10 Best Spy Movies on Netflix That Are Worth Adding to Your Watchlist

Spy films — coupled with action, drama, or even comedy — keep viewers intrigued. If you're seeking entertainment that keeps your adrenaline pumping, look no further, as the best spy movies on Netflix are well worth indulging in.

High-stakes drama, intricate friendship dilemmas, shocking betrayals, and captivating scenes showcasing sophisticated and old-school devices make up a compelling espionage film.

The world of cinema has given its audience captivating films with intriguing plot twists. Streaming powerhouse Netflix has you fully covered when it comes to enjoying these films from the comfort of your own home.

'Red Notice': Triple Threat of Crime, Comedy, & Chaos

In 2022, the comedy-action film "Red Notice" debuted, drawing in millions of viewers worldwide. It stars Dwayne Johnson as FBI John Hartley, Ryan Reynolds as Nolan Booth, and Gal Gadot as The Bishop.

Hartley, a skilled FBI profiler, had to partner with an Interpol agent to capture the notorious international art thief Booth. However, their plans unexpectedly turned when The Bishop outsmarts them both. This twist sets off a whirlwind adventure around the globe.

With three of Hollywood's finest stars exuding remarkable on-screen chemistry, it's evident that the audience is in for an immersive cinematic experience that will have them both laughing and on the edge of their seats.

'Hanna': Thrilling Adventure of Self-Discovery

Blending elements of action, adventure, and drama, the 2011 spy movie "Hanna" captivates its audience, holding their gaze on the screen as every scene unfolds with intriguing suspense.

The story follows Hanna, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, who receives assassin training from her former CIA father, played by Eric Bana. Amid this, a seasoned CIA operative, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, becomes determined to track her down.

Along the way to her final journey, Hanna is confronted with shocking truths about her identity and grapples with questions about what it means to be truly human.

'Operation Mincemeat' 2022: A Glimpse of Deception

Released in 2022, the film "Operation Mincemeat" transports viewers on a trip back in time. Set during World War II, the movie follows Commander Ewen Montagu, portrayed by Colin Firth, as he teams up with intelligence officer Charles Cholmondeley played by Matthew Macfadyen, for an intense mission.

Instead of directly invading Sicily, they ingeniously tricked the German troops by planting misleading data on a deceased officer. This made-up tale becomes the central aspect of their strategy, creating a persuasive illusion that the Allies are preparing to strike Greece.

Actors Lorne MacFadyen, Mark Gatiss, Kelly Macdonald, Ruby Bentall, Charlott Hamblin, Penelope Wilton, Hattie Morahan, and Simon Russell Beale are among the talented stars who shone in the film.

'The Gray Man': An Electrifying Pursuit

"The Gray Man" stands out as an action-thriller movie in 2022 that genuinely captivates fans. While critics didn't lavish the film with adoration, they relish the opportunity to witness two of Hollywood's most captivating heartthrobs: Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling.

In the movie, Gosling plays CIA Agent Six. He discovers that his supervisor is secretly running unauthorized assassination missions. When Six refuses to cooperate, Carmichael sends Evans' character, the ruthless Lloyd Hansen, to eliminate him, regardless of the damage caused.

Equally-talented actors Regé-Jean Page, Billy Bob Thornton, Jessica Henwick, Ana de Armas, Shea Whigham, and Julia Butters are among the many stars in the film besides Gosling and Evans.

'Munich – The Edge of War': Friendship under Fire

In the 2022 spy thriller "Munich – The Edge of War," drama and loyalty interplay as two former college friends, Hugh Legat and Paul von Hartmann, find themselves on opposite sides during Adolf Hitler's reign in Germany.

In the gripping movie, Hugh works as a private secretary to British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, while Paul is a German Ministry of Foreign Affairs translator. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, Hugh and Legat conspire to take down Hitler despite the looming conflict.

George MacKay stars as Legat, Jannis Niewöhner portrays von Hartmann, and Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons graces the screen as Chamberlain. This film is based on Robert Harris' compelling novel, "Munich."

'A Call to Spy': Women Who Fought in Shadows

In contrast to an all male-cast for a spy film, the 2021 flick "A Call to Spy" offers a female perspective and reveals the untold stories of key individuals driving the British war effort in the mid-20th century.

Starring actresses Stana Katic, Sarah Megan Thomas, and Radhika Apte, the movie chronicles a remarkable trio of women — Vera Atkins, Virginia Hall, and Noor Inayat Khan — ready to save their country.

Under Winston Churchill's orders, they became spies within the tumultuous backdrop of the Second World War. As they embark on a daring special operation, these spies navigate treacherous terrain while facing the pervasive sexism that defined the era.

'The Angel': A Presidential Son-In-Law's Tangled Loyalties

Political manipulation takes center stage in the 2018 spy biopic "The Angel," leaving the audience engrossed in its high-stakes drama. The film was based on the true story of Ashraf Marwan, an Egyptian national and son-in-law of former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

"Operation Finale" is another fascinating spy film released in 2018.

Marwan, portrayed by actor Marwan Kenzari, is a spy for Egypt against Israel. When the president rebuked his suggestions for peaceful solutions, Marwan eventually led him to offer his intel to the Israeli government, complicating things.

'Salt' (2010): Action, Spice, & White Lies

The 2010 spy flick "Salt" is another exceptional film that centers around a female spy named Evelyn Salt, a CIA operative accused of being a Russian spy and forced to run and hide from people who looks after her.

Actress Angelina Jolie shines as the film's protagonist. Not only does she flawlessly embody the role, but her professionalism has also left a lasting impression on director Phillip Noyce. Noyce said of Jolie:

"She doesn't have to do it, but she has absolutely no fear. Usually when an actor becomes more and more successful, they play it safe. But that's not Angelina Jolie."

'Operation Finale': A Journey to Justice

"Operation Finale" is another fascinating spy film released in 2018 that follows Mossad agent Peter Malkin's challenging journey to Argentina to capture a Nazi fugitive. During the 1960 undercover pursuit, Malkin penetrates the country, ultimately apprehending Adolf Eichmann.

Eichmann is the mastermind behind the logistical intricacies that led to the tragic deaths of countless innocent Jews in concentration camps and is brought to justice through Malkin's daring efforts.

The captivating movie features an all-star ensemble, with actor Ben Kingsley delivering a brilliant portrayal of Eichmann and co-star Oscar Isaac breathing life into Malkin.

'The Equalizer': An Unlikely Guardian of the Innocent

"The Equalizer" hit the big screens in 2018, and actor Denzel Washington embodies the role of McCall, a man with an enigmatic history dedicated to living an ordinary life: working as one of the staff in a hardware store.

However, everything turns upside down when McCall crosses paths with a young woman played by actress Chloë Grace Moretz, whose life got entangled with a vicious group of Russian gangsters and shatters his peaceful existence.

Equipped with hidden skills that enable him to seek vengeance against those who harm the defenseless, McCall abandons his self-imposed retirement and reignites his passion for taking lawbreakers into his own hands.

The Washington-led movie drew inspiration from a 1980s television series of the same title, played by actor Edward Woodward, who played an elite government assassin turned justice-seeking vigilante.