The Spy Who Dumped Me is an action-comedy starring Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon as best friends who get thrust into a dangerous spy plot after one of them discovers her ex-boyfriend was a secret agent. Unexpectedly inheriting a flash drive containing crucial information, they find themselves on the run across Europe, chased by assassins and pursued by a charming British agent (Sam Heughan). The film relies heavily on the comedic chemistry between Kunis and McKinnon, who provide plenty of laughs amidst the car chases and shootouts. It's a lighthearted, globe-trotting adventure that puts a civilian spin on the spy genre.

Based on the novel by former CIA officer Jason Matthews, Red Sparrow is a darker, more grounded spy thriller centered on Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence), a former ballerina forced to enroll in a Russian intelligence school that trains young people to become 'Sparrows' - seductive and manipulative spies. The film is known for its intense and often brutal portrayal of the physical and psychological training involved in espionage. Jeremy Irons plays the head of the Sparrow school, bringing a cold gravitas to the role. It's a story about manipulation, survival, and the sacrifices made in the shadowy world of intelligence.

Melissa McCarthy shines in Spy, a hilarious action-comedy directed by Paul Feig. She plays Susan Cooper, a desk-bound CIA analyst who gets her chance to go undercover in the field when her partner (Jude Law) is compromised. Feig wrote the role specifically for McCarthy, building on their successful collaborations in films like Bridesmaids. The film cleverly subverts spy movie tropes, using McCarthy's comedic timing and physical comedy to great effect, while still delivering genuinely thrilling action sequences. Jason Statham also provides scene-stealing laughs as a bumbling, overconfident agent. It's a genuinely funny and exciting spy parody.

Guy Ritchie brought his signature style to The Man from U.N.C.L.E., a slick and witty reboot of the classic 1960s TV series. Set during the Cold War, the film pairs American spy Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) with Soviet agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) on a joint mission to stop a mysterious criminal organization from proliferating nuclear weapons. The movie is a feast for the eyes, with fantastic period costumes, production design, and a cool, jazzy score. It leans into the inherent absurdity of the premise with dry humor and sophisticated charm, offering a stylish, fun caper that feels distinct from other modern spy films.

James Cameron's True Lies is a high-octane action-comedy that sees Arnold Schwarzenegger as Harry Tasker, a seemingly ordinary computer salesman who is secretly a top spy for a covert U.S. agency. When his wife (Jamie Lee Curtis) begins to suspect he's having an affair, he orchestrates a fake spy mission to spice up their marriage, only for them to stumble into a real terrorist plot. This film was one of the first to have a budget exceeding $100 million. It expertly balances massive action sequences, including a famous sequence involving a Harrier jet, with genuinely funny comedic moments, largely thanks to the chemistry between Schwarzenegger and Curtis.

Angelina Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper spy, forcing her to go on the run to clear her name and uncover a vast conspiracy. Directed by Phillip Noyce, Salt is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that sees its protagonist constantly improvising and using her environment to survive. The film was originally written for a male lead, but the script was successfully adapted for Jolie, showcasing her capability as a leading action star. The movie features multiple disguises, narrow escapes, and intense set pieces as Salt evades capture and races against time.

Set in Berlin just before the fall of the Wall, Atomic Blonde stars Charlize Theron as Lorraine Broughton, an elite MI6 spy sent to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a list of double agents. The film is a visually stunning and brutally choreographed action spectacle, renowned for its extended, seemingly single-take stairwell fight sequence, which required extensive planning and physical training. The soundtrack is packed with 80s hits, perfectly complementing the film's gritty, neon-drenched aesthetic. Theron delivers a fierce and physically demanding performance as a spy who relies as much on her wits as her incredible fighting skills.

From director Matthew Vaughn, Kingsman: The Secret Service is a stylish, irreverent, and wildly entertaining take on the spy genre. It introduces Eggsy (Taron Egerton), a troubled but good-hearted young man recruited into a secret independent intelligence agency that sports impeccably tailored suits and high-tech gadgets. The film is a loving homage to classic Bond films, particularly the Roger Moore era, but injects it with a modern, R-rated sensibility and over-the-top action sequences. Colin Firth is brilliant as the refined mentor Harry Hart. It's a fun, action-packed ride that doesn't take itself too seriously, establishing a unique world of gentleman spies.

Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies is a meticulously crafted historical thriller set during the height of the Cold War. Tom Hanks stars as James B. Donovan, a Brooklyn lawyer thrust into the world of international espionage when he's tasked with defending an arrested Soviet spy (Mark Rylance, who won an Oscar for his performance) and later negotiating a prisoner exchange for a downed American U-2 pilot. The screenplay was co-written by the Coen Brothers, lending a sharp, witty edge to the dialogue. The film excels in building tension through dialogue and atmosphere, capturing the pervasive fear and suspicion of the era. It's a compelling story about principle, duty, and the human element caught within geopolitical conflict.

Based on the classic novel by John le Carré, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a masterclass in atmospheric, slow-burn espionage. Set during the Cold War, it follows retired spy George Smiley (Gary Oldman) as he's called back to uncover a Soviet mole within the highest ranks of British intelligence, known as 'The Circus'. The film is renowned for its intricate plot, deliberate pacing, and dense, realistic portrayal of spycraft, focusing on bureaucratic maneuvering, paranoia, and quiet observation rather than explosive action. The ensemble cast is exceptional, featuring some of the best British actors of their generation, delivering subtle, nuanced performances. It's a film that demands attention but rewards patience with its intelligence and rich period detail.

The Bourne Identity introduced audiences to Jason Bourne, an amnesiac man pulled from the sea who discovers he possesses incredible combat and survival skills, hinting at a dangerous past as a highly-trained operative. Matt Damon's portrayal of the vulnerable yet lethal Bourne was a departure from typical spy heroes, and the film's grounded, hand-to-hand combat style and kinetic shaky-cam action sequences revolutionized action filmmaking in the 2000s. Director Doug Liman created a sense of urgency and paranoia that defined the series. It's a thrilling mystery wrapped in a high-stakes chase, launching a hugely successful franchise that continues to influence spy thrillers today.

Daniel Craig's explosive debut as James Bond in Casino Royale fundamentally reshaped the character and the franchise. Moving away from the gadget-heavy antics of previous eras, this film grounded Bond in a gritty, realistic world, focusing on his origins and the brutal realities of espionage. The film is based on Ian Fleming's first Bond novel, and it strips the character back to his core, showing how he earns his 00 status. The parkour chase scene at the beginning set the tone for the film's intense action sequences, while the central poker game provides a different kind of tension. Eva Green's Vesper Lynd is a complex and compelling Bond girl, central to the emotional weight of the story. It's a bold, refreshing take that breathed new life into the iconic spy.

Skyfall is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant entry in the James Bond saga, marking the franchise's 50th anniversary with style and substance. Director Sam Mendes brought a more introspective feel to 007, exploring his past and vulnerabilities in a way rarely seen before. Roger Deakins' cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, earning him an Academy Award nomination and elevating the film's aesthetic to art. Javier Bardem delivers a chilling and complex performance as the villain Raoul Silva, a former MI6 agent with a personal vendetta. The film successfully blends classic Bond elements with a modern, gritty sensibility, resulting in a critically acclaimed masterpiece that revitalized the series and resonated deeply with audiences.

Considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Mission: Impossible franchise, and arguably one of the greatest action films ever made, Fallout sees Ethan Hunt and his IMF team race against time after a mission goes wrong. Director Christopher McQuarrie returned, becoming the first person to direct two films in the series, and his commitment to practical stunts is legendary here. Tom Cruise famously broke his ankle jumping between buildings while filming one sequence, yet insisted the take be used. The HALO jump scene was incredibly complex, requiring bespoke equipment and extensive training, with Cruise performing it himself from a staggering 25,000 feet. The film weaves a complex, globe-trotting narrative with breathtaking set pieces, delivering relentless tension and spectacle that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.