I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. What most people know about the FBI comes from books, TV, and movies.
It’s wonderful that writers, producers and filmmakers love to present FBI characters and plots, and that most of these FBI films depict the Bureau and its employees as devoted public servants and heroes, dedicated to protecting victims, at-risk communities, and national security.
G-Men (April 1935) starring James Cagney was the OG movie that started it all. It was the first role where Cagney starred as an FBI agent, aka G-man.
Previously, the studios had made gangster films that had unflattering portrayals of federal law enforcement agents, so this was a real departure. Cagney had played street-tough criminals and gangsters in many movies who got the upper hand over law enforcement and often outsmarted them. Warner Bros. intentionally created “G-Men” to counter the perceived glorification of criminals in the early 1930s. It was one of the top films of 1935.
There are over 50 films highlighted on my Top FBI Movies chart. As a retired FBI agent myself, I consider my chart to be the ultimate list of the best FBI movies. My criteria for what makes a show an FBI TV movie are if at least one of the main characters is a clearly defined FBI agent or employee and if there are scenes solely focused on what the FBI character does.
Which one is your favorite? My favorites are The Firm, The Informant, and Boiler Room. *You can find an alphabetized list (*work in progress) at the end of this post.
Did I leave any films off the chart that you believe should be there? Are you aware of any other FBI movies in development?
I did not include films with scenes where FBI agents show up, do their thing, and exit stage right. The movie Die Hard comes to mind. How can we forget that infamous and inaccurate moment when the FBI arrives and takes control of the crime scene? Other shows and novels have used that clip to create similar conflict-based storylines, perpetuating the tired, old misconception that the FBI doesn’t play well with others. Fortunately, in most movies, the FBI is portrayed in a positive light.
To date, I’ve published over 75 reviews of TV shows and movies, highlighting teachable moments to debunk clichés about the FBI. Read my reviews here.
You can also check out my chart of the Top FBI TV Shows and Series.
My reviews are not critiques of the plots, characters, or productions. They are instead opportunities to learn more about the FBI by highlighting specific topics, showcasing who the FBI is and what the FBI does. I write my reviews to show you what would happen in real life.
*The following is a list of the movies in the chart, the films’ premise, and, if I reviewed it for teachable moments, the topic and a link to the webpage. Most show descriptions are from IMDb (work in progress).
Boneyard (2024) – A police chief and a detective join forces with an FBI agent to find a serial killer who left skeletal remains in the New Mexico desert, but the chief fears that the killer is actually one of his own officers.
(The) FBI Story (1959) – A dedicated FBI agent recalls the agency’s battles against the Klan, organized crime, and Communist spies. Topic – FBI Director Hoover, brand ambassador.
Inside Man: Most Wanted (2019) – A group of robbers storm The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and hold the customers and bank employees inside as hostages. An FBI agent negotiator teams up with an NYPD negotiator to bargain for the safe release of the hostages. Topic – Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG)
Longlegs (2024) – A female FBI agent who, in pursuit of a serial killer, uncovers a series of occult clues. While investigating his killing spree, she discovers a personal connection to the killer and must stop him before he strikes again.
(The) Order (2024) – A series of bank robberies and armored car heists frightened communities in the Pacific Northwest. A lone FBI agent believes the crimes were not the work of financially motivated criminals, but rather a group of dangerous domestic terrorists. Topic – Story based on the memoir of retired agent Wayne Manis.
Silence of the Lambs (1991) – A young F.B.I. recruit must receive the help of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer to help catch another serial killer, a madman who skins his victims. Topic – BAU profilers.
