In the critical lead-up to the Iraq War in 2003, Katharine Gun, a dedicated British intelligence specialist and our protagonist in "Official Secrets," finds herself in possession of a disturbing memo from the NSA, which outlines a covert plan to pressure U.N. Security Council members into supporting the invasion of Iraq through compromising information. Gun decides to risk everything she has to leak this memo to the press.

As one of the best female spy movies, "Official Secrets" knows how to balance intimate character moments with high-stakes political intrigue to allow viewers a more intimate insight into the central conflict. Aided by powerful performances from Keira Knightley as the cool yet compassionate Katharine Gun, the film successfully captures the internal struggle and emotional turmoil faced by a whistleblower who chooses to stand against the establishment.

Release: 2019

Stars: Keira Knightley, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

In "Atomic Blonde," set against the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Lorraine Broughton, an MI6 spy, is assigned to recover a valuable dossier containing the names of undercover agents. The document poses a significant threat to national security and must be retrieved before it falls into the wrong hands.

As Lorraine arrives in Berlin, she finds herself in a city teeming with danger. Her mission is further complicated when she discovers that a ruthless espionage ring is determined to eliminate anyone who possesses the dossier. With danger lurking at every corner, Lorraine must use all of her lethal skills and cunning to survive and complete her mission.

During her time in Berlin, Lorraine forms an uneasy alliance with David Percival (James McAvoy), a fellow MI6 agent stationed in the city. As the stakes escalate and the body count rises, Lorraine realizes that not everyone can be trusted, and betrayal may be lurking within her own ranks.

Lauded as one of the best female spy movies, the cinematography in "Atomic Blonde" does not disappoint, boasting a distinct visual style that further highliglhts the gritty and chaotic atmosphere of Berlin on the brink of change. The smart use of neon lighting and bold color palettes also adds to the film's noir-inspired aesthetics, which creates a visually striking feast that beckons our curious minds into the Cold War-era setting.

Release: 2017

Stars:Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%

"Black Widow" follows Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, after the events of "Captain America: Civil War." On the run from the government for violating the Sokovia Accords, Natasha finds herself confronted by her past as a trained assassin and a member of the enigmatic Black Widow program.

She receives a package containing a mysterious antidote that could free the Black Widow operatives from their mind control. Determined to help her "sister" Yelena Belova and the other Widows, Natasha goes on to confront the dangerous figure behind the Red Room - the organization that manipulates and controls the Black Widow program.

"Black Widow" delves into the complex character of Natasha Romanoff, exploring her past as a former assassin and her journey towards redemption. Natasha's quest to confront her past and dismantle the Red Room is not only a physical one but also an emotional and psychological journey, where she grapples with the consequences of her choices and seeks to find a sense of purpose beyond her life as an Avenger.

Release: 2021

Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%

"A Call to Spy" follows the journey of three women who become spies for the Allied forces in Nazi-occupied France. Vera Atkins, a British intelligence officer, recruits Virginia Hall (an American with a wooden leg) and Noor Inayat Khan (a pacifist Muslim of Indian descent), to join the Special Operations Executive (SOE). This secret organization's mission is to train and deploy women as spies behind enemy lines to gather crucial information and aid the resistance movement in France.

As the women embark on their assignments, they must navigate the ever-present threat of capture and execution by the Nazis. Their bravery and unwavering commitment to their mission become crucial in the fight against the oppression of the Nazi regime.

"A Call to Spy" goes beyond the surface of traditional spy films to offer a compelling exploration of the real-life heroism of female spies during World War II. Through its great storytelling and atmospheric cinematography, the film pays tribute to our three female protagonists, while shedding light on women's crucial yet often overlooked role in shaping the course of history.

Release: 2019

Stars: Sarah Megan Thomas, Stana Katic, Radhika Apte

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%

The story centers around Evelyn Salt, a CIA officer imprisoned in North Korea under suspicion of being a U.S. spy. In response to the attention drawn by her boyfriend, arachnologist Mike Krause, the CIA arranges a prisoner exchange.

Two years later, Salt interrogates a Russian defector, Orlov, who reveals a plan involving Russian sleeper agents known as "KAs." Orlov claims that Salt is "KA-12," the agent assigned to assassinate Russian President Boris Matveyev. Peabody, a CIA counterintelligence officer, orders Salt's detainment, but she escapes while trying to contact Mike. Salt embarks on a journey to her home, evading the pursuing CIA and police, armed with supplies and a spider in a jar.

"Salt" is an action-packed espionage thriller that challenges traditional notions of allegiance, blurring the lines between hero and villain to leave us questioning the true motivations of the protagonist, Evelyn Salt. As more plot twists unfold, "Salt" reveals more complexities of being a spy and the psychological toll it takes on individuals involved in covert operations.

Release: 2010

Stars: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 62%