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Read Some of the Best Spy Movie Screenplays
Check out these screenplays and learn how to write a great spy flick.
May 22, 2025
A meticulously crafted screenplay is the backbone of any great spy film, weaving together intricate plots, compelling characters, and suspenseful twists that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
While many spy movies captivate with thrilling action and stylish visuals, the best are often distinguished by the sheer quality of their writing.
Here are a bunch that I think you can learn from.
Let's dive in.
The Best Spy Movie Screenplays
- The Third Man (1949) - Screenplay by Graham Greene, based on his novella: Often cited as a masterpiece, Greene's screenplay (and his own source material) is lauded for its atmospheric portrayal of post-war Vienna, its morally ambiguous characters, and its cynical, witty dialogue. The script masterfully builds suspense and intrigue around the enigmatic Harry Lime.
- North by Northwest (1959) - Screenplay by Ernest Lehman: A quintessential Hitchcock thriller, Lehman's original screenplay is a masterclass in pacing, suspense, and mistaken identity. Its clever plot, memorable set pieces, and sophisticated dialogue have made it an enduring classic and a benchmark for the genre.
- The Manchurian Candidate (1962) - Screenplay by George Axelrod, based on the novel by Richard Condon: Celebrated for its "impressive writing," this Cold War thriller expertly blends political satire, psychological drama, and suspense. Axelrod's script is known for its daring plot, sharp characterizations, and chilling exploration of brainwashing and political conspiracy.
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) - Screenplay by Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan, based on the novel by John le Carré: Adapting le Carré's dense and intricate novel was a significant challenge, but O'Connor and Straughan's BAFTA-winning screenplay is widely acclaimed for its intelligent and subtle handling of complex plotlines, its nuanced characters, and its ability to create a palpable atmosphere of paranoia and suspicion.
- Casino Royale (2006) - Screenplay by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Paul Haggis, based on the novel by Ian Fleming: This film successfully rebooted the James Bond franchise with a script that was praised for its grittier, more character-driven approach. The screenplay provided a compelling origin story for Bond, exploring his vulnerabilities and motivations with a depth not always seen in previous installments, alongside thrilling action and sharp dialogue.
- The Lives of Others (Das Leben der Anderen) (2006) - Screenplay by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck: This German film, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, features a powerfully written script that delves into the surveillance state of East Germany. Its screenplay is noted for its profound emotional depth, its compelling moral dilemmas, and its meticulous character development, telling a deeply human story within the chilling context of espionage.
- The Day of the Jackal (1973) - Screenplay by Kenneth Ross, based on the novel by Frederick Forsyth: Praised for its procedural detail and relentless suspense, the screenplay meticulously charts an assassin's plot to kill Charles de Gaulle and the efforts of the authorities to stop him. Its taut, clinical, and intelligent script is a hallmark of its enduring appeal.
- Munich (2005) - Screenplay by Tony Kushner and Eric Roth, based on the book Vengeance by George Jonas: This historical thriller, which explores the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, features a screenplay lauded for its complex ethical considerations, its dramatic intensity, and its thoughtful exploration of revenge and its consequences.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
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