If you enjoyed the gripping intrigue and suspense of 'Agency' (1980), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same thrilling essence, from political conspiracies to high-stakes espionage. Whether you're a fan of psychological drama or action-packed plots, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Description: A Cold War-era psychological thriller exploring brainwashing and political manipulation, with a soldier returning home as an unwitting pawn in an assassination plot.
Fact: The film was controversial upon release due to its political themes but is now considered a classic. Its twist ending was groundbreaking for the time.


The French Connection (1971)
Description: A gritty crime thriller following narcotics detectives as they pursue a drug smuggling ring, featuring intense chase sequences and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film's car chase scene is one of the most famous in cinema history. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Day of the Jackal (1973)
Description: A meticulously plotted thriller about a professional assassin hired to kill a world leader, with a focus on the meticulous planning and execution of the plot.
Fact: The film's antagonist is never given a real name, adding to his enigmatic presence. It was based on a bestselling novel inspired by real assassination attempts.


The Conversation (1974)
Description: A psychological thriller centered around surveillance and paranoia, featuring a protagonist who becomes increasingly obsessed with the implications of his work.
Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival. Its sound design was highly innovative for its time, using audio as a key narrative device.


The Odessa File (1974)
Description: A suspenseful story about a journalist uncovering a network of former Nazis, blending historical intrigue with personal vengeance.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Germany and Austria, adding authenticity. Its plot was inspired by real-life Nazi hunters and post-war justice efforts.


The Parallax View (1974)
Description: A conspiracy thriller that delves into the shadowy world of political assassinations and corporate manipulation, with a journalist uncovering a sinister plot.
Fact: The film's famous 'Parallax Test' sequence is a striking montage used to analyze potential assassins. It was loosely inspired by the Kennedy assassination theories.


Three Days of the Condor (1975)
Description: A tense espionage thriller where an ordinary analyst uncovers a conspiracy within his own organization, leading to a cat-and-mouse chase.
Fact: The film was partially inspired by real-life CIA operations. Its New York filming locations added a gritty, realistic atmosphere.


All the President's Men (1976)
Description: A political thriller based on true events, focusing on investigative journalism and the unraveling of a high-level conspiracy.
Fact: The film's newsroom set was meticulously recreated to match The Washington Post's actual offices. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.


Marathon Man (1976)
Description: A gripping tale of intrigue and betrayal, where a graduate student is unwittingly drawn into a deadly conspiracy involving stolen diamonds and Nazi war criminals.
Fact: The infamous 'Is it safe?' dental torture scene became iconic. The film's pacing and suspense are masterfully crafted to keep viewers on edge.


Blow Out (1981)
Description: A neo-noir thriller about a sound technician who accidentally records evidence of a political assassination, leading to a dangerous investigation.
Fact: The film's climax is set against the backdrop of a Fourth of July celebration, adding a layer of irony. It features one of the most haunting endings in thriller cinema.
