Spy Hard (1996)
Leslie Nielsen returns to spoof territory as the gloriously incompetent Agent WD-40 in this affectionate send-up of James Bond and the entire spy genre.
Spy Hard - Movie Information
- Original Title: Spy Hard
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Rick Friedberg
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Action
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 21m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 24, 1996 (United States - PG-13), August 1, 1996 (Germany - 12), July 17, 1996 (France - U), June 13, 1996 (Australia - PG), June 6, 1996 (Brazil - 14), August 2, 1996 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Duro de Espiar (BR), Spia e lascia spiare (IT), Espía como puedas (ES), スパイ・ハード (JP), Agent 00 - Stirb dümmer jetzt erst recht (DE)
- Production Companies: Hollywood Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Spy Hard - Plot
The evil Gen. Rancor has his sights set on world domination, and only one man can stop him: Dick Steele, also known as Agent WD-40. Rancor needs to obtain a computer circuit for the missile that he is planning to fire, so Steele teams up with Veronique Ukrinsky, a KGB agent whose father designed the chip. Together they try to locate the evil mastermind's headquarters, where Veronique's father and several other hostages are being held.
Spy Hard - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Agent WD-40 in hilariously inept action:
All the action. All the women. Half the intelligence.
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Spy Hard - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rick Friedberg
Main Cast
- Leslie Nielsen
- Nicollette Sheridan
- Charles Durning
- Marcia Gay Harden
- Barry Bostwick
- Andy Griffith
- Stephanie Romanov
- Talisa Soto
- Robert Guillaume
- Carl Ciarfalio
Writers
- Rick Friedberg
- Dick Chudnow
- Jason Friedberg
- Aaron Seltzer
Producers
- Doug Draizin
- Rick Friedberg
- Jeffrey Konvitz
Spy Hard - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Spy Hard?
Leslie Nielsen leads the cast as the hilariously inept Agent WD-40, alongside Nicollette Sheridan as KGB agent Veronique Ukrinsky. Andy Griffith plays the villainous General Rancor, with Charles Durning, Marcia Gay Harden, Barry Bostwick, and Talisa Soto rounding out the ensemble.
What is Spy Hard about?
Spy Hard is a comedy spoof of James Bond films. Agent WD-40, played by Leslie Nielsen, teams up with a KGB agent to stop the megalomaniacal General Rancor from launching a missile. The film parodies spy movie tropes with slapstick humor and absurdist gags throughout.
Is Spy Hard a James Bond parody?
Absolutely. Spy Hard is a loving send-up of the James Bond franchise and spy cinema in general. From the opening title sequence — featuring 'Weird Al' Yankovic performing a Bond-style theme — to the gadgets, femmes fatales, and world-domination plots, every classic spy convention gets gleefully skewered.
What is 'Weird Al' Yankovic's role in Spy Hard?
'Weird Al' Yankovic appears as himself, performing the film's opening title song — a spot-on parody of classic James Bond theme songs. The sequence builds to an absurd, over-the-top climax that sets the comedic tone for the entire movie and became one of its most memorable moments.
Where can you stream or watch Spy Hard?
You can watch Spy Hard by renting or buying it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's widely available across major digital platforms, so picking it up for a fun movie night is pretty easy no matter which service you prefer.
What is the age rating for Spy Hard?
Spy Hard carries a PG-13 rating in the United States, making it suitable for teens and adults. The film features comedic action sequences, slapstick humor, and mild innuendo typical of the spy spoof genre, but nothing too intense for most family viewing situations.
How long is Spy Hard?
Spy Hard runs for 81 minutes — just over an hour and twenty minutes. It's a lean, fast-paced comedy that keeps the jokes coming at a rapid clip, making it an easy and breezy watch for a casual movie night when you want laughs without a lengthy time commitment.
What are some movies similar to Spy Hard?
If Spy Hard hit the spot, you'll likely enjoy The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear, another Leslie Nielsen classic, as well as Johnny English Strikes Again and Spies in Disguise for more spy comedy fun. The Naked Gun (2025) and Die Hart (2023) are worth checking out for modern takes on the genre.
More About Spy Hard
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