Tv Shows and Movies Like Spartan
David Mamet's 2004 action-thriller Spartan is a taut, 106-minute dive into a shadowy world of espionage and political intrigue, following a dedicated Secret Service operative as he leads the investigation into the kidnapping of the daughter of a high-ranking U.S. government official. This gritty crime drama masterfully blends elements of mystery and a dash of dark comedy into its high-stakes plot, creating a compelling thriller that feels both cerebral and visceral. While it garnered a solid Metascore of 60 and holds a respectable 6.5/10 rating from over 34,000 votes, the film is often celebrated as a cult favorite for its sharp, trademark Mamet dialogue and its relentless, twisting narrative that pulls back the curtain on the murky mechanics of power and deception.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Mystery
Spy
⭐ Recommendations are ordered by match score – higher score means more shared interests.
Movies similar to Spartan
🔥 Match Score: 12
The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Released in 1996, the action-packed film The Long Kiss Goodnight follows an amnesiac woman whose quiet life as a schoolteacher is violently upended when government agents come after her, forcing her to piece together a deadly past she can't remember. This 121-minute thrill ride masterfully blends genres, weaving together high-stakes action, crime drama, and a darkly comedic mystery-thriller as our protagonist transforms into a formidable one-person army. While it earned a mixed critical reception with a Metascore of 43, the movie has cultivated a solid fan following, reflected in its 6.8/10 rating from over 92,000 votes, who champion its relentless pace and sharp, gritty execution of its compelling premise.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Mystery
One-Person Army Action
🔥 Match Score: 12
No Way Out (1987)
Released in 1987, the gripping political thriller No Way Out masterfully unravels a high-stakes coverup and witchhunt after a powerful U.S. politician accidentally kills his mistress. This taut 114-minute film, blending the genres of action, crime, and drama, delves into steamy romance, espionage, and murderous mystery as a naval officer finds himself trapped in a labyrinth of deception. Garnering a solid 7.1/10 from over 54,000 votes and a strong Metascore of 77.0, the movie is celebrated for its relentless pacing and clever twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until its unforgettable final reveal.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Political Thriller
Crime
Mystery
Spy
Romance
Steamy Romance
🔥 Match Score: 12
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015)
Dive into the magical world of nostalgia and prepare to expect the unexpected with the 2015 crime drama Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, a stylish and atmospheric mystery that transports viewers to the tense, World War II-torn Calcutta of the 1940s. Over its gripping 139-minute runtime, this film cleverly blends its core genres of crime, drama, and mystery with thrilling elements of dark comedy and action, following the titular detective's intricate investigations. Garnering a solid 7.6/10 rating from over 25,500 votes, the movie has been well-received for its unique vision and immersive period setting, crafting a compelling thriller that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Mystery
🔥 Match Score: 12
Money Monster (2016)
The 2016 action-crime-drama Money Monster is a taut, 98-minute conspiracy thriller that plunges charismatic financial TV host Lee Gates and his producer Patty into a live-broadcast nightmare when a furious investor, blaming the show for his ruin, takes the entire studio hostage. This high-stakes premise masterfully blends elements of a political thriller, dark comedy, and financial drama into a single, relentless narrative that critiques corporate malfeasance and media spectacle. While it received a mixed critical reception with a Metascore of 55, the film has resonated with audiences, earning a solid 6.5/10 rating from over 111,000 votes for its gripping execution of mystery and suspense. Ultimately, the movie delivers a sharp, engaging thriller that holds a dark mirror to Wall Street greed and the volatile power of live television.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Political Thriller
Crime
Mystery
Conspiracy Thriller
Financial Drama
🔥 Match Score: 12
The International (2009)
Released in 2009, the action-packed thriller The International is a globe-trotting crime drama that follows an obsessive Interpol agent, played by Clive Owen, as he races to expose a powerful and corrupt financial institution deeply involved in a deadly international arms dealing ring. This 118-minute film masterfully blends the intricate mystery of a spy narrative with high-stakes action and tense drama, creating a gripping, if somewhat conventional, cinematic experience. While it earned a modest Metascore of 52 and holds a solid 6.5/10 rating from over 103,000 votes, the movie is praised for its sleek execution and timely themes of corporate conspiracy, offering audiences a suspenseful ride through the shadowy intersections of high finance and global weaponry.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Crime
Mystery
Spy
🔥 Match Score: 12
The Phoenician Scheme (2025)
In the 2025 action-comedy crime caper The Phoenician Scheme, the eccentric premise sees wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda appoint his only daughter, a nun, as the sole heir to his estate, a decision that spirals into chaos as their new enterprise makes them the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins. This period drama blends dark, quirky comedy with spy thriller tension, creating a uniquely entertaining genre mash-up that has garnered a solid 6.6/10 rating from over 65,000 votes and a respectable Metascore of 70, indicating favorable critical reception. Across its brisk 101-minute runtime, the film delivers a whirlwind of stylized action and dramatic intrigue, ensuring its mix of humor and crime never loses momentum.
