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Spy Game

Play trailer Poster for Spy Game R 2001 2h 7m Mystery & Thriller Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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64% Tomatometer 134 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Redford stars as CIA operative Nathan Muir, who is on the brink of retirement from the field, when he learns his protégé Tom Bishop has been arrested in China on a charge of espionage. No stranger to the machinations of the CIA's top echelon, Muir hones all his skills and irreverent manner in order to find a way to free Bishop.
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Spy Game

Spy Game

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Critics Consensus

The outcome of the kinetic Spy Game is never in doubt, but it is fun watching Robert Redford and Brad Pitt work.

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Critics Reviews

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David Ansen Newsweek Mar 7, 2018
Enjoy it for what it is, a fleet, handsome fantasy of globe-hopping blond demigods. Go to Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 28, 2010
4/5
A smart thriller for grown-ups. Go to Full Review Jeff Strickler Minneapolis Star Tribune Nov 6, 2002
3/4
The performances are the biggest asset. Go to Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia Jun 25, 2023
6/10
It has a few moments of intrigue with the presence of Robert Redford and Brad Pitt, but many times I am assailed by the feeling that their espionage game never escapes the designated routines and predictable acts of action. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault Sep 17, 2022
D
The movie is essentially a long meeting, allowing Redford to hold forth, grin cynically at what’s become of his agency, and coast on his matinee-idol charisma. Go to Full Review Nick Rogers Midwest Film Journal Dec 8, 2021
2/5
Generally running on classic rock and smoke, it's all craft and no conviction, all costume and no design. Its anonymized approach has left it appropriately unremembered - a vague whisper on the lips of someone digging through a DVD clearance bin. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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COS M @CosMovies Sep 14, 2026 Underneath a superb spy thriller with a tight script, sharp dialogue and inviting cinematography, this masterpiece is about honor, loyalty, redemption and love. See more Bob G @RT25280740 Aug 24, 2026 Definitely worth the watch if you like thriller action movies. Acting was really good - a hidden gem! See more ICUR M @icurmtheaded Aug 18, 2026 No plot gotcha twists. Just great acting around a solid believable story. See more T T @tvenjoy May 21, 2026 I just watched it for probably the 4th time. It is a movie that holds up great. Smart, dry, well acted, an adult movie!! Wish they made more like this. See more Jace E @thefilmguy May 19, 2026 That rooftop scene is incredible, especially in a pre-drone era.. I had to rewind to watch it a few times. The rest of the movie is just fine. It felt like there was a large buildup to... nothing. I would have liked to see a little more development between Tom and Elizabeth. It's not a bad movie, it just feels like squandered potential. Note: I did like the "Dinner Out" callback at the end. Best Character: Muir Best Quote: "When did Noah build the Ark? Before the rain." - Muir Best Scene: The Rooftop (honorable mention to the initial prison break) Best Piece of Score: "Operation Dinner Out" See more Adam K @SunsetLonerCinema May 15, 2026 One of Tony Scott's best and most underrated films, its a compelling thriller that serves up stylized visual action and a critical eye on the methods of the CIA, all the while flourishing with its unique narrative structure and passing of the torch chemistry between Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. See more Read all reviews
Spy Game

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Cast & Crew

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Tony Scott

Director

Robert Redford

Nathan Muir

Brad Pitt

Tom Bishop

Catherine McCormack

Elizabeth Hadley

Stephen Dillane

Charles Harker

Larry Bryggman

Troy Folger

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Spy Game

A scene from the film Spy Game. A scene from the film Spy Game. Behind the scenes of Spy Game. Director Tony Scott on the set. CIA operative Nathan Muir (Redford) and protege Tom Bishop (Pitt) have forged an intense bond of friendship and professional respect. Behind the scenes of the film Spy Game. Tom Bishop (Pitt). Veteran CIA officer Nathan Muir (Redford) and his protege Tom Bishop (Pitt). Tom Bishop (PItt). A scene from the film Spy Game. View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Redford stars as CIA operative Nathan Muir, who is on the brink of retirement from the field, when he learns his protégé Tom Bishop has been arrested in China on a charge of espionage. No stranger to the machinations of the CIA's top echelon, Muir hones all his skills and irreverent manner in order to find a way to free Bishop.
Director
Tony Scott
Producer
Douglas Wick, Marc Abraham
Screenwriter
Michael Frost Beckner, David Arata, Michael Frost Beckner
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Zaltman Film, Red Wagon Entertainment, Beacon Communications
Rating
R (Language|Brief Sexuality|Some Violence)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 21, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 7, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$62.3M
Runtime
2h 7m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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