Spies Like Us

  • 1985
  • PG
  • 102m
movieMx RATING
6.2/10$676.0
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Spies Like Us Review

Last updated: January 23, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 23, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Spies Like Us (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Spies Like Us features a noteworthy lineup led by Chevy Chase . Supported by the likes of Dan Aykroyd and Steve Forrest , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Spies Like Us (1985) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Story & Plot Summary: Spies Like Us

Quick Plot Summary: Spies Like Us is a Comedy, Adventure film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Two bumbling government employees think they are U.S. spies, only to discover that they are actually decoys for nuclear war. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.

Ending Explained: Spies Like Us

Ending Breakdown: Spies Like Us concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Spies Like Us reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Spies Like Us?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want some laughs and light entertainment

Box Office Collection: Spies Like Us

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $22.0M
Worldwide Gross $60.1M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Spies Like Us Budget

The estimated production budget for Spies Like Us is $22.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Spies Like Us

All Cast & Crew →
Chevy Chase
Chevy ChaseEmmett Fitz-Hume
Dan Aykroyd
Dan AykroydAustin Millbarge
Steve Forrest
Steve ForrestGeneral Sline
Donna Dixon
Donna DixonKaren Boyer
Terry Gilliam
Terry GilliamDr. Imhaus
Frank Oz
Frank OzTest Monitor
Vanessa Angel
Vanessa AngelRussian Rocket Crewperson
Bernie Casey
Bernie CaseyColonel Rhumbus
Charles McKeown
Charles McKeownJerry Hadley
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Where to Watch Spies Like Us Online?

Streaming Hub

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Spies Like Us Parents Guide & Age Rating

1985 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Spies Like Us age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Spies Like Us is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Spies Like Us is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Spies Like Us stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spies Like Us worth watching?

Spies Like Us is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Spies Like Us parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Spies Like Us identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Spies Like Us?

The total duration of Spies Like Us is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.

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Critic Reviews for Spies Like Us

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.2
Spies Like Us
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