Top 10 Action Films About Government Agencies

Description: Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst, uncovers a covert operation against Colombian drug cartels, leading to a dangerous mission to save his friends and expose the truth.

Fact: Harrison Ford reprised his role as Jack Ryan after "Patriot Games." The film was nominated for two Academy Awards.

Description: Ethan Hunt, a top agent of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), is framed for the murder of his team. He must clear his name while uncovering a conspiracy within the agency.

Fact: The iconic theme song was composed by Lalo Schifrin for the original TV series. Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, including the famous scene where he hangs from the ceiling.

Description: A British spy recruits a tailor in Panama to gather intelligence, but the tailor's fabrications lead to international intrigue and espionage.

Fact: The film is based on John le Carré's novel. Geoffrey Rush's performance as the tailor earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe.

Description: Jason Bourne, an amnesiac CIA assassin, tries to piece together his past while evading capture by his former employers. This film kicks off a thrilling trilogy about government secrets.

Fact: The film was based on Robert Ludlum's novel, but the screenplay took significant liberties with the plot. Matt Damon was initially hesitant to take the role, but it became one of his signature characters.

Description: A CIA analyst recruits a promising young computer programmer, but the training turns into a real-life test of loyalty and espionage.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Toronto, which doubled for Washington, D.C. Al Pacino was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance.

Description: An undercover cop and a mole in the police attempt to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang in South Boston, with the FBI and Massachusetts State Police in the mix.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. The movie is a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: CIA agent Evelyn Salt goes on the run when she's accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Her mission to clear her name involves high-stakes action and espionage.

Fact: Angelina Jolie performed many of her own stunts, including a scene where she jumps off a bridge onto a moving truck. The film was originally written for a male lead.

Description: A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister uncovers secrets that could shake the foundations of the government.

Fact: Roman Polanski directed this film, which was nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Ewan McGregor's character is never named in the film, adding to the mystery.

Description: A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 11 attacks, focusing on the CIA's efforts.

Fact: The film was based on first-hand accounts of actual events, but some details were altered for dramatic purposes. Jessica Chastain's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Description: An ex-CIA operative is brought back into action to take down his former protégé, uncovering a conspiracy involving the CIA and a Russian president.

Fact: Pierce Brosnan, known for playing James Bond, stars as a retired spy. The film is based on the novel "There Are No Spies" by Bill Granger.