The Best Spy Thrillers You Can Watch On OTT Platforms
Just in time for your weekend binge!
There's something spy thrillers that truly gets everyone going!
You come for the mystery but stay for the adrenaline rush, many twists and turns and the sheer joy of watching the seemingly impossible become absolutely possible. There's a reason why world over, spy thrillers have always found a massive audience, and irrespective of the final outcome, people are always happy to tune in for such shows and movies. Think James Bond, yes, but also YRF's infamous Spy universe.
And if you're suddenly finding yourself in the mood to watch some spy action over the weekend, well, we're here with a solid list that's totally worth your time. Each of these shows are impeccably made, wonderfully executed and will give everything you're expecting from the spy thriller genre, and then some more.
Best Spy Thrillers To Watch On OTT Platforms
The Family Man (Prime Video)
That Manoj Bajpayee is a phenomenal actor is well known. And in The Family Man, the actor's prowess is in full flow and how. Over 2 seasons, and battling professional enemies and some personal issues, he's busy outwitting everyone and everything while trying to save our country from possible terror issues. Raj & DK's unique filmmaking, coupled with wonderful actors in front of the camera, make this series an absolute must-watch.
PS: the show's third season, also starring Jaideep Ahlawat, also comes out this year!
Fauda (Netflix)
This Israeli series remains one of the most underrated TV shows across the world, and however is seen it, can't stop raving about it. Over 4 seasons, the show takes you right inside the world of spies and espionage, providing an adrenaline rush that few other shows can offer. Leading from the front is actor Lior Raz with an exceptional performance, ably supported by an ensemble cast that's just as spot on.
Special Ops (JioHotstar)
Director Neeraj Panday's series, starring Kay Kay Menon as the central protagonist, is another great example of just how entertaining a spy thriller series can be. Over two seasons, the show has remained continuously delightful, never dipping when it comes to twists and thrills without seeming too good to be true. Also starring in lead roles are Karan Tacker, Vinay Pathak and Saiyami Kher and Muzammil Ibrahim.
The Night Agent (Netflix)
It's the kind of show you go in not expecting much, but before you've realised, The Night Agent has developed a vice-like grip over you. The show begins with an FBI agent accidentally intercepting a phone call that lands him into a conspiracy involving a mole at The White House, and all hells breaks loose, literally. It's extremely bingeable, and that's how we'd recommend you watch it anyway.
Tehran (Apple TV+)
Another Israeli production, this time set in Tehran, as the name suggests. Based on the infamous Iran-Israel crisis, the show features a young Israeli spy, Tamar (Niv Sultan), who lands in the Iranian capital for a covert operation for a day, only to end up getting stuck for much longer. It's an extraordinarily well acted and directed show and you just won't be look away from the screen. While 3 seasons of the show are out (with a fourth under production), only two are available on the platform since Apple didn't deem it fit to release the third season amidst the growing Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Night Manager (JioHotstar)
Based on the British series by the same name (which some people prefer over its Hindi adaptation), The Night Manager might not appear to be that brilliant, but there's no denying it's extremely watchable, thanks in part to the show's wonderful cast who are all easy on the eyes and quite convincing in their roles. Aditya Roy Kapoor in the titular role shines well enough alongside Anil Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala and Tillotama Shome.
Jack Ryan (Prime Video)
When it was announced that John Krasinski would play the titular character in this Tom Clancy show, many weren't sure if Jim Halpert from The Office could put if off. But a few episodes into Jack Ryan, and Krasinski has you completely convinced he was meant to play this role. Even when the show dips a bit (like most other shows, to be fair), he remains entertaining, never letting you get distracted, and bringing you back into the action.
The Recruit (Netflix)
Noah Centineo has come a long way from his chocolate-boy avatar, and The Recruit became the perfect opportunity for the actor to flex his creative muscles. As a lawyer who gets caught up between international politics and terror groups, he's quite good while trying to traverse those murky terrains, all while having you totally root for him. Though the show's been cancelled after two seasons, it remains one of the most entertaining watches on the streaming platform.
Citadel (Prime Video)
Some absolutely loved it while some others simply couldn't care for it. But there's no denying Russo Brothers' Citadel's daring ambition and the international universe it had attempted to develop. Featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden as the two lead spies, the show had spin-off series both in India (starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu) and Italy (featuring Matilda De Angelis), both of which have been cancelled unfortunately.
