From the momentnovelist Ian Flemingjotted down the characteristics and physical traits that would defineJames Bond, the character was cemented as a pop culture icon. Played by a plethora of actors throughout the decades, the notable spy is known for his resourcefulness, his range of combat skills, and his controversial status as a womanizer. The multidimensional protagonist has led more than 20 films, each finding the MI6 agent in a different corner of the world, battling against rogue agents or international crime syndicates.
While Bond seemingly holds a monopoly over the genre, there are many spy films breaking into the mainstream and captivating audiences all the same. Whether it be similar premises, thrilling fight scenes, or the film’s assertion, these movies will surely entertain and surprise longtime and newfound fans of James Bond. Here are 15 movies like James Bond to watch next.
15The Courier (2020)
The Courier
Businessman Greville Wynne is asked by a Russian source attempt to help put an end to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
Based on British business executive Greville Wynne,The Courierstars Benedict Cumberbatch as Wynne and chronicles his collusion with MI6 during The Cold War. Recruited to maintain contact with Soviet agent Oleg Penkosvky (Merab Ninidze), the film follows Wynne’s efforts in deescalating tensions between the USA, its capitalist allies, and the USSR.
How It’s Like James Bond
Like James Bond’s most memorable adventures,The Courier’s story is founded in reality. Centered around the Cuban Missile Crisis, Wynne and Ponkovsky rely on their intel, quick wits, and combat skills, similarly to the famous 007. While the fish-out-of-water story adds some depth to Wynne’s narrative,The Courierremains an entertaining film with gratifying suspense and multi-layered characterization that most fans of Bond will find impeccable and important.Stream on Prime Video
14A Call to Spy (2019)
While many World War II tales focus on male soldiers and secret agents,A Call to Spyis one of the many projects to expand the scope of what, and more importantly, who contributed to the Allied war effort. The story of Virginia Hall (Sarah Megan Thomas), Vera Atkins (Stana Katic), and Noor Inayat Khan (Radhika Apte) begins at the beginning of World War II. In desperate need of intel and advantages, British spy Atkins recruits Hall and Khan. The trio conducts a particularly perilous mission in Vichy France, putting their lives on the line to thwart the Nazi war effort.
The agents inA Call to Spycarry themselves with a similar craftiness to Bond. While the Bond films have been influential to the modern spy genre,A Call to Spydocuments the overlooked lives of these selfless agents while capturing them as people. Where the Bond films establish and rely on a familiar formula,A Call to Spyattempts to illustrate the realities of thesethree women spies. With Sarah Megan Thomas writing, producing, and starring in the film, it is impossible to miss the sincerity behind it.Stream on AMC+
13Enemy of the State (1998)
Enemy Of The State
Many films incorporate hijinks into their plots, andEnemy of the Stateis no different. The film follows Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith), an innocuous lawyer who becomes embroiled in a secret scandal involving the assassination of a high-profile senator. Throughout the film, NSA Agent Reynolds (Jon Voight) and his team of subordinates attempt to sabotage an unsuspecting Dean, by any means necessary.
A great spy film understands the power of an entourage. Whether it be a dynamic duo or a vast network of allies,Enemy of the Statedisplays the significance of every piece on the chessboard. What makes this filmparticularly fascinating is the role reversal. While Bond is seen as an exceptional agent within a larger organization, Dean and ex-agent Edward “Bill” Lyle (Gene Hackman) are on the outside, crafting their meticulous retaliation. Nonetheless, both films highlight overarching issues such as government surveillance, corruption, and the carelessness of the world’s most influential people.Stream on Paramount+
12The Gray Man (2022)
The Gray Manplaces audiences at the center of an explosive conflict between two CIA agents, chronicling the discord that arises due to one’s disillusionment with the system. Following Sierra Six (played by Ryan Gosling), the film finds his personal life in jeopardy after vengeful rivals hire Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), a disgruntled and “sociopathic” mercenary. Their insular conflict soon evolves into an international frenzy, implicating everyone they come across.
The mutual animosity between the agents not only serves as an integral plot for the film, but also mirrors the relationship between Bond and his treacherous foes in films likeGoldenEye.While reception towards the Netflix film varies, the most contentious moments between Sierra Six and Hansen prove to be the most compelling action withinThe Gray Man, equipped with the same tension and cleverness as most Bond films.Stream on Netflix
11The Conversation (1974)
The Conversation
The Conversation, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a 1974 thriller following a paranoid surveillance expert who faces a moral dilemma. As he becomes increasingly immersed in his latest case, he fears that his recordings may be linked to a potential murder, challenging his professional detachment.
