The Cold War was a historical event that affected many countries around the world. Hollywood has stepped in throughout the years to bring a realization of certain aspects in regards to the Cold War. That’s right, movies! We all love them, and if we can learn a thing or two from them, they’re even better. Here is Vision Strike Coins list of the top 10 Cold War Spy Movies.
The highly anticipated movie based off the bestselling novel in 1963 made its big screen debut in 1965. Richard Broughton was the ace actor as a British spy recruited by Germans to spread information on Western tactics. This film shows the life of a spy and how lonely it can be. However, maintaining an undercover image is essential for necessary survival.
Kevin Costner stars in this late 1980s thriller as Navy Lieutenant Commander Tom Farrell. After allegations of being a Soviet spy, Farrell became an aide at the Pentagon for the Secretary of Defense David Brice. However, he attempts to prove his innocence by bringing a murder conspiracy to light. This film is considered one of the best during the 80s and is worth the watch. Costner is exceptional.
Michael Caine starred as British spy Harry Palmer. Some say he was the blue-collar version of James Bond. Palmer goes undercover to protect the Western democracy from communist threats. Behind enemy lines in the Soviet Union, Palmer doesn’t bend or break. Instead he manages to complete his tasks/assignments and manages to win the day.
Matt Damon takes the big screen under Robert DeNiro’s direction about CIA origins. After the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion, Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) leads the CIA counterintelligence in efforts to fight the Nazis in 1959. Alec Baldwin and Robert DeNiro make strong appearances in this highly fictionalized spy movie. Another great recommendation for anyone looking for historical events portrayed through entertainment.
Paul Newman stars in this spy thriller as an American physicist who pretends to travel to East Germany to steal a formula for the United States. However, Newman’s wife doesn’t quite believe him so she travels along, which makes the mission even more difficult. This film is filled with action and has a plot twist so it’s worth another watch.
Yul Brynner stars as Dan Slater, a CIA agent who travels to Austria in an effort to solve his son’s murder. On his way there, he ends up in a Soviet plot to replace him with another lookalike agent. It’s funny how things turn out, but Brynner holds his own and make no mistake, he received quite a helping hand from a female counterpart, Britt Ekland.
Garry Oldman gives a stellar performance as aging agent George Smiley. The resurrection of the classic spy series in 1979 received a more modern renovation. Arguably considered one of the best criminal series ever, the 2011 movie version will have viewers praising it as the last Cold War thriller, ever.
Charles Bronson stars as a Soviet major sent to the U.S. to stop sleeper agents under an act of terror. Bronson must stop the attacks before the American public catches on. Lee Rimick plays a double agent with an intriguing role between the KGB and CIA.
Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn play two friends who spy for the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Both characters feel betrayed by their current U.S. government policies and action. Therefore, they decide to repay Uncle Sam in a big way and work for the enemy. Unfortunately, Penn’s character gets caught up with drugs and is sentenced to prison. Selling secrets to the Soviet Union got them quick rewards, but if something comes quick, it often goes quick.
John Hutson puts on a great showcase to as a Naval Intelligence Officer Patrick O’Neal who has his commission revoked in order to be recruited into a secret mission. This mission involves the U.S. and Soviet Union to join forces to bomb Chinese nuclear sites.
If you love the thrill of Cold War movies, Vision Strike Coins has a coin dedicated to all Cold War Veterans. Feel free to shop our Cold War Veteran Coin and our other collection of Veteran Memorial Coins.
Cold War Veteran Coin
Until next time.