The Spy Who Came In from the Cold (1965)
Kernel Score: 80% · 326 ratings
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Released: 1965-12-16
Runtime: 112 minutes
Where to watch The Spy Who Came In from the Cold
- Free with ads: Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
British agent Alec Leamas refuses to come in from the Cold War during the 1960s, choosing to face another mission, which may prove to be his final one.
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Spy Who Came In from the Cold is a Cold War spy drama involving an alcoholic British agent, espionage, and moral compromise.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — The protagonist is portrayed as an alcoholic secret agent, with drinking woven into the story.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Spy Who Came In from the Cold
If you liked The Spy Who Came In from the Cold, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Untouchables (1987) — 87%
- Lord of War (2005) — 85%
- 25th Hour (2002) — 83%
- Scarface (1932) — 83%
- Pickup on South Street (1953) — 81%
- The Angels' Share (2012) — 75%
- Lucky (2017) — 82%
- One, Two, Three (1961) — 86%
Director
Cast
- Richard Burton as Alec Leamas
- Claire Bloom as Nan Perry
- Oskar Werner as Fiedler
- Sam Wanamaker as Peters
- George Voskovec as East German Defense Attorney
- Rupert Davies as George Smiley
- Cyril Cusack as Control
- Peter van Eyck as Hans-Dieter Mundt
- Michael Hordern as Ashe
- Robert Hardy as Dick Carlton
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold FAQ
Is The Spy Who Came In from the Cold good?
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 326 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Spy Who Came In from the Cold?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Spy Who Came In from the Cold OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Spy Who Came In from the Cold is a Cold War spy drama involving an alcoholic British agent, espionage, and moral compromise.
What movies are like The Spy Who Came In from the Cold?
If you liked The Spy Who Came In from the Cold, try The Untouchables, Lord of War, 25th Hour and Scarface.