Top 27 Best CIA Movies Of All Time

"Zero Dark Thirty" is a gripping portrayal of the US government's relentless pursuit of justice following the tragic events of 9/11. The film delves into the rigorous investigation to uncover the mastermind behind the attacks, Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.

Labeled as the most wanted man in the world, Bin Laden became the target of an intensive manhunt that spanned nearly two presidential administrations. The operation notably led to the United States' deep involvement in Pakistan while searching for his whereabouts.

At the heart of the film is Maya, a determined CIA operative whose tireless dedication proved crucial in pinpointing Bin Laden's hideout.

Interestingly, the movie's script was initially developed before Bin Laden's real-life assassination. After the event occurred, the screenplay was revised to incorporate the true details, enhancing its authenticity and impact.

"Argo" is an Academy Award-winning thriller that dramatizes the daring escape of six Americans from Tehran during the 1979 hostage crisis. The CIA hatches an audacious plan: to rescue them under the guise of Hollywood filmmakers scouting locations for a science fiction movie.

Ben Affleck stars and directs as Tony Mendez, the resourceful CIA agent who leads the covert mission. He is joined by an outstanding cast, including Bryan Cranston and Alan Arkin, who bring depth and wit to this pulse-pounding tale.

Their intricate scheme teeters on the edge of exposure, threatened by suspicious glares and the smallest oversight. Each moment is fraught with tension as they risk everything for freedom in a hostile land.

"Argo" is a gripping reminder that truth can be stranger than fiction, especially when the worlds of espionage and Hollywood collide.

Released in 2015 and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Sicario stars Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and Benicio Del Toro. This intense action-crime thriller is a must-watch for fans of gripping, suspenseful films set in the world of law enforcement.

The film boasts a strong IMDb rating of 7.6 and earned a score of 82 on Metacritic. The story begins as special agents Kate Macer and Reggie Wayne uncover hundreds of decomposing bodies hidden within a Sonora Cartel safe house during a daring raid.

Following this shocking discovery, Macer joins a Joint Task Force headed by CIA agents Matt Graver and Alejandro Gillick. Their mission is to apprehend Manuel Diaz, a lieutenant in the Sonora Cartel, but Macer soon realizes the task force employs unorthodox—and sometimes illegal—methods.

"Three Days of the Condor" follows Joe Turner, a CIA researcher and codebreaker whose ordinary workday turns into a nightmare. Expecting his routine, Turner arrives at the office only to discover that all his CIA colleagues have been brutally murdered.

Shocked and overwhelmed, Turner seeks help from his superiors, but his pleas are dismissed and ignored. He soon realizes that the horrific attack was orchestrated by the very leaders of the agency he works for.

With the CIA itself hunting him, Turner is forced to go on the run, pursued by a relentless hitman sent by his own organization. Cut off and on the edge, he must uncover the reason behind the betrayal before it's too late.

James Bond films are renowned for their stylish action, and No Time to Die (2021) is no exception. Though typically focused on MI6, this installment takes a broader approach to espionage.

The story picks up after Bond has retired from active spy life, seeking tranquility in the scenic landscapes of Jamaica. His respite is cut short when an old friend from the CIA reaches out with an urgent request.

Bond is drawn back into danger, teaming up with the CIA to undertake a critical mission. Their objective is to rescue a kidnapped scientist who holds a technology so powerful it could prove catastrophic if misused.

The suspense intensifies as Bond and his ally realize that their target is far more dangerous and deceitful than they initially anticipated.

"The Courier" delivers a gripping tale of collaboration between two of the world's most respected intelligence agencies, MI6 and the CIA. The story begins when MI6 receives a letter from Oleg Penkovsky, a high-level Russian informant deeply concerned about escalating global tensions and the threat of nuclear war.

Alarmed by Penkovsky's warnings, MI6 joins forces with the CIA to counter the looming threat. Together, they enlist Greville Wynne—a reluctant British businessman—assigning him the dangerous task of traveling to Russia under the guise of conducting business deals to gather crucial intelligence.

Eventually, both Penkovsky and Wynne are captured. Yet, Penkovsky testifies that Wynne was merely a "courier" for the sensitive information exchanged between them, highlighting his selfless bravery.

Inspired by real events, "The Courier" explores the extraordinary deeds of ordinary people swept up in the shadowy world of espionage during the Cold War era.

"The Report" centers on Senate staffer Daniel Jones, who is tasked by his boss with leading a highly sensitive investigation. As he digs into the CIA's post-9/11 detention and interrogation programs, Jones faces mounting challenges and resistance from powerful interests.

