The 7 best spy movies of the 21st century you should watch 

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Spy movies consistently captivate audiences with their thrilling blend of suspense, intricate plotlines, and high-octane action sequences. These cinematic masterpieces masterfully weave together elements of espionage, political intrigue, and often a touch of moral ambiguity, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. 

While films like the James Bond franchise have long dominated the genre, it’s crucial to acknowledge the significant contributions from filmmakers across the globe, including those from the West. From the gritty realism of the Bourne series to the stylish sophistication of The Man from U.N.C.L.E, Western cinema has produced a wealth of iconic spy films that have redefined the genre and continue to entertain audiences worldwide.

Johnny English (2003)

From Pascal’s twisted French accent to Johnny’s silliness, Johnny English is the go-to spy comedic movie 

Johnny English, a relic of the Cold War and Britain’s most inept secret agent is inexplicably reinstated as the nation’s last line of defense after a rogue ninja wipes out MI7 headquarters. This leaves the hapless English, with his signature bowler hat and outdated gadgets, facing his most formidable challenge yet: recovering the stolen Crown Jewels.

Accompanied by his bewildered sidekick, Bough (Ben Miller), English embarks on a series of disastrous missions, each more slapstick than the last. From a hilarious high-speed chase in a vintage car to accidentally triggering a series of catastrophic explosions, English’s every move is a comedic masterpiece.

Facing off against the flamboyant and theatrical French villain, Pascal Sauvage (John Malkovich), the film thrives on the clash of personalities. Malkovich delivers a deliciously over-the-top performance, while Atkinson, channeling his inner Mr. Bean, infuses every scene with his trademark physical humor and deadpan delivery.

Johnny English is a delightful parody of the classic spy genre. It lovingly skewers the tropes of Bond films – the glamorous gadgets, the exotic locations, the suave but deadly heroes – while replacing them with a cascade of comical mishaps and absurd situations. While some jokes might be predictable, the film’s charm lies in its unabashed embrace of silliness and Atkinson’s undeniable comedic genius.

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The Bourne Ultimatum is a relentless and exhilarating action masterpiece that solidified Matt Damon as a bona fide action star. Haunted by his past as a lethal assassin, Jason Bourne (Damon) continues his desperate search for answers about his origins and the shadowy organization that created him.#

Driven by a relentless pursuit, Bourne finds himself a target of Noah Vosen (David Strathairn), a ruthless CIA Deputy Director determined to eliminate him. The film delivers a pulse-pounding experience, with Bourne constantly evading capture through a series of thrilling chases, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and high-stakes confrontations.

The visceral and immersive camerawork, characterized by its shaky yet steady style, draws the audience directly into Bourne’s perilous journey. “The Bourne Ultimatum” is a pivotal point in Bourne’s saga, pushing him closer to the truth about his past while simultaneously pushing him to the brink of physical and emotional exhaustion.

Get Smart(2008)

In a refreshing twist on the classic spy genre, Get Smart delivers a lighthearted action-comedy with sharp humor and well-crafted scenes. Steve Carell shines as Maxwell Smart, an eager but bumbling analyst who unexpectedly gets his chance to prove himself as a field agent when CONTROL headquarters is compromised. Partnered with the skilled and no-nonsense Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), Max must race against time to stop the villainous KAOS from unleashing global chaos

Get Smart is a delightful blend of humor and excitement. From witty banter and absurd gadgets like the iconic “cone of silence” to a hilarious dance-off between Max and 99, the film is packed with memorable moments. Nostalgic nods to the original TV series will delight longtime fans, while newcomers will be charmed by the film’s witty dialogue and easy-to-follow spy antics.”

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

This movie brought the phenomenal actor, Taron Egerton to the limelight. His latest movie is Netflix’s Carry-on. Yes, that’s right.

This movie boasts a solid story, following the rebellious Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton), whose life takes an unexpected turn when he’s rescued from jail by the enigmatic Harry Hart (Colin Firth). Harry reveals a connection to Eggsy’s deceased father, both having served in the Kingsman, a secretive British intelligence agency. Reluctantly, but with little else to lose, Eggsy accepts Harry’s offer to join the Kingsman, embarking on a journey that transforms him from a directionless youth into a sophisticated spy.

Beyond the compelling narrative, the film is infused with a unique brand of quirkiness. From a megalomaniacal eco-terrorist determined to eradicate humanity to prevent climate change, to an assassin wielding deadly prosthetic blades, and a shocking massacre within a place of worship, the film delivers a series of unexpected and shocking moments. This, combined with dynamic camera work, immerses the audience in the intense action and creates a visceral sense of participation in the bloody carnage.”

Spy (2015)

Spy is a hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming action-comedy that showcases Melissa McCarthy’s unexpected action-star prowess. Tired of being underestimated in her role as a desk-bound CIA analyst, Susan Cooper (McCarthy) seizes the opportunity to prove herself when her dashing field agent partner (Jude Law) is incapacitated. Suddenly thrust into the field, Susan embarks on a globe-trotting mission to save the world, armed with wit, grit, and a surprising array of gadgets.

This underdog story is filled with magnetic charm. McCarthy delivers a captivating performance, showcasing both vulnerability and surprising strength. Director Paul Feig’s signature sharp wit and fast-paced direction elevate the film into an action-packed comedic gem.  Susan must navigate a series of perilous situations, while simultaneously dealing with the condescending Rick Ford (Jason Statham), a macho caricature, and the no-nonsense demands of her boss (Allison Janney). “Spy” is a refreshing departure from McCarthy’s typical comedic roles, proving that she’s a force to be reckoned with both on and off-screen.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a stylish and sophisticated spy thriller that captures the glamorous and dangerous spirit of the Cold War. Based on the iconic 1964 TV series, the film boasts a sleek aesthetic and a witty, sardonic tone. Forced into an uneasy alliance, CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) must overcome their mutual distrust to stop a criminal organization from acquiring a devastating weapon. Their mission is to locate Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander) and prevent her father, a renowned nuclear scientist, from being exploited to build a doomsday device.

Cavill and Hammer bring a charismatic energy to their roles, with Cavill embodying Solo’s suave charm and Hammer portraying Kuryakin’s stoic intensity. The film stands out with its sharp humor, restrained yet stylish action sequences, and meticulous recreation of the glamorous 1960s. Despite their constant bickering and occasional physical confrontations, Solo and Kuryakin form an unlikely and ultimately effective partnership, proving that even sworn enemies can unite to save the world.

Mission: Impossible- Fallout (2018)

Two years after capturing Solomon Lane, Ethan Hunt faces a new deadly threat: the Apostles, a terrorist group hunting for three plutonium cores. Operating under CIA jurisdiction, Hunt is paired with the enigmatic August Walker, but their mission quickly devolves into a web of deceit and betrayal.

Mission Impossible- Fallout is a relentless thrill ride that pushes the franchise to its limits. From the jaw-dropping rooftop chase and explosive helicopter battles to the simmering tension between Hunt and Walker, the film maintains an unrelenting pace, leaving audiences breathless. Every scene, whether filled with explosive action or fraught with mental tension, contributes to the film’s relentless momentum, ensuring that the franchise continues to rise.