The 19 Greatest Spies in Movies & TV (Besides James Bond)

The 19 Greatest Spies in Movies & TV (Besides James Bond)

While James Bond may be the most famous spy in entertainment, countless other secret agents have captured our hearts and minds. From action-packed blockbusters to clever TV shows, these characters have redefined what it means to be a spy. Some are serious and deadly, while others make us laugh with their silly mistakes and funny gadgets.

1. Ethan Hunt (Mission: Impossible Series)

Ethan Hunt turns impossible missions into incredible adventures. Tom Cruise brings this character to life with death-defying stunts that make your heart race. Hunt leads the Impossible Mission Force, a secret team that tackles the world’s most dangerous assignments.

What makes Hunt special is his willingness to risk everything for his team and innocent people. He never gives up, even when facing certain death.

Unlike other spies who rely on fancy gadgets, Hunt uses his quick thinking and amazing physical skills. Each movie pushes the boundaries of what action scenes can achieve, making Hunt the ultimate modern spy hero.

2. Jason Bourne (The Bourne Identity Series)

Waking up with no memory but deadly fighting skills, Jason Bourne discovers he’s a government-trained killer. Matt Damon portrays this confused yet dangerous character who must piece together his mysterious past.

Bourne finds himself hunted by the very agency that created him, turning former allies into enemies. His fighting style is brutal and efficient, using everyday objects as weapons. A rolled-up magazine becomes deadly in his hands, and he can disappear into crowds like a ghost.

Bourne’s journey is deeply personal as he struggles with the terrible things he’s done. The character changed action movies forever with realistic fight scenes and car chases that feel genuinely dangerous.

3. Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Trained as a Russian assassin from childhood, Natasha Romanoff chose to become a hero instead of a weapon. Scarlett Johansson brings depth to this character who fights alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Black Widow proves that you don’t need superpowers to save the world, just incredible skill and determination. Her red hair and black outfit have become iconic symbols of female empowerment in action movies.

Romanoff uses advanced technology, martial arts, and spy tactics to defeat enemies much stronger than herself. She carries the weight of her dark past while fighting for a better future. Black Widow shows that redemption is possible and that heroes come in many forms, inspiring countless fans worldwide.

4. Harry Hart (Galahad) – Kingsman: The Secret Service

Dressed in perfectly tailored suits and carrying a bulletproof umbrella, Harry Hart represents the gentleman spy taken to stylish extremes. Colin Firth transforms from romantic comedy star to deadly secret agent in this role.

Hart works for Kingsman, an independent spy organization that operates like a high-end tailor shop. His fighting scenes mix brutal violence with elegant choreography, creating unforgettable action sequences. Hart believes that manners make the man, teaching young recruits that being polite and deadly aren’t opposites.

The character updates classic spy traditions for modern audiences. With his witty one-liners and impeccable style, Hart proves that being a gentleman never goes out of fashion, even in the spy world.

5. Napoleon Solo & Illya Kuryakin (The Man from U.N.C.L.E.)

During the Cold War, American spy Napoleon Solo and Russian agent Illya Kuryakin must work together despite being enemies. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer bring charm and chemistry to these unlikely partners.

Solo is smooth and stylish, while Kuryakin is intense and methodical, creating perfect balance. Their banter and friendship develop as they face dangerous missions around the world. The show and recent movie capture the glamorous side of 1960s espionage with fashionable clothes and exotic locations. Both characters are skilled fighters and clever problem-solvers.

Together, they prove that friendship can overcome political differences and that teamwork makes even the most dangerous missions possible to complete successfully.

6. Harry Palmer (The Ipcress File)

Unlike glamorous spies who drive fancy cars and wear expensive suits, Harry Palmer is a working-class hero who takes the bus to work. Michael Caine created this character as a more realistic alternative to flashy secret agents.

Palmer wears thick glasses, cooks his own meals, and complains about his low salary. His cases involve real-world problems like government corruption and mind control experiments. Palmer uses his intelligence and street smarts rather than high-tech gadgets to solve mysteries.

The character shows that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they’re determined. Palmer’s down-to-earth personality and realistic approach to espionage created a new type of spy hero that audiences could actually relate to and believe.

7. Austin Powers (Austin Powers Trilogy)

Frozen in the 1960s and thawed out in the 1990s, Austin Powers is the grooviest spy who ever lived. Mike Myers plays this hilarious character who’s completely out of touch with modern times. Powers fights his nemesis Dr. Evil with outdated slang, terrible dance moves, and questionable personal hygiene.

His colorful outfits and thick accent make him instantly recognizable and quotable. Powers represents everything silly about spy movies, from ridiculous gadgets to over-the-top villains.

The character lovingly mocks James Bond while creating his own unique comedy style. Through pure luck and unexpected cleverness, Powers always saves the day, proving that being different can be a superpower in itself, baby!

8. Johnny English (Johnny English Series)

Bumbling through missions with unshakeable confidence, Johnny English accidentally saves Britain while making countless mistakes. Rowan Atkinson brings his physical comedy genius to this character who thinks he’s the best spy in the world.

English misunderstands clues, breaks expensive equipment, and causes chaos wherever he goes. His serious attitude about his ridiculous failures makes every scene funnier. English represents every person who’s ever been overconfident about their abilities.

Despite his incompetence, he genuinely cares about protecting his country and innocent people. The character proves that sometimes the worst spy can become the best hero, especially when villains underestimate his ability to ruin their carefully planned schemes.

9. Nikita (La Femme Nikita & Point of No Return)

Sentenced to death for murder, Nikita gets a second chance when a secret government agency fakes her execution and trains her as an assassin. Anne Parillaud in the original French film and Bridget Fonda in the American remake both capture this character’s struggle between survival and humanity.

Nikita must complete deadly missions while trying to maintain relationships and find happiness. Her training transforms her from a wild criminal into a sophisticated killer, but she never loses her rebellious spirit. The character faces impossible choices between duty and conscience.

Nikita’s story explores themes of redemption and identity, showing how people can change while fighting to keep their souls intact despite terrible circumstances.

10. Sydney Bristow (Alias)

Balancing graduate school with double agent duties, Sydney Bristow lives one of the most complicated lives on television. Jennifer Garner portrays this character who discovers her employer is actually a criminal organization.

Bristow must pretend to be loyal while secretly working for the real CIA. Her missions require constant disguises and fake identities, from wealthy socialites to dangerous criminals. Bristow’s family relationships are equally complex, with relatives who may be allies or enemies.

She uses high-tech gadgets and martial arts skills to complete impossible assignments. The character shows how difficult it is to maintain personal relationships when your entire life is built on lies and deception, yet love somehow survives.

11. Sterling Archer (Archer)

Narcissistic and immature, Sterling Archer somehow manages to be an effective secret agent despite his terrible personality. H. Jon Benjamin voices this animated character who cares more about his appearance than his missions.

Archer works for his mother’s spy agency, creating awkward family dynamics in dangerous situations. His inappropriate jokes and selfish behavior often make situations worse, but his combat skills are genuinely impressive. Archer represents everything wrong with traditional masculine spy stereotypes taken to ridiculous extremes.

The show uses his character to criticize toxic workplace culture and male ego. Through clever writing and animation, Archer becomes both hateable and somehow loveable, creating comedy gold from spy genre conventions and human flaws.

12. George Smiley (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)

Quiet and thoughtful, George Smiley solves spy puzzles through careful observation and patient investigation rather than car chases and gunfights. Alec Guinness and later Gary Oldman have both portrayed this complex character created by author John le Carré.

Smiley hunts for Soviet moles within British intelligence during the Cold War, using his deep understanding of human nature. His methods involve reading files, conducting interviews, and connecting seemingly unrelated clues.

The character shows that real espionage work requires intelligence and persistence. Unlike flashy action heroes, Smiley represents the unglamorous reality of spy work, where victories come from outsmarting enemies rather than outfighting them through careful planning.

13. Michael Westen (Burn Notice)

Abandoned by his own agency and trapped in Miami, Michael Westen uses his spy skills to help ordinary people while investigating who destroyed his career. Jeffrey Donovan plays this character who narrates each episode like a spy training manual.

Westen explains his techniques while demonstrating them in real situations. His knowledge of surveillance, explosives, and psychology helps him solve problems for desperate clients.

He works with his ex-girlfriend and a former Navy SEAL, creating an unusual family of outcasts. The show combines action with detailed explanations of actual spy tactics. The character proves that spy skills can be used for good, helping regular people fight back against criminals and corrupt officials who abuse their power.

14. Carrie Mathison (Homeland)

Brilliant but struggling with bipolar disorder, Carrie Mathison fights terrorists while battling her own mental health challenges. Claire Danes won multiple awards for portraying this complex CIA officer who sees patterns others miss.

Mathison’s condition gives her unique insights but also creates personal and professional problems. Her obsessive nature helps her uncover terrorist plots but damages her relationships with colleagues and family. Mathison faces difficult choices between national security and individual rights.

The character explores how mental illness affects high-pressure careers and personal relationships. Through Mathison’s story, the show examines the real costs of fighting terrorism and the sacrifices intelligence officers make to protect their countries and loved ones.

15. John Drake (Danger Man / Secret Agent Man)

Working as a NATO security agent, John Drake handles international cases with intelligence and moral principles rather than deadly force. Patrick McGoohan created this character as a more ethical alternative to violent spies.

Drake rarely uses guns, preferring to outwit enemies through clever planning and psychological tactics. His cases often involve protecting defectors, uncovering corruption, or preventing international incidents. Drake speaks multiple languages and understands different cultures, making him effective in global situations.

The character shows that brains can be more powerful than bullets. Drake’s strong moral code and reluctance to kill set him apart from other spies, proving that heroes can be effective without compromising their values or humanity.

16. Maxwell Smart (Get Smart)

Armed with a shoe phone and cone of silence, Maxwell Smart bumbles through spy missions with unwavering enthusiasm and terrible judgment. Don Adams brought this character to life as a parody of serious secret agents.

Smart works for CONTROL, fighting the evil organization KAOS with gadgets that rarely work properly. His catchphrases like ‘Sorry about that, Chief’ and ‘Would you believe…’ became part of popular culture. Smart’s partner Agent 99 often saves him from his own mistakes while pretending he’s competent. The show mocked Cold War paranoia and spy movie clichés.

Despite his incompetence, Smart’s good heart and dumb luck usually save the day, creating timeless comedy that influenced generations of spy parodies and comedic characters.

17. Danger Mouse (Danger Mouse Animated Series)

Flying through London in his flying car, Danger Mouse is the world’s greatest secret agent who happens to be a small white mouse. David Jason voices this British animated character who fights villains like Baron Greenback with courage and determination.

His assistant Penfold often panics during dangerous missions. The show parodies spy adventures while creating genuine excitement and humor for children and adults.

Danger Mouse uses gadgets provided by Colonel K and faces threats that endanger the entire world. His small size becomes an advantage in many situations. The character proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, teaching young viewers that bravery and doing the right thing matter more than physical strength or appearance.

18. Mata Hari (Mata Hari Films)

Based on the real-life exotic dancer accused of being a double agent during World War I, Mata Hari represents the mysterious femme fatale spy archetype.

Various actresses have portrayed this character who used her beauty and charm to gather secrets from powerful men. Her story explores themes of identity, survival, and the price of independence in a male-dominated world. Mata Hari’s dancing career provided perfect cover for espionage activities across Europe.

The character’s true loyalties remain mysterious, adding to her legendary status. Whether she was actually a spy or simply a convenient scapegoat, Mata Hari became a symbol of female power that continues to fascinate audiences worldwide.

19. The Spy (The Spy Netflix Series)

Based on the true story of Israeli spy Eli Cohen, this character infiltrated Syrian high society during the 1960s by creating a fake identity as a wealthy businessman. Sacha Baron Cohen portrays this real-life hero who risked everything to protect his country.

Cohen’s mission required him to live a double life for years, gaining the trust of Syrian officials while secretly gathering intelligence. His work provided crucial information about Syrian military plans and helped prevent attacks on Israel.

The character shows the enormous personal costs of deep-cover espionage. The story demonstrates how one person’s courage and sacrifice can change history, while exploring the moral complexities of espionage work and national loyalty versus human relationships.