25 Best Movies Like Salt: A Cinematic Journey into Espionage and Action Thrills

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66%

59

7.2

Ethan Hunt, a seasoned agent of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), faces a web of deceit when a mission goes awry. Branded a traitor, Hunt goes on a globe-trotting quest to clear his name and uncover a mole within the IMF. The film, like "Salt," is a pulse-pounding espionage thriller featuring daring stunts, technological intrigue, and a relentless pursuit of the truth. Tom Cruise's portrayal of Hunt mirrors Angelina Jolie's intensity in "Salt," as both characters navigate a world where trust is a rare commodity.

CAST

Tom Cruise

Jon Voight

Emmanuelle Béart

Henry Czerny

Jean Reno

Ving Rhames

Kristin Scott Thomas

Vanessa Redgrave

Ingeborga Dapkūnaitė

Valentina Yakunina

Directed by Brian De Palma

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84%

68

7.8

"The Bourne Identity" follows Jason Bourne, an amnesiac operative with exceptional combat skills, as he pieces together his identity while being pursued by deadly forces. Like "Salt," the film explores the theme of identity in the context of covert operations. Matt Damon's Bourne shares similarities with Angelina Jolie's character in "Salt," both being enigmatic figures with hidden abilities, thrust into a world of conspiracies and government secrets. The movie's kinetic action sequences and Bourne's quest for truth resonate with the tone set by "Salt."

CAST

Matt Damon

Franka Potente

Chris Cooper

Clive Owen

Brian Cox

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Gabriel Mann

Julia Stiles

Walton Goggins

Josh Hamilton

Directed by Doug Liman

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60%

55

6.5

In "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," the seemingly ordinary marriage of John and Jane Smith conceals a thrilling secret—they are both highly skilled assassins working for different agencies. The film, akin to "Salt," blends action and humor as the couple navigates a precarious balance between domestic life and their dangerous professions. Angelina Jolie's performance in "Salt" draws parallels with her role in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend action and charisma. Both films explore the complexities of relationships within the high-stakes world of espionage.

CAST

Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie

Vince Vaughn

Adam Brody

Kerry Washington

Keith David

Rachael Huntley

Michelle Monaghan

Stephanie March

Directed by Doug Liman

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55%

56

6.1

In "Die Another Day," James Bond, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, is embroiled in a high-stakes mission involving North Korean agents and a mysterious diamond magnate. Like "Salt," this Bond installment combines espionage with thrilling action sequences. Brosnan's Bond, much like Angelina Jolie's character, navigates a world of shifting allegiances and global intrigue. Both films showcase their respective leads as charismatic figures facing adversaries in a dangerous game of deception.

CAST

Pierce Brosnan

Halle Berry

Toby Stephens

Rosamund Pike

Rick Yune

John Cleese

Judi Dench

Michael Madsen

Will Yun Lee

Kenneth Tsang

Directed by Lee Tamahori

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91%

81

7.6

"Bridge of Spies," directed by Steven Spielberg, is a Cold War drama centered on an American lawyer tasked with negotiating the exchange of captured spies between the United States and the Soviet Union. While tonally different from "Salt," it shares a thematic core of espionage and political maneuvering. Similar to "Salt," the film explores the impact of individual actions on larger geopolitical landscapes, offering a nuanced look at the human side of the spy game.

CAST

Tom Hanks

Mark Rylance

Amy Ryan

Alan Alda

Sebastian Koch

Austin Stowell

Billy Magnussen

Michael Simon Hall

Edward James Hyland

Stephen Kunken

Directed by Steven Spielberg

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90%

80

7.8

"The Day of the Jackal" unfolds as an intense political thriller where an assassin, known as the Jackal, is hired to eliminate Charles de Gaulle. This film, much like "Salt," delves into the world of covert operations and the pursuit of elusive targets. Both stories feature protagonists with exceptional skills, employing wit and cunning to navigate through the intricacies of their respective missions. "The Day of the Jackal" and "Salt" share the tension and suspense characteristic of the espionage genre, each offering a gripping narrative with unexpected twists.

CAST

Edward Fox

Terence Alexander

Michel Auclair

Alan Badel

Tony Britton

Denis Carey

Adrien Cayla-Legrand

Cyril Cusack

Maurice Denham

Vernon Dobtcheff

Directed by Fred Zinnemann

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44%

53

6.6

Dominika Egorova, a former ballerina, is recruited into the Russian intelligence service, becoming a "Sparrow"—a seductress trained in espionage. As she grapples with her allegiance to her country and her own survival, she becomes entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation. Similar to "Salt," "Red Sparrow" features a strong female lead, played by Jennifer Lawrence, navigating the treacherous world of espionage. Both films delve into themes of loyalty, identity, and the blurred lines between friend and foe.

