There's absolutely nothing wrong with James Bond or Ethan Hunt, but if you feel the spy game has been dominated by men for too long, check out this list of female spy movies. In real life, women have already played a vital role in spycraft for years. For example, Josephine Baker was an important spy for the French Resistance in World War 2, and Mata Hari spied during World War 1. However, not all female spies are the sensationalized femme fatales who seduce and destroy. As of 2019, women hold many of the top analyst positions at the CIA, and are an important part of the FBI and similar organizations all around the world. These women are intelligent, hardworking analysts and experts. But we don't go to the movies to see people working hard at their jobs in a supportive, conflict-free atmosphere. We go to see spies racing against the clock, fighting their enemies, and saving the world. If that's what you're looking for, look no farther than this list of the greatest female espionage films. There are silly comedies, grounded dramas, and heart-racing action in all these female spy movies. They include female spies and secret agents. So vote up the ones you like best, and don't forget to add any favorites! Then check back as new and recent female spy movies are added to the list. You might also like this list about the best female assassin movies.
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Set in the tail-end of the Cold War, Atomic Blonde features Charlize Theron as Lorraine Broughton, an MI6 agent who must navigate the dangerous world of espionage and double-crosses to recover a top-secret list of Western spies. With stylish action sequences and unparalleled fight choreography, Theron's portrayal of an elite female spy is nothing short of awesome.
In this high-octane thriller, Angelina Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA officer accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Forced to go on the run, she must use her cunning and deadly skillset to clear her name and prevent a deadly crime against the U.S government. Jolie's intensity and physicality elevate this female spy movie into a thrilling spectacle.
Jennifer Lawrence stars as Dominika Egorova, a former ballerina forced into becoming a Russian spy to protect her mother's life. As Dominika develops into a hardened covert operative, Lawrence delivers a vulnerable and nuanced performance, creating a seductively dangerous and cunning femme fatale.
Geena Davis stars as Samantha, a suburban mom with amnesia who discovers she was once a skilled assassin when her past comes back to haunt her. Forced to confront her old life, the movie presents an engaging and intricate plot that keeps viewers guessing and demonstrates the complexity of the female spy genre.
Quentin Tarantino's revenge masterpiece follows Uma Thurman as "The Bride," a former assassin seeking vengeance against her ex-colleagues who tried to kill her. In a world dominated by testosterone-fueled action heroes, Thurman's character stands out as an unapologetic and powerful female warrior driven by love and retribution.
A unique coming-of-age story that's part spy film, part action flick, Hanna follows a young girl (Saoirse Ronan), trained from birth by her father (Eric Bana) to become the ultimate spy and assassin. This fast-paced thriller seamlessly blends heart-pounding action sequences with thought-provoking themes of identity and personal autonomy.
This critically acclaimed film centers around the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, with Jessica Chastain's portrayal of CIA agent Maya at the forefront of the operation. Showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity, Chastain's performance highlights the important contributions of women in espionage and warfare.
Luc Besson's cult classic tells the story of Nikita (Anne Parillaud), a young convict-turned-assassin groomed by a secret organization to become a lethal weapon. Filled with gritty action scenes and an intense psychological edge, Nikita set the standard for future female spy films and cemented its place as an iconic espionage thriller.
Marvel's first standalone film for its lethal femme fatale, Black Widow stars Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff, the iconic super-spy with a complicated past. Set before the events of Avengers: Infinity War, the story delves into the heart of the clandestine Red Room program, which trained vulnerable young women to become elite spies and assassins. A powerful exploration of the damning consequences of manipulation and power struggles, Black Widow introduces fans to Natasha's sister-figure Yelena Belova, portrayed by Florence Pugh. Be prepared to be thrilled by intense fight scenes, gripping plotlines, and a captivating showcase of sisterly bonds as secrets unfold and dark truths are revealed in this exceptional female-centric spy narrative.
Bridget Fonda stars in this American remake of Nikita, again following a young female convict as she trains to become an assassin for a covert government agency. The film explores the themes of redemption and reformation while featuring gripping action sequences that match the original film's intensity.
An ensemble cast, including Helen Mirren and Mary-Louise Parker, elevates Red into a smart and fun spy movie that doesn't shy away from showcasing strong female characters. The film follows a group of retired spies, led by Bruce Willis, who must work together to expose a government conspiracy while being hunted by their former colleagues.
