If you enjoyed the gripping tension and moral complexity of An Ordinary Man (2017), starring Ben Kingsley as a war criminal hiding in plain sight, you'll love these 10 similarly intense films and shows. This article explores stories of deception, survival, and psychological depth, perfect for fans of slow-burning thrillers with morally ambiguous protagonists.
The Debt (2010)
Description: A morally complex thriller that shifts between timelines to explore the consequences of a covert operation and the burdens of maintaining secrets.
Fact: The film is a remake of a 2007 Israeli movie of the same name. Helen Mirren performed many of her own stunts despite being in her mid-60s during filming.
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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Description: A cerebral spy thriller that emphasizes tradecraft, deception, and the psychological toll of intelligence work, with a muted color palette and deliberate pacing.
Fact: The film's production meticulously recreated 1970s London, including building a full-scale replica of the Circus (MI6 headquarters). It won the BAFTA for Best British Film.
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The American (2010)
Description: A slow-burning thriller that focuses on a solitary assassin grappling with paranoia and moral ambiguity, set against a backdrop of European locales.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in Italy, with the small town of Castel del Monte serving as the primary location. George Clooney performed many of his own stunts.
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The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Description: A stylish Cold War-era spy adventure that blends action with dry humor, featuring elaborate set pieces and period-specific aesthetics.
Fact: The film's production used many authentic 1960s locations in Rome and Naples. Henry Cavill performed all of his own driving stunts in the vintage cars.
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A Most Wanted Man (2014)
Description: A tense espionage drama centered on a shadowy intelligence operative navigating moral dilemmas and bureaucratic obstacles in the pursuit of a target.
Fact: This was one of Philip Seymour Hoffman's final film roles before his death. The movie is based on a John le Carré novel.
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The November Man (2014)
Description: A sleek espionage thriller about a retired operative drawn back into the game, featuring elaborate tradecraft sequences and geopolitical intrigue.
Fact: Pierce Brosnan's character was originally written as American before being changed to Irish to suit the actor. The film is based on the novel 'There Are No Spies' by Bill Granger.
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Red Sparrow (2018)
Description: A brutal spy thriller that explores the psychological and physical training of intelligence operatives, with themes of manipulation and survival.
Fact: Jennifer Lawrence underwent extensive training for the ballet sequences shown in the film. The movie was shot in multiple countries including Hungary, Slovakia, and the UK.
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The Assignment (2016)
Description: A gritty crime thriller featuring themes of identity, revenge, and the blurred lines between hunter and prey in the criminal underworld.
Fact: The film was originally titled 'Tomboy' during production. It features an unconventional narrative structure with shifting perspectives.
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The Spy Gone North (2018)
Description: A tense, fact-based espionage story about an undercover agent navigating dangerous political waters, with a focus on the human cost of intelligence work.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of a South Korean spy who infiltrated North Korea's upper echelons in the 1990s. It won several awards at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.
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The Courier (2020)
Description: A Cold War-era spy drama that balances personal drama with high-stakes intelligence operations, focusing on an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Greville Wynne, a British businessman who became a key figure in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Much of the Soviet Union scenes were actually filmed in Ukraine.
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