Interests:
Period Drama
Action
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Comedy
Spy
Quirky Comedy
🔥 Match Score: 12
Thursday (1998)
Released in 1998, the brisk 83-minute action-crime movie Thursday follows a former Los Angeles drug dealer who has reinvented himself as a married architect in Houston, only to have his meticulously constructed new life violently unravel when a former cohort arrives unannounced, carrying a stash of heroin. This darkly comedic thriller masterfully blends genres, weaving together tense action, sharp crime drama, and a pervasive sense of mystery into a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on edge. With a solid rating of 7.1 out of 10 from over 21,000 votes, the film has garnered a dedicated audience who appreciate its unique tonal mix of comedy and grim thrills, exploring themes of past sins and inescapable chaos. Ultimately, Thursday delivers a gripping and stylish portrait of a man desperately trying to outrun his history, only to find it waiting for him on his doorstep.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Mystery
Comedy
🔥 Match Score: 12
The Prophecy (1995)
Released in 1995, the 98-minute film The Prophecy plunges L.A. homicide detective Thomas Dagget into a sinister supernatural mystery when a bizarre murder reveals a lethal heavenly prophecy unfolding on earth, forcing him into an unlikely alliance with an elementary school teacher to stop the forces of evil. This genre-blending movie masterfully mixes action, crime, and drama with darker elements of fantasy, horror, and thriller, creating a unique tapestry of dark comedy and supernatural dread. While it garnered a modest 6.4/10 rating from over 35,000 votes and a Metascore of 44, indicating a mixed critical reception, the film has cultivated a dedicated following for its ambitious and gritty take on celestial warfare playing out in the grim underbelly of human crime.
Interests:
Supernatural Horror
Action
Drama
Horror
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Mystery
Dark Fantasy
Fantasy
🔥 Match Score: 12
Above the Law (1988)
Released in 1988, Above the Law is a 99-minute action-packed movie that follows Nico Toscani, a former Special Operations Vietnam veteran turned Chicago cop, who uncovers a web of C.I.A. wrongdoing, blending a crime drama premise with martial arts thrills. This genre hybrid masterfully mixes intense action and gritty drama with elements of dark comedy and mystery, creating a potent thriller that defined a certain late-80s cinematic vibe. While it holds a modest 6.0/10 rating from over 36,000 votes and a Metascore of 45, indicating a divided but passionate reception, the film remains a quintessential watch for fans of the era's hard-hitting, politically-charged action narratives.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Mystery
Martial Arts
🔥 Match Score: 12
Assassination Nation (2018)
Released in 2018, the darkly satirical thriller Assassination Nation unleashes a modern-day witch hunt when a malicious data hack exposes the secrets of every resident in the perpetually American town of Salem, plunging the community into violent chaos and forcing four girls to fight for their lives while coping with their own exposed truths. This 108-minute film boldly blends the genres of horror, comedy, and thriller, weaving together themes of dark comedy, teen horror, crime, and mystery into a visually stylized and provocative commentary on privacy and mob mentality. Garnering a mixed reception, it holds a 6.0/10 rating from over 23,000 votes and a Metascore of 54.0, reflecting its divisive but undeniably impactful and frenetic execution.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Horror
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Mystery
Comedy
Teen Horror
TV Shows similar to Spartan
🔥 Match Score: 12
Squid Game (2021)
Released in 2021, the Korean TV series Squid Game presents a brutally compelling premise where hundreds of cash-strapped contestants accept a strange invitation to compete in a deadly tournament of children's games for a tempting prize, masterfully blending action, crime, and drama with a 7.9/10 rating from over 751,000 votes reflecting its massive global reception. This genre-defying sensation operates as a potent conspiracy thriller and psychological drama, weaving dark comedy and suspense mystery into its high-stakes narrative where the familiar becomes fatal. The show’s enduring appeal lies in its exploration of desperate human nature under extreme pressure, delivering relentless tension through its clever and often horrifying twists. As a landmark in Korean drama, it transcends its thriller and mystery roots to offer a stark, unforgettable commentary on society and survival.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Mystery
