If you loved the gripping political thriller 'Clear and Present Danger' (1994), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same high-stakes tension, espionage, and government intrigue. Whether you're a fan of Jack Ryan's world or just love a good spy drama, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Description: A Cold War-era submarine thriller filled with suspense, strategic mind games, and the constant threat of nuclear conflict.
Fact: The film was one of the first major Hollywood productions to use digital sound editing. The submarine interiors were built on soundstages with meticulous attention to detail, based on actual Soviet submarine designs.


Patriot Games (1992)
Description: A tense political thriller involving a former CIA analyst who becomes embroiled in a deadly conflict with terrorists, blending personal stakes with global espionage.
Fact: The film's opening sequence was shot at the real-life Royal Naval College in Greenwich. The movie's success led to a shift in how intelligence operatives were portrayed in cinema.


Mission: Impossible (1996)
Description: A high-octane spy adventure featuring elaborate heists, double-crosses, and cutting-edge technology, all wrapped in a web of international intrigue.
Fact: The famous ceiling suspension scene was performed by Tom Cruise himself, requiring multiple takes. The film's iconic theme music was reorchestrated by composer Danny Elfman for a more modern feel.


Air Force One (1997)
Description: A gripping action-thriller set aboard the presidential aircraft, combining political intrigue with high-stakes hostage situations and heroic leadership.
Fact: The film's iconic line 'Get off my plane!' was ad-libbed by Harrison Ford. The production used a real Boeing 747 for some exterior shots, but most interiors were built on soundstages.


The Peacemaker (1997)
Description: A fast-paced thriller about preventing nuclear terrorism, featuring globe-trotting action and high-level political decision-making under extreme pressure.
Fact: This was the first film produced by DreamWorks' new live-action division. The train derailment sequence was one of the most expensive and complex stunts filmed at that time.


Enemy of the State (1998)
Description: A gripping tale of surveillance and paranoia, where an innocent man is hunted by powerful forces using advanced technology and intelligence tactics.
Fact: The film's portrayal of surveillance technology was considered cutting-edge at the time. Many of the surveillance techniques depicted were based on real-world intelligence practices.


The Sum of All Fears (2002)
Description: A high-tension narrative centered around preventing a catastrophic terrorist attack, featuring intricate political maneuvering and intelligence work.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by Tom Clancy's novel, which was written before the end of the Cold War but adapted to reflect contemporary threats. The movie's climax involved a meticulously crafted nuclear explosion scene.


The Bourne Identity (2002)
Description: A high-stakes espionage thriller featuring a protagonist with a mysterious past, navigating a world of covert operations and government conspiracies.
Fact: The film was shot in multiple European locations, including Paris and Prague, adding to its international intrigue. The car chase scene was filmed without any CGI, using real stunt drivers.


Spy Game (2001)
Description: A sophisticated espionage drama that weaves together past missions and present-day rescues, showcasing the complex relationships in the intelligence world.
Fact: The film's nonlinear narrative required careful editing to maintain suspense. Many of the international locations were actually filmed in Budapest, standing in for various global hotspots.


The Recruit (2003)
Description: A psychological thriller set in the world of CIA training, where nothing is as it seems and trust is the most dangerous commodity.
Fact: Actual former CIA operatives were consulted to lend authenticity to the training sequences. The film's twist ending was kept secret from most of the cast during production.
