10 Shows and Movies Like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018)

Description: Similar to 'Jack Ryan' in its blend of spy action, global conspiracies, and a protagonist balancing personal life with dangerous missions. Both feature high-tech espionage and frequent undercover operations.

Fact: Launched Jennifer Garner's career as a leading action star. J.J. Abrams created the series before his 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Star Wars' work. The show was known for its elaborate costume changes during undercover missions.

Description: Shares with 'Jack Ryan' a focus on intelligence operations, terrorism threats, and the psychological toll on operatives. Both series explore the blurred lines between patriotism and personal ethics, with protagonists often questioning their missions.

Fact: Claire Danes won two Emmys for her portrayal of Carrie Mathison. The show was inspired by the Israeli series 'Prisoners of War'. It was praised for its realistic depiction of bipolar disorder through Carrie's character.

Description: Like 'Jack Ryan', this series delves into Cold War espionage, though from the Soviet perspective. Both shows highlight the personal sacrifices and moral ambiguities of intelligence work, with a strong emphasis on character development.

Fact: The show was critically acclaimed but had modest ratings during its run. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys learned to speak Russian for their roles. It was praised for its accurate 1980s period details.

Description: Like 'Jack Ryan', this French series offers a realistic, detailed look at intelligence work, focusing on the personal and professional lives of agents. Both shows emphasize the psychological toll of maintaining cover identities.

Fact: Known as 'Le Bureau des Légendes' in France. Praised for its authenticity by former intelligence officers. The show's creator consulted with ex-DGSE agents for accuracy.

Description: Like 'Jack Ryan', this series offers a realistic portrayal of CIA operations abroad, focusing on field agents navigating complex international politics. Both shows balance action with thoughtful exploration of intelligence work's ethical dimensions.

Fact: The show filmed on location in Budapest standing in for Berlin. Richard Armitage starred as the lead in the first season. It was praised for its authentic depiction of spycraft.

Description: Both 'Condor' and 'Jack Ryan' feature young analysts uncovering conspiracies within their own organizations. They share themes of betrayal, moral dilemmas, and the protagonist's transformation from desk jockey to field operative.

Fact: Based on the 1975 novel 'Six Days of the Condor' and its film adaptation. The series updates the Cold War premise to modern geopolitical threats. It features an ensemble cast including William Hurt and Max Irons.

Description: Similar to 'Jack Ryan' in its blend of political intrigue, personal drama, and action-packed sequences. Both protagonists are military veterans thrust into protective roles, dealing with threats at the highest levels of government.

Fact: The opening scene featuring a terrorist attack on a train was filmed in one continuous take. Richard Madden won a Golden Globe for his performance. It was the UK's most-watched drama in over a decade when it aired.

Description: Connected to the 'Bourne' universe, it shares with 'Jack Ryan' themes of covert operations, government conspiracies, and highly trained operatives. Both feature action sequences combined with intelligence gathering.

Fact: Explores the origins of the Treadstone program from the Bourne films. Features multiple storylines across different time periods. The series was canceled after one season despite strong action sequences.

Description: Similar to 'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan' in its high-stakes counterterrorism themes, fast-paced action, and a protagonist who must navigate complex political and personal dilemmas. Both series feature a blend of intelligence work, field operations, and moral quandaries.

Fact: '24' was groundbreaking for its real-time narrative structure, with each season representing 24 hours. Kiefer Sutherland won an Emmy for his role as Jack Bauer. The show popularized the use of split-screen techniques to show multiple events simultaneously.

Description: Shares with 'Jack Ryan' a focus on an ordinary man drawn into the world of international espionage. Both feature high production values, exotic locations, and a mix of action with psychological tension.

Fact: Based on John le Carré's novel. Tom Hiddleston's performance earned him a Golden Globe. The series was filmed in multiple countries including Switzerland, Morocco, and Spain.