Watch the Best Spy Movies on Netflix in UK [Updated September 2023]

Netflix is the best platform if you’re looking to binge-watch movies and TV shows in your holidays! If Spy movies are the only ones that get your heart pounding with their over-the-top plots, exaggerated virtual camera angles, hyper-expressive facial contortions, and handsome agents delving into sexy and unsafe alliances, then you’re at the right place! We have listed down the best spy movies on Netflix for you to watch.

Known to have ample evergreen best spy movies on Netflix with recent additions every day. The long list of movies can overwhelm one. But hey, that is what we’re here for! Take a look at our top picks for the best spy movies on Netflix!

Top Spy Films on Netflix in UK right now

If you’re fascinated with puzzles and secret missions that make you keep guessing every second of the movie, then check out some of these top best spy movies on Netflix! There are some movies which may be available on Netflix US only. Check out our guide on how you can access Netflix US and watch it in UK. Here is the list of best spy movies on Netflix in the order of the latest release year to watch in 2023!

1) Operation Mincemeat (2022)

IMDb Rating:	6.6/10
Run Time:	2h 8m

“Operation Mincemeat” offers an extraordinary true tale set in World War II. The cunning intelligence officers devise a daring plan to deceive the Nazis. Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen lead a stellar cast in this suspenseful mission. While involving planting misleading documents on a deceased body to mislead the enemy. Directed by John Madden and featuring Johnny Flynn as Ian Fleming, the film combines historical intrigue. In addition, with an impressive ensemble of British actors for a captivating cinematic experience.

2) Munich — The Edge of War (2022)

IMDb Rating:	6.8/10
Run Time:	2h 3m

“Munich — The Edge of War” brings a gripping narrative of a spy thriller based on Robert Harris’s novel. It depicts the desperate efforts of two former friends to prevent Hitler’s impending war. George MacKay and Jannis Niewöhner play the central characters, Hugh Legat and Paul von Hartmann. They conspire to thwart the dictator’s ambitions. Amidst the backdrop of impending catastrophe, the spy film explores their daring mission. Furthermore, it offers a poignant portrayal of those who risked everything to change the course of history. Jeremy Irons, Sandra Hüller, and Jessica Brown Findlay round out the cast, delivering a compelling narrative that resonates with historical significance. This 2022 release is among the new spy movies on Netflix to binge on.

3) Red Notice (2021)

IMDb Rating:	6.3/10
Run Time:	1h 58m

An action spy comedy overflowing with suspense, drama, and a hint of comedy. What makes Red Notice so great is how it is so direct, which is a unique approach for Spy movies.

An Interpol agent is teamed up with John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson). He goes after the world’s sensational criminal Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds). The pair gets together with a common enemy to locate; The Bishop (Gal Gadot). He keeps outrunning them, which creates havoc and throws them off on a worldwide adventure with several twists and turns throughout the movie.

“Red Notice” is an action-comedy film directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds, the movie follows an Interpol agent. The agent teams up with a skilled art thief and a con artist to track down and capture the world’s most wanted art thief. With its blend of thrilling action sequences, comedic banter, and charismatic performances, “Red Notice” delivers an entertaining and high-octane adventure.

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4) Wasp Network (2020)

IMDb Rating:	5.9/10
Run Time:	2h 3m

“Wasp Network” discloses the intricacies of espionage during Fidel Castro’s rule in Cuba during the 1990s. Édgar Ramírez leads the film as René Gonzále. He is a pilot who becomes entangled in a web of intrigue as he defects from Cuba. Penélope Cruz plays his wife, Olga, who uncovers shocking secrets about her husband’s true allegiance. The spy movie based on true events, weaves a captivating narrative filled with suspense, and espionage. It has a standout ensemble cast, including Gael García Bernal, Ana de Armas, and Wagner Moura. Directed by Olivier Assayas, this gripping tale offers a unique perspective on the complexities of espionage during a tumultuous era. It is yet another good addition to the collection of best spy movies on Netflix.

5) A Call to Spy (2020)

IMDb Rating:	6.7/10
Run Time:	2h 3m

“A Call to Spy” deals with the remarkable stories of unsung heroines. The ones who served as British spies during World War II. Starring Stana Katic, Sarah Megan Thomas, and Radhika Apte, this spy film highlights their courage in the face of danger. Also, the challenges they encountered, including prevailing over the prevalent sexism of their era. Premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival, it sheds light on these lesser-known heroes and their pivotal role in history. Experience a thrilling espionage journey with these best spy movies on Netflix in 2023.