His assignment is to uncover the reality behind the agency's controversial interrogation methods. The film explores the disturbing findings and tactics the CIA used on detainees during this period.

Similar in tone to the documentary "The Forever Prisoner," "The Report" provides a gripping look at the aftermath of 9/11 and the ethical dilemmas that followed. The story is rooted in true events, lending the narrative an urgent, authentic feel.

As Jones uncovers shocking evidence of illegal torture and attempts by the agency to destroy documentation, the film highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in government operations.

"American Made" is inspired by the true story of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot whose life took an unexpected turn when he was recruited by the CIA.

During the tense era of a looming Communist threat, the CIA enlisted Barry to conduct a reconnaissance mission, tasking him with monitoring burgeoning communist activities in Central America and reporting back with crucial intelligence.

Barry's covert involvement with the CIA led him deep into a dangerous world. He soon found himself entangled in drug running, gun smuggling, and money laundering—dire consequences of his secret assignment.

The film received widespread critical acclaim for its gripping depiction of real events, skillfully telling Barry's story without relying heavily on violence or excessive gore.

"Charlie Wilson’s War" tells the remarkable true story of how an unlikely trio played a pivotal role in aiding the Afghan resistance during the Cold War against the Soviet Union.

This gripping film masterfully blends chilling real-life events with sharp political maneuvering and clever mind games. As the title suggests, the central figure is Charlie Wilson, a Texas Congressman whose actions shaped global history.

Though Charlie was not a covert operative, his visit to an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan transforms his worldview. Inspired by what he witnesses, he joins forces with a shrewd Texas socialite and a resourceful CIA operative, partnering to covertly support Afghanistan’s fight against Soviet occupation.

"Tenet" centers around a mysterious CIA operative known only as "The Protagonist." Assigned to a high-stakes global mission, he finds himself grappling with realities that blur the line between dreams and waking life.

He learns that a Russian oligarch from the future may be responsible for unleashing a catastrophic Third World War. With the fate of humanity in his hands, The Protagonist is charged with preventing this looming disaster.

To achieve this, he must master the enigmatic science of time inversion, allowing him to affect events that have not yet happened. This unique skill becomes his only hope to avert the impending calamity.

"Tenet" stands out among CIA films for its inventive blend of international espionage and mind-bending concepts of time and reality, offering viewers a thrilling combination of crime investigation and supernatural intrigue.

If you're searching for a gripping spy thriller, "Atomic Blonde" is a standout choice. Released in 2017 and running nearly two hours, the film stars Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, and John Goodman, under the direction of David Leitch.

The story centers on Lorraine, a skilled MI6 agent, who is called to Berlin by her superiors and a CIA contact after the murder of her colleague, Gascoigne, at the hands of a KGB assassin.

In Berlin, Lorraine meets the enigmatic station chief, Percival. His unorthodox methods and territorial attitude challenge her as they work together to recover a crucial item known as The List, which contains highly sensitive intelligence.

With dangerous rivals and double agents lurking at every turn, Lorraine races against time to secure The List before it falls into the wrong hands.

"Spy Game" follows veteran CIA agent Nathan Muir as he undertakes a complex and ingenious mission to save his associate, Tom Bishop, who has been unjustly accused of espionage.

Tom Bishop, once Muir’s protégé, is suddenly imprisoned in China under charges of spying. As Muir seeks assistance from the CIA, he meets resistance due to concerns that intervening could jeopardize an important upcoming trade agreement between the U.S. and China.

Refusing to abandon Bishop given their close history, Muir devises clever strategies to pressure the U.S. government into taking action. The film expertly portrays his relentless efforts to engineer Bishop's rescue and demonstrates just how far Muir will go for loyalty and friendship.

In "Sicario: Day of the Soldado," the story unfolds with a Mexican drug cartel smuggling terrorists across the U.S. border, posing a grave threat to national security.

The CIA is called in, with seasoned agent Matt Graver leading the mission to dismantle the cartel's operation and restore order.

Faced with a complex and perilous task, Graver enlists enigmatic operative Alejandro Gillick. Alejandro employs unconventional tactics, including kidnapping the cartel kingpin’s daughter, which dramatically escalates the stakes.

This daring abduction thrusts both the girl’s father and the CIA agents into a high-stakes hostage situation, fueling intense conflict between all parties involved.

Now, both sides must grapple with difficult choices, questioning how far they are willing to go as the girl's fate hangs in the balance.

