These 9 CIA agents from movies can inspire you to live the life of a spy

The CIA is one of the most enigmatic institutions and has therefore been a source of inspiration for many movies’s backdrops. From Jason Bourne to Maya, there have been many iconic CIA characters in movies that have helped create an aura about the organization. The CIA is known for training some of the best spies, and therefore all those who have given spy work a thought must check out these 9 CIA agents from movies that can inspire the budding spies.

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Lorraine Broughton, Nathan Muir, and other CIA agents in a movie that can encourage one to be a spy

1. Jason Bourne – The Bourne Identity

Directed by Doug Liman and based on the novel of the same name by Robert Ludlum, this action and thriller movie is the first installment in the movie’s franchise. Starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, the movie focuses on the former CIA assassin, who is plagued by amnesia and becomes a threat to the CIA. The movie focuses on how Jason Bourne runs against time to discover his identity and his relationship with the CIA. Bourne is a character who has strong instincts, martial arts capabilities, and can even improvise weapons. Even without any memory, he can outsmart elite forces, and that is what makes him heroic. He is therefore the perfect example to emulate as a spy, and Bourne shows that one does not need gadgets but focus and strategy to become one of the best spies in a movie. The character can be a real inspiration for budding spies as he refuses to be a pawn and has moral clarity.

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2. Ethan Hunt – Mission: Impossible

Starring Tom Cruise in his iconic role of Ethan Hunt, this action and spy movie is directed by Brian De Palma and is a reboot of the 1966 TV show of the same name and its 1988 sequel show. It is the first installment in the movie’s franchise and is one of the most popular spy films to date. The movie focuses on Ethan Hunt, who must find out who framed him for the murders of his Impossible Missions Force (IMF) team. The movie is known for its unbelievable stunts and high-octane action that Hunt is able to do without breaking a sweat. Hunt works for the IMF, which comes under the CIA’s oversight. He is the perfect character to take as a role model for those who want to be spies, as he is fearless, acrobatic, and tactical. In any movie of the franchise, Hunt can take on the villains by any means. From scaling the Burj Khalifa to riding a bike off the cliff, Hunt has no fear. He is one of the most prized assets of the CIA, even if he gets into trouble with them. Known for his loyalty, physical strength, and quick thinking, he is an awe-inspiring spy who knows how to use technology and save people.

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3. Maya – Zero Dark Thirty

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this political action thriller features Jessica Chastain in the role of Maya and revolves around the decade-long international manhunt for Osama bin Laden. The movie focuses on Maya, who is a CIA intelligence analyst and must oversee the US Army’s plan to take down the dreaded terrorist in Pakistan after he was responsible for the September 11 attacks. Even though Maya is an analyst and not a field agent, she is relentless in her pursuit of the Al-Qaeda chief, and it shows that the spy life is not just about car chases and guns. She is one of the best CIA spies in a movie, and Maya is a role model for women as she works in a male-dominated world and never backs down. She is determined, has great attention to detail, and is confident about her instincts. These instincts lead to the success of the important operation, and she proves that espionage is about brains and bravery.

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4. Nathan Muir – Spy Game

Starring Robert Redford as Nathan Muir, this action thriller film is directed by Tony Scott and focuses on Muir, who is a CIA operative. Muir must engage in a covert rescue operation during the final days of the Cold War, as his protégé has been captured in China during a mission, and Muir must orchestrate his release. The movie takes place across several international locations, and Muir is a veteran CIA officer. As a senior officer, Muir is the perfect role model for budding spies, as he uses his wit and decades of experience to outmaneuver every move of the enemy. Even though he is retiring, he comes back with full force for one last mission and even plans his protégé’s rescue from within the bureaucracy. Even though Muir is not a field agent anymore, he can gather intel, navigate power structures, and plan covert operations from his desk. Therefore, Muir is one of the most thrilling spies in a movie. He shows that spycraft is about strategy and not just muscle. Further, Muir is one of the coolest CIA officers, who remains calm and has his own ethical code.

