Johnny English is a British spy comedy starring Rowan Atkinson as the titular character, a clumsy and incompetent MI7 agent who somehow always manages to save the day through sheer luck and accidental brilliance. The film is essentially a vehicle for Atkinson's physical comedy, channeling the spirit of characters like Mr. Bean into the spy world. It parodies classic spy movie tropes and gadgets, often with disastrously funny results. While not a serious spy thriller, it's a charming and often hilarious send-up of the genre, relying on Atkinson's unique comedic timing and facial expressions to land its jokes. It spawned a successful series of sequels, proving the enduring appeal of the lovable, inept agent.

The Spy Who Dumped Me is an action-comedy centered on two best friends in Vienna who discover that one's ex-boyfriend was actually a spy, and they are now caught in a dangerous international conspiracy. Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon star as Audrey and Morgan, bringing their comedic talents to the forefront as they bumble their way through espionage and globetrotting danger. The film balances its comedic moments with some surprisingly competent action sequences. McKinnon's eccentric performance as the wild best friend provides many of the film's biggest laughs. It's a lighthearted take on the spy genre, focusing on the fish-out-of-water experience of ordinary people thrust into a world of assassins and double-crosses.

Spy is a hilarious action-comedy that flips the script on the typical spy protagonist. Melissa McCarthy stars as Susan Cooper, a desk-bound CIA analyst who suddenly gets her chance to go undercover in the field. The film embraces McCarthy's comedic strengths while also showcasing her in surprisingly effective action sequences. Directed by Paul Feig, known for his collaborations with McCarthy, the movie features a strong supporting cast including Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, and Jude Law, all playing with their typical personas. Statham, in particular, is laugh-out-loud funny as a ridiculously over-the-top agent. 'Spy' successfully lampoons many spy movie tropes while still delivering a genuinely entertaining and action-packed adventure led by an unlikely hero.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith centers on a seemingly ordinary suburban couple, John and Jane Smith (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie), who are secretly highly skilled assassins working for rival organizations. The film takes a unique premise – what happens when two spies are married but don't know the other's true profession? – and turns it into an action-packed, comedic battle of the sexes. The chemistry between Pitt and Jolie is palpable, fueling the film's central conflict and humor as their professional lives spectacularly collide with their personal one. It's a fun popcorn movie that blends stylish action sequences with witty banter and romantic comedy elements, exploring trust and deception within a marriage through the lens of espionage.

RED takes a humorous approach to the spy genre by focusing on a group of retired, highly dangerous agents who are suddenly targeted for assassination. Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is a former black-ops operative enjoying retirement until he's pulled back into the world, reassembling his old team played by an incredible cast including Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren. The acronym R.E.D. stands for 'Retired Extremely Dangerous'. The film finds comedy in watching these seasoned, slightly eccentric pros use their old skills to take on a new generation of threats. It's an action-comedy that proves you're never too old to be a spy, delivering plenty of laughs and satisfying action sequences powered by its charismatic cast.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a stylish and witty reboot of the classic 1960s TV series, directed by Guy Ritchie. Set during the Cold War, it pairs an American CIA agent (Henry Cavill) with a Soviet KGB agent (Armie Hammer) who are forced to team up to stop a mysterious criminal organization. The film excels in its aesthetic, perfectly capturing the fashion, design, and cool of the 1960s. Cavill and Hammer have great chemistry, playing off each other's national stereotypes with comedic timing. Alicia Vikander adds another layer as a crucial character caught between them. While perhaps lighter on plot than some spy thrillers, its charm, visual flair, and engaging leads make it a fun and fashionable espionage caper.

True Lies is a quintessential 90s action-comedy from director James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a seemingly ordinary computer salesman who is secretly a top spy for a covert US agency. The film finds humor in the juxtaposition of his dangerous double life and his attempts to keep it hidden from his wife, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, who delivers a hilarious performance as she gets inadvertently drawn into his world. The action sequences are classic Cameron – big, elaborate, and exciting, including a memorable scene with a Harrier jet. It successfully blends thrilling spy action with genuinely funny domestic comedy, becoming one of the most entertaining examples of the subgenre.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy offers a starkly different perspective on the world of espionage compared to high-octane action flicks. Based on the acclaimed novel by John le Carré, this film is a slow-burn, cerebral thriller centered on the hunt for a Soviet mole within the highest ranks of British intelligence (referred to as 'The Circus'). Gary Oldman delivers a masterclass in understated acting as George Smiley, the quiet, observant agent tasked with uncovering the traitor. The film perfectly captures the paranoid, grey atmosphere of the Cold War, relying on dialogue, atmosphere, and subtle performances rather than explosions. It's a film that rewards patience, offering a complex, richly detailed look at the psychological toll and moral ambiguity of espionage, featuring an incredible ensemble cast of British talent.

