Some films stay with people for years, and every now and then there is one that viewers insist everyone must watch. It’s the kind of movie fans still talk about, still recommend, and still describe as one of the greatest thrillers ever made.

The reviews are full of praise. One person said: “This is the best war thriller you will ever see. It’s an underrated masterpiece with amazing performances, writing and directing.” Another added: “A classic, addictive spy thriller with a star-making performance by leading man Kevin Costner. I think this is his best film and probably his best and most complete performance. The ending is awesome.”

A third wrote: “It’s a brilliant political war thriller based on an incredible novel. I highly recommend reading the book too. Both the book and the film are excellent, thought-provoking and intricately crafted, with plenty of plot twists and turns.”

Someone else commented: “It is a must-see for everyone who loves good thrillers. Expertly crafted, superbly acted by all involved.

“It clicks on all cylinders and keeps you involved until the very end, which gives a twist that even I couldn’t see coming. What a great thriller.”

The film they are talking about is No Way Out, released in 1987 and starring Kevin Costner, Gene Hackman and Sean Young.

It is a political war thriller set in Washington, D.C., and was directed by Roger Donaldson.

The screenplay, written by Robert Garland, is based on Kenneth Fearing’s 1946 novel ‘The Big Clock’.

There are a number of other films that were inspired by the same book, but No Way Out reworks the story into a Cold War setting with new characters and updated themes.

The plot follows Lieutenant Commander Tom Farrell, played by Costner, a naval officer who becomes romantically involved with Susan Atwell.

She is also the mistress of the US Secretary of Defence, played by Hackman. When she dies in a sudden and violent incident, a cover-up begins inside the Pentagon.

Farrell is put in charge of the investigation, unaware the evidence is slowly pointing towards him.

Officials try to blame her death on a mythical KGB sleeper agent known only as “Yuri”. As the search intensifies, Farrell finds himself trapped inside the Pentagon while trying to prove his innocence.

According to those who have watched the film, it builds up to one of the best twist endings of the 1980s.

As of today the movie holds a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and is widely seen as one of Costner’s breakthrough roles.

The supporting cast includes Will Patton, Howard Duff, George Dzundza, Jason Bernard, Fred Thompson and Iman.

No Way Out can be rented or bought on Prime Video.