Salt and 5 great spy movies to stream on Netflix

Netflix has plenty of movies available for your viewing pleasure, especially during the holidays when you want to unwind after preparing for various festivities. But sometimes you just want a break from everything no matter what time of year it is. Movies allow us to get lost in another world and we all need that once in a while.

There are so many genres to choose from, especially in terms of spy movies. So if you like a little espionage while getting comfy and cozy, then look no further than this list! Whether they are recent or from years past, these titles will allow you to get lost in the world of spies from all over. 

Netflix has so many titles on the docket that it is difficult to narrow down. So here are some of the many spy movies available for your viewing pleasure. From dramatic to comedic, there is a little something for everyone on this list. We won't list every movie in the genre on the streaming site, but here are six films you should add to your watch list the next time you open the app!

Salt (2010)

Starring Angelina Jolie, this film follows CIA Agent Evelyn Salt as she goes on the run after being accused of being a Russian spy. In addition to Jolie, the film also stars Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Daniel Olbrychski, and August Diehl. The film was written by Kurt Wimmer, and director Phillip Noyce helped bring Salt to life.

The Union (2024)

If you’re looking for something a little more recent with some comedy mixed in, look no further than this spy thriller starring Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg. The film follows a man named Nike, who lives a simple life as a construction worker. That is until his former flame from high school, Roxanne, recruits him as part of a mission for US Intelligence. It was directed by Julian Farino and co-written by David Guggenheim and Joe Barton.

Munich: The Edge of War (2021)

Based on the book Munich by Robert Harris, this spy thriller drama is set in the ‘30s as Hitler is rising to power. A man named Paul von Hartmann works for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs but is also working to overthrow Hitler. He works to make sure that an old friend in the British Foreign Office will get information that Hitler is plotting to conquer Europe to Neville Chamberlain. Starring George MacKay, Jannis Niewöhner, and Jeremy Irons, the 2022 film is a great watch for anyone who likes fictionalized scenarios about real-life events.   

The Mole Agent (2020)

This movie is about an elderly private investigator posing as a nursing home resident in Chile after being hired to look into possible elder abuse. One of those films that is lighter and funnier than the typical spy movie, it is considered a documentary-drama and is one of those films that will allow you to be engrossed in the true message behind the story.

The Gray Man (2022)

Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans star in this CIA spy thriller about an agent who learns about unsanctioned missions that his supervisor (Regé-Jean Page) has been ordering. When he attempts to avoid being pulled into one of these operations, he is instead put in peril when said supervisor orders a hit on him. Gosling stars as Agent Six while Evans is Lloyd Hansen, the man sent to kill him. If you want a ridiculous, fun spy movie to watch and if you love all of the actors in question, you’ll enjoy this one!

Operation Mincemeat (2022)

History buffs may enjoy watching this WWII-centered film that follows two men as they attempt to trick Nazis on where the Allies will begin their invasion of Sicily in 1943. The plot involves a corpse, and it is actually based on a true story. Colin Firth stars as Lt. Commander Ewen Montagu and Matthew Macfadyen plays intelligence officer Charles Cholmondeley. If you like learning about history, this will be a fun film to watch.