CAST

Jennifer Lawrence

Joel Edgerton

Matthias Schoenaerts

Charlotte Rampling

Jeremy Irons

Ciarán Hinds

Joely Richardson

Mary-Louise Parker

Bill Camp

Douglas Hodge

Directed by Francis Lawrence

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64%

63

7.1

As veteran CIA operative Nathan Muir learns of his protégé Tom Bishop's imprisonment in China, he embarks on a race against time to save him. The film, akin to "Salt," is a gripping espionage thriller that explores the intricacies of the spy game. Robert Redford's Muir shares similarities with Angelina Jolie's character in "Salt," as both protagonists confront moral dilemmas and navigate the complex world of intelligence operations. "Spy Game" weaves a tale of mentorship, betrayal, and the high stakes of covert missions.

CAST

Robert Redford

Brad Pitt

Catherine McCormack

Stephen Dillane

Larry Bryggman

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Matthew Marsh

Todd Boyce

Michael Paul Chan

Garrick Hagon

Directed by Tony Scott

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21%

37

6

Frank Tupelo, an American tourist in Venice, becomes entangled in a web of intrigue when he is mistaken for a wanted criminal. Drawn into the world of espionage and danger, he finds himself pursued by both law enforcement and mysterious criminals. Similar to "Salt," "The Tourist" combines elements of romance and espionage, featuring unexpected twists and turns. Johnny Depp's character, like Angelina Jolie's in "Salt," becomes an unwitting player in a larger conspiracy, adding layers of suspense and uncertainty to the narrative.

CAST

Johnny Depp

Angelina Jolie

Paul Bettany

Timothy Dalton

Steven Berkoff

Rufus Sewell

Christian De Sica

Alessio Boni

Daniele Pecci

Giovanni Guidelli

Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

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84%

85

7

In this Cold War espionage thriller directed by Tomas Alfredson, retired MI6 agent George Smiley is called back to investigate a possible Soviet mole within the agency. The film, based on John le Carré's novel, delves into the world of intricate spy games, deception, and loyalty. Similar to "Salt," it features a complex narrative with unexpected twists, showcasing the tension and mistrust prevalent in the world of espionage.

CAST

Gary Oldman

Colin Firth

Tom Hardy

John Hurt

Toby Jones

Mark Strong

Benedict Cumberbatch

Ciarán Hinds

David Dencik

Kathy Burke

Directed by Tomas Alfredson

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72%

65

6.7

Directed by Joe Wright, "Hanna" follows the story of a young girl, trained by her ex-CIA father to become an assassin. Raised in isolation, Hanna possesses exceptional combat skills and intelligence. Like "Salt," the film explores themes of identity, betrayal, and the consequences of a life dedicated to covert operations. Hanna's journey mirrors Salt's in terms of being a highly skilled operative navigating a dangerous world while questioning the motives behind her training.

CAST

Saoirse Ronan

Eric Bana

Cate Blanchett

Tom Hollander

Olivia Williams

Jason Flemyng

Tim Beckmann

John Macmillan

Vicky Krieps

Paul Birchard

Directed by Joe Wright

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80%

67

5.8

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, "Haywire" features Gina Carano as Mallory Kane, a former Marine turned black-ops operative seeking revenge after being betrayed during a mission. The film, akin to "Salt," showcases a strong female protagonist proficient in hand-to-hand combat and tactical skills. Both films share the theme of a skilled operative on the run, unraveling conspiracies and facing adversaries from within their own organizations. "Haywire" offers intense action sequences and a compelling narrative, reminiscent of the espionage elements present in "Salt."

CAST

Gina Carano

Michael Fassbender

Ewan McGregor

Bill Paxton

Channing Tatum

Antonio Banderas

Michael Douglas

Michael Angarano

Mathieu Kassovitz

Eddie J. Fernandez

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

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79%

63

6.7

In "Atomic Blonde," MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton, played by Charlize Theron, navigates the dangerous landscape of Berlin just before the fall of the Wall. As she investigates the murder of a fellow agent and retrieves a crucial list of double agents, the film unfolds with intense action sequences and a web of espionage. Similar to "Salt," the protagonist is a skilled operative facing betrayal and conspiracy, with Theron delivering a compelling performance akin to Angelina Jolie's portrayal.

