Best Movies About Russia

Updated May 1, 2024

So many directors have explored Best Movies About Russia. Here are 16 of the best ones.

Doctor Zhivago (1965)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From David Lean, starring Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin, Rod Steiger
Rated PG-13

Doctor Zhivago is a 1965 British-American epic romantic drama film directed by David Lean, based on the 1957 novel of the same name by Boris Pasternak. It tells the story of Yuri Zhivago, a physician, and poet, and his love for the beautiful Lara, set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution of 1905-1917. The film follows their journey as they struggle to survive the political, social, and spiritual upheaval of a country in the midst of war and the turbulence of the revolution. Along the way, Yuri must come to terms with his feelings for Lara and the choices he must make about his life and his loyalty to his family and country. The film stars Omar Sharif as Yuri Zhivago, Julie Christie as Lara Antipova, and Geraldine Chaplin as Tonya Gromeko. Doctor Zhivago won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Score.

Love and Death (1975)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Georges Adet, Frank Adu
Rated PG

Love and Death is a 1975 comedic film directed and written by Woody Allen. The film follows Allen's character, Boris Grushenko, as he attempts to cope with life in 19th-century Russia. Boris is a bumbling coward, yet he dreams of being a hero. When his love interest, Sonja, is promised to another man, Boris is determined to prove his courage and win her heart. After a series of comedic events, including a brief stint in the military, Boris eventually finds the courage to face death and win the woman he loves. Along the way, viewers experience a series of musings on life, death, and love—all with a comedic twist.

Bridge of Spies (2015)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda, Amy Ryan
Rated PG-13

Bridge of Spies is a 2015 historical thriller directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks. Set during the Cold War, the film follows an American lawyer, James B. Donovan (Hanks), who is recruited by the CIA to bargain for the release of a captured American pilot in exchange for a Soviet KGB spy. The story follows Donovan as he travels to East Berlin, aided by a German lawyer, and attempts to negotiate the prisoner exchange. In the process, he must confront the complex and intense politics of the Cold War and the risk of death or capture should he fail. With the help of the German lawyer, Donovan eventually succeeds in his mission and manages to broker the release of the American pilot in exchange for the Soviet spy. Bridge of Spies is a gripping and suspenseful drama that shows the true power of diplomacy during a time of global conflict. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

The Hunt for Red October (1990)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From John McTiernan, starring Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill
Rated PG

The Hunt for Red October is a 1990 American spy thriller film directed by John McTiernan and stars Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin. The film is based on Tom Clancy's 1984 novel of the same name. The story follows Marko Ramius (Sean Connery), a Soviet Navy Captain who wishes to defect to the United States with his experimental nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, Red October. To do this, he must evade his pursuing fleet and defect in secret. The CIA dispatches CIA Analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) to monitor the situation, and he quickly discovers that the Russians are not willing to let the submarine go without a fight. The Hunt for Red October is a tense and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game between Ramius and his pursuers, as well as a battle of wits between Ryan and the Soviet government. It is a thrilling story of espionage and intrigue, and the ultimate fate of the Red October is in the balance.