20 Best Movies Like Argo You Need To Watch Now

Have you ever watched a movie so gripping, so full of suspense, that you were practically glued to your seat, holding your breath until the very end? Argo is one of those movies. But what do you do when the credits roll and you’re left craving more? Well, you search for movies like Argo! This blog post is your ultimate guide to finding twenty thrilling films that capture the same spirit of high-stakes adventure, historical drama, and nail-biting tension. Get ready to add these to your watchlist!

20 Best Movies Like Argo You Need to Watch Now

If you loved the combination of historical drama, political intrigue, and edge-of-your-seat suspense that Argo delivered, you’re in for a treat. We’ve compiled a list of 20 movies like Argo that offer similar thrills. These films delve into real-life events, secret missions, and daring rescues, guaranteeing an exciting cinematic experience. From espionage thrillers to intense war stories, prepare to discover your next favorite film. These selections all explore themes of courage, resilience, and the complexities of international relations, much like the official movie, Argo.

1. Official Movie: Argo

Argo tells the unbelievable, but true, story of a CIA exfiltration expert who concocts a risky plan to rescue six American diplomats from Tehran during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. The plan? To pose as a Canadian film crew scouting locations for a science fiction movie called “Argo.” This daring operation involves fake identities, tense negotiations, and a race against time to get the diplomats out of Iran before they are discovered.

2. Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden following the 9/11 attacks. It follows Maya, a determined CIA analyst, who becomes obsessed with finding bin Laden, navigating bureaucratic obstacles and dangerous situations. The film builds to the intense raid on bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, showcasing the dedication and risks involved in this high-stakes mission.

Like Argo, Zero Dark Thirty delves into the world of espionage and high-stakes international operations. Both films are based on real-life events and highlight the dedication and sacrifices of intelligence officers. While Argo focuses on a rescue mission, Zero Dark Thirty centers on a manhunt, both showcase the complex and often dangerous world of covert operations. The themes of political tension and unwavering resolve are present in both these similar movies to Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

3. Munich

Munich tells the story of a secret Israeli assassination squad formed to hunt down and kill the Palestinian terrorists responsible for the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. Led by Avner Kaufman, the team travels across Europe, targeting those believed to be involved in the planning and execution of the attack. As they carry out their missions, they begin to question the morality and consequences of their actions.

Munich, like Argo, deals with international conflict and the consequences of political decisions. Both films are based on historical events and explore the themes of revenge, justice, and the moral complexities of covert operations. While Argo focuses on rescuing American diplomats, Munich centers on retaliatory assassinations, both delve into the dangerous world of international relations and the human cost of conflict. The intense atmosphere of suspense and political intrigue makes this a perfect addition for people searching for films similar to Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

4. Bridge of Spies

Bridge of Spies recounts the story of James B. Donovan, an American lawyer who is tasked with negotiating the release of a captured American U-2 pilot, Gary Powers, during the height of the Cold War. Donovan must navigate the treacherous political landscape and negotiate with Soviet officials to secure Powers’ release, while also dealing with the public animosity towards the Soviet spy he initially defended in court.

Bridge of Spies, similar to Argo, is rooted in real-life events during a period of intense political tension. Both films involve delicate negotiations and the exchange of individuals between opposing sides. While Argo centers on rescuing diplomats from Iran, Bridge of Spies focuses on a prisoner exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union, each film showcases the complexities of international relations and the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts. The themes of courage and dedication resonate strongly in both movies akin to Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
Disney+	No	No	Yes

5. Syriana

Syriana explores the complex web of political and economic interests surrounding the oil industry in the Middle East. The film follows several interconnected storylines, including a CIA operative investigating a potential threat, an energy analyst navigating corporate mergers, and a Pakistani migrant worker who becomes entangled in terrorist activities. The film exposes the corruption, manipulation, and violence that plague the oil-rich region.

