Hollywood's top espionage thriller films on Netflix

Hollywood's top espionage thriller films on Netflix
09 Apr 2024

Netflix's array of espionage series ranges from historical Cold War tales to modern high-stakes missions.

These shows plunge viewers into the secretive realm of spies and covert operations, offering thrilling views into the clandestine deeds that shape global politics.

With a mix of period pieces and contemporary dramas, here are five compelling espionage series on Netflix that reveal the stealthy machinations influencing world events.

'The Spy'
Series 1

The Spy is based on the true story of Eli Cohen, Israel's most prominent spy in Syria during the early 1960s.

Sacha Baron Cohen delivers a dramatic performance, far from his comedic roots, portraying Cohen's deep cover life which becomes increasingly perilous as he gets closer to military secrets.

The tension builds as his dual identities blur.

'Bodyguard'
Series 2

Bodyguard chronicles David Budd, a war veteran turned protection officer for the U.K.'s Home Secretary.

Battling PTSD and political corruption, he encounters a conspiracy that endangers national security.

This British series seamlessly merges the personal afflictions of Budd with the tension of a political thriller, delivering a compelling narrative that captivates with its blend of drama and suspense.

'The Americans'
Series 3

The Americans, not initially a Netflix creation, now streams there.

It portrays two Soviet KGB officers masquerading as an American couple during the Cold War in the U.S.

This series weaves together espionage and family drama, offering viewers a riveting examination of identity and loyalty against a backdrop of undercover operations and the era's geopolitical tensions.

'Jack Ryan'
Series 4

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan modernizes the tale of a CIA analyst.

Jack Ryan, portrayed by John Krasinski, transitions from the safety of desk work to the dangers of field operations.

The series follows his discovery of suspicious financial transactions that unravel a terrorist plot threatening the US.

It skillfully combines character development with high-octane action, keeping viewers on edge with each episode.

'Narcos'
Series 5

Narcos primarily explores the violent world of drug cartels but also dives into the covert operations of law enforcement.

It portrays the intense struggle against figures like Pablo Escobar and subsequent drug lords in Colombia and Mexico.

The series highlights the perilous intersection of criminal dynasties with political strife, presenting a gripping dramatization of true events that have shaped recent history.