If you enjoyed the gripping tension and psychological depth of 'The American' (1998), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same mood, themes, and storytelling style. Whether you're a fan of slow-burning thrillers or character-driven dramas, this list will help you discover your next favorite watch.

The Day of the Jackal (1973)
Description: A meticulously detailed thriller about an assassin's plot, focusing on the precision and patience required for high-stakes espionage.
Fact: The film's antagonist is based on a fictional character, but the plot mirrors real historical assassination attempts.


The Conversation (1974)
Description: A psychological thriller centered on surveillance and paranoia, where the protagonist's expertise becomes his downfall.
Fact: The film was inspired by the growing public concern over privacy and surveillance in the early 1970s.


Three Days of the Condor (1975)
Description: A tense cat-and-mouse game between a lone intelligence analyst and a shadowy organization, highlighting themes of trust and deception.
Fact: The film's plot was partially inspired by real-life CIA operations and whistleblower accounts.


No Way Out (1987)
Description: A political thriller filled with twists and betrayals, where the protagonist must navigate a web of lies to survive.
Fact: The film's plot twists were so unexpected that they became a hallmark of its enduring appeal.


The Russia House (1990)
Description: A romantic spy drama set during the Cold War, blending personal stakes with global espionage tensions.
Fact: The film was one of the first Western productions shot extensively in the Soviet Union during its final years.


Ronin (1998)
Description: A high-stakes thriller about a group of mercenaries embroiled in a dangerous mission, featuring intense action sequences and a shadowy underworld.
Fact: The car chase scenes in the film are considered some of the best ever filmed, using real drivers and minimal CGI.


The Tailor of Panama (2001)
Description: A darkly comedic spy story about manipulation and fabrication, where the line between truth and lies blurs dangerously.
Fact: The film's screenplay was adapted from a novel by John le Carré, known for his realistic spy fiction.


The Bourne Identity (2002)
Description: A gripping spy thriller with a protagonist who must uncover his own identity while evading powerful enemies, blending action with psychological depth.
Fact: The film was shot in multiple European locations, including Paris and Prague, adding to its authentic international espionage feel.


Spy Game (2001)
Description: A sleek, fast-paced espionage film that explores loyalty and strategy in the world of intelligence operations.
Fact: The film's nonlinear narrative structure adds depth to its portrayal of complex spy missions and relationships.


Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Description: A slow-burning, intricately plotted spy drama that emphasizes tradecraft, betrayal, and the moral ambiguities of intelligence work.
Fact: The film's muted color palette and meticulous set design recreate the bleak atmosphere of Cold War-era Britain.