CAST

Charlize Theron

James McAvoy

John Goodman

Eddie Marsan

Toby Jones

Til Schweiger

Sofia Boutella

Roland Møller

Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson

James Faulkner

Directed by David Leitch

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56%

6.1

67

Directed by Robert De Niro, "The Good Shepherd" delves into the early history of the CIA through the eyes of Edward Wilson, portrayed by Matt Damon. This espionage drama explores the moral complexities and personal sacrifices involved in intelligence work during the Cold War. Much like "Salt," the film delves into the internal workings of covert organizations, addressing themes of loyalty, deception, and the personal toll of living a double life.

CAST

Matt Damon

Angelina Jolie

Alec Baldwin

Tammy Blanchard

Billy Crudup

Robert De Niro

Keir Dullea

Michael Gambon

Martina Gedeck

William Hurt

Directed by Robert De Niro

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89%

68

7.3

Luc Besson's "Nikita" follows the transformation of a young criminal into a skilled government assassin. The titular character, played by Anne Parillaud, undergoes intense training as she becomes a lethal operative for a secretive government agency. Similar to "Salt," the film explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Both films feature strong female protagonists navigating a world of espionage and intrigue, showcasing their resilience and resourcefulness in the face of betrayal and danger.

CAST

Anne Parillaud

Jean-Hugues Anglade

Tchéky Karyo

Jean Reno

Marc Duret

Jeanne Moreau

Patrick Fontana

Roland Blanche

Jacques Boudet

Jean Bouise

Directed by Luc Besson

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73%

76

6.9

"Syriana" is a geopolitical thriller that weaves multiple storylines involving the oil industry, corruption, and political intrigue. Much like "Salt," it delves into the complexities of espionage and international relations, exposing the hidden motives of powerful individuals. The film explores the consequences of covert operations and the blurred lines between loyalty and betrayal. With a gripping narrative and stellar ensemble cast, "Syriana" mirrors the suspenseful and politically charged elements found in "Salt."

CAST

George Clooney

Matt Damon

Jeffrey Wright

Chris Cooper

Amanda Peet

William Hurt

Christopher Plummer

Alexander Siddig

Kayvan Novak

Amr Waked

Directed by Stephen Gaghan

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33%

44

4.2

Directed by Werner Herzog, "Salt and Fire" is a thriller centered around a kidnap plot and environmental disaster, showcasing intense human drama against a backdrop of ecological intrigue. The film, much like "Salt," combines action with a strong female lead navigating a web of conspiracies. In both films, the protagonists must confront not only physical threats but also political and environmental challenges, creating a tense and engaging atmosphere.

CAST

Veronica Ferres

Michael Shannon

Gael García Bernal

Volker Michalowski

Lawrence Krauss

Anita Briem

Danner Ignacio Márquez Arancibia

Gabriel Márquez Arancibia

Lilly Krug

Directed by Werner Herzog

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43%

56

6.6

"The Recruit" follows a young CIA recruit (Colin Farrell) as he undergoes training and becomes embroiled in a web of deception and suspense. Similar to "Salt," this film explores the theme of trust within intelligence agencies and the constant uncertainty surrounding the true allegiances of its characters. Both movies showcase the psychological toll of a life in espionage, with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The action-packed sequences and espionage elements in "The Recruit" make it a compelling companion to the adrenaline-fueled world of "Salt."

CAST

Colin Farrell

Al Pacino

Bridget Moynahan

Gabriel Macht

Karl Pruner

Eugene Lipinski

Mike Realba

Domenico Fiore

Ron Lea

Jeanie Calleja

Directed by Roger Donaldson

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68%

43

6.8

"The Long Kiss Goodnight" (1996) revolves around Samantha Caine, played by Geena Davis, a schoolteacher with amnesia who gradually discovers her past life as a highly skilled government assassin named Charly Baltimore. As Samantha's memories resurface, she teams up with a private detective (Samuel L. Jackson) to unravel a conspiracy that puts her and her daughter in grave danger. Similar to "Salt," the film features a strong, capable female protagonist with a mysterious past, engaging in intense action sequences while trying to uncover the truth about her identity and facing adversaries from her hidden life.