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5. Evelyn Salt – Salt

Directed by Phillip Noyce, this action thriller movie features Angelina Jolie in the role of Evelyn Salt and focuses on Salt being accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. However, Salt is a CIA operative and must go on the run to clear her name. Evelyn Salt is one of the most thrilling spies in a movie, as she is deadly, sharp, and continuously keeps the viewers guessing about her next move. As a CIA loyalist, she is brilliant and dedicated. Even in the face of impossible odds, Salt can fight through them with agility, bravery, and clever misdirection. Further, she is one of those CIA agents who knows how to disguise themselves. She is the classic lone spy who fights for justice and for herself. Even when her loyalties are questioned, she controls her fate and does not back down in front of anyone. In a world full of male dominance, she strives to stay dignified and clear her name with brilliant adaptability and strength.

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6. Lorraine Broughton – Atomic Blonde

Based on the 2012 graphic novel by Antony Johnston and Sam Hart, this action thriller movie is directed by David Leitch and features Charlize Theron in the role of Lorraine Broughton. The movie focuses on Broughton, who, even though she is a British MI6 agent, is currently working with the CIA. The movie is set during the Cold War, and Broughton must find out a list of covert agents who are being smuggled into the West on the eve of the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The movie is stylishly made, and Broughton is the highlight. She is fearless, stylish, and extremely efficient. Even her physical combat skills are iconic, and she can take down any enemy within seconds. The fight scenes therefore feel real and raw. Broughton doesn’t rely on others, and she uses her wit, emotional detachment, icy nature, and manipulation tactics to get what she wants. She is therefore the perfect spy. A mix of espionage and glamor, Broughton knows how to get the job done and can look both lethal and beautiful.

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7. Tony Mendez – Argo

Directed by Ben Affleck and based on the 1999 memoir by Antonio J. Mendez and the 2007 Wired article by Joshuah Bearman and edited by Nicholas Thompson, this espionage thriller movie features Affleck as Tony Mendez. The movie is about the real-life story of Mendez, who was a CIA operative and led the rescue of six US diplomats from Tehran, Iran, under the guise of filming a sci-fi movie. The film takes place during the 1979-81 Iran hostage crisis, and Mendez plays the perfect CIA spy. Mendez is a CIA exfiltration specialist, and without a gun or any chase scene, he proves that being a spy is all about strategic strength. Mendez has lots of strength and bravery, and he uses Hollywood as a cover to stage one of the most daring operations in CIA history. He shows that being a spy is not just about fighting wars but also about outthinking them. Mendez has a cool and collected personality and a creative imagination that make him one of the best spies in a movie and one that is worth emulating.

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8. Augustus Gibbons – XXX

Starring Samuel L. Jackson as Agent Augustus Eugene Gibbons, this action movie is the first installment in the movie’s franchise and is directed by Rob Cohen. The film is about Vin Diesel’s character, Xander Cage, who is a sports enthusiast and stuntman. However, he has to reluctantly turn into a spy for the NSA. The movie focuses on the dangerous missions that he undergoes as he infiltrates Russian terrorists in Europe. However, Gibbons is one of the most interesting characters in the movie. He is a CIA handler and is unconventional in his tactics. He is the person behind the XXX program, and unlike traditional officers, Gibbons recruits athletes to go to places where traditional spies can’t. Therefore, he is a forward-thinking spy and uses boldness to control boldness. Even though he is gruff by nature, he is charismatic and has a commanding presence. Gibbons is the senior spy that everyone wants to become. Loyal and brave, he does not believe in the bureaucracy and highlights that spy work is not just for the elite. He is always one step ahead, and that makes him powerful.

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9. Eric O’ Neill – Breach

Directed by Billy Ray, this spy thriller movie is based on the true story of Robert Hanssen, who was an FBI agent convicted of spying for the Soviet Union and later Russia. The movie features Ryan Phillippe in the role of Eric O’Neill, who brought about the downfall of Hanssen. While Eric is a young FBI agent, he works undercover with the CIA to catch Hanssen, who is one of the most famous moles in US intelligence. Eric’s work overlaps with the CIA’s counterintelligence, and he stands out because of his subtle use of his skills. Eric is not a fighter or field operative, but he uses psychological skills and manipulation to get what he wants. Therefore, he is one of the most interesting spies in a movie and an example of stealth for those who want to become spies. Eric’s role shows that spy work is about patience and courage. His espionage is a battle of minds, and he quickly evolves from a rookie to a key operative.