The Most Badass Spy Movies of 2025: Elite

Espionage & Hardcore Action

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The spy genre has evolved. In 2025, we are moving past simple gadgets and clean suits into a world of gritty, high-stakes, and "badass" tactical action. From legendary franchises returning to their roots to new, bone-crunching original films, this year is a goldmine for fans of elite secret agents.
If you are looking for heart-pounding missions and lethal protagonists, here are the best badass spy movies of 2025 you need to watch.

1. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 2 (The Final Reckoning)

Tom Cruise returns for what is arguably the most anticipated spy film of the decade. Following the cliffhanger of the previous film, Ethan Hunt is on a rogue mission to track down "The Entity."

The Badass Factor: Tom Cruise performing his most dangerous aerial stunts yet, involving biplanes and deep-sea diving.
Why it’s a must-watch: It’s the gold standard of practical effects and high-octane espionage.

2. Ballerina (From the World of John Wick)

While technically an assassin story, Ballerina leans heavily into the world of international espionage and sleeper cells. Ana de Armas stars as a lethal dancer-turned-spy seeking revenge.

The Badass Factor: Precision choreography and the return of Keanu Reeves as John Wick in a pivotal cameo.
Why it’s a must-watch: It brings the "Gun-Fu" style to the world of secret intelligence.

3. Black Bag

Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, Black Bag is a high-stakes UK-set spy thriller. It’s gritty, smart, and focuses on the "dirty work" of intelligence gathering.

The Badass Factor: A focus on realistic, brutal tradecraft rather than sci-fi gadgets.
Why it’s a must-watch: It’s a sophisticated thriller for fans of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy but with a modern, aggressive edge.

4. Argylle 2 (Projected/Rumored Expansion)

Following the 2024 hit, the world of Argylle continues to expand. While the first was a meta-comedy, 2025 updates suggest a shift toward the "real" agent Argylle’s origins.

The Badass Factor: Stylized action sequences and a high-budget aesthetic.