The Films About Conspiracies subgenre includes Films About Conspiracy Theories and Films About Assassination Plots and typically resides within the Thriller, Drama and Sci-Fi genres. Conspiracy films also usually overlap with other subgenres including Films About Politics, Films About Alien Invasions and Films About the Cold War.
Conspiracy theories started to appear in film shortly after World War II and as the Cold War intensified. Themes of Communism, McCarthyism, Russian spies and other Cold War-inspired paranoia started to appear in films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), North by Northwest (1959), The Manchurian Candidate (1962), Seven Days in May (1964) and The Ipcress File (1965).
It wasn’t until the 1970’s when paranoia reached its peak and different conspiracy themes started to appear in many films of the decade. Political and government cover-ups were the main themes in Soylent Green (1973), All the President’s Men (1976), Marathon Man (1976) and Capricorn One (1977). Assassinations and terrorism also were a popular conspiracy theme in The Day of the Jackal (1973), The Parallax View (1974) and Black Sunday (1977). And World War II conspiracy theories and Cold War paranoia also continued into the 1970’s with The Odessa File (1974), Three Days of the Condor (1975) and The Boys From Brazil (1978). Additional classic conspiracy films from the 1970’s included World on a Wire (1973), Serpico (1973), The Conversation (1974), Chinatown (1974), Futureworld (1976), Network (1976), Coma (1978), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) and The China Syndrome (1979).
The 1980’s saw a shift to more Sci-fi and Horror genre films with conspiracy theories with Hangar 18 (1980), Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982), Repo Man (1984), Impulse (1984), The Stuff (1985), and They Live (1988). Political themed conspiracy theory films also continued to prove popular during this period with Blow Out (1981), Missing (1982) and Silkwood (1983). And Cold War paranoia and Soviet inspired conspiracies continued in films such as The Fourth Protocol (1987), No Way Out (1987) and The Package (1989). Other classic and notable Conspiracy films from this decade included Blue Thunder (1983) and Flashpoint (1984).
As the Cold War thawed in the 1990’s, so too did Cold War paranoia films. However, Conspiracy Theory films still proved popular as they shifted to different themes. Conspiracy theories involving Alien Invasions and Alien Abductions gained in prominence with Roswell (1994), The Arrival (1996) and The X-Files (1998). Conspiracies involving corporations or legal matters also started to gain in popularity with Sneakers (1992), The Firm (1993), The Pelican Brief (1993) and The Insider (1999). And political conspiracies again featured assassination attempts or cover-ups within the government with JFK (1991), Hoffa (1992), In the Line of Fire (1993) and Absolute Power (1997). There were many other classic and notable films of the subgenre during this decade with Jacob’s Ladder (1990), The Last Boy Scout (1991), The Fugitive (1993), Fatherland (1994), Mission: Impossible (1996), Extreme Measures (1996), Conspiracy Theory (1997), Cop Land (1997), Enemy of the State (1998), Arlington Road (1999) and The Thirteenth Floor (1999).
The 2000’s saw popular novels about conspiracies become film (with two becoming major franchises). The first franchise started with The Bourne Identity (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) based on Robert Ludlom’s Jason Bourne character and novels. Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon character and novels also received film versions with The Da Vinci Code (2006), Angels & Demons (2009) and Inferno (2016). And The Tailor of Panama (2001) and The Constant Gardener (2005) brought John le Carré’s novels of the same name from paper to screen. Other classic and notable subgenre films of the decade included Erin Brockovich (2000), The Skulls (2000), The Contender (2000), Antitrust (2001), Conspiracy (2001), Minority Report (2002), The Manchurian Candidate (2004), Silver City (2004), Red Eye (2005), Flightplan (2005), Syriana (2005), Bug (2007), Michael Clayton (2007), Vantage Point (2008) and Valkyrie (2008).
The 2010’s saw a reduction in Conspiracy-themed films but there were a few classic films of the subgenre during this decade including Green Zone (2010), Fair Game (2010), The Bourne Legacy (2012), Jason Bourne (2016) and The Post (2017). Other notable films of the decade with conspiracy theme elements included Radio Free Albemuth (2010), Edge of Darkness (2010), The Ghost Writer (2010), Salt (2010), The Conspiracy (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013), The November Man (2014) and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015).
The 2020’s haven’t had any classic films of the subgenre yet but have had a few notable Films About Conspiracies with Judas and the Black Messiah (2021), Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (2021) and Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021).
Our list of Films About Conspiracies includes over 173+ films from the years 1956 – 2021. Our list includes Films About Conspiracy Theories and Films About Assassination Plots across multiple genres and subgenres. For our list of Top Films About Conspiracies You Haven’t Seen, it was an especially difficult list to narrow down to only 10. There’s a lot of conspiracies out there! However, here are the honorable mentions that didn’t make our list: Seven Days in May (1964), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), Blow Out (1981), Missing (1982), Blue Thunder (1983), The Fourth Protocol (1987), Sneakers (1992), Antirust (2001), Conspiracy (2001), Silver City (2004) and The Collini Case (2019).
Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here is our list of Top Films About Conspiracies You Haven’t Seen:
#10
Fatherland
Plot: In 1960’s alternate universe where Hitler won the war, an American journalist and German homicide cop find evidence of Germany’s war crimes.
KBZ’s Take: This film is more of a Whodunnit and Detective film that is about a conspiracy to cover up a national crime, but it’s also a fascinating look into a world where Germany won the war. Germany is still fighting the Soviet Union and Germany is trying to court the United States as an ally – all while trying to hide evidence of the Holocaust. Rutger Hauer is excellent as always and the film is a must-see film for fans of the subgenre. Produced by HBO, it can be hard to find but occasionally shows up on streaming services.
