If you loved the gripping espionage thriller 'Iris' (2014), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its high-stakes tension, intricate plots, and unforgettable characters. Whether you're a fan of spy dramas or just crave more heart-pounding action, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Bourne Identity (2002)
Description: A gripping spy thriller with a protagonist suffering from amnesia, navigating a world of deception and danger while uncovering hidden truths about his past.
Fact: The film's car chase scene through Paris was shot without any digital effects, using real stunt drivers and practical effects.


Spy Game (2001)
Description: A tense and strategic espionage film that explores the complexities of loyalty and betrayal within the intelligence community.
Fact: The film's timeline jumps between different years, requiring the actors to portray their characters at various ages without the use of heavy makeup or CGI.


Body of Lies (2008)
Description: A gritty and realistic portrayal of modern espionage, focusing on the moral ambiguities and high risks involved in intelligence operations.
Fact: The film's script was written by William Monahan, who also wrote 'The Departed,' and it was based on a novel by David Ignatius, a journalist with deep knowledge of the Middle East.


The Debt (2010)
Description: A tense and emotional story about former spies grappling with the consequences of their past missions, blending historical drama with personal redemption.
Fact: The film is a remake of an Israeli movie of the same name, and it explores themes of guilt and secrecy across different timelines.


Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Description: A slow-burning, atmospheric spy drama that delves deep into the world of Cold War espionage, filled with intricate plots and betrayals.
Fact: The film is based on John le Carré's novel of the same name, and the author himself worked as a spy for MI6 before becoming a writer.


Homeland (2011)
Description: A high-stakes thriller that explores the psychological toll of espionage, featuring a protagonist whose mental state is as much a battleground as the geopolitical conflicts.
Fact: The series was inspired by an Israeli TV show called 'Prisoners of War,' but it diverged significantly in its plot and character development.


The Americans (2013)
Description: A TV series that masterfully blends personal drama with espionage, focusing on deep-cover agents living double lives in a foreign country.
Fact: The show's creators consulted with former KGB agents to ensure the authenticity of the spy techniques depicted.


Atomic Blonde (2017)
Description: A visually striking and action-packed spy thriller with a strong, enigmatic female lead navigating a world of betrayal and violence.
Fact: The film's iconic stairwell fight scene was shot in a single take, requiring extensive choreography and rehearsal.


The Spy (2019)
Description: A biographical drama about a real-life spy who operated under deep cover, showcasing the personal sacrifices and constant danger inherent in espionage.
Fact: The series is based on the true story of Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who successfully infiltrated the Syrian government in the 1960s.


The Night Manager (2016)
Description: A stylish and suspenseful miniseries about a former soldier who infiltrates the inner circle of a dangerous arms dealer, blending personal vendettas with global intrigue.
Fact: The series was shot in multiple countries, including the UK, Spain, Morocco, and Switzerland, to capture its international scope.
