Tom Clancy’s Super Spy has been gracing screens since 1990 when he was portrayed by Alec Baldwin in Clear and Present Danger, and each Jack Ryan movie and TV show since has seen the titular character with a different job. Plenty of actors have played Jack Ryan, with Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck, Chris Pine, and John Krasinski all having stepped into his combat boots. This has given audiences varying interpretations of this heroic and complex character.
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In all of his adventures, Jack Ryan took on many roles within the CIA, as well as the Marines, and various financial companies. A master of all trades, his intelligence, bravery, and out-of-the-box thinking took him from entry-level analyst to some of the highest-ranking positions within the Agency. Whatever role he took on, Jack Ryan‘s movies and TV shows all saw the character go above and beyond to make sure all hostages were saved, and any disaster was averted.
9 The Hunt For Red October (1990)
Intelligence Analyst, Author, Professor
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Adapted from Clancy’s bestselling novel, the film is set toward the end of the Cold War and takes place, largely, deep underwater on covert submarines. Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) is a Professor of Naval History at the United States Naval Academy, turned CIA analyst. He’s also a published naval historian and a former U.S. Marine.
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He’s called in to help advise on the case of a missing Soviet submarine, the Red October, and applies all his statistical knowledge to help determine the potential intentions of the missing vessel’s captain.
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The Hunt for Red October PG
1990’s The Hunt for Red October is a Thriller and Spy film directed by John McTiernan and based on the Tom Clancy novel of the same name. The film sees the United States searching for a rogue submarine that is nearly undetectable thanks to a special piece of technology.
Director John McTiernan Release Date March 2, 1990 Cast Sean Connery , Alec Baldwin , Scott Glenn , James Earl Jones , Sam Neill , Stellan Skarsgård , Peter Firth , Tim Curry Runtime 135 Minutes
He correctly deduces that Ramius (Sean Connery) plans to deflect to the U.S. and, boards the American Navy’s vessel to lead negotiations. His actions directly impact the outcome of the film, helping save the lives of a group of well-intentioned men, and ultimately avert a nuclear disaster.
8 Patriot Games (1992)
Semi-retired, Teacher, Knight of the Royal Victorian Order
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Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford)starts the film retired from the CIA, on a “working holiday” in London, in this 1992 adaptation of Clancy’s novel of the same name. He heroically intervenes in an IRA terrorist plot, which ultimately leads to him rejoining the Agency after his family is attacked in retaliation.
This installment in the series also shows Ryan as more of a family man, focusing on his relationship with his wife, Cathy, and daughter Sally.
His assistance in saving Lord Holmes (James Fox) also leads to his receiving a knighthood. This installment in the series also shows Ryan as more of a family man, focusing on his relationship with his wife, Cathy (Anne Archer), and daughter Sally (Thora Birch).
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Patriot Games R
Patriot Games is a political thriller directed by Phillip Noyce, based on Tom Clancy’s novel. Harrison Ford stars as Jack Ryan, a former CIA analyst who becomes entangled in an international conflict after thwarting an IRA attack in London. This event sets off a chain of violent retaliations, forcing Ryan and his family into a battle for their lives. The film also features Anne Archer, James Earl Jones, and Sean Bean in pivotal roles.
Director Phillip Noyce Release Date June 5, 1992 Cast Harrison Ford , Anne Archer , Patrick Bergin , Sean Bean , Thora Birch , James Fox , Samuel L. Jackson , James Earl Jones , Richard Harris Runtime 117 Minutes
His reason for returning to the CIA is based on his need to protect them and the film’s final scene also teases a new addition on its way. Exploring this connection with his family adds another layer of depth to his character, allowing the audience to sympathize, and understand the reasoning behind a lot of his actions, whether professional or personal.
7 Clear and Present Danger (1994)
Acting Deputy Director, Negotiator
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As Admiral James Greer (James Earl Jones) takes a leave of absence for cancer treatment, Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) is appointed his temporary replacement. His full title is: CIA Acting Deputy Director (Intelligence) (DDI), and with this new high rank, he uncovers a covert plot deep within his organization.
