Movies and Shows Like Stratton for Action Fans

Description: Features a protagonist with a mysterious past and exceptional combat skills, navigating a world of espionage and betrayal. The film's gritty realism and intense action sequences align closely with the tone of high-stakes spy thrillers.

Fact: The film was shot in multiple European locations, including Paris and Prague, to enhance its international espionage feel. It revitalized the spy genre by introducing a more grounded and less gadget-reliant hero.

Description: A young CIA trainee is drawn into a labyrinth of deception and mind games, questioning everyone around him. The film's focus on the psychological aspects of espionage training and trust issues resonates with spy genre enthusiasts.

Fact: Al Pacino's role as a seasoned CIA instructor was inspired by real-life intelligence officers. The movie was filmed at the actual CIA training facility in Virginia, adding authenticity to its portrayal.

Description: A highly skilled operative goes rogue after being accused of being a double agent, leading to a relentless chase filled with twists. The film's relentless pace and themes of identity and loyalty are hallmarks of gripping spy thrillers.

Fact: Angelina Jolie performed most of her own stunts, including a daring jump between moving trucks. The role was originally written for a male protagonist, with Tom Cruise initially considered for the part.

Description: Follows a brilliant analyst thrust into field operations, uncovering a global conspiracy. The film's blend of intellectual strategy and explosive action mirrors the duality of modern spy protagonists.

Fact: This was the first Jack Ryan film not based on a specific Tom Clancy novel but rather an original story. The production filmed in multiple locations, including Moscow and New York, to enhance its global scope.

Description: A slow-burning, cerebral spy thriller that delves deep into the world of Cold War espionage, focusing on betrayal and the psychological toll of undercover work. Its meticulous attention to detail and complex narrative structure appeal to fans of intricate spy stories.

Fact: The film's production design meticulously recreated the 1970s era, down to the smallest details like cigarette brands and office decor. It is based on John le Carré's novel, who himself was a former British intelligence officer.

Description: A stylish, retro spy caper that blends humor with high-stakes espionage, featuring charismatic leads and a focus on teamwork amidst Cold War tensions. Its sleek aesthetics and playful tone provide a unique twist on traditional spy fare.

Fact: The film's soundtrack heavily features 1960s Italian pop music to match its period setting. Director Guy Ritchie used split-screen techniques to pay homage to classic spy films of the era.

Description: Centers around a skilled operative uncovering a shadowy organization while being hunted by his own agency. The blend of high-octane action, intricate plots, and a lone-wolf protagonist mirrors the essence of modern spy narratives.

Fact: Tom Cruise performed the plane stunt himself, hanging onto the side of an Airbus A400M as it took off. The opera scene was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's classic spy thriller 'The Man Who Knew Too Much.'

Description: A veteran spy is pulled back into the game for one last mission, facing off against his former protégé. The film's themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption are central to its gritty, action-driven narrative.

Fact: Pierce Brosnan performed many of his own stunts, drawing on his experience as James Bond. The movie is based on the novel 'There Are No Spies' by Bill Granger.

Description: A stylish, action-packed spy film with a strong, enigmatic lead navigating a web of deception in Cold War-era Berlin. The film's neon-lit visuals and brutal fight scenes offer a fresh yet familiar take on the spy genre.

Fact: The staircase fight scene was filmed in a single take, lasting over five minutes. The movie is based on the graphic novel 'The Coldest City,' which is set during the final days of the Cold War.

Description: A dark, psychological thriller about a trained operative using seduction and manipulation as weapons. The film's unflinching portrayal of espionage's moral ambiguities and intense character drama aligns with mature spy storytelling.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence underwent extensive training for the role, including ballet and combat drills. The film's plot was inspired by real-life accounts of Russian intelligence operations.