The Best CIA Movies Ever
The CIA, established in 1947 under President Truman, is the United States’ most powerful intelligence agency, tasked with gathering foreign intelligence.
Unlike the FBI, which focuses on domestic matters, the CIA operates on a global scale, often shrouded in secrecy so deep that even its budget remains classified.
This makes it ripe for cinematic drama. Hollywood has long been captivated by the CIA’s shadowy world, bringing to life stories of espionage, double agents, and high-stakes covert missions.
Here are some of the best CIA movies ever made. (Or find my larger CIA movie index here.)
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
Robert Redford’s Joe Turner uncovers a mass killing in his CIA office and is thrust into a paranoid race for survival. Set in the shadow of Watergate, this thriller feels eerily plausible, blending conspiracy with edge-of-your-seat action. It’s perfect for viewers who love classic spy intrigue and questions about the price of government secrets. This is also definitely one of the best conspiracy thrillers ever made s well.
The Bourne Identity (2002)
Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne wakes up with no memory but quickly realizes he’s a trained CIA assassin. This taut, globe-trotting thriller redefined spy cinema with its blend of visceral action and existential undertones. For fans of high-stakes escapism with heart, Bourne delivers.
The Good Shepherd (2006)
This introspective dive into the origins of the CIA is a slow-burn masterpiece for patient viewers. Matt Damon’s Edward Wilson, modeled on James Jesus Angleton, reveals the personal sacrifices demanded by espionage. For those who enjoy dense storytelling and exploring the cost of loyalty, it’s an unforgettable ride.
Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Jessica Chastain owns the screen as Maya, an obsessive CIA operative driven to find Osama bin Laden. This gripping narrative showcases the gritty, unrelenting reality of intelligence work in the post-9/11 world. For those fascinated by modern history and the blurred lines of justice, it’s a powerful and haunting must-watch.
Reality (2023)
This minimalist true-crime drama centers on whistleblower Reality Winner, played brilliantly by Sydney Sweeney. It doesn’t rely on car chases or flashy effects—it’s the quiet unraveling of her life as FBI agents execute a search warrant that grips you. Reality strips espionage down to its raw human consequences, making it a must-watch for those who value tension built through subtlety and authenticity. Ideal for anyone curious about modern surveillance and the personal cost of defiance.