6) Mission Impossible – Fallout (2018)

IMDb Rating:	7.4/10
Run Time:	2h 12m

When it is Tom Cruise against Henry Cavill, it is a promising movie. The iconic duo, along with Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, and Sean Harris have captured the essence of the spy movie perfectly with a compelling storyline.

The Syndicate members of an organisation find themselves indulged in another terrorist group called ‘Apostles’. Just when they thought they have left this life behind as Solomon Lane got captured. Not just that, The Apostles represent John Lark who wants to demolish the way everything is in the current world. The movie is sophisticated, filled with action, and the ultimate thrill of the chase.

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“Mission Impossible – Fallout” is the sixth instalment in the popular “Mission Impossible” film series, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. Starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, the movie follows the IMF agent and his team as they race against time to prevent a global catastrophe. With its jaw-dropping stunts, intense action set pieces, and intricate espionage plot, “Mission Impossible – Fallout” is a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience. It showcases the franchise’s signature blend of high-octane action and suspense. With our guide watch all Mission Impossible movies in order!

7) Central Intelligence (2016)

IMDb Rating:	6.3/10
Run Time:	1h 47m

Action with just the right amount of humour, Central Intelligence includes our favourite dynamic duo of Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson.

Joyner, an ordinary forensic accountant who hates his job and marriage, is approached by Bob Stone, who needs assistance with some online transactions. Upon helping, the CIA operators burst into Kevin’s house with an aim of their own.

“Central Intelligence” is a buddy action-comedy film directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber. The movie stars Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart as former high school classmates who find themselves entangled in a dangerous espionage plot. With its mix of action, humour, and unexpected twists, “Central Intelligence” offers a fun and lighthearted take on the buddy cop genre, driven by the comedic chemistry between its two lead actors.

8) Red 2 (2013)

IMDb Rating:	6.6/10
Run Time:	1h 56m

Sequel to the legendary Red, the plot follows ex-Cia Frank Moses, who has left the career world behind and is living his life after the death of Marvin Boggs.

Red has doubts about the car crash and wishes to find out the truth. He gathers his previous team together and embarks on a journey to follow the trails, which leads to Bogg’s car crash.

“Red 2” is a comedic action film directed by Dean Parisot and serves as a sequel to the 2010 film “Red.” The movie reunites the retired and extremely dangerous (RED) team as they embark on a globe-trotting adventure to stop a dangerous nuclear weapon from falling into the wrong hands. With its star-studded cast, witty dialogue, and exciting action sequences, “Red 2” delivers an entertaining and humorous experience that blends espionage, humour, and explosive thrills.

9) Safe House (2012)

IMDb Rating:	6.7/10
Run Time:	1h 54m

Matt Watson, a junior CIA officer is asked to look after a dangerous fugitive. He keeps him in his safe house until one day, his safehouse is under attack which finds him on the run with the criminal.

The movie gets intense, and astonishing and follows a perfectly consistent plotline throughout!

“Safe House” is an action-thriller film directed by Daniel Espinosa. The movie follows a young CIA agent, played by Ryan Reynolds, who is tasked with protecting a dangerous fugitive, portrayed by Denzel Washington, in a safe house. As the two characters find themselves on the run from ruthless mercenaries, they must put aside their differences and uncover the truth behind a deadly conspiracy. With its intense cat-and-mouse chase, gritty atmosphere, and powerhouse performances, “Safe House” offers a gripping and adrenaline-fueled cinematic ride.

10) The Tourist (2010)

IMDb Rating:	7.6/10
Run Time:	1h 43m

The movie gets so entertaining, despite using a slow-paced approach.

The French police collabs with Scotland Yard accompanied by Elise Clifton-Ward. The police is on a mission to locate Elison’s lover, Alexander Pearce who has a debt of £744 million for taxes.

Everybody believes he changed his appearance through the plastic journey and transformed into a whole other person with a different identity.

Elison decides to frame a common man and mislead the police into believing he is Pearce. However, the truth must come out sooner or later.

“The Tourist” is a romantic thriller directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. Starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, the film follows an American tourist who becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and danger while travelling through Europe. With its picturesque locations, stylish cinematography, and twist-filled plot, “The Tourist” offers a thrilling and visually stunning cinematic experience that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

11) Salt (2010)

IMDb Rating:	6.4/10
Run Time:	1h 40m

Straight out of Mr and Mrs Smith, Angelina Jolie once again plunged into the world of criminals, thrillers, and more!