Salt features Angelina Jolie as Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper spy, forcing her to go on the run to clear her name. Originally written for a male lead (reportedly Tom Cruise), the script was rewritten to accommodate Jolie, a change that significantly elevated the film. Jolie performed many of her own stunts, bringing a raw energy to the action sequences as Salt uses her extensive training to evade capture while trying to uncover the truth. The film is a fast-paced thriller packed with chases, disguises, and betrayals, keeping the audience guessing about Salt's true allegiance until the very end. It's a strong showcase for Jolie's capability as an action star in a complex espionage scenario.

Atomic Blonde plunges viewers into the neon-drenched streets of late-Cold War Berlin, following a highly skilled MI6 agent on a dangerous mission. Charlize Theron delivers a physically demanding performance as Lorraine Broughton, executing brutal, extended fight sequences with incredible precision. Directed by David Leitch, who came from a stunt background (co-directing 'John Wick'), the action is the undeniable highlight, particularly a stunning single-take staircase fight scene that is a marvel of choreography and endurance. The film boasts a killer soundtrack filled with 80s hits that perfectly capture the era's atmosphere. While the plot is a tangled web of double agents and shifting alliances, Theron's ice-cold intensity and the film's stylish execution make it a standout entry in the modern spy thriller landscape.

The Bourne Identity revolutionized the spy thriller genre with its gritty realism, shaky-cam action, and a protagonist suffering from amnesia, trying to piece together his past. Matt Damon is perfectly cast as Jason Bourne, an agent who discovers he possesses lethal skills he doesn't remember acquiring. Directed by Doug Liman, the film grounded the spy narrative in a more believable, less gadget-heavy world than its predecessors. The hand-to-hand combat sequences, choreographed by Jeff Imada, felt raw and practical, influencing countless action films that followed. The movie's success kicked off a hugely popular franchise that continued to explore themes of identity, government conspiracies, and the moral ambiguity of espionage. It's a film that proved you could have intense, compelling spy action without relying on outlandish plots or cartoonish villains.

Kingsman: The Secret Service burst onto the scene with a stylish, irreverent take on the spy genre, blending slick action with a quirky, self-aware humor. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, it's based on the comic book series by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. The film introduces us to a secret organization of impeccably dressed British spies, operating out of a bespoke tailor shop. Colin Firth, typically known for more reserved roles, absolutely shines as the veteran agent Harry Hart, showcasing surprising and incredibly choreographed action skills. Taron Egerton's portrayal of the streetwise recruit Eggsy brings a fresh perspective to the elite world. The church scene, in particular, is a chaotic, over-the-top display of violence set to Lynyrd Skynyrd, becoming an instant classic moment. It's a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously but delivers genuinely exciting spy thrills with a unique aesthetic.

Skyfall stands out as a modern masterpiece in the James Bond saga, bringing a deep sense of introspection to the iconic character while delivering spectacular action. Directed by Sam Mendes, known for dramas like 'American Beauty', his touch brought a unique blend of emotional weight and grand spectacle. This film marked the 50th anniversary of the Bond franchise and paid homage to its history, even featuring Q (Ben Whishaw) in a younger, more technologically focused iteration. Javier Bardem's portrayal of the villain Raoul Silva is chilling and complex, providing a truly formidable challenge for Bond. The movie's cinematography, particularly the Shanghai sequence lit by neon, is absolutely stunning, earning Roger Deakins an Academy Award nomination. Adele's haunting theme song also won an Oscar, adding to the film's prestige. It's a film that respects its legacy while boldly moving the character forward.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout is arguably the pinnacle of the modern action spy thriller, pushing the boundaries of practical stunts like never before. Tom Cruise, who famously does his own stunts, actually broke his ankle jumping between buildings during filming, a take that was left in the final cut! Director Christopher McQuarrie returned after 'Rogue Nation', becoming the first director to helm two 'Mission: Impossible' films, bringing a continuity and intensity that paid off massively at the box office and with critics. The sequence involving a HALO jump took over a hundred takes to get right, requiring custom equipment and permits to film at high altitudes. It's a masterclass in tension, intricate plotting with double-crosses galore, and genuinely breathtaking action sequences that feel incredibly real. Ethan Hunt's relentless pursuit across multiple continents offers a globe-trotting adventure that feels both massive in scale and intensely personal.