10 of the best and 10 of the worst spy movies of all time

Meghan CookAug 27, 2020, 03:35 IST

Some spy movies are better than others.Dimension Films; Sony; Warner Bros.

Insider ranked some of the best and worst spy films of all time based on their critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
Through the decades, critics have praised movies about spies, like "The Spy Gone North" (2018) and "Spy Kids" (2001).
Critics tore apart the spy drama "Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever" (2002) and spy comedy "So Undercover" (2012).

Spies can be found in almost every movie genre, from tightly wound thrillers to laugh-out-loud comedies.

Looking at critic scores from Rotten Tomatoes, Insider took a closer look at which movies about spies are worth watching and which you may want to skip.

Read on for some of the best and worst spy films of all time.

Note: All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change.

"The Spy Gone North" (2018) impressed critics and kept them on the edge of their seats.

"The Spy Gone North" is a South Korean spy drama. Sanai Pictures; Moonlight Film

"Mission Impossible: Fallout" (2018) proved to be the best-reviewed entry in the series yet.

Tom Cruise in "Mission Impossible — Fallout." Paramount Pictures

"Casino Royale" (2006) reignited interest in the James Bond franchise.

Eva Green and Daniel Craig in "Casino Royale." Sony

Critics couldn't get enough of Melissa McCarthy in "Spy" (2015).

Melissa McCarthy in "Spy." Fox

Critics called "The Lives of Others" (2006) an insightful and intelligent drama.

Ulrich Mühe in "The Lives of Others." Sony Pictures Classics

"Spy Kids" (2001) easily set itself apart from other family films.

"Spy Kids" was directed by Robert Rodriguez. Dimension Films

Reviewers said "The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007) was the perfect mix of action and intrigue.

Matt Damon in "The Bourne Ultimatum" Universal Pictures

"Zero Dark Thirty" (2012) is a gritty character drama.

Jessica Chastain in "Zero Dark Thirty." Sony / Columbia Pictures

"Bridge of Spies" (2015) solidified Steven Spielberg's prestige as a director.

"Bridge of Spies" was directed by Steven Spielberg. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/20th Century Fox

Critics described "Nikita" (1990) as an art-house thriller with a formidable female lead.

"Nikita" is a French film. The Samuel Goldwyn Company

Alternatively, "Barely Lethal" (2015) was a teen comedy that missed the mark.

"Barely Lethal" was directed by Kyle Newman. A24/DirecTV Cinema

Critics could barely stomach "Casino Royale" (1967).

"Casino Royale" (1967) is a parody film. Famous Artists Productions

"Spymate" (2006) suffered from silly antics and a lack of substance.

"Spymate" is about a primate spy. Keystone Family Pictures

The action-comedy "I Spy" (2002) left critics less than impressed.

Owen Wilson in "I Spy." Columbia Pictures

Critics said "The Pink Panther 2" (2009) was too goofy for its own good.

Steve Martin in "The Pink Panther 2." Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Critics said "The Spy Next Door" (2010) wasted Jackie Chan's talent as an actor.

Jackie Chan in "The Spy Next Door." Lionsgate

For many reviewers, "Bad Company" (2002) was a schlock-filled mess.

Chris Rock in "Bad Company." Touchstone Pictures

"So Undercover" (2012) was called out-of-touch and forgettable.

Miley Cyrus in "So Undercover." Warner Bros.

Critics weren't fond of the absurd action flick "The Avengers" (1998).

Ralph Fiennes in "The Avengers." Warner Bros. Pictures

"Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever" (2002) failed to earn any positive reviews from critics.

Antonio Banderas in "Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever." Warner Bros. Pictures

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