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Women-led spy thrillers that’ll keep you on the edge of your seats

As a clapback to outdated traditional gender roles, these silver screen works showcase some of the best action-packed female-led espionage, Hollywood has ever witnessed.

Women-led spy thrillers that’ll keep you on the edge of your seats
Shilpa S

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Covert missions, getting out of the trickiest situations with only one’s wits, missions where the fate of the country hangs in the balance and more - with such exciting elements, it’s no surprise that spy films are a favourite of audiences across the globe. But although there is definitely a lot Hollywood has got right in bringing quality spy content to viewers, its portrayal of female characters haven't always been favourable, especially in the past.

From damsels in distress to glorified secretaries to over the top femme fatales, Hollywood certainly doesn’t lack when it comes to sexist portrayals of women in male-centric movies in the spy genre. But thankfully, contemporary spy films have started to shed the age-old stereotypes, giving rise to some films featuring female spies who meet and excel their male counterparts when it comes to espionage.

Here are some examples of high-voltage spy thrillers where women call the shots.

1

Atomic Blonde

6.9
A high octane spy film led by Charlize Theron, Atomic Blonde is based on the graphic novel The Coldest City by Antony Johnston. The film is set in the background of the Berlin Wall collapse in 1989 and follows a British Intelligence agent who is tasked with retrieving an important list containing the names of active spies from Russia and the UK. In addition to a stellar performance by Theron, the fast-paced film is rife with some sophisticated action sequences bound to hold the attention of action film buffs.

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2

Red Sparrow

6.7
After a career-ending injury, a ballerina decides to take up an offer from a Russian Intelligence agent to afford the treatment of her ill mother. But her very first assignment goes awry, and she is forced to become an operative for the agency. The 2018 film is based on the novel of the same name by Jason Matthews, which revolves around espionage practice wherein female agents are required to seduce their targets to get vital information and achieve mission requirements. Although the film opened to mixed reviews, Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as the protagonist was heralded as the saving grace of the spy thriller film.

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3

Marvel's Agent Carter

8.1
The bold and poised Peggy Carter had certainly stood out in Captain America: The First Avenger. So much so that she got her own show, where she continues her saga of teaching bad guys a lesson, and looking good doing it. The series follows Carter as she is assigned the role of a secretary in the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR). But when Howard Stark is framed for treason, she embarks upon a mission to clear his name, assisted by his butler, Jarvis. Carter was one of the first MCU female characters to headline her own show. The series received widespread adulation for its compelling and layered protagonist, as well as an entertaining story.

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4

Homeland

8.7
Homeland revolves around a female CIA operative, who suspects a rescued military personnel to be secretly planning a terrorist attack against the US. Her suspicions are ignored by her superiors, leading Carrie to take matters into her own hands. But being bipolar, her investigations soon turn into a mounting personal obsession, leading her on a dangerous path. The series received positive reviews throughout its eight-season run, praises being directed at the performances, cast and fast-paced storylines. Homeland is based on the Israeli series, Prisoners of War.

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5

Salt

6.6
Headlined by the charismatic Angelina Jolie, Salt tells the story of a CIA operative who is accused of being a Russian spy by an arrested defector. When the man’s story raises suspicion of her colleagues, she is forced to go on the run while trying to locate her missing husband. Jolie gives it her all in this high octane spy thriller, and her incredible performance coupled with a fast-moving storyline and some shocking twists definitely makes the film a compelling watch.

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