Continuing the story of The Bride's quest for vengeance, Tarantino offers a satisfying conclusion filled with more bloody battles and stunning twists. Uma Thurman's strong portrayal of a woman who will stop at nothing to reclaim her life cements her character as a quintessential female spy icon.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt portray a married couple leading double lives as secret spies working for opposing agencies. Filled with a blend of intense action, humor, and heartwarming moments, this story of dueling spouses/spies offers an entertaining exploration of love and trust in a thrilling setting.
This heist film stars Catherine Zeta-Jones as Virginia "Gin" Baker, an insurance investigator who goes undercover to catch a master thief (Sean Connery). Packed with daring escapades and romantic tension, Entrapment shows that a skilled female spy will go to any lengths to get her target.
Melissa McCarthy, known for her comedic talents, brings humor and heart to the role of Susan Cooper, a desk-bound CIA analyst forced into the field after the top agent's cover is blown. This unexpected take on the female spy movie combines action and laughter, proving women can be both funny and fierce.
Embodying the campy fun of the original 1970s television show, this early 2000s adaptation sees Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu playing awesome detectives who work for a never-seen boss. Filled with girl power and engaging action, Charlie's Angels captures the essence of an iconic female spy trio.
Nicole Kidman takes the lead in this suspenseful thriller as a nuclear physicist named Dr. Julia Kelly, working alongside George Clooney's special forces officer to track down stolen nuclear weapons. The movie deftly handles themes of politics and terrorism while showcasing Kidman's character as a skilled and intelligent female spy.
Gina Carano, a former professional fighter, takes center stage in this Steven Soderbergh-directed spy thriller. Playing a betrayed operative seeking revenge, Carano brings her real-world fighting skills to the screen, delivering an authentic and brutal take on the female spy genre that refuses to rely on oversexualization.
Naomi Watts takes on the role of Valerie Plame, a real-life CIA operative whose identity was exposed in retaliation for her husband speaking out against the Bush administration. Tackling political intrigue, character assassination, and personal stakes, Fair Game elevates this tale of a ruthless game with exceptional performances.
This is the Marvel superhero ensemble film where Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow showcases her skills as an elite spy alongside other superpowered heroes. With stealth mastery, hand-to-hand combat prowess, and keen intuition, Black Widow has cemented her place as an enduring icon in the genre.
While this Quentin Tarantino movie is not strictly about female spies, it does feature Mélanie Laurent as Shosanna Dreyfus, a Jewish woman who takes on the persona of a theater owner in Nazi-occupied France to enact revenge on her family's killers. With a strong and cunning character like Shosanna, the film showcases the importance of espionage and subterfuge during wartime.
In this action-packed sequel, the trio of spies once again led by Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu tackles new cases while dealing with personal drama and vicious rivals. The film is filled with creative action scenes and maintains the franchise's signature blend of friendship, humor, and feminist empowerment.
Set during World War II, this Dutch film features Carice van Houten as Rachel, a Jewish woman who infiltrates the Gestapo headquarters by becoming romantically involved with a high-ranking officer. Focused on espionage, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity, Black Book presents a haunting female spy story rich in historical drama.
Expanding on the first film's theme of friendships and camaraderie, Red 2 reunites the main cast, with Helen Mirren's Victoria finally embracing her inner femme fatale. This female spy movie juxtaposes its breakneck action sequences with tender moments, highlighting the humanity of Mirren's character.
Another addition to the James Bond series, this film stars Michelle Yeoh as Wai Lin, a skilled Chinese spy working alongside Bond (Pierce Brosnan) to take down a corrupt media mogul. A powerful, self-sufficient character with clever tactics and martial arts prowess, Yeoh's Wai Lin proves a compelling counterpart to Bond.
In this comedy-packed sequel, Heather Graham joins Mike Myers as CIA agent Felicity Shagwell, traveling back in time to prevent the villainous Dr. Evil from achieving world domination. With its entertaining blend of silliness and action, this unique spy film showcases the importance of humor and comradery in building a successful team.
Halle Berry’s performance as NSA agent Jinx Johnson in this James Bond film demonstrates her ability to hold her own alongside franchise staple Pierce Brosnan. Showcasing her strength and skill as an elite operative, Berry's Jinx adds depth and complexity to the female spy genre.
