Spy thrillers are having a moment. With the recent return of Black Doves and The Terminal List drawing big audiences, and the acclaimed sixth season of Slow Horses wrapping up, the genre is thriving across streaming platforms. But amid this new wave of espionage content, a familiar face from over a decade ago has resurfaced: Angelina Jolie's Salt is climbing the charts on Starz this November.
Released in 2010, Salt was a box office powerhouse, pulling in nearly $300 million worldwide. It arrived during a golden stretch for Jolie, who had already dominated the action scene with hits like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the latter earning close to $490 million globally. She also balanced blockbusters with prestige work, earning an Oscar nomination for Clint Eastwood's Changeling and critical acclaim for A Mighty Heart.
The film was originally conceived with Tom Cruise in the lead, but the script was reworked for Jolie, and she made the role her own. Directed by Phillip Noyce, Salt follows a CIA officer who goes on the run after being accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Jolie is joined by Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor in a story that channels the intensity of the Jason Bourne films, which had revitalized the spy genre in the 2000s alongside Daniel Craig's James Bond reboot.
While Salt received mixed reviews—it holds a 61% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Jolie's commitment but noting the plot's predictability—it has clearly found a lasting audience. According to FlixPatrol, the film is currently one of the most-watched titles on Starz, a testament to its enduring appeal as a high-octane action thriller.
For fans of the genre, Salt offers a satisfying blend of espionage, conspiracy, and relentless action, all anchored by Jolie's commanding performance. It's a reminder of her versatility as an action star, a role she has continued to embrace in projects like Eternals and Those Who Wish Me Dead.
If you're in the mood for a spy thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously but delivers on excitement, Salt is a solid pick. And with the genre's current resurgence, it's the perfect time to revisit this near-perfect Bourne replacement. For more on the best spy content to stream, check out our list of Noah Centineo's spy thriller or dive into the world of Daniel Craig's Bond films.
As streaming continues to bring older gems back into the spotlight, Salt stands out as a reminder of Jolie's action-hero legacy. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this is one spy thriller worth adding to your watchlist.