Like Argo, Syriana delves into the political complexities of the Middle East and the involvement of foreign powers. Both films address themes of political intrigue, corruption, and the consequences of international interventions. While Argo focuses on a specific rescue mission, Syriana provides a broader perspective on the geopolitical landscape of the region. The tension-filled atmosphere and exploration of power dynamics makes it one of the movies in the style of Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

6. The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker follows a U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team during the Iraq War. Sergeant First Class William James, a new team leader, takes a reckless approach to defusing bombs, putting his team members on edge. The film portrays the psychological toll of war and the intense pressure faced by soldiers dealing with constant danger.

The Hurt Locker shares with Argo a focus on high-stakes situations and the psychological impact of conflict. While Argo centers on a rescue mission, The Hurt Locker deals with the daily dangers faced by soldiers in a war zone. Both films highlight the courage and resilience of individuals in extreme circumstances. The intense, realistic portrayal of the situations faced makes this one of the top movies similar to Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

7. Captain Phillips

Captain Phillips tells the true story of the Maersk Alabama, an American cargo ship that was hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009. The film focuses on Captain Richard Phillips’s efforts to protect his crew and negotiate with the pirates, while also showcasing the tense standoff between the pirates and the U.S. Navy.

Captain Phillips, much like Argo, is based on a real-life event involving a tense hostage situation. Both films highlight the courage and resourcefulness of individuals facing extreme danger. While Argo centers on rescuing diplomats from Iran, Captain Phillips focuses on a ship hijacking off the coast of Somalia, each film delivers a gripping narrative with high stakes and uncertain outcomes. The feeling of dread and suspense makes this a good choice if you’re looking for movies in the same vein as Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

8. Hotel Rwanda

Hotel Rwanda tells the story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who shelters over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Paul uses his connections and negotiation skills to protect the refugees from the Hutu militias, risking his own life in the process. The film portrays the horrors of the genocide and the courage of those who stood up against it.

Hotel Rwanda, similar to Argo, deals with a real-life crisis involving the protection of innocent lives in a politically volatile environment. While Argo focuses on rescuing American diplomats, Hotel Rwanda centers on sheltering refugees during a genocide, both films highlight the themes of courage, resilience, and the importance of standing up against injustice. The intense historical settings and moral dilemmas make this one of the greatest films like Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

9. The Imitation Game

The Imitation Game tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant British mathematician and logician who played a crucial role in cracking the German Enigma code during World War II. The film portrays Turing’s struggles with his homosexuality in a time when it was illegal, as well as the immense pressure he faced to break the code and help win the war.

The Imitation Game, like Argo, is based on a real-life historical event with significant political implications. While Argo centers on rescuing diplomats from Iran, The Imitation Game focuses on breaking the Enigma code during World War II, both films highlight the themes of intelligence, strategy, and the impact of individual actions on global events. The suspense and tension built into these similar movies to Argo are palpable.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

10. A Mighty Heart

A Mighty Heart tells the true story of Mariane Pearl, the wife of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, as she searches for her husband after he is kidnapped by terrorists in Pakistan. The film portrays Mariane’s resilience and determination as she works with authorities to find Daniel and uncover the truth behind his disappearance.

A Mighty Heart, similar to Argo, deals with a real-life crisis involving the kidnapping of an American citizen in a politically unstable region. While Argo focuses on rescuing diplomats from Iran, A Mighty Heart centers on the search for a kidnapped journalist in Pakistan, both films highlight the themes of resilience, determination, and the human cost of international conflict. The stressful situations presented make these the movies like Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

11. Black Hawk Down

Black Hawk Down depicts the intense battle in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993, where U.S. soldiers were sent on a mission to capture key members of a local militia. The mission quickly turned into a desperate fight for survival when two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down, leaving the soldiers stranded and under heavy fire. The film portrays the chaos and brutality of urban warfare and the bravery of the soldiers involved.

