas begin to unravel the dark secrets and twisted desires that lurk beneath the surface of their neighbor’s seemingly idyllic life. Their voyeuristic tendencies lead to shocking and unexpected events, putting their relationship in danger.
The Voyeurs is a provocative and stylish thriller that explores themes of desire, jealousy, and obsession and the voyeuristic nature of modern society.
The film has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its intense and seductive tone, while others criticized its reliance on clichéd tropes of the erotic thriller genre.
However, it remains a popular choice among viewers who enjoy thrillers with a dark and erotic twist.
The Spy Next Door (2010)
The Spy Next Door is a family comedy yet spy movie directed by Brian Levant and starring Jackie Chan, Amber Valletta, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
The movie follows the story of Bob Ho, a retired CIA agent who is dating his neighbor, Gillian. When Gillian is suddenly called away on a family emergency, Bob offers to take care of her three children.
However, Bob’s plans for a quiet weekend with the kids are disrupted when he’s forced to confront his old enemies from his days as a spy.
As Bob tries to balance his secret agent duties with his new role as a caretaker, he finds himself struggling to win over Gillian’s children, who are initially reluctant to accept him as a father figure.
But as the danger intensifies, Bob and the children must work together to overcome the challenges and protect their family.
The Spy Next Door is a lighthearted and fun family comedy that offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and humor. It has been praised for its playful and engaging storyline and Jackie Chan’s charming performance as the lovable and quirky spy.
While it may not be the most groundbreaking movie in terms of plot or characterization, it remains a popular choice among viewers who enjoy a good mix of comedy and action in their films.
American Ultra (2015)
American Ultra is a 2015 action comedy film directed by Nima Nourizadeh, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and Topher Grace.
The movie follows the story of Mike Howell, a stoner and convenience store clerk who discovers that he is actually a highly trained CIA operative who has been programmed to forget his true identity.
When a group of CIA operatives come to town to eliminate him, Mike must rely on his training to fight back and uncover the truth about his past.
With the help of his girlfriend Phoebe, who is also his handler, Mike must navigate a dangerous and unpredictable world of secret agents and government conspiracies.
Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a rival CIA agent, a sadistic drug lord, and a mysterious government official who holds the key to Mike’s past.
American Ultra is a fast-paced and entertaining action-comedy that delivers plenty of thrills and laughs.
While it may not be the most original film in terms of its genre, it offers a fresh twist on the classic spy thriller formula. Its engaging performances by Eisenberg and Stewart keep viewers invested in the story.
The movie has received mixed reviews from film critics, but it remains a popular choice among fans of the action-comedy genre.
The King’s Man (2021)
The King’s Man is a 2021 British-American action-adventure film directed by Matthew Vaughn and serves as a prequel to the Kingsman film franchise.
The film explores the origins of the independent intelligence agency, the Kingsman, which was established to protect the world from deadly threats.
The King’s Man received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film’s thrilling action sequences and visual style, while others criticized the film’s lack of depth and character development.
Set during World War I, the film follows the story of Conrad, Duke of Oxford, played by Ralph Fiennes, who creates the Kingsman agency to stop a group of powerful and dangerous individuals who are plotting to start a war that will wipe out millions of people.
Along with his protégé, a young soldier named Orlando, played by Harris Dickinson, the Duke races against time to uncover the plot and prevent the impending catastrophe.
The film is notable for its thrilling action sequences, including high-speed chases, intense hand-to-hand combat, and explosive set pieces.
It also features a strong cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, and Rhys Ifans, and has a visually striking aesthetic that blends historical accuracy with creative flair.
Even though the movie received mixed reviews from critics, with certainly some praising the film’s exciting action and others criticizing its lack of depth and characterization.
However, the film was generally well-received by audiences and has grossed over $100 million worldwide. It is considered a solid addition to the Kingsman franchise and a fun, action-packed adventure for fans of the spy and espionage genre.
Skyfall
Skyfall is an another great spy film directed by Sam Mendes and the 23rd installment in the James Bond film franchise. The movie features Daniel Craig as James Bond, who returns to service after being presumed dead.
The film’s plot revolves around Bond’s investigation of an attack on MI6 that leads him to the ruthless former MI6 agent, Raoul Silva, played by Javier Bardem.
As Bond tracks down Silva and the threat he poses to MI6 and M, played by Judi Dench, he is forced to confront his own past and the role that M has played in shaping his life.
The film is notable for its emphasis on character development, exploration of Bond’s past and motivations, its stunning action sequences, and striking visuals. It also features a memorable theme song by Adele.
Skyfall was a critical and commercial success, receiving widespread acclaim for its storytelling, performances, and technical aspects.
The film grossed over $1.1 billion at the box office, making it the highest-grossing Bond film of all time. It was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Original Song, and won two, for Best Original Song and Best Sound Editing.
Skyfall is widely regarded as one of the best Bond films of all time and a high point in the series long history. It is notable for its darker and more introspective tone and its exploration of Bond’s character in a way that had not been executed in previous films.
The Conversation
The Conversation is a 1974 psychological thriller movie written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
It stars Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert who becomes increasingly paranoid and guilt-ridden over his role in a mysterious conversation he recorded.
The movie follows Harry Caul, a highly skilled and respected surveillance expert, who is hired to record a conversation between a young couple in San Francisco’s Union Square. As he analyzes the recordings, he becomes convinced that the couple’s lives are in danger and that his employers are planning to harm them.
Haunted by his past, Harry becomes increasingly obsessed with the case, eventually risking his own safety to uncover the truth.
As Harry’s investigation deepens, he becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated, and his actions have unintended consequences that leave him questioning his own morality. Through Harry’s character, the film explores themes of privacy, surveillance, and the power of technology, as well as the psychological effects of guilt and paranoia.
Critics highly praised the Conversation for its taut suspense, technical precision, and Hackman’s performance.
It was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Sound, and won the Palme d’Or at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival.
The film is now regarded as a classic of American cinema, and its themes and style have influenced subsequent works in the thriller genre.
The Bourne Identity (2002)
The Bourne Identity is an action thriller film directed by Doug Liman and starring Matt Damon, Franka Potente, and Chris Cooper.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Ludlum and follows Jason Bourne (Damon), a man suffering from amnesia who is found adrift in the Mediterranean Sea with two gunshot wounds.
As he tries to uncover his true identity, Bourne discovers that he is a highly-trained CIA assassin and that his former employers are pursuing him.
With the help of a woman he meets along the way (Potente), Bourne navigates a dangerous world of espionage and assassination, using his own skills to stay alive and outsmart his enemies.
This action franchise is noted for its intense action sequences, fast-paced plot, and Damon’s convincing portrayal of a man caught up in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game.
The film spawned a successful franchise that includes four sequels and is widely regarded as a modern classic of the action thriller genre.