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Related Tom Clancy Movies In Order: How (& Where) To Watch The Jack Ryan Films
Tom Clancy’s novels have been adapted into many different movies, with multiple actors adopting the role of his iconic protagonist Jack Ryan.
As part of one of his responsibilities, he approaches Congress for aid in funding the Colombian fight against drug cartels, something that becomes somewhat of a plot point for the entire film. Due to his now higher ranking, Ryan is also sent to Colombia as a negotiator on behalf of the U.S. government.
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Clear And Present Danger PG-13
Clear And Present Danger is a political thriller film based on the novel by Tom Clancy, where Jack Ryan, played by Harrison Ford, is appointed as the Deputy Director of the CIA. He uncovers a conspiracy involving the US President and a Colombian drug cartel, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
Director Phillip Noyce Release Date August 3, 1994 Cast Harrison Ford , Willem Dafoe , Joaquim De Almeida , Henry Czerny , Harris Yulin Runtime 141 Minutes
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After layers of deception and betrayed allegiances are uncovered, Ryan leads a covert mission into Bogotá, with the aid of CIA operative Jack Clark (Willem Defoe). At the end of the film, Jack Ryan testifies before the Congressional Oversight Committee, against the President’s wishes, leaving his career status up in the air.
6 The Sum of All Fears (2002)
CIA Analyst
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The film was intended as a reboot of the series, still using Clancy’s source material, but instead of continuing the timeline, everything is reset. In Ben Affleck’s version of Jack Ryan, he plays a younger version of the character, and the audience is introduced to him as a CIA analyst.
He accompanies Director Cabot (Morgan Freeman) on a mission to Moscow, Russia. Though there isn’t much new information about Ryan’s backstory, his role at the CIA is conveniently vague. He is an analyst who ends up running an operation that prevents a nuclear attack.
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The Sum Of All Fears PG-13
The Sum Of All Fears is the fourth installment in the Jack Ryan film series, starring Ben Affleck as the CIA analyst. The film, released in 2002, follows Ryan as he uncovers a plot to start a war between the United States and Russia, sparked by a rogue Russian officer seeking revenge.
Director Phil Alden Robinson Release Date May 31, 2002 Cast Ben Affleck , Morgan Freeman , James Cromwell , Liev Schreiber , Bridget Moynahan Runtime 124 Minutes
He’s able to reach the National Military Command Center and has close access to the White House. It’s clear that the film was intended to be the first of many, and wanted to give Ryan space to grow in his role and climb the ranks of the Agency.
5 Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)
Student, U.S. Marine, CIA recruit, Spy, Financial Auditor
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Kenneth Branagh directed this second reboot attempt, which utilized the characters created by Tom Clancy but did not follow the plot of any particular novel. Chris Pine takes on the role of Jack Ryan and starts his journey as a student at the London School of Economics. He then becomes a U.S.
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Marine, serving in Afghanistan, but is badly injured during a rescue operation trying to save some of his fellow Marines. After a lengthy recovery time, Jack is recruited by a veteran CIA operative (Kevin Costner) and joins the organization. The film employs various time jumps during its run, and the audience finds Ryan, now an undercover spy, working as an auditor on Wall Street.
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6/10 Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit pg-13
The 2014 spy thriller Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is the first original movie based on Tom Clancy’s famous character. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, it follows Ryan as he uncovers a Russian plot to crash the US economy. Chris Pine stars alongside Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner, and Branagh.
Director Kenneth Branagh Release Date January 17, 2014 Cast Chris Pine , Kenneth Branagh , Kevin Costner Runtime 105 minutes
As he investigates suspicious transactions, he uncovers a connection to a Russian oligarch that leads to a thrilling operation in Moscow. With, probably, the most action sequences in the franchise so far, Pine’s youth and physical strength are on full display. As the credits approach, Ryan is called to the White House, implying a promotion might be on the cards.
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4 Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Season 1 (2018)
PhD, U.S. Marine, financier, junior CIA analyst, field agent
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John Krasinski took the reins in this Amazon Prime series. As in the previous source material, Jack Ryan holds a PhD in economics which led him to a private bank on Wall Street, and is a former U.S. Marine turned CIA recruit. His experience as a Second Lieutenant and Infantry Officer comes in handy once an assignment takes him to the field.
