Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender are set to premiere in Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming spy thriller,Black Bag, and before audiences go to watch it, they should check out these other similar films. Set to premiere on July 21, 2025,Black Bagcenters on a couple, Kathryn and George, who are deeply in love. Yet,when George, a spy, learns that Kathryn may be a traitor, he must decide whether he will side with his wife or his agency. Alongside Blanchett and Fassbender,Black Bagstars Pierce Brosnan and Regé-Jean Page.

Based on its premise and early reviews,Black Baglooks particularly exciting. On Rotten Tomatoes,the movie already has a 93%, with critics praising it for its smart dialogue, sleek style, and cinematic quality. In some ways, this is no surprise.Soderbergh has helmed countless iconic movies, fromSex, Lies, and Videotapeto theOcean’sfranchise. Furthermore, Blanchett and Fassbender are powerhouses, having proven their ability to play cunning and dangerous individuals. In fact, there are a few of their movies audiences may want to see beforeBlack Bagdebuts.

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One movie that viewers must check out beforeBlack BagisOcean’s Eleven.Arguably, this is one of Soderbergh’s greatest movies of all time, and its premise comes somewhat close to that ofBlack Bag.Released in 2001,Ocean’s Elevenfollows Danny Ocean, a skilled thief and conmanwho is released from prison and quickly finds himself planning another scheme. With the help of fellow criminals, Danny targets three casinos owned by his ex-wife’s boyfriend.

Black Bag Rotten Tomatoes Debut Marks Steven Soderbergh’s Best Reviewed Movie In Over 35 Years

The Rotten Tomatoes score has arrived for Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag, and the film’s debut marks the director’s highest score in 36 years.

When reviewers talk aboutBlack Bag’sslick atmosphere and witty characters, it is hard not to think aboutOcean’s Elevenas the movie’s blueprint. Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, is the epitome of a suave criminal mastermind. He is admirable for his skill and also easily redeemable, despite his wrongdoings.It seems inevitable thatBlack Bagwill draw from the same cool intelligence and impressive actionthat madeOcean’s Elevensuch a hit.

Close-up of Michael Fassbender as George in Black Bag

For those who want to see more of Blanchett beforeBlack Bagpremieres, a solid companion to the upcoming movie isTár. This 2022 film stars Blanchett as Lydia Tár, a world-famous conductor who is on the cusp of greatness. However, her opportunity for renewed fame comes crashing down when she is accused of misconduct. From there,Tár must try to salvage her reputation while dealing with the truth of who she isand what she has done.

In this way,Társhowcases Blanchett’s skill at being a cold and cunning lead character whose story may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Tar Movie Poster

AlthoughTárlacks the criminal subject matter ofBlack BagandOcean’s Eleven,it is still a surprisingly similar movie. In it,Tár is far from being a hero, and likeBlack Bag,is even framed as a villain. Audiences spend much of the film wondering what Tár has done and who is telling the truth. In this way,Társhowcases Blanchett’s skill at being a cold and cunning lead character whose story may not be as straightforward as it seems.

On the other hand, Fassbender starred in a recent movie that is far closer in plot toBlack Bag,and definitely worth the watch.The Killeris an action thriller following an unnamed assassinwho is undoubtedly skilled at his job. He isn’t bogged down by personal issues or moral debates. Yet, when he takes on a new case, he suddenly begins to wonder if he’s losing his mind, and his calm composure begins to slowly crack.

The Killer Movie Poster

The Killeris not only another great spy movie, but it also has another iconic director behind it: David Fincher. Fincher crafts a colorful and high-stakes world, whileFassbender is unforgiving in his role, masterfully merging stone-cold killer instincts with a sense of camp and comedy.The Killermay not have the high emotional stakes thatBlack Bagdoes, but it certainly offers another glossy (and funny) look into the lives of trained killers.

1Ocean’s 8 (2018)

A Female Con Artist Carries Out A Heist

Finally, a movie that combines Blanchett’s acting abilities with Soderbergh’s iconic franchise isOcean’s 8.Though not directed by Soderbergh himself,Ocean’s 8is the fourth installment intheOcean’sfranchise, and follows Debbie Ocean, the younger sister of the original protagonist, Danny. Out on parole,Debbie gathers an all-female squad of criminals to carry out a heist at the MET Gala, intending to steal millions of dollars worth of diamonds.

2001

Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett sitting in a cafe in Ocean’s 8

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Black Bag (2025) Official Poster

Ocean’s Eight

2018

AlthoughOcean’s 8is not the most popular of theOcean’smovies, it is still worth watching for the mixture of Blanchett and Soderbergh. In the film, Blanchett plays Lou, Debbie’s former partner in crime who now owns a bar. As one might expect,Blanchett molds a perfectly suave criminal character, which audiences may see hints of inBlack Bag.Ultimately,Ocean’s 8is the closest viewers can get toBlack Bagbefore its release.