CAST

Geena Davis

Samuel L. Jackson

Yvonne Zima

Craig Bierko

Tom Amandes

Brian Cox

Patrick Malahide

David Morse

Joseph McKenna

Melina Kanakaredes

Directed by Renny Harlin

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80%

67

7

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, directed by George Clooney, tells the unique story of Chuck Barris, a game show creator and host who claims to have led a double life as a CIA assassin. Similar to "Salt," this film delves into the theme of individuals leading secretive and complex lives, blurring the lines between their public personas and hidden identities. As Barris navigates the world of television entertainment, his covert activities provide an intriguing parallel to the espionage and intrigue found in "Salt."

CAST

Sam Rockwell

Drew Barrymore

George Clooney

Julia Roberts

Rutger Hauer

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Robert John Burke

Jennifer Hall

Kristen Wilson

Directed by George Clooney

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55%

56

6.8

In the gripping thriller Unknown, Liam Neeson stars as Dr. Martin Harris, a man who wakes up from a coma to find his identity stolen. Drawing parallels with "Salt," Unknown explores the theme of identity crisis and the protagonist's desperate attempts to prove who they really are. As Neeson's character unravels a conspiracy surrounding his life, the film mirrors the suspense and action elements that captivate audiences in the world of espionage, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.

CAST

Liam Neeson

Diane Kruger

January Jones

Aidan Quinn

Bruno Ganz

Frank Langella

Sebastian Koch

Stipe Erceg

Rainer Bock

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

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27%

45

6.4

Colombiana, directed by Olivier Megaton, follows Cataleya, a young woman seeking revenge for her parents' murders. Just like "Salt," the film features a strong, independent female protagonist skilled in combat and tactics. Cataleya's journey echoes the themes of betrayal and vendetta found in "Salt," providing a thrilling narrative filled with action sequences. Both films showcase the resilience and resourcefulness of their female leads as they navigate dangerous worlds, making Colombiana an enticing choice for those who enjoyed Angelina Jolie's performance in "Salt."

CAST

Zoe Saldaña

Cliff Curtis

Callum Blue

Michael Vartan

Lennie James

Amandla Stenberg

Graham McTavish

Jesse Borrego

Cynthia Addai-Robinson

Ofelia Medina

Directed by Olivier Megaton

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79%

69

6.8

Starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn, "Fair Game" is a political drama based on real events. Valerie Plame, a CIA officer, faces exposure after her husband, Joe Wilson, challenges the Bush administration's claim about weapons of mass destruction. Similar to "Salt," the film delves into the high-stakes world of espionage, revealing the personal and professional sacrifices made by those in the intelligence community. Valerie's struggle to protect her identity draws parallels to Evelyn Salt's predicament in "Salt," as both films explore the consequences of being entangled in government secrets.

CAST

Naomi Watts

Sean Penn

Sam Shepard

Noah Emmerich

Michael Kelly

Bruce McGill

David Andrews

Tim Griffin

Liraz Charhi

Khaled El Nabawy

Directed by Doug Liman

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35%

38

6.3

Pierce Brosnan stars as Peter Devereaux, a retired CIA operative drawn back into the field for one last mission. "The November Man" shares similarities with "Salt" in its portrayal of a seasoned spy confronting past allegiances and navigating a web of betrayal. Much like Evelyn Salt, Devereaux is a complex character dealing with the repercussions of a life spent in covert operations. The film's intense action sequences and intricate plot contribute to an atmosphere reminiscent of the espionage thriller elements present in "Salt."

CAST

Pierce Brosnan

Luke Bracey

Olga Kurylenko

Bill Smitrovich

Amila Terzimehic

Lazar Ristovski

Eliza Taylor

Caterina Scorsone

Akie Kotabe

Will Patton

Directed by Roger Donaldson

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22%

37

5.9

Directed by Michael Brandt, "The Double" features Richard Gere and Topher Grace as CIA agents investigating an international political conspiracy. Drawing parallels with "Salt," the movie explores themes of identity and deception within the intelligence community. Both films involve protagonists navigating a world where loyalties are uncertain and allies may have hidden agendas. "The Double" weaves a suspenseful narrative, much like "Salt," keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns in the realm of espionage and covert operations.

CAST

Richard Gere

Topher Grace

Martin Sheen

Tamer Hassan

Stephen Moyer

Christopher Marquette

Odette Annable

Stana Katic

Yuriy Sardarov

Jeffrey Pierce

Directed by Michael Brandt