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5/10 11 9.6/10 Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan TV-MA
A new adaptation of the popular book series, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan follows the titular character as he goes from CIA analyst to being thrust into the middle of a conspiracy that threatens to uproot the world and its status quo. When Jack stumbles upon strange bank transfers during routine analysis, he’s tossed from the comfort of his desk job into the world of action, espionage, and political intrigue to investigate. But, unfortunately, Jack’s search for answers will take him to the heart of a dangerous terrorist ring that seeks to destabilize the U.S. and its allies.
Cast John Krasinski , Wendell Pierce , Abbie Cornish , Ali Suliman , Dina Shihabi , John Hoogenakker , Noomi Rapace , Jordi Molla , Francisco Denis , Cristina Umaña Release Date August 31, 2018 Seasons 4 Network Amazon Prime Video Directors John Krasinski
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As he works as a financial analyst at the Terror Finance and Arms Division in Washington, D.C., he uncovers suspicious transactions potentially linked to a terrorist group in Yemen. After a slew of dangerous missions across the Middle East with James Greer (Wendell Pierce), he manages to foil a terrorist plot on American soil, thus saving the President of the United States.
Because of his heroic work, Ryan is offered the job as head of Terror, Finance, and Arms Division.
Because of his heroic work, Ryan is offered the job as head of Terror, Finance, and Arms Division. Meanwhile, Greer offers him a job in Moscow to work for him, but the audience is left wondering what choice he’ll make in this Season 1 cliffhanger.
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3 Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Season 2 (2019)
Political Advisor, Diplomatic Delegate, Unemployed, Super Spy
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In the show’s second season, it’s revealed that Jack Ryan (John Krasinski) is working for his senator friend in Washington, D.C., where he advises various politicians. He is then sent on a diplomatic visit to Venezuela to investigate an arms shipment. Things escalate rather quickly, as Jack teams up with his close friend Greer (Wendell Pierce) and they play a part in overthrowing a corrupt political regime.
Related Jack Ryan Movie In Development With John Krasinski & 2 More Original Stars Returning
Amazon MGM Studios is set to continue the hit Tom Clancy series Jack Ryan in an upcoming movie with John Krasinski and more set to return.
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Ryan’s relieved of his official duties by the U.S. Government, but continues to conduct his investigation on his mission to find the truth. He works closely with the UK’s MI-5, as well as German intelligence and, after another successful mission, appears to be drawn back in by the Agency.
2 Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Season 3 (2022)
CIA Field Agent, Potential Trator
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Stationed in Europe, Jack Ryan (John Krasinski) uncovers a potential nuclear threat, which eventually turns out to be part of a plot to bring back the Soviet Union. Throughout most of the season, Ryan goes rogue, working with old assets and evading his Station Chief (Betty Gabriel), who believes he is responsible for killing a Greek police officer.
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While he is widely regarded as having committed treason, his paths end up crossing back with his close allies. Ultimately, with the joint efforts of Jack Ryan and James Greer (Wendell Pierce), they are able to prevent the start of World War III. The friends and colleagues end up returning to the United States as heroes, where they are both presented with the Central Intelligence Agency Intelligence Star.
1 Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Season 4 (2022)
Acting Deputy Director
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Krasinski returns in Jack Ryan season 4 as acting Deputy Director to the new CIA Director, Elizabeth Wright (Betty Gabriel). The two withdraw funding to a covert drug cartel operation in Mexico, which connects to a series of events that includes deception within the CIA, and a potential international disaster.
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The series was not based on any of the novels, instead, combining existing characters from the Clancy universe with current world affairs. Despite his high ranking, Jack Ryan is by no means tied to his desk. He travels the world, interrogating criminals, infiltrating cartels, and even being tortured.
Tom Cancly’s Jack Ryan
has a Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score of 78%.
As he inevitably saves the world, yet again, he exposes an even more powerful government official (a Senator), effectively earning favor with the president. Krasinski is said to be reprising this role in the upcoming Jack Ryan movie, but it’s unknown at what level and rank the spy will be then.