Psychological Drama
Suspense Mystery
Conspiracy Thriller
Korean Drama
🔥 Match Score: 12
Person of Interest (2011)
Premiering in 2011, the gripping TV series Person of Interest masterfully blends the genres of action, crime, and drama into a prescient cyber thriller that asks who watches the watchmen. The show follows an off-the-grid, presumed-dead former CIA agent, John Reese, who is recruited by a reclusive tech billionaire and software genius, Harold Finch, to prevent violent crimes in New York City using Finch's creation: an advanced, all-seeing surveillance A.I. This brilliant premise allows the series to explore profound themes of artificial intelligence, mass surveillance, and morality, wrapped in a compelling package of spycraft, mystery, and sci-fi tension. Garnering widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, the series boasts an impressive 8.5 out of 10 rating from over 204,000 votes, reflecting its status as a smart, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant thriller that was far ahead of its time.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Sci-Fi
Crime
Mystery
Spy
Artificial Intelligence
Cyber Thriller
🔥 Match Score: 12
Burn Notice (2007)
Launching in 2007, the action-packed TV series Burn Notice follows the gripping premise of US spy Michael Weston, who is suddenly and inexplicably 'burned'—discredited and cut off from the intelligence community without any form of procedure. Stranded in Miami with no official help, he survives by using his unique skills to take on impossible jobs for desperate people, a compelling description that fuels each episode. This clever blend of spy thriller, crime drama, and character-driven mystery captivated audiences, earning it a strong 8.0 out of 10 rating from over 82,000 votes for its smart execution of high-stakes action and intricate cons. The show masterfully weaves together its core themes of espionage, relentless action, criminal underworld dealings, and personal drama into a consistently engaging and stylish package that keeps viewers hooked from one desperate client to the next.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Crime
Mystery
Spy
🔥 Match Score: 12
Nikita (2010)
Premiering in 2010, the action-packed TV series Nikita thrillingly reimagines the classic femme fatale story with its core premise of a rogue assassin returning to dismantle the very secret organization that created her. This gripping crime drama masterfully blends elements of mystery and relentless thriller pacing, exploring dark themes of espionage, betrayal, and redemption. Garnering a solid 7.7 out of 10 rating from over 56,000 votes, the series captivated audiences with its high-stakes narrative and complex characters, cementing its place as a standout in the genre-driven landscape of early 2010s television.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Crime
Mystery
Spy
🔥 Match Score: 12
MI-5 (2002)
Launching in 2002, the gripping TV series MI-5 delves into the high-stakes missions of the UK's domestic intelligence organization, offering a relentless, ground-level view of national security operations. This acclaimed action, crime, and drama series masterfully blends the intricate plotting of a spy thriller with the tense procedural elements of a cop drama, consistently delivering mystery and palpable suspense. With a stellar rating of 8.3/10 from over 20,000 votes, the show has been widely praised for its intelligent, engaging storytelling that captures the personal sacrifices and moral complexities faced by its agents.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Crime
Mystery
Spy
Police Procedural
Cop Drama
🔥 Match Score: 12
Insider (2016)