"The Good Shepherd" delves into the life of James Jesus Angleton, one of the founding figures of the Central Intelligence Agency. The film presents a highly fictionalized version of his story, with Matt Damon portraying Angleton through the character Edward Wilson.

The narrative unfolds primarily through flashbacks, chronicling Edward’s rise within the CIA until he becomes the agency’s leader. Viewers witness the high-stakes world of espionage amid the tense backdrop of the Cold War and ongoing threats from the KGB.

As the pressure mounts, Edward is forced to confront a difficult dilemma—balancing his unwavering loyalty to the agency against the needs of his family.

"Jason Bourne" (2016) follows the reclusive life of Jason Bourne after he leaves behind his career as a lethal CIA operative.

Once one of the agency's most formidable agents, Bourne became disillusioned with the CIA’s controversial tactics and decided to expose their covert Operation Blackbriar.

After unveiling sensitive agency secrets, Bourne vanishes off the grid, surviving in isolation with minimal resources. Despite this, he remains committed to aiding others intent on exposing the CIA’s hidden agenda.

During this time, former ally Nicky Parsons, now a hacktivist, breaches the CIA database and uncovers classified information related to Black Ops missions and agents.

Agent Heather Lee discovers the security breach and quickly alerts her superiors. Tasked with stopping Parsons, Lee sets out—hoping to apprehend both her and Bourne before more secrets are leaked.

"Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" follows the intriguing double life of Jack Ryan, a brilliant analyst who appears to be just another successful executive.

Ryan’s world takes a dramatic turn when he uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy while analyzing global financial data for the CIA.

With the discovery of a threat that could collapse the US economy and send shockwaves around the globe, Ryan is thrust into a pivotal role, covertly joining the CIA as a "shadow recruit."

While continuing his everyday life, Jack bravely works to stop disaster, all while keeping his dangerous new reality a secret—even from those closest to him, including his fiancée.

Set in Libya a year after the assassination of Muammar Gaddafi, "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" depicts a nation plunged into chaos and turmoil following the loss of its longtime leader.

Where once there were about 20 U.S. military outposts across the country, Gaddafi's death forced a consolidation, leaving just one unofficial CIA base operating in Benghazi.

With U.S. agents vastly outnumbered and operating in an unstable environment, the tension escalates when a group of Libyan militants lays siege to the outpost, endangering everyone inside.

This harrowing true story takes place exactly a year after the 9/11 attacks, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by American operatives abroad.

"Safe House" (2012) opens with rookie CIA agent Matt Weston feeling frustrated and restless in his uneventful South African posting.

Desperate to prove himself, Matt finally catches a break when the agency captures notorious turncoat operative Tobin Frost and assigns Matt to secure him in a safe house for debriefing.

Filled with anticipation about his first real assignment, Matt escorts Tobin to the safe house. However, their plans are thrown into chaos when armed mercenaries launch a vicious attack.

Forced to flee and rely on each other to survive, the CIA rookie and the seasoned fugitive form an uneasy alliance as they race to uncover who is orchestrating the deadly pursuit against them.

Red Sparrow follows the story of Dominika Egorova, a talented ballerina whose promising career is unexpectedly cut short by a devastating injury.

After her dancing dreams end, Dominika is drawn into the world of espionage by the Russian Intelligence Service. She is enrolled in the enigmatic "Sparrow School," where she undergoes intense training to master the art of seduction, manipulation, hand-to-hand combat, and firearm expertise.

Dominika quickly proves her skills, graduating at the top of her class. On her first assignment, she's tasked with seducing and manipulating a CIA agent in order to unmask a covert source inside Russia.

The film captivates viewers with its intricate psychological battles and simmering sexual tension between the main characters.

"The Gray Man," directed by the Russo brothers, is a pulse-pounding action thriller centered on secretive CIA operative Court Gentry, codenamed Sierra Six. When he uncovers classified agency secrets, he finds himself the target of a relentless manhunt led by his unhinged former colleague, Lloyd Hansen.

As Six, played with intense charisma by Ryan Gosling, races across international borders, he must confront both skilled assassins and his own troubled past. Chris Evans delivers a chilling performance as Hansen, while Ana de Armas stands out as the formidable Agent Dani Miranda.

Expect signature Russo brothers action sequences, globe-trotting escapades, and a nuanced exploration of morality that elevates this high-octane CIA thriller.

While most spy movies have dark and sinister plotlines, the 2020 movie My Spy is a pleasant break from all of that.

