We discuss ten movies like the Jason Bourne Franchise that you must watch. Add these thrilling movies to your watchlist.
Undoubtedly, the Jason Bourne franchise was ground-breaking and entertaining, balancing the thrills and intrigue of spies, double agents, action, and adventure, with character technology and plot.
Over a quick latte and butter croissant, the Ready Steady Cut team put together a list of 10 movies to watch if you like the Jason Bourne franchise.
You’re welcome.
10 Movies to Watch if you like the Jason Bourne Franchise
Salt (2010)
Multiple child-adopting conservationist Angelina Jolie took the reigns of this spy banger after Tom Cruise passed on it. A spy is framed as a Russian agent in this action thriller, and Jolie takes on all kinds of attacks in an effort to clear her name.
Similar to Bourne, Jolie imbues the character with empathy, putting this one on our list.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)
Outrageously accent-driven British lovey Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as the bad guy against Chris Pine as Jack in this intellectual thriller. The performances are as intriguing as the plot, but this is a high-brow spy caper that needs re-evaluating, with an investable Bourne-like plot.
Spy Game (2001)
Younger brother to Ridley, Tony Scott is in the director’s chair here, with A list Hollywood royalty Robert Redford leading the cast in this politically charged spy adventure. With its premise firmly rooted in reality, this story of a kidnapped rogue agent, and the attempt to rescue him, fires on all cylinders.
A cerebral entry, not as visceral as Bourne, but just as engaging.
Skyfall (2012)
There had to be a James Bond movie in here, and we argued all day over it, but Skyfall makes the list as it was Bond with real moments of character.
The grittier darker tone of modern Bond leads and follows in the genre, and this dive into Bond’s past is the Bourne-iest of them all.
World-weary and easily persuaded Daniel Craig pushed for more depth for Bond, and this 23rd entry in the franchise was the result, providing us with some insight into Bond’s childhood and background.
Ronin (1998)
This may, at first glance, look more like a crime movie, but there is a reveal that puts this on the list. Intelligent and layered, this almost Hitchcock-style plot, complete with briefcase McGuffin, has a stellar cast and incredible direction from John Frankenheimer.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Remember when the MCU would constantly innovate and surprise cinema audiences? Well, this super-spy thriller would light up the screen with a mix of superhero antics and Bourne-like set pieces.
Steve Rogers, on the run from his own agency and fighting against traitors and brainwashers, grounds this film in the spy genre and provided us with a real super spy in the mold of Bourne.
Three Days of The Condor (1975)
Bourne has a lot to thank this entry for, with Robert Redford on our list again as CIA researcher Joe Turner searches for the truth behind the deaths of his co-workers.
The villains match Bourne’s, and the 3D chess game Turner finds himself in has been used for many future spy thrillers—a classic.
Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)
Motorcycle abuser Tom Cruise pushes the envelope with every entry in this franchise, and we had to put one in here,
Fallout has some of the most intense action set pieces ever filmed, and there is also time for plot and character development too. Ethan Hunt falls foul of his own agency while trying to stop global destruction in this unmissable thriller.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Keanu is nonchalantly indestructible in this 4th entry of the incredible franchise. Although more removed from the usual spy tropes than Bourne, this has to be included on the list to represent how far the sub-spy genre has gone.
Sure, the story might be falling into its own lore, but the set pieces out Bourne, Bourne, and you need to watch this series.
Taken (2008)
With a grim and gritty tone, and a set of skills that Bourne would be jealous of, ex-CIA agent Bryan Mills, played by grizzled jawed mumbler Liam Neeson is on a mission to save his daughter in a European setting, giving us distinct Bourne vibes as he goes.
The film, written by Luc Besson, would spawn a franchise of its own, just like Bourne, and employ a tone similar to our featured series.
Do you have any other recommendations for Movies like the Jason Bourne franchise? Let us know in the comments below.