While not solely a female spy movie, Margot Robbie's fierce portrayal of Harley Quinn steals the show in this ensemble film about a group of dangerous criminals recruited to save the world. Robbie's powerful performance and the film's fast-paced action make it an energetic addition to the genre.
A refreshing take on the female spy movie, this comedy stars Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon as best friends dragged into a world of espionage when one of their ex-boyfriends turns out to be a spy. With genuine chemistry and dynamic banter between the leads, the film offers both laughs and thrilling action sequences.
Anchored by powerful performances from both Helen Mirren and Jessica Chastain as older and younger versions of a Mossad agent grappling with the aftermath of a botched mission, The Debt presents a high-stakes, morally complex tale that showcases the personal cost of spycraft for those involved.
In this adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience, audiences witness an unlikely duo team up for a high-stakes mission. Ghosted stars charismatic fan-favorites Chris Evans and Ana de Armas as a spy couple bent on saving the world. Taking center stage on this thrilling adventure, the leading lady graces the screen with her intelligence, wit, and lethal combat skills, making this female espionage operative a role model for aspiring agents everywhere. With suspenseful twists and turns, breathtaking action sequences, and top-notch storytelling, Ghosted is undoubtedly an exciting addition to the female spy movie category.
In this comedic adaptation of the 1960s TV show, Anne Hathaway plays Agent 99, a highly skilled operative tasked with mentoring bumbling analyst-turned-field agent Max (Steve Carell). Balancing charm with butt-kicking action, Hathaway's portrayal emphasizes the essential role of women within the male-dominated world of espionage.
Based on a true story, Keira Knightley portrays Katharine Gun, a British government whistleblower who risks her life and liberty to expose illegal actions surrounding the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Putting a sharper focus on the moral complexities of espionage, this film demonstrates the courage and determination of a female spy standing up against injustice.
In the 2019 reboot, a new generation of Angels - played by Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska - come together for another action-packed adventure under the guidance of their unseen boss, Charlie. Delivering thrilling fight scenes and a continued focus on camaraderie and empowerment, this version adds a modern twist to an iconic franchise.
While primarily a children's film, Carla Gugino delivers a compelling performance as Ingrid Cortez - a skilled spy and dedicated mother who, alongside her husband (Antonio Banderas), must save their kidnapped children-turned-agents. Spy Kids highlights the resilience and determination of female spies, all while providing infectious family fun.
This quirky action-comedy stars Hailee Steinfeld as Megan Walsh, a teenage girl who has been trained since childhood to be a highly effective assassin. When she decides to try her hand at living a normal life by enrolling in high school, her past inevitably catches up with her. Blending coming-of-age humor with high-stakes espionage, Barely Lethal offers an entertaining twist on the female spy genre.
Despite being primarily a car-centric action film, this Fast and Furious installment includes Charlize Theron's engaging performance as the cyberterrorist Cipher. Proving to be a formidable antagonist to the film's protagonists, Theron's character highlights the shift toward more tech-savvy and innovative modes of spycraft.
Cate Blanchett portrays the titular character, a British woman turned French Resistance spy during World War II in Nazi-occupied France. Filled with suspense and peril, Charlotte Gray highlights the bravery necessary for both men and women navigating the dangerous world of wartime espionage.
Uma Thurman steps into the role of Emma Peel, a master fighter and secret agent, in this stylish adaptation of the 1960s television show. Alongside Ralph Fiennes as John Steed, the duo must work together to save Britain from a deadly weather-controlling plot. With stunning action sequences and impeccable fashion sense, Thurman's portrayal brings classic female spy energy to the big screen.
Inspired by the real-life story of the Dutch exotic dancer turned WWI spy, Mata Hari stars Sylvia Kristel in the titular role. Trained in manipulation and seduction, her character faces high stakes as she navigates a world of espionage and betrayal, offering a unique look at one of history’s most infamous female spies.
In this family-friendly adaptation of the beloved children's book, young Michelle Trachtenberg plays Harriet, an aspiring spy who snoops on friends and neighbors to fuel her passion for writing. With its charming coming-of-age sensibilities and themes of friendship and self-discovery, Harriet the Spy offers a light-hearted spin on the female spy movie.
Based on a true story, Red Joan stars Judi Dench and Sophie Cookson as the older and younger versions of a British scientist accused of spying for Russia during the Cold War. Balancing themes of loyalty, national identity, and idealism, the film showcases the development and resiliency of a highly skilled female spy.