Evelyn Salt, a spy excels at her job, but her excellent skills are what take her to prison. Salt’s husband arranges a prisoner exchange to set her free which isn’t easy to execute.

No, the movie isn’t the typical action romance or filled with mini-plots – It is simple, precise, and brilliant.

“Salt” is an action-packed spy thriller directed by Phillip Noyce. The movie stars Angelina Jolie as Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent who is accused of being a Russian spy. As she goes on the run to clear her name, Salt must navigate through a web of deception, betrayal, and high-stakes action. With its intense chase sequences, jaw-dropping stunts, and a strong lead performance from Jolie, “Salt” delivers an adrenaline-fueled ride that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

12) Traitor (2008)

IMDb Rating:	6.9/10
Run Time:	1h 54m

This one is all set to blow your brains off. The two-character arcs of Guy Pearce and Don Cheadle are absolutely outclassing, which makes the movie 100x better than the masterpiece it already is.

An FBI agent dives into the case which involves putting global conspiracy at risk, what he doesn’t realize is how the dots would eventually connect him to a former American soldier. You better hang on to your seats for this one!

“Traitor” is a tense espionage thriller directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff. Starring Don Cheadle, the film tells the story of a former U.S. Special Operations officer who finds himself caught in a complex plot involving terrorism and double-crossing. With its thought-provoking exploration of loyalty, identity, and international politics, “Traitor” offers a gripping and morally ambiguous narrative that keeps audiences engaged and guessing until the final revelation.

13) Body of Lies (2008)

IMDb Rating:	7/10
Run Time:	2h 8m

The Wolf Of Wallstreet star, Leonardo Di Caprio stars in the Middle East thriller movie which sheds light upon the terrible war between different countries.

Roger Ferris, A CIA officer locates a world-class terrorist leader Al-Saleem. What he does not know is that his own team might be plotting against him. Now Ferris must deal with the box of lies, betrayals, and chaos coming his way, putting his life at risk.

“Body of Lies” is a gritty and intelligent spy thriller directed by Ridley Scott. The movie follows a CIA operative, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he goes undercover to track down a high-ranking terrorist. With its intricate plot, realistic depiction of modern espionage, and powerful performances from DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, “Body of Lies” immerses audiences in a world of deception, danger, and moral complexity.

14) The Hunt for Red October (1990)

IMDb Rating:	7.6/10
Run Time:	2h 15m

The plot focuses on Captain Marko Ramius who has just been recruited for the newest nuclear submarine. Ramius possesses the  “Red October†and now Jack Ryan (CIA) has him under his radar in order to find out where Ramius is hiding the precious object.

“The Hunt for Red October” is a classic submarine thriller that John McTiernan has directed. Based on the novel by Tom Clancy, the film tells the story of a Soviet submarine captain who intends to defect to the United States with the most advanced nuclear submarine in the Soviet fleet. With its gripping tension, intricate plot, and a stellar ensemble cast led by Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin, “The Hunt for Red October” is a masterful portrayal of Cold War espionage and naval warfare.

15) The Lives of Others (2006)

IMDb Rating:	8.4/10
Run Time:	2h 17m

Get ready to suffer waves of shock as you watch this movie. It doesn’t delve into the usual spy stuff such as burning bridges or using advanced technology, rather, it gets much deeper and takes us to the old era of life in East Germany.

The film is about a nazi agent. He was given the task of spying on a writer and his expected love interest. The rest? You’ll have to watch and see. We wouldn’t want to spoil it for you.

“The Lives of Others” is a German drama film. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck directed it. Set in East Berlin during the Cold War, the movie explores the surveillance culture of the Stasi secret police and follows a Stasi officer who becomes emotionally involved in the lives of the people he is monitoring. With its compelling performances, thought-provoking themes, and meticulous attention to detail, “The Lives of Others” offers a powerful and haunting examination of power, control, and the struggle for personal freedom.

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Wrap Up!

Each of these best spy movies on Netflix delves into the realms of espionage, suspense, and international intrigue. From the romantic thrills of “The Tourist” and the high-stakes action of “Salt” to the morally complex narratives of “Traitor” and “Body of Lies.” Moreover, from the gripping submarine warfare in “The Hunt for Red October” to the intense surveillance drama of “The Lives of Others. ” These best spy movies on Netflix provide captivating and thought-provoking experiences for fans of the thriller and espionage genres. You will be engrossed in their gripping narratives, complex characters, and suspenseful twists and turns.

Explore these best spy movies on Netflix in 2023 for an immersive cinematic experience. That too filled with intrigue, espionage, and historical significance.

And with that, it’s a wrap!