The 2016 Turkish TV series Insider masterfully weaves a gripping tale of two brothers, Sarp and Mert, who were tragically torn apart only to find themselves on opposite sides of the law, pitted against each other in a dangerous game while remaining completely unaware of their fraternity. This high-stakes premise fuels a potent blend of action, crime, and drama, expertly seasoned with elements of dark comedy, mystery, and relentless thriller tension. Garnering strong acclaim from audiences, the series boasts a solid 8.1 out of 10 rating from over 22,000 votes, reflecting its compelling execution of a classic yet complex familial conflict set against a gritty criminal underworld.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Crime
Mystery
🎬 No trailer
🔥 Match Score: 12
Covert Affairs (2010)
Premiering in 2010, the action-packed TV series Covert Affairs plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of espionage, following Annie Walker, a promising but green CIA operative fresh out of training who quickly learns her challenging new life under the mentorship of her handler, Auggie, is more complicated than it seems. The engaging premise, which masterfully blends crime, drama, and thrilling mystery, reveals Annie’s recruitment may be tied to the mysterious disappearance of her last boyfriend rather than her own raw talent, adding a compelling personal layer to the global intrigue. Balancing pulse-pounding spy action with moments of witty comedy and character-driven drama, the series has earned a solid 7.3/10 rating from over 33,000 votes, reflecting its reception as a consistently entertaining and well-crafted entry in the genre.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Crime
Mystery
Comedy
Spy
🔥 Match Score: 12
In from the Cold (2022)
Launching in 2022, the action-packed TV series In from the Cold follows an American single mom whose life is upended when she is exposed as a former Russian spy, forcing her to juggle family life with her unique shape-shifting abilities in a high-stakes battle against an insidious enemy. This genre-blending show masterfully mixes the thrilling elements of spy and sci-fi with the grounded tension of crime drama and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that earned it a solid 6.3/10 rating from over 10.6 thousand viewer votes. While it may not have garnered a formal Metascore, its reception highlights an audience captivated by its ambitious fusion of heart-pounding action, personal drama, and a central, supernaturally-tinged thriller premise.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Sci-Fi
Crime
Mystery
Spy
🔥 Match Score: 10
Dexter (2006)
Debuting in 2006, the acclaimed TV series Dexter presents a uniquely twisted premise with its smart and oddly lovable protagonist, Dexter Morgan, a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police who spends his days solving crimes and his nights committing them as a vigilante serial killer. This compelling contradiction fuels a masterful blend of crime, drama, and mystery genres, weaving together dark comedy, psychological thrills, and suspenseful whodunnit elements into a gripping psychological drama. Garnering widespread popularity, the show holds an impressive 8.6/10 rating from over 924,000 votes, a testament to its captivating and morally complex exploration of justice, identity, and the darkness within.
Interests:
Drama
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Psychological Thriller
Crime
Mystery
Psychological Drama
Whodunnit
Suspense Mystery
Serial Killer
🔥 Match Score: 10
Prison Break (2005)
Premiering in 2005, the gripping television series Prison Break is a masterclass in tension, built on the ingenious premise of a structural engineer who deliberately gets himself incarcerated in the very prison he helped design, all to save his falsely accused brother from a death sentence by orchestrating an escape from the inside. This high-stakes setup fuels a relentless blend of action, crime, and drama, expertly weaving together the claustrophobic intensity of a prison drama with the sprawling paranoia of a conspiracy thriller, all while maintaining a compelling core of mystery. Garnering a stellar 8.3/10 rating from over 662,000 votes, the show has been widely celebrated for its clever plotting and relentless pace, immersing viewers in a dangerous world where every move is critical and no ally can be fully trusted.
Interests:
Action
Drama
Thriller
Crime
Mystery
Conspiracy Thriller
Prison Drama