Underrated spy thrillers on OTT you shouldn’t miss

Spy thrillers often explore a shadowy world where trust is rare and danger lurks in every corner. But beyond the blockbuster franchises, there are smaller, smarter stories that deliver just as much excitement—sometimes even more. 

These underrated titles across OTT platforms offer fresh perspectives on espionage, blending political intrigue, emotional depth, and taut suspense.

1. Spy City – JioCinema / Hotstar

Spy City is an atmospheric espionage mini-series set in 1961 Berlin, during the tense days leading up to the Berlin Wall’s construction. The story revolves around Fielding Scott, a razor-sharp British spy portrayed with quiet intensity by Dominic Cooper. Scott is sent to Berlin for a delicate mission, but an operation goes disastrously wrong, turning him into the prime suspect. With a mole hiding within the intelligence community, the show becomes a gripping tale of mistrust, hidden loyalties, and double-crosses. Compact and stylish, it feels like a well-crafted spy movie stretched into a tight, binge-worthy series. Its Cold War setting, sleek production design, and unpredictable twists make it a gem for fans of classic espionage.

2. Our Kind of Traitor – Amazon Prime Video

Based on John le Carré’s novel, Our Kind of Traitor is a refined, slow-burn thriller that prioritizes tension and character over big action scenes. The story follows Perry (Ewan McGregor) and Gail (Naomie Harris), a British couple on a holiday in Morocco. Their seemingly harmless encounter with Dima (Stellan Skarsgård), a flamboyant Russian money launderer, thrusts them into the dark world of international corruption. Dima asks them to pass crucial information to MI6, dragging them into a dangerous maze involving the Russian mafia and political betrayal. Quiet, elegant, and superbly acted, the film offers a refreshing, mature take on espionage—far from the typical blockbuster explosions.

3. The Spy – Netflix

This intense miniseries tells the true story of Eli Cohen, one of Israel’s most legendary Mossad agents. Sacha Baron Cohen delivers a career-best performance as Eli, who goes undercover in 1960s Syria and climbs the ranks of its political and military elite. His intelligence work shapes real geopolitical strategies, but the deeper he sinks into his fake identity, the more he risks losing himself and his family. The show balances classic spy thrills with emotional storytelling, exploring the psychological cost of espionage. Tight, gripping, and heartbreaking, The Spy is essential viewing for anyone who loves true-story spy dramas.

Also Read: 5 must-watch Hindi spy thrillers to binge before ‘The Family Man 3’

4. Mission Majnu – Netflix

Inspired by real covert operations, Mission Majnu follows RAW agent Amandeep Singh (Sidharth Malhotra), who infiltrates Pakistan in the 1970s to uncover its secret nuclear program. While navigating enemy territory, he must protect his mission and his relationship with his unsuspecting Pakistani wife, Nasreen (Rashmika Mandanna). The movie blends patriotism, emotional depth, and old-school spy thrills, making it a compelling watch for fans of undercover drama.

5. Anek – Netflix

More grounded than a typical spy thriller, Anek stars Ayushmann Khurrana as Aman, an undercover government operative working in the conflict-heavy regions of Northeast India. Tasked with negotiating with multiple rebel groups, Aman soon finds himself caught between political agendas, insurgent movements, and systemic biases. The movie stands out for its raw, realistic portrayal of covert operations and its thoughtful take on socio-political issues—making it a thriller with substance.

6. Tehran – Apple TV+

Tehran follows Tamar Rabinyan (Niv Sultan), a young Mossad hacker-agent on a mission in Iran’s capital. Her goal is to disable Iran’s air defences to pave the way for a major strike. But when the mission falls apart, she is stranded in a hostile city, forced to survive on her own while being hunted by Iranian intelligence. As Tamar forms emotional connections and questions her loyalty, the story becomes personal and intense. Fast-paced, gritty, and rooted in real geopolitics, the series has won awards but still remains surprisingly lesser-known beyond core thriller fans.

7. Traitor – Amazon Prime Video

Traitor centers on Samir Horn (Don Cheadle), an explosives expert with a shadowy history who becomes tied to an international terror organization. The FBI hunts him, but as the investigation deepens, the truth becomes murky—is Samir a dangerous extremist or a deep-cover operative? The film blends global espionage with political drama, offering layered storytelling, sharp tension, and unpredictable twists. Smart and ahead of its time, it’s far more intelligent than many mainstream thrillers of its era.