The Conversationfinds Francis Ford Coppola at the helm of a mystery thriller starring Gene Hackman, John Cazle, and Allen Garfield. While surveillance has been a widespread discussion for quite some time, the film focuses on Harry Caul (Hackman), a surveillance expert stuck contemplating the potential murder he witnessed inadvertently. Throughout the film, Caul’s dilemma offers illuminating insight into the role technology plays in everyday society, offering another perspective on espionage.
While Bond’s role as an agent is more formal, Harry and his confidante, Stan (Cazle), stumble upon a mystery. Nevertheless, the mystery at the center of both narratives lead audiences down a complex sequence of events that contain exhilarating revelations and intriguing means of gaining intel on suspected criminals. For fans of Bond looking for an equally suspenseful spy thriller with strong storytelling,The Conversationis the perfect film to get lost in.Stream on Netflix or Paramount+
10The German Spy Peril (1914)
Considered by many as the first spy film,The German Spy Perilis a silent drama set in World War I. The seven-minute short film follows an unnamed hero overhearing a nefarious plot by the Germans to blow up parliament. In hopes of thwarting them, the hero takes it upon himself to act for the betterment of Britain. While films such asThe 39 Stepsmay align closer to modern definitions of a film, the British propaganda piece still remains an influential foundation for the subgenre.
As the Bond franchise originates fromCold War tensions,The German Spy Perilis similarly informed and inspired by World War I. Both films, while varying in length and characterization, illustrate the perceived significance of both heroes and their intervention in international incidents. Films such asFrom Russia with Lovecarry the same dramatic tension found withinThe German Spy Peril,with both protagonists carrying the weight of defending the world from an insidious force and their truly chilling plans to achieve victory. Be it to quench one’s curiosity or trace back the origins of stories likeNo Time To Die,The German Spy Perilis a concise yet informative watch.Stream on YouTube
Related:Most Realistic Spy Movies of All Time
9Three Days of the Condor (1975)
Three Days of the Condoris a harrowing thriller that follows Joe Turner (Robert Redford), a CIA researcher who returns after his break to find his co-workers gruesomely murdered. Hoping to discover the motives behind the murder while looking out for himself, the movie soon unveils itself as a particularly enjoyable exploration of paranoia.
As fans of great spy films understand, suspense is an imperative aspect to a film’s narrative.Three Days of the Condorincludes nothing but stimulating scenes, where Turner evades nefarious superiors and audiences really get a close look at his craftiness and foresight. Much like some of Bond’s best adventures,Three Days of the Condoris just as thrilling: both in the mystery at hand and the looming conspiracy that haunts the titular Condor.Stream on Prime Video or Paramount+
8Tenet (2020)
Tenethas been considered by many to be director Christopher Nolan’s answer to the Bond franchise. Drawing favorable comparisons toDaniel Craig’s James Bond movies, the film focuses on an unnamed protagonist, portrayed by John David Washington, who is intercepted during a CIA mission and later recruited by the titular secret organization. Throughout the film, the protagonist becomes embroiled in a mind-bending conflict impacted by time travel.
Aside from the aforementioned associations made by fans and critics, Washington makes for a compelling lead. Furthermore, the plot ofTenetleft some feeling puzzled while others felt thoroughly satisfied. Without a doubt, the sheerambition of Nolan’s film and its astute understanding of spy stories will surely pique the interests of cinephiles and Bond fans alike.Rent on AppleTV
7The Bourne Identity (2002)
The Bourne Identity
Probably the most recognizable spy film next to Bond,The Bourne Identityis an exhilarating drama that follows Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) in his quest to retrieve his identity. However, as his adventure progresses, he quickly unearths an unsettling scheme that connects him with the CIA. Following its 2002 release, the film has been cemented into pop culture as a truly unforgettable exploration of themes like justice, truth, and mortality.
Controversially, Daniel Craig’s first films as Bond earned comparisons toThe Bourne Identity,with many fans accusing the franchise of imitating Damon’s film. However, the slight controversy pales in comparison to the payoff of diving into the mind of Jason Bourne. Both films have enigmatic protagonists and spend just enough time inspecting the men that make the myth, as they do on crafting engaging spy missions.Rent on AppleTV
6Atomic Blonde (2017)
Atomic Blonde
Regarded by many to be an enjoyable action thriller,Atomic BlondeseesCharlize Theron starringas an MI6 agent deployed to Berlin in hopes of discovering the truth behind the murder of her fellow agent. While conducting her investigation, she also becomes aware of the double agents within her vicinity. In search of truth,Atomic Blondeblooms into a truly fascinating spy film.
Both Lorraine (Theron) and Bond are admirable protagonists through and through. Be it for their exceptional combat skills or their remarkable discernment, the respective films are truly sublime. Watching Lorraine navigate the murky network of spies in Berlin is truly fascinating, and as the film inches closer to the truth, her experience twists and turns into something much more mind-boggling, but ultimately fulfilling.Rent on AppleTV
