There’s something innately exciting about spy thrillers. Films in this genre immerse the viewer in a world of mystery, deceit, and exhilaration, as characters attempt to figure out exactly what’s going on and how the spy will manage to overcome the villain.
Few spy film franchises are as exciting and thrilling as those featuring Jason Bourne, played by the great Matt Damon. Though there’s much that is unique about these films, there are actually quite a few television shows that hit some of the same notes and are thus ideal choices for those who enjoyed the Bourne films.
Updated on March 15, 2021 by Kristen Palamara: The Bourne movies are some of the most popular spy movies given their stylish choreographed fight scenes and intriguing interwoven plots with frequent twists introduced to the overarching story. There are iconic television shows about spies like 24 and Alias that were on the air for years and new shows like Jack Ryan and Hunters are being created every year. There are plenty of shows about spies and some reach the same level of intrigue, choreographed fighting, and well-developed characters as the Bourne movies.
The Man In The High Castle (2015-2019)
The Man in the High Castle is an Amazon series based on the Philip K. Dick book of the same name. It follows an alternate universe where the Nazi Axis powers won World War II. The Bourne movies are also based on a novel series by Robert Ludlum.
The show centers on multiple characters from the Nazi soldiers to the Japanese soldiers and resistance fighters and spies like Juliana Crain. The Man in the High Castle slowly reveals its plot in a well-paced manner and is always engaging.
The Spy (2019)
This six-episode Netflix miniseries stars Sacha Baron Cohen as Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who operated in the 1960s.
The Spy delves into the drama and action of the real-life spy story as Eli Cohen goes on a mission to infiltrate the Syrian government.
Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013-2020)
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is a Marvel series that focuses on the spy agency within the MCU run by Agent Phil Coulson. It mixes the superhero and spy genres for a dramatic and action-packed show that any fan of the Bourne movies would enjoy.
Although the Bourne movies don't have comic book storylines, there are some moments when Jason Bourne's fighting skills are similar to a superhero's. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is more about the spy side of the MCU as the characters investigate strange occurrences and protect people.
Jack Ryan (2018- )
Jack Ryan is the titular CIA analyst turned field agent seen in the wildly popular Tom Clancy book series. There are several movie adaptations with several A-list actors portraying Ryan, from Chris Pine to Ben Affleck. John Krasinski plays the spy in this Amazon series.
The series, movies, and books are similar to the Bourne franchise as the story follows Ryan during his first field assignments in which he uncovers surprising conspiracies and has to defeat villainous foes.
Hunters (2020- )
Amazon's Hunters is loosely based on real-life events of people who decide to hunt Nazis after the Second World War. In the series, a group meets and decides to track down any Nazi who escaped capture by fleeing to the United States after the end of the war.
Like the Bourne series is led by A-list actor Matt Damon, Hunters has Al Pacino front and center.
Homeland (2011-2020)
There are many reasons to love Homeland, the spy thriller series that ran for eight seasons on Showtime, but a lot of it comes down to the great performances delivered by Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, both of whom are electric in their roles.
Once this series grabs hold of a viewer, it never lets go, and it’s one of those shows that seems made to binge. It’s also accrued quite a few high-profile fans, including none other than former President Barack Obama.
The Americans (2013-2018)
It’s easy to see why the Cold War would make such an infinitely compelling and easy setting for spy dramas since both the United States and the Soviet Union made copious use of it in their decades-long standoff with one another.
The Americans has all of the traits that audiences have come to associate with the golden age of Peak TV, up to and including great performances and a searing exploration of the ways in which politics shape one’s loyalties.
Killing Eve (2018- )
What’s not to love about Killing Eve, the spy thriller starring Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, and Fiona Shaw? It has the electrifying chemistry between Oh and Comer, as well as the scenes of stylized murder that leave one simply in awe of the ease with which Villanelle dispatches the people that she is assigned to assassinate — or simply doesn't like.
At the same time, there’s quite a bit of mystery that, even after three seasons, hasn’t been resolved or illuminated.
Chuck (2007-2012)
Part of what makes this particular series so charming is that it manages to bring together the genres of spy thriller and comedy. Of course, it definitely helps that the lead in the show, Zachary Levi, has charisma and charm to spare.
Unlike Jason Bourne, though, who has an adversarial relationship with the CIA, for the most part, Chuck goes along with their efforts to make use of his prodigious talents. The only problem is that the series didn’t last longer. Even so, there’s more than enough here for fans of Bourne to enjoy.
The Blacklist (2013- )
The last couple of decades has been something of a golden age for spy thrillers, including The Blacklist, which stars James Spader as a former Navy officer who now has ties to various criminals.
James Spader seems to take a great deal of delight in the role, and there’s a lot of chemistry between him and Megan Boone. The Blacklist is a bit over-the-top sometimes, but there’s still a lot to enjoy about this show, and fans can rejoice that there will be at least one more season.
MI-5 (2002-2011)
The United States isn’t the only country to create some great spy dramas, for many have also come out of the United Kingdom. One of the best would have to be MI-5, which focuses on several officers involved with British intelligence.
In addition to its very sharp and intelligent writing — which most people would expect from a show produced in the UK — it is also a visually stunning show, with a number of notable guest actors adding to its already substantial appeal.
Burn Notice (2007-2013)
In the world of television, there’s nothing more unpredictable than a spy who has been cut loose by the organization that he used to work for. That’s the premise of this series, which ran for several years and attained a fair amount of success.
The plot is entertaining enough on its own, but it actually folds together several different stories, inviting the viewer to piece together the characters’ pasts and their present. What’s more, Burn Notice also manages to add just a little bit of humor to its spy thriller narrative.
Alias (2001-2006)
Jennifer Garner seems to be one of those actors who succeeds, in every role that she appears in. In Alias, she plays a double agent who has to try to balance the requirements of this job with her loyalties to her family and friends.
Alias is a marvelously well-written show, and once it grabs hold of the audience it doesn’t let go. And it must have been doing something right because it was a hit with critics and stayed on the air for several seasons.
Turn: Washington’s Spies (2014-2017)
Not all spy thrillers are set in the present. In fact, some are set in the past, and one of the best of these is Turn: Washington’s Spies. As the title suggests, the series is about a group of spies who end up playing a pivotal role in the unfolding of the Revolutionary War.
Though it takes some liberties with history — some more egregious than others — there’s no doubt that it’s rather refreshing to see this new take on one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the United States.
24 (2001-2010)
In the annals of the spy thriller film, 24 definitely looms large. In fact, Jack Bauer has become something of an icon in the genre, in large part because he proves that he is willing to do whatever he thinks is necessary to prevent terror attacks on the United States.
In addition, the series is famous for its concept that every season covers 24 hours. It’s a rather fascinating little conceit, and it gives 24 a certain narrative propulsion that keeps the viewer constantly on the edge of their seats.