If you enjoyed the gripping political thriller 'Beirut' (2018), you're likely craving more films that deliver intense drama, espionage, and high-stakes negotiations. This article highlights 10 movies and shows with similar themes of intrigue, betrayal, and geopolitical tension, perfect for fans of suspenseful storytelling.

Syriana (2005)
Description: A complex, multi-narrative exploration of geopolitics, oil, and espionage in the Middle East. The film delves into the interconnectedness of global power structures and the personal costs of political maneuvering.
Fact: The script was inspired by the memoirs of a former CIA operative, offering a rare insider's perspective on the oil industry.


Munich (2005)
Description: A thought-provoking historical thriller that examines the ethical dilemmas of vengeance and justice in the wake of a tragic terrorist attack, set against the backdrop of international espionage.
Fact: The film's script was based on extensive research, including interviews with individuals involved in the actual events.


The Kingdom (2007)
Description: A gritty action-thriller that follows an FBI team investigating a terrorist attack in a Middle Eastern country, highlighting the cultural and political tensions between the U.S. and the region.
Fact: The movie's opening sequence uses actual news footage to ground its fictional story in real-world events.


Body of Lies (2008)
Description: A high-stakes espionage thriller that examines the intricate dance of trust and deception between intelligence agencies and their operatives in the Middle East.
Fact: The film's production consulted with former intelligence officers to accurately depict modern surveillance techniques.


The Hurt Locker (2008)
Description: An intense portrayal of the psychological toll of war, focusing on a bomb disposal team in a conflict zone. The film's raw, immersive style captures the unpredictability and danger of modern warfare.
Fact: The movie was shot in Jordan, near the Iraqi border, to add authenticity to the desert warfare scenes.


Green Zone (2010)
Description: A fast-paced military thriller set in the aftermath of a major conflict, focusing on the search for weapons of mass destruction and the blurred lines between truth and propaganda.
Fact: The film's chaotic action sequences were inspired by real-life reports from journalists embedded in the war zone.


Argo (2012)
Description: A tense political thriller set in the Middle East, focusing on a high-stakes rescue mission during a volatile period. The film blends real-life events with suspenseful storytelling, emphasizing the complexities of international relations and covert operations.
Fact: The film's production used actual CIA documents to ensure accuracy, and the Hollywood scenes were shot in the same locations as the original events.


Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Description: A meticulously crafted spy drama that delves into the world of Cold War espionage, focusing on betrayal, loyalty, and the shadowy machinations of intelligence agencies.
Fact: The film's production design meticulously recreated the 1970s era, down to the smallest details of office decor and clothing.


Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Description: A gripping depiction of the decade-long hunt for a notorious terrorist leader, showcasing the moral ambiguities and relentless pursuit of justice in the shadowy world of intelligence operations.
Fact: The film's climactic raid sequence was shot in near-total darkness to replicate the actual conditions of the operation.


A Most Wanted Man (2014)
Description: A slow-burning espionage thriller that explores the moral ambiguities of counterterrorism efforts, set against the backdrop of a European city with a diverse immigrant population.
Fact: The film was one of the final performances of its lead actor, who passed away shortly after its completion.
