Political Thriller backdrop

Political Thriller movies

High-stakes suspense inside institutions: corruption, influence, leverage, and decisions affecting many lives.

Balloon

1. Balloon

Thriller Drama History Political Thriller Historical Drama
7.5
20182h 5min

Overview

Two families attempt a daredevil plan to escape the GDR with a homemade hot air balloon, but it crashes just before the border. The Stasi finds traces of this attempt to escape and immediately starts investigations, while the two families are forced to build a new escape balloon. With each passing day the Stasi is closer on their heels – a nerve-wracking race against time begins.

Themes

Resourcefulness under constraint, State coercion and control, Coordinated risk taking, Escape under surveillance, Fear and paranoia, Interfamily solidarity under pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Red Joan

2. Red Joan

Thriller History Political Thriller Historical Event
6.4
20181h 41min

Overview

London, England, May 2000. The peaceful life of elderly Joan Stanley is suddenly disrupted when she is arrested by the British Intelligence Service and accused of providing information to communist Russia during the forties.

Themes

Scientific ambition under pressure, Betrayal and blackmail, Romantic power dynamics, Espionage under suspicion, State secrecy and information control, Gendered expectations and relationships

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Operation Finale

3. Operation Finale

Drama History Thriller Biographical History Historical Drama
6.6
20182h 4min

Overview

In 1960, a team of Israeli secret agents is deployed to find Adolf Eichmann, the infamous Nazi architect of the Holocaust, supposedly hidden in Argentina, and get him to Israel to be judged.

Themes

Trauma and memory, Postwar accountability, Duty under orders, Loyalty vs justice, Testimony and witness, Espionage deception

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The First Purge

4. The First Purge

Action Horror Thriller Epic Action Gore Horror
5.2
20181h 37min

Overview

To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the others, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation.

Themes

"movie: the first purge. genres: action, Horror, Thriller, Action, Horror, Thriller main themes: new york city, New jersey, Dystopia, New york city, New jersey, Dystopia full keywords list: new york city, New jersey, Dystopia, Sequel, Prequel, Murder, Church, Survival horror, Social media, Staten island, New york city, Purge, Abuse of power, Apartment buildings. concept analysis: the film explores the moral implications of societal violence and the lengths to which the government will go to control and manipulate its citizens. it serves as a critique of socioeconomic disparities, Highlighting how the powerful exploit the vulnerable under the guise of freedom and catharsis."

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado

5. Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Action Crime Thriller Military Action Narcotics Crime
7.1
20182h 2min

Overview

Agent Matt Graver teams up with operative Alejandro Gillick to prevent Mexican drug cartels from smuggling terrorists across the United States border.

Themes

False flag deception, Usa–mexico border tensions, Drug cartels power plays, Rescue operations complicate ethics, Plausible deniability as tactic, Corruption across security apparatus

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Catcher Was a Spy

6. The Catcher Was a Spy

Drama War Thriller History Historical Drama
6.3
20181h 34min

Overview

Former major league baseball player Moe Berg lives a double life working for the Office of Strategic Services in World War II Europe.

Themes

Duty versus personal life, Dual life under pressure, Spy ethics under pressure, Espionage tension and risk, Race against science, Hidden loyalties and deception

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Angel

7. The Angel

Action Drama History Thriller War
6.7
20181h 54min

Overview

True story of Ashraf Marwan, who was President Nasser's son-in-law and special adviser and confidant to his successor Anwar Sadat - while simultaneously Israeli Intelligence's most precious asset of the 20th century. Based on NYT bestselling book 'The Angel: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel' by Uri Bar-Joseph.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Shifting alliances and diplomacy, Strategic manipulation and restraint, Secrecy and trust, Corruption exposure and ascent, Personal cost of public service

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Beirut

8. Beirut

Action Thriller Drama Spy Action Political Thriller
6.5
20181h 49min

Overview

In 1980s Beirut, Mason Skiles is a former U.S. diplomat who is called back into service to save a colleague from the group that is possibly responsible for his own family's death. Meanwhile, a CIA field agent who is working under cover at the American embassy is tasked with keeping Mason alive and ensuring that the mission is a success.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Hostage negotiation ethics, Foreign intervention dynamics, Covert power struggles, Regional conflict spillover, Crisis accountability

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

7 Days in Entebbe

9. 7 Days in Entebbe

Thriller Drama Crime Political Thriller Historical Drama
5.9
20181h 47min

Overview

In 1976, four hijackers take over an Air France airplane en route from Tel Aviv to Paris and force it to land in Entebbe, Uganda. With 248 passengers on board, one of the most daring rescue missions ever is set in motion.

Themes

"movie: 7 days in entebbe. genres: thriller, Drama, Crime, Thriller, Drama, Crime main themes: israel, 1970s, Rescue mission, Israel, 1970s, Rescue mission full keywords list: israel, 1970s, Rescue mission, Uganda, Based on true story, Airplane hijacking, Terrorism, Israeli defense force, Terrorist group, Operation entebbe, Idi amin. concept analysis: the film explores the moral complexities of negotiation versus military intervention in crisis situations. it highlights the human cost of terrorism and the ongoing struggle for peace amidst violence and conflict."

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Backstabbing for Beginners

10. Backstabbing for Beginners

Thriller Drama History Political Thriller Historical Drama
6.3
20181h 48min

Overview

An idealistic young employee at the U.N. investigates the grisly murder of his predecessor – and uncovers a vast global conspiracy that may involve his own boss.

Themes

Bureaucratic complicity, Whistleblower risk, Conspiracy through bribes, Aid funds diverted, Press exposure, Institutional termination

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.