Black Hawk Down shares with Argo a focus on high-stakes situations and the courage of individuals facing extreme danger in a foreign country. While Argo centers on a rescue mission, Black Hawk Down deals with a military operation gone wrong, both films highlight the themes of courage, resilience, and the challenges of operating in hostile environments. The tense atmosphere is why we consider these movies like Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

12. The Kingdom

The Kingdom follows a team of FBI agents sent to Saudi Arabia to investigate the bombing of an American residential compound. The team faces cultural barriers, political obstacles, and the threat of further attacks as they try to uncover the truth behind the bombing and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Kingdom, similar to Argo, deals with the investigation of a terrorist attack in a politically complex environment. While Argo focuses on rescuing diplomats from Iran, The Kingdom centers on investigating a bombing in Saudi Arabia, both films highlight the themes of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and the challenges of operating in foreign countries. The suspenseful settings make them great movies in the style of Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
Hulu	No	No	Yes

13. State of Siege (État de Siège)

State of Siege (État de Siège) is a French film based on the true story of the assassination of Dan Mitrione, an American police advisor working in Uruguay in the early 1970s. The film portrays the political turmoil and violence in Uruguay during that time, as well as the investigation into Mitrione’s kidnapping and murder by a left-wing guerrilla group.

State of Siege, like Argo, deals with political tensions and the kidnapping of an American citizen in a foreign country. While Argo focuses on rescuing diplomats from Iran, State of Siege centers on the kidnapping and murder of an American advisor in Uruguay, both films highlight the themes of political intrigue, violence, and the impact of foreign intervention on local conflicts. The shared themes make them great films like Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	No	Yes	No
Apple TV	No	Yes	No

14. Escape from Alcatraz

Escape from Alcatraz tells the story of Frank Morris and two other inmates who attempt to escape from the infamous Alcatraz prison in 1962. The film portrays their meticulous planning and daring execution of the escape, as well as the intense investigation that follows.

Escape from Alcatraz, much like Argo, is based on a real-life event involving a daring escape plan. While Argo centers on rescuing diplomats from Iran, Escape from Alcatraz focuses on escaping from a maximum-security prison, both films highlight the themes of ingenuity, determination, and the pursuit of freedom against seemingly impossible odds. The ingenuity of the characters makes this choice great if you are looking for movies akin to Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

15. Spotlight

Spotlight tells the true story of the Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team, an investigative journalism unit that uncovered a widespread pattern of child sex abuse within the Catholic Church in Boston. The film portrays the team’s meticulous investigation, the obstacles they faced, and the impact of their reporting on the victims and the community.

Spotlight, like Argo, is based on a real-life event with significant political and social implications. While Argo centers on rescuing diplomats from Iran, Spotlight focuses on uncovering a scandal within the Catholic Church, both films highlight the themes of investigation, truth-seeking, and the courage to confront powerful institutions. The intensity and suspense are elements present in the movies similar to Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

16. All the President’s Men

All the President’s Men recounts the story of Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate the Watergate scandal that led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. The film portrays their relentless pursuit of the truth, the challenges they faced, and the impact of their reporting on American politics.

All the President’s Men, similar to Argo, is based on a real-life event with significant political implications. While Argo centers on rescuing diplomats from Iran, All the President’s Men focuses on uncovering the Watergate scandal, both films highlight the themes of investigation, truth-seeking, and the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable. For these reasons, it is one of the best movies that are like Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

17. Body of Lies

Body of Lies follows a CIA operative as he tracks down a high-ranking terrorist leader in Jordan. He enlists the help of a corrupt Jordanian intelligence chief, and together they navigate the dangerous world of espionage and counterterrorism. The film portrays the moral compromises and personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of national security.

Body of Lies shares with Argo a focus on espionage and the complexities of international relations in the Middle East. While Argo centers on a rescue mission, Body of Lies deals with tracking down a terrorist leader, both films highlight the themes of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and the challenges of operating in a region with deep-seated conflicts. The common ground that these movies akin to Argo share is striking.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

18. The Siege

The Siege tells the story of New York City under martial law after a series of terrorist attacks. An FBI agent teams up with a CIA operative to track down the terrorists responsible, but their methods raise questions about civil liberties and the balance between security and freedom.

The Siege, similar to Argo, deals with the threat of terrorism and the government’s response to it. While Argo focuses on rescuing diplomats from Iran, The Siege centers on investigating terrorist attacks in New York City, both films highlight the themes of political intrigue, security, and the moral dilemmas faced by those responsible for protecting national security. The stressful elements are what make them movies that are like Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

19. Thirteen Days

Thirteen Days recounts the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when the United States and the Soviet Union came to the brink of nuclear war. The film focuses on the efforts of President John F. Kennedy and his advisors to navigate the crisis and find a peaceful resolution.

Thirteen Days, like Argo, is based on a real-life event with significant political implications. While Argo centers on rescuing diplomats from Iran, Thirteen Days focuses on the Cuban Missile Crisis, both films highlight the themes of political tension, strategic decision-making, and the potential consequences of international conflict. The tension that permeates these movies similar to Argo is palpable.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

20. Fair Game

Fair Game tells the true story of Valerie Plame, a CIA operative whose identity was leaked to the press after her husband, Joe Wilson, publicly criticized the Bush administration’s claims about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. The film portrays the political fallout from the leak and the personal toll it took on Plame and her family.

Fair Game, similar to Argo, deals with political intrigue and the consequences of government actions. While Argo centers on rescuing diplomats from Iran, Fair Game focuses on the exposure of a CIA operative’s identity, both films highlight the themes of political manipulation, government secrets, and the impact of international events on individual lives. The political settings is why we consider these movies like Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

21. Charlie Wilson’s War

Charlie Wilson’s War tells the story of Congressman Charlie Wilson and CIA operative Gust Avrakotos as they work together to fund and arm the Afghan Mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet Union in the 1980s. The film portrays the political maneuvering and covert operations involved in this effort, as well as the long-term consequences of the U.S.’s involvement in Afghanistan.

Charlie Wilson’s War, similar to Argo, deals with political intrigue and covert operations in the Middle East. While Argo centers on rescuing diplomats from Iran, Charlie Wilson’s War focuses on funding the Afghan Mujahideen, both films highlight the themes of political manipulation, international conflicts, and the long-term consequences of foreign policy decisions. The combination of politics and real life is what makes these movies like Argo.

Platform	Rental Availability	Purchase Availability	Subscription Availability
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes	No
Apple TV	Yes	Yes	No
YouTube	Yes	Yes	No

FAQ Section

Q: What makes a movie “like Argo”?

A: Movies “like Argo” typically involve real-life events, political intrigue, high-stakes situations, and elements of espionage or covert operations. They often focus on themes of courage, resilience, and the complexities of international relations.

Q: Are all the movies on this list based on true stories?

A: Yes, all the films listed are based on real-life events, similar to Argo.

Q: Which movie on this list is most similar to Argo in terms of plot?

A: Bridge of Spies shares similar elements with Argo, focusing on delicate negotiations and prisoner exchange during a time of intense political tension.

Q: Where can I watch these movies?

A: The availability of these movies varies by platform and region. Check platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and Disney+ for rental, purchase, or subscription options.

Q: What if I am looking for a less intense movie?

A: While most films are intense, try “Bridge of Spies” for a slightly less action-packed narrative, focusing more on negotiation and diplomacy.

Q: Do these movies contain violence?

A: Yes, most movies on this list contain some level of violence due to the nature of the real-life events they portray.

Q: Are there any foreign films on this list?

A: Yes, “State of Siege” (État de Siège) is a French film.

Hopefully, this list of movies like Argo will keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat! Each film offers a unique perspective on real-world events and the extraordinary individuals who shaped them. Happy watching!