Cold War Books & Movies: Find Your Next Read/Watch!

[Adyssa]

I'd like some new material to devour, and I have an interest in this era for some reason, particularly the spy stuff (!) but also the space race, and other associated topics. I don't mind if it's fact or fiction really, it's not an academic pursuit. I'd quite like some books, so I can read them on the train, but I like movies too.

What have I read/seen so far ...

Pretty much all of the Tom Clancy books/movies (the Jack Ryan ones anyway)
More than a few Alistair MacLean books
Dr Strangelove
Thirteen Days
Goodnight And Good Luck (absolutely love this film)
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
The Right Stuff

and next on my watch list is:

The Good Shepherd
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

A Dandy in Aspic. The movie, I never read the book.

 

[zoobyshoe]

I think it's probably accurate to characterize all the original James Bond novels by Ian Flemming as "Cold War Literature".

 

[Curious3141]

Fail Safe.

They made a 2000 TV movie staring Harvey Keitel (which I've seen). Prior to this, there was a 1964 big screen movie staring Henry Fonda (which I've not seen).

 

[LudusRex]

Atomic Blonde

As a scientist with an interest in the Cold War era, I would recommend the following books and movies for you to explore:

1. "The Hunt for Red October" by Tom Clancy - This book is not only a thrilling spy story, but it also provides a detailed look at Cold War submarine warfare and the tensions between the US and Soviet Union.

2. "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly - This book tells the true story of the African-American women who played a crucial role in the space race during the Cold War. It is an inspiring and fascinating read.

3. "Bridge of Spies" directed by Steven Spielberg - This film tells the story of a lawyer who is tasked with negotiating the release of a captured American pilot during the height of the Cold War. It offers a unique perspective on the tensions and negotiations between the US and Soviet Union.

4. "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." directed by Guy Ritchie - This movie is a fun and stylish spy thriller set during the Cold War. It offers a unique blend of action and humor, and is a great choice for a more lighthearted take on the era.

5. "Red Sparrow" by Jason Matthews - This book follows a young Russian woman who is trained as a spy and sent to the US to seduce a CIA agent. It offers a unique perspective on the Cold War from the Soviet side and is a gripping and suspenseful read.

6. "The Americans" - This TV series follows two Soviet agents living undercover as a married couple in the US during the Cold War. It offers a more in-depth and character-driven exploration of the era and is highly praised by both critics and viewers.

I hope these recommendations provide you with some new material to enjoy and continue your interest in the Cold War era. Happy reading and watching!