10 Shows & Movies Similar to Manhattan (2014)

Description: This film shares with 'Manhattan' a focus on Cold War espionage, with a slow-burning, cerebral approach to storytelling. Both emphasize the paranoia and meticulous tradecraft of spies, as well as the personal sacrifices they make. The visual style is similarly subdued and atmospheric, reflecting the tension of the era.

Fact: The film is based on John le Carré's novel of the same name, and le Carré himself was a former British spy. Gary Oldman's performance as George Smiley earned him widespread acclaim, including an Oscar nomination. The film's intricate plot required multiple viewings for many audiences to fully grasp all its nuances.

Description: Both 'Homeland' and 'Manhattan' revolve around intelligence officers dealing with personal and professional crises. The shows share a tense, paranoid atmosphere and explore the psychological impact of espionage. Carrie Mathison's dedication to her work mirrors the scientists' obsession in 'Manhattan'.

Fact: The series was inspired by an Israeli show called 'Prisoners of War'. Claire Danes' portrayal of Carrie Mathison earned her widespread acclaim, including multiple Emmy Awards. The show's depiction of mental illness was both praised and criticized for its realism.

Description: Like 'Manhattan (2014)', 'The Americans' is a period drama set during the Cold War, focusing on espionage and the personal lives of spies. Both shows delve into the moral complexities and emotional toll of living a double life. The meticulous attention to historical detail and the tension between duty and personal relationships are key similarities.

Fact: The show was praised for its accurate depiction of 1980s America, including the use of period-appropriate technology and fashion. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, who played the lead roles, began a real-life relationship during the show's production. The series was inspired by real-life Russian sleeper agents uncovered in the U.S. in

Description: Both 'The Bureau' and 'Manhattan' focus on the inner workings of intelligence agencies and the personal lives of their agents. The shows share a realistic, almost documentary-like approach to espionage, emphasizing the bureaucratic and psychological aspects of the job over action-packed sequences.

Fact: The series was developed with input from former French intelligence officers to ensure accuracy. It has been compared to 'Homeland' but is often praised for being more grounded and less sensational. The show's protagonist, 'Malotru', became a cultural icon in France.

Description: This German series, like 'Manhattan', is set during the Cold War and follows a young spy navigating the complexities of East-West tensions. Both shows blend personal drama with geopolitical intrigue, and their protagonists are initially naive, growing more disillusioned as they become deeper involved in espionage.

Fact: 'Deutschland 83' was the first German-language series to air on a U.S. network (SundanceTV). The show's soundtrack features iconic 1980s pop music, enhancing its period feel. It was praised for its authentic portrayal of life in East Germany, including the pervasive surveillance by the Stasi.

Description: Like 'Manhattan', 'Berlin Station' is a spy drama with a strong sense of place and a focus on the personal lives of its characters. Both shows blend geopolitical intrigue with human drama, and their protagonists must navigate complex moral landscapes.

Fact: The series was filmed on location in Berlin, adding to its authenticity. It features a mix of fictional and real-world espionage scenarios. Richard Armitage's performance as Daniel Meyer was a standout, showcasing his range beyond action roles.

Description: This series, like 'Manhattan', is a historical drama based on real events, focusing on the lead-up to a significant moment (9/11 in this case). Both shows depict bureaucratic infighting and the human cost of intelligence work, with a strong emphasis on character development.

Fact: The series is based on Lawrence Wright's Pulitzer Prize-winning book. It features a star-studded cast, including Jeff Daniels and Tahar Rahim. The show was praised for its detailed recreation of late 1990s and early 2000s America.

Description: Like 'Manhattan', 'The Spy' is based on true events and explores the life of an undercover agent, Eli Cohen, in the 1960s. Both shows highlight the psychological strain of espionage and the high stakes of intelligence work. The period setting and focus on a single, compelling protagonist are also shared elements.

Fact: Sacha Baron Cohen, known for his comedic roles, delivered a dramatic performance that surprised many critics. The real Eli Cohen's espionage work significantly impacted the Six-Day War. The series was filmed in multiple countries to authentically recreate the 1960s Middle East and Europe.

Description: Like 'Manhattan', 'The Night Manager' is a stylish, suspenseful drama about infiltration and deception. Both shows feature protagonists who must navigate dangerous worlds while maintaining their cover. The high production values and strong performances are also comparable.

Fact: The series is based on a John le Carré novel and updated the setting from the 1990s to the 2010s. Tom Hiddleston's performance led to speculation about him being the next James Bond. It won multiple Golden Globes, including Best Actor for Hiddleston and Best Supporting Actor for Hugh Laurie.

Description: While 'Counterpart' introduces a sci-fi twist with parallel universes, it shares with 'Manhattan' a focus on Cold War-style espionage and moral ambiguity. Both shows explore themes of identity and duality, with characters leading double lives and facing existential dilemmas.

Fact: J.K. Simmons played dual roles as two versions of the same character from parallel worlds. The series was canceled after two seasons but developed a cult following. Its Berlin setting and muted color palette contribute to its Cold War aesthetic, despite the sci-fi premise.