Top 10 Spy Films with Female Leads

Description: Anne Parillaud plays Nikita, a troubled young woman turned into a government assassin. This French film set the stage for many female spy narratives, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the moral ambiguity of espionage.

Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood as "Point of No Return" and inspired a TV series of the same name.

Description: Angelina Jolie plays Clover Wilson, the wife of a CIA operative, whose life is deeply affected by the world of espionage. While not a spy herself, her character's perspective provides insight into the personal costs of spy work.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of James Jesus Angleton, a legendary CIA counterintelligence chief.

Description: Angelina Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. This film is a rollercoaster of espionage, action, and identity crisis, showcasing a woman's journey through the labyrinth of international spy games.

Fact: Originally, the role of Salt was written for a male lead, but Angelina Jolie's interest in the role led to the character being rewritten as a female. The film was also inspired by real-life stories of sleeper agents.

Description: While not the main focus, Rachel Weisz's character, Marta Shearing, a scientist involved in the same program as Jason Bourne, becomes a key player in the spy game. Her journey adds a new layer to the Bourne universe.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a direct sequel to "The Bourne Ultimatum," but was reimagined to expand the Bourne universe.

Description: Charlize Theron stars as Lorraine Broughton, an MI6 agent sent to Berlin during the Cold War to retrieve a list of double agents. This film is a stylish, action-packed thriller that puts a female spy at the heart of a dangerous mission.

Fact: The film's fight choreography was inspired by the "one-take" fight scene in "The Protector," and the director aimed to make the action sequences as realistic as possible.

Description: Jennifer Lawrence plays Dominika Egorova, a former ballerina turned Russian intelligence officer. This film delves into the harsh realities of spy training and the psychological warfare that comes with it, highlighting the resilience of its female protagonist.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Jason Matthews, who was a former CIA operative, adding an authentic touch to the spycraft depicted.

Description: Melissa McCarthy plays Susan Cooper, a CIA analyst who goes undercover to prevent a global disaster. This comedy spy film flips the script on traditional spy tropes, showcasing a woman's journey from behind-the-scenes to the front lines.

Fact: The film was a critical and commercial success, earning McCarthy a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

Description: Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha Romanoff, delving into her past as a Russian spy before joining the Avengers. This film provides a deep dive into the life of a female spy, balancing action with personal drama.

Fact: The film was initially planned as a prequel but was later set after the events of "Captain America: Civil War."

Description: While not strictly a spy film, this comedy features Mila Kunis as Audrey, who gets entangled in a spy plot after her ex-boyfriend turns out to be an undercover agent. It's a light-hearted take on the spy genre with a strong female lead.

Fact: The film was initially titled "The Spy Who Loved Me," but was changed to avoid confusion with the James Bond film of the same name.

Description: An all-female spy team comes together to retrieve a top-secret weapon. With stars like Jessica Chastain and Lupita Nyong'o, this film celebrates the diversity and strength of women in espionage.

Fact: The title "The 355" refers to a real-life female spy ring during the American Revolution, adding historical depth to the film's narrative.