Directed by

Lewis Gilbert
Made by

United Artists
Test your knowledge of The Spy Who Loved Me with our quiz!
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
A British and a Soviet ballistic-missile submarine mysteriously disappear, prompting the urgent summoning of James Bond—MI6 agent 007—to investigate this troubling incident. While on his way to the briefing, Bond finds himself ambushed by a group of Soviet agents in the picturesque landscape of Austria. During a thrilling downhill ski chase, he successfully dispatches one of the attackers, managing to evade capture by the remaining agents.
The investigation leads Bond to Egypt, where plans for a cutting-edge submarine tracking system are being offered. Here, Bond encounters Major Anya Amasova, a KGB agent known as Triple X, who raises the stakes as a rival for the crucial microfilm plans. Forced to cooperate, they traverse the Egyptian terrain together, coming face-to-face with the formidable assassin known as Jaws—a towering figure with deadly steel teeth. A temporary truce is brokered between their respective British and Soviet superiors, allowing them to join forces and uncover the connection between the missing subs and the enigmatic shipping magnate and scientist, Karl Stromberg.
The duo proceeds to travel by train to Stromberg’s secretive base located in Sardinia. In a nail-biting moment, Bond saves Amasova once again from the clutches of Jaws, their previous animosity slowly transforming into mutual affection. Disguised as a marine biologist and his “wife,” the two infiltrate Stromberg’s base where they learn about a newly launched mysterious supertanker, Liparus, which had set sail nine months earlier without ever docking at any known port.
Their escape becomes a race against time as they are pursued by Stromberg’s henchmen, comprising Jaws, a motorcycle-mounted henchman with a rocket sidecar, and Naomi, Stromberg’s assistant piloting an attack helicopter. With the ingenuity of Bond’s car—a Lotus Esprit equipped by Q Branch—they plunge underwater to avoid capture. In the climactic showdown, Jaws survives a spectacular car crash, while Naomi meets her end when Bond decisively destroys her helicopter with a well-aimed