The 10 Most Stylish On-Screen Spies

Spy movies have gained a following since their debut in the 1960s, when communist paranoia was at an all-time high and Cold War-era Americans feared Russian espionage. Over time, these suave, sophisticated gents have been reimagined and parodied, but one thing that has been consistent over the spy movie history is their style. These guys manage to rack up a kill count, foil a terrorist plot, save the world, and smash the the girl — all while looking absolutely fresh.

The release of Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol definiitely reminded us of that, and we also just can't get enough of Complex cover girl Paula Patton. Not every CIA or MI6 field agent necessarily has a license to kill it, so we paid attention to the cinematic spies that consistently grab our attention. Sit back, sip a martini (shaken, not stirred of course), and check out The 10 Most Stylish On-Screen Spies.

Movie: Spy Game
Actor: Robert Redford

Complex Says: You should know by now that Robert Redford is a style icon. In this thriller, he kept it cool in chambray shirts and tweed suits, a classic look copied by both bloggers and regular well-dressed dudes. His character Nathan Muir spent the movie honing his skills in order to go save Tom Bishop, played by Brad Pitt. We're sure Pitt got some acting pointers from Redford as well as style tips.

Movie: Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Actor: Brad Pitt

Complex Says: Pitt's character, John Smith, is a spy who's assignment was to kill his wife. Thing is, his wife Jane is played by Angelina Jolie, who's out to pump him full of lead as well. Pitt's style was uber cool in this flick. He kept his attire professional yet cool with his tailored fit suits and killer accessories. You gotta do something to stand up to Angelina Jolie's fine self, and when you're looking this fly, it's no wonder why after this flick there was Brangelina.

TV Show: Archer
Voice Actor: H. Jon Benjamin

Complex Says: We'll give props to the animators for this one. This underrated animated series about a bumbling agent and his dysfunctional team keep the jokes coming. The best part is that when Archer is in his flyest gear, you really take notice, despite the fact that he's a cartoon. Archer is a total parody, but he stays true to the secret agent style.

Movies: Mission: Impossible franchise
Actor: Tom Cruise

Complex Says: Now that Ethan Hunt is back with another stunt to pull in Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol, it seems Tom Cruise's character is back to his high-tech, action-packed tricks. Whether it's blowing up fish tanks with exploding gum, scaling a mountain with no wire, or hacking into a computer in total silence like a ninja, Ethan Hunt has a way of doing it all in style. Decked out in all black or with a dope leather jacket, Hunt 's style iss a showstealer — even when in disguise. For him, it seems looking sloppy is well... impossible.

Movies: Iron Man franchise, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers
Actor: Samuel L. Jackson

Complex Says: Don't lie, you sat through Iron Man a second time when you heard Nick Fury was in the ending after the credits. And since you're still on this truth kick, don't act like you didn't get hyped seeing that eye patch and leather trench coat. Dude is badass, as a super-spy should be, and his style reflects that. He's like the best parts of Morpheus got together with the attitude of Shaft.

Movies: Austin Powers franchise
Actor: Mike Myers

Complex Says: We don't really know what the 60s were like outside of the Beatles and Woodstock, but we know that if we dressed like Austin Powers we'd get laid as much as he did. His "shagadelic" bold-colored suits and crazy patterned gear have made the time jump to the present. Just check out suits and trousers from brands like Paul Smith and Bonobos. Not only did our boy Austin put the grr in swinger, but it turns out he's a trendsetter. YEAH BABY, YEAH!

TV Show: 24
Actor: Kiefer Sutherland

Complex Says: Look up badass in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of this man among the examples. When you have to save the world, you don't really think about what you have on. Jack Bauer is one of those cases. He picked out comfortable clothes that he can kick ass in with relative ease. Another tidbit that's awesome is how he looks presentable just about every time. If you ever feel like you don't know how to dress, check an episode of 24 for some inspiration. Simple, casual, and comfortable. That's the closest you'll get to being Jack.

Movie: Undercover Brother
Actor: Eddie Griffin

Complex Says: This underrated, hilarious film really shined through Undercover Brother's style. He gave us a glimpse of what was cool in the 70s like his leather bellbottoms, colorful boots, and his snakeskin and leather jacket. The style deserves props. You would've wanted to look like this in the disco era.

Movie: Inception
Actor: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Complex Says: Inception was beyond awesome. Despite the arresting visuals and interesting premise, we were pinching ourselves when we saw Joseph Gordon-Levitt's style. His character, corporate spy Arthur, didn't say much throughout the film, but he stole the show for sure with his hallway fight scene and slim cut suits. Leather jackets? Tailored gear? Automatic weapons and grenade launchers? Damn, that's our dream closet.

Movies: James Bond franchise
Actor: Various

Complex Says: Who else would be number one on this list other than James Bond? Bond is more than just tailored tuxedos and Brioni suits. His sportswear outfits show Bond's style versatility, and they always agree with the climate of the country he is sneaking through. Sean Connery's understated spy had all of Don Draper's swagger, George Lazenby infused a '60s mod sensibility in the character, and Daniel Craig brought him into the modern age, rocking white pants, desert boots, and herrington jackets when he wasn't in a perfectly tailored suit. Given his constantly ability to update his gear (and youth), there's no reason why James Bond shouldn't be the most stylish spy.