Movies About Russia

Updated May 1, 2024

When it comes to Movies About Russia, there is no limit to the directors reporting on this idea. We assembled 16 of our favorites.

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-Italian epic romantic drama film directed by David Lean and starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie. Set in the early 20th century, the film follows the life of a Russian doctor and poet who, despite the turbulent backdrop of World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the Russian Civil War, continues to pursue his love for a married woman. The film also explores the impact of the revolution on the lives of Zhivago and the people around him. Doctor Zhivago is considered one of the greatest films of all time, and won five Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Adapted Screenplay.

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 romantic comedy/drama directed by Woody Allen. The film follows the story of Boris Grushenko (played by Allen), a young Russian man living in the 19th century who is trying to escape from his pre-ordained destiny of being drafted and sent to war. He falls in love with the daughter of a local nobleman, and the two embark on a series of misadventures, including fleeing to the nearby Kingdom of Czardas to escape the draft, joining an underground revolutionary movement, and participating in a daring rescue mission. Along the way, Boris learns the true meaning of love, courage and patriotism. Love and Death is an irreverent and humorous take on a classic romantic comedy, and showcases Allen's trademark wit and offbeat humor.

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 Cold War espionage thriller directed by Steven Spielberg and written by the Coen Brothers. It stars Tom Hanks as James Donovan, a Brooklyn insurance lawyer recruited to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 spy plane pilot during the Cold War. When negotiations fail, Donovan is forced to use his diplomatic skills to negotiate a prisoner exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union. Along the way, he uncovers the truth about his client and the Soviet spy in the process. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won Best Supporting Actor for Mark Rylance. Bridge of Spies is a riveting drama that offers a captivating portrait of the Cold War and the power of negotiation in settling international disputes.

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 action-thriller directed by John McTiernan and based on the novel by Tom Clancy. The film follows a renegade Soviet submarine captain, Marko Ramius (Sean Connery), and his crew, who plan to defect to the United States. CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) is sent to verify the authenticity of the defection, while the Soviets, under the command of Admiral Yuri Padorin (Stellan Skarsgård) and KGB agent Ivan Putin (James Earl Jones) hunt for the submarine. As the Soviets close in, Jack and Marko must work together to evade the Soviet forces and make their way to the United States. Along the way they must outsmart the Soviets and avoid a potentially catastrophic nuclear war. The Hunt for Red October is a thrilling action-adventure, full of suspense and intrigue.