Additional Lists: Top Alternate History Films You Haven’t Seen #5
Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqyxNCFfhfY
#9
The Package
Plot: Green Beret sergeant loses a prisoner in his charge and starts to unravel a conspiracy to assassinate the General Secretary of the Soviet Union.
KBZ’s Take: One of the more unique Cold War films in that it’s the military leadership of both the U.S. and Soviets conspiring together to prevent nuclear disarmament. It’s a film you have to pay attention to as there are multiple assassinations and subplots throughout that all lead to an exciting third act. It also has a great cast with Gene Hackman, Tommy Lee Jones, Joanna Cassidy and the always great John Heard. Highly recommended film for fans of the subgenre that enjoy more intelligent conspiracy thrillers.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/407ya8e
Plot: In an overpopulated Earth, the world is running out of food. A New York police detective soon finds himself unraveling a worldwide conspiracy.
KBZ’s Take: Though this is one of the most popular Conspiracy films there is, we are listing it so younger generations don’t miss out on this classic film. It probably has the best reveal of a conspiracy in any film and features an amazing cast with Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson and Chuck Connors. While it is a bit dated, the dystopian themes in the film are still relevant today and make the film a must-see of the Conspiracy Thriller subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/40dmZeh
Plot: Reporter discovers witnesses of a senator’s assassination are dying.
KBZ’s Take: This is one of the best films of the Political Films subgenre and one of the best films of the Conspiracy Thriller subgenre. Though it’s based in 1970’s political paranoia, a lot of the themes present in the film will be reminiscent of any era in politics and the shadow characters behind multiple facets of government.
Additional Lists: Top Films About Politics You Haven’t Seen #4
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3wGUCrn
#6
The Arrival
Plot: Astrophysicist receives message of extraterrestrial origins and starts to unravel a cosmic conspiracy.
KBZ’s Take: Written and Directed by the great David Twohy (Riddick Franchise), The Arrival has all the elements of a classic Conspiracy Film. A lone man uncovers the origins of the conspiracy, nobody believes him, he investigates and finds the conspiracy is even bigger than he imagined. And in this instance, it involves aliens. While some people reading this list have probably already seen this film, it’s a film that shouldn’t be missed as it’s not only one of the best Films About Conspiracies but also one of the best Films About Alien Invasions.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3DPaWKP
Plot: Nazi hunter discovers a sinister plot to clone Hitler.
KBZ’s Take: Another popular film of the 1970’s that we’re listing as #1 and recommending for younger generations to check out. It’s a great film led by acting greats Laurence Olivier, Gregory Peck and James Mason. Steve Guttenberg even gives a great performance. While the film isn’t heavy on the scientific or technical details of cloning, it more than makes up for it as a thrilling and suspenseful film about an incredible conspiracy. It also raises ethical questions about cloning that we are still grappling with today. Finally, while Laurence Olivier is often regarded as one of the greatest actors of all-time, all you need to do is watch his role in this film as a heroic figure vs. his role as a villain in Marathon Man (1976) to see how effortlessly he transitions between roles and why he’s one of the best. Highly recommended and must watch film of the subgenre.
Additional Lists: Top Sci-fi Biotechnology Films You Haven’t Seen #1
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3HIzk2K
#4
Fair Game
Plot: CIA operative’s cover is blown as her identity is leaked to the press – in retribution for her husband’s New York Times article refuting the sale of enriched uranium to Iraq.
KBZ’s Take: The best film that covers Government retribution when the press exposes their lies. As we now know, Iraq didn’t purchase enriched uranium as the pretext for the U.S to invade Iraq. This film shows how the government will stop at nothing – including unmasking one of their own – when the narrative they are selling to the public is questioned. Highly recommended film and one of the best of the subgenre.
Additional Lists: Top Films About Politics You Haven’t Seen #3
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Hf84rk
#3
Marathon Man
Plot: Graduate student is drawn into a mysterious plot involving his brother and the secretive Division.
KBZ’s Take: This is another popular film of the 1970’s that younger generations might have missed. It’s easily one of the best films of the Conspiracy Film subgenre and is just an overall thrilling and exciting film. It has an amazing cast with Dustin Hoffman, Roy Scheider, Laurence Olivier and William Devane and has one of the hardest to watch scenes of any film as Hoffman’s character is interrogated by dental means. Side note: If you have an older dentist, they will likely get the joke when you say, “Is it safe?”, to them just before your exam.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3WKgoVK
Plot: Assassination attempt on the U.S. President is told from different perspectives.
KBZ’s Take: One of the better films to emulate Rashômon (1950) where details of an incident changes based on different (and sometimes contradictory) perspectives. While a few other films have tried this narrative device, Vantage Point excels by ramping up the tension as clues are revealed during each perspective to unravel the conspiracy. Not only is it a great film, but it’s also a case study for film students on how to employ the “Rashomon effect” in a taut and thrilling way.
Additional Lists: Top Assassins and Hitmen Films You Haven’t See #8
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XObhFb
Plot: Three astronauts participate in a phony Martian landing and then are hunted down to protect the conspiracy.
KBZ’s Take: Another film of the 1970’s that has been lost to time. It’s one of the best films of the Conspiracy Film subgenre and is also a great Survival Drama film. While the film has some crater-sized plot holes, it’s still a great paced film with many exciting and thrilling moments. You’ll never forget the aerial chase scene once you see it as well as the Jerry Goldsmith score as the helicopters hunt for the fleeing astronauts. The film has an amazing cast with James Brolin, Sam Waterston, Elliot Gould, Hal Holbrook and Telly Savalas. Yes, this film also has one of the earlier performances by O.J. Simpson, but the film is worth overlooking his participation if you want to see one of the best Conspiracy films ever made.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3wF4GRG
