Spy thrillers have always fascinated movie lovers with their mix of mystery, action, and patriotism. Whether it’s international espionage or covert operations in India, agent movies capture the intense lives of secret agents working behind the scenes to protect their nations.
In this list, we’ve picked these movies that combine gripping narratives, high-stakes missions, and heroic performances. From movies on RAW agents to thrilling international secret agent movies, each one showcases courage, intelligence, and sacrifice.
Top 10 RAW Agent Movies Based on Real-Life Missions
1. Raazi (2018)
Director: Meghna Gulzar | Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal
Raazi is one of the most impactful RAW agent movies ever made in Indian cinema. Based on the novel Calling Sehmat by Harinder Sikka, it tells the story of an Indian woman who marries into a Pakistani military family to spy for India during the 1971 war.
Why Watch It:
- Alia Bhatt delivers a powerful performance as a young undercover agent.
- The story beautifully blends emotion, sacrifice, and national duty.
- Realistic portrayal of a RAW agent movie based on true events.
Raazi isn’t just about espionage—it’s about courage and the heavy price of patriotism, making it one of the best agent movies from Bollywood.
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2. Baby (2015)
Director: Neeraj Pandey | Starring: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Rana Daggubati
One of the most action-packed movies on RAW agents, Baby revolves around an elite covert unit that prevents terrorist attacks on India. Akshay Kumar’s character, Ajay Singh Rajput, symbolizes discipline, strategy, and patriotism.
Why Watch It:
- Fast-paced, high-intensity espionage drama.
- Realistic portrayal of Indian intelligence operations.
- Inspiring performances and crisp direction.
The film set new standards for Indian secret agent movies, showing how everyday heroes silently defend their country.
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3. Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
Director: Kabir Khan | Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif
When we talk about iconic agent movies, Ek Tha Tiger is one that instantly comes to mind. The story follows Tiger, a fearless RAW agent who falls in love with a Pakistani spy, leading to a dangerous yet emotional adventure across continents.
Why Watch It:
- High-octane action sequences filmed in global locations.
- A mix of romance and spy thrillers.
- Showcases the moral dilemmas faced by intelligence officers.
The movie’s success led to a full franchise, including Tiger Zinda Hai and Tiger 3, making it one of the best agent movies in Indian cinema.
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4. Madras Cafe (2013)
Director: Shoojit Sircar | Starring: John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri
A gripping RAW agent movie, Madras Cafe offers a realistic look into the political chaos surrounding the Sri Lankan civil war. John Abraham plays a RAW operative assigned to stop a rebel movement but soon discovers deeper conspiracies.
Why Watch It:
- Intense, politically-driven narrative.
- Realistic depiction of espionage operations.
- Smart direction and engaging storytelling.
Unlike commercial thrillers, this film takes a grounded approach, making it a must-watch for fans of movies on RAW agents.
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5. Naam Shabana (2017)
Director: Shivam Nair | Starring: Taapsee Pannu, Manoj Bajpayee, Akshay Kumar (cameo)**
A spin-off of Baby, Naam Shabana focuses on Shabana Khan’s journey from an ordinary woman to a trained secret agent. This action-packed film highlights the recruitment and training process of India’s intelligence division.
Why Watch It:
- Strong female-led spy thriller.
- Incredible action and emotional backstory.
- Connects beautifully with Baby and its RAW-based theme.
This film perfectly balances emotion and espionage, adding a refreshing twist to the agent movies genre.
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6. Vishwaroopam (2013)
Director: Kamal Haasan | Starring: Kamal Haasan, Pooja Kumar, Rahul Bose
A bilingual spy thriller, Vishwaroopam showcases Kamal Haasan as a RAW agent who secretly works undercover in the U.S. to dismantle a terrorist organization.
Why Watch It:
- Stunning performances and action choreography.
- Unique blend of intelligence work and personal sacrifice.
- Among the few RAW agent movies with a global setting.
With its tight screenplay and realistic tone, Vishwaroopam stands out as one of the best agent movies ever made in India.
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7. The Spy (2019)
Director: Gideon Raff | Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen
Although not Indian, The Spy is one of the finest secret agent movies on Netflix. It’s based on the real-life story of Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who infiltrated the Syrian government in the 1960s.
Why Watch It:
- Realistic storytelling based on true events.
- Deeply emotional and intense character development.
- Perfect example of how agents sacrifice personal lives for their nations.
Fans of espionage dramas will appreciate its gripping narrative and subtle performances, ranking it among the top agent movies globally.
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8. Agent Vinod (2012)
Director: Sriram Raghavan | Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan**
A stylish and fast-paced thriller, Agent Vinod follows a RAW agent as he uncovers an international conspiracy. The film combines exotic locations, clever twists, and spy gadgets—everything a good spy thriller needs.
Why Watch It:
- Sleek direction and global storyline.
- Smart, witty dialogues with high production value.
- A modern take on the classic RAW agent movie concept.
Although underrated, Agent Vinod deserves a spot in any Malayalam movies list of espionage thrillers for its ambition and execution.
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9. Romeo Akbar Walter (2019)
Director: Robbie Grewal | Starring: John Abraham, Mouni Roy, Jackie Shroff**
Inspired by real-life spies, Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) is a powerful movie on RAW agent missions. John Abraham plays an undercover operative who infiltrates enemy territory during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Why Watch It:
- Strong performances and unpredictable twists.
- Emotional portrayal of a patriot’s silent sacrifice.
- Realistic look into the world of undercover intelligence.
It’s one of those good agent movies that highlight the human cost behind secret missions.
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10. Pathaan (2023)
Director: Siddharth Anand | Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham**
A modern action-packed agent movie, Pathaan redefined the Indian spy universe. The film follows Pathaan, a fearless RAW agent on a mission to stop a global terrorist threat.
Why Watch It:
- Spectacular stunts and visual effects.
- Star-studded performances with patriotic undertones.
- Expands the YRF Spy Universe alongside Tiger and War.
This blockbuster proved that movies on RAW agents can combine emotional storytelling with mass entertainment, appealing to audiences worldwide.
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Why Agent Movies Are So Popular
Agent movies offer an irresistible mix of suspense, heroism, and national pride. From secret agent movies like The Spy to intense RAW agent movies like Raazi and Madras Cafe, these stories give audiences a glimpse into a world of secrecy, danger, and bravery.
Common themes found in these films:
- Patriotism and self-sacrifice.
- Thrilling espionage missions.
- Personal conflict between duty and emotion.
Conclusion
From emotional thrillers like Raazi to full-scale blockbusters like Pathaan and Ek Tha Tiger, these agent movies celebrate bravery, intelligence, and sacrifice. They remind us of the unseen heroes who work tirelessly to keep the nation safe.
Whether you love realistic dramas like Madras Cafe or action thrillers like Baby, this RAW agent movies list has something for every movie lover. These films not only entertain but also ignite a deep sense of pride and respect for those serving behind the shadows.
FAQs about Agent Movies
Q) What Are the Best Agent Movies to Watch?
A) Some of the best agent movies include Raazi, Baby, Pathaan, Vishwaroopam, and Ek Tha Tiger.
Q) Are Agent Movies Based on Real Events?
A) Many RAW agent movies, like Raazi and Madras Cafe, are inspired by true stories of Indian intelligence missions.
Q) Which Movie Shows the Life of a RAW Agent Best?
A) Raazi and Romeo Akbar Walter realistically portray the challenges and sacrifices of RAW agents.
Q) Are Agent Movies Suitable for Families?
A) Yes, most agent movies listed here are family-friendly, focusing on patriotism, courage, and emotional storytelling without inappropriate content.
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