The devil works hard, but Steven Soderbergh works harder. The acclaimed filmmaker has put out not one, but two projects this year, with POV ghost movie Presence up first, and now, a tense thriller to mix things up. If you like the sound of the latter, here are 10 movies like Black Bag that you’ll love, plus streaming options for them all.
Black Bag perfectly scratches the itch for anyone craving original, intriguing movies, and as an added bonus, it comes in at a cool 93 minutes, too. With slick directing, a captivating story, and brilliant performances from Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, it’s a surefire win for any film fan.
But what happens when the credits roll and you want more? Well, dive into our list of the best movies to watch if you love Black Bag, and get even more of those cat-and-mouse thrills of course.
Sicario (2015)
If it’s edge-of-your seat thrillers you’re into, look no further than Denis Villeneuve’s breakout hit, Sicario. Between the blistering story crafted by Taylor Sheridan, the camerawork of the legendary Sir Roger Deakins, and the roaring score from the late, great composer, Jóhann Jóhannsson, this 2015 flick is a treat for all the senses.
It’s hard to pick an MVP from this one, with Emily Blunt doing some of her best work in the lead role, while the double act of Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro are formidable in support. Sicario is gripping stuff, and honestly, is the kind of film you’ll want to watch again and again.
Skyfall (2012)
You can’t discuss spy movies without mentioning 007. But, if you’re new to the James Bond series, and just want to dip your toes into his world without watching 20-odd films first, Skyfall is perfectly serviceable on its own merits without being burdened by its predecessors. Think about how The Dark Knight can almost be viewed as a standalone Batman movie, and you’re on the right track with this Bond film.
The action sequences here are out of this world, and Daniel Craig’s weary Bond throws himself into every explosive moment of this. Meanwhile, Javier Bardem puts up one of the great villainous performances of the modern era opposite him; that alone makes it worth the watch.
The Killer (2023)
Michael Fassbender, on his day, is one of the finest actors of his generation. While his more nuanced work comes in powerful drama films like Shame and Hunger, if you’re after his more hard-hitting side, look no further than David Fincher’s The Killer.
The Netflix original sees Fassbender take on the role of a contract killer, who finds himself in a tangled web of murder plots, backstabbing, and betrayal. It’s probably as close to Black Bag as you’re likely to get among Fassbender’s filmography to date, and it’s another example of a filmmaker looking to put out fun, flashy movies that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Thief (1981)
You know when people say, ‘They don’t make movies like this anymore’? Well, Thief is exactly the kind of movie they’re talking about. Every inch of every frame in this Michael Mann classic is oozing with flair and panache, and not a second is wasted with every moment filled with compelling character work or searing action.
It’s almost impossible to believe that this was Mann’s feature debut. Thief feels more like the work of a seasoned pro; something Mann has, of course, proven himself to be over the years. Just like Black Bag, you’ll be hooked from the get-go with this ‘80s classic.
Blow Out (1981)
More ‘80s thrills from another master of his trade, Brian De Palma, with Blow Out offering up a healthy dose of mystery and twists and turns, just like Black Bag. John Travolta has arguably never been better, as his character Jack Terry finds himself embroiled in a criminal conspiracy that is not what it seems.
The technical elements of Blow Out are simply superb, with exceptional sound design and editing bringing this enthralling, tight thriller to life. It’s all shot with a raw, rough around the edges lens that gives the film an almost documentarian feel. And, with a runtime of just 108 minutes, you’ll find the wild ride flies by and knocks you for six by the end.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Cate Blanchett has had quite the career, and a diverse one at that. But, if you like her work in Black Bag and want to find something remotely similar in her eclectic body of work, The Talented Mr. Ripley will deliver a delicious serving of dark dramatic moments, a hint of violence, and lots of twists, too.
While Blanchett is not on screen as much as some might like, the performances of Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow will more than make up for it, while the late Philip Seymour Hoffman is, as always, a real scene-stealer in his supporting role.
North by Northwest (1959)
Now we’re really heading back in time to the genuine classics of a bygone era. Alfred Hitchcock would have loved Black Bag, but the Master of Suspense already put together one of the most flawless spy movies of all time with North by Northwest.
This is the ultimate cat-and-mouse tale, and for its time, a film that features some truly special action set-pieces. Ask any filmmaker worth their salt what their inspirations are, especially those who craft thrillers and spy flicks, and North by Northwest will undoubtedly be on the list. It’s smart, scintillating, and simply perfect in every single way.
Double Indemnity (1944)
If we’re talking about cinematic greats, though, we can’t leave out Billy Wilder. While his comedies like The Apartment and Some Like it Hot steal the spotlight most of the time, his noir detective thriller, Double Indemnity, is arguably his most impressive work; it’s certainly the most tense.
Again, this flick is only just over 100 minutes long, but it packs so much into that short runtime. The audience is led one way and then another as the mystery unfolds before our eyes here, and it’s a tricky tale filled with complex characters that will put the viewer’s moral compass to the test.
Insomnia (2002)
Before Batman, sprawling science fiction, and Oscar-winning biopics, Christopher Nolan dabbled in gritty detective thrillers like Insomnia. While this has a decidedly darker edge to it than Black Bag, and slightly less action, it’s still an intense and intriguing study of deception and considering what to take at face value and when to dig deeper.
With Robin Williams taking on one of his more dramatic roles, and the legendary Al Pacino flexing his screen presence as always, you’ll not want to take your eyes off this one. It’s wild to think this is low-tier Nolan, but that says a lot more about the filmmaker than the film, trust us.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005)
Alright, we’ve got all the serious stuff out of the way. Let’s be honest, one of the most appealing facets of Black Bag is the fact it puts beautiful people into very entertaining, explosive scenarios. So, if you want to go even further into that side of the spy genre, Mr. and Mrs. Smith is the ideal light watch to cater to your tastes.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie bring a charm and playfulness to proceedings, and the Doug Liman flick even ticks the box when it comes to the whole, ‘Should I trust my spouse?’ plotpoint. In many ways, there is no film on this list more similar to Black Bag, actually.
Where to stream the best movies like Black Bag online
Check out the list below for where to watch all these incredible movies that have a similar vibe to Black Bag, on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more!