It all begins when a CIA operative called J J botches up an important Uranium deal in Ukraine. Now he must go to Chicago to keep an eye on the relatives of the people that got away during the deal.

The first surveillance target happens to be an ER nurse called Kate and her 9-year-old daughter Sophie. J J goes on his surveillance mission with his partner Bobbi.

Whilst Bobbi is exceptionally good at technology, he barely has any field experience which only adds to the comedic experience of the film.

While doing their usual surveillance they are caught by young Sophie. J J must now find a way to convince Sophie to not blow their cover; she agreed to his demand but on one condition – he must teach her how to be a spy.

The Forever Prisoner is essentially a documentary film that shows the various methods used by the CIA to uncover and extract information.

At the center of this film is a man named Abu Zubaydah who was a highly valuable captive under the CIA.

The plot then moves on to show the various tactics used by the CIA to uncover information and secrets from its prisoners.

Zubaydah was captured by the CIA soon after the tragic incident of 9/11. He was held captive in the notorious Guantanamo Bay prison cell.

While it was impossible to conduct a direct interview with someone in such a high-security prison, the filmmakers found other methods of communication.

Most of Zubaydah’s messages were relayed through hand drawings and a series of brief entries.

The story of Without Remorse centers around a troubled CIA agent named John Kelly. He is a senior chief in the NAVY who has been involved with certain assassins in the past.

In order to take their revenge on him, the assassins murdered his pregnant wife. Kelly is now roaming about thirsty for revenge, adamant to pay back his wife’s murderers in kind.

During his revenge ploy, Kelly ends up discovering highly sensitive information about a grand plot and gets involved in something much larger than he had initially imagined.

In order to complete his mission, Kelly joined forces with another fellow NAVY Seal and a suspicious CIA operative.

Prior to this, Kelly had also helped rescue the CIA operative whose abductors were the Russian Military itself.

Anna is a young Russian who was a victim of terrible child abuse and was ready to do anything to escape her situation.

She was recruited as a KGB agent at a very young age. She became a highly skilled assassin dedicated to serving the KGB.

Her direct boss was a man named Olga; she would kill whomever Olga asked her to kill to get on his good books.

On the surface, she was a highly successful queer model. She even lived with another woman named Maud. She continued both parts of her life seamlessly until the CIA finally caught up to her.

The CIA gives her an ultimatum – either she has to agree to work with them or she will get thrown into a jail cell.

This leads to the beginning of a series of deceptions and mind games that she plays in order to save herself from this tricky situation.

The plot of the movie Mile 22 revolves around the dangerous mission undertaken by CIA operative James Silva. He forms a paramilitary team for the sake of carrying it out successfully.

They are to go to an American embassy located in South-East Asia. An informant holding highly sensitive information that can put a lot of things into jeopardy is supposedly hiding out in the embassy.

Silva and his team must pick him up from the embassy as covertly as possible and escort him safely to an airfield so he can be flown to safety as fast as possible.

However, the challenge lies in the fact that this highly covert mission involves a large distance – a total of 22 miles.

They must traverse this entire distance while trying to keep the informant safe from not only street gangs and criminals but also from the US military.

The 355 is an extremely rare CIA movie as it has an all-female main cast. While films have given us multiple amazing female spies, we scarcely get to see the entire main cast of a CIA movie being female.

The trouble began when a highly dangerous and powerful weapon was stolen and fell into the wrong hands. CIA agent Mason Brown must now make a difficult decision to salvage this tricky situation; she is forced to join hands with rival CIA agents to recover this weapon.

This includes agent Marie from Germany (who also used to work with the MI6 at one point), psychologist Graciela from Colombia, and a highly skilled tech expert named Khadija.

As the four embark on this high-risk mission, they come across a mysterious woman named Lin Mi Sheng. She is highly shrewd and the four must stay alert to stay one step ahead of her.

Monsters of Man depicts the classic struggle between man and machine in a rather brutal manner. It all began when a rogue CIA agent was adamant about pursuing an unsanctioned mission.

To aid his mission, he conspired with an AI company that built robots. The deal was that the company would help him out by launching several of their robots in a suspected drug processing camp situated in the Golden Triangle.

The robots were supposed to wipe out the criminals making the CIA’s job easier. In return, the company would be able to boast a significant achievement showing investors that their robots were indeed worth investing over.

However, once the robots were actually launched everything started going haywire. The robots started attacking and killing innocent villagers as well whilst the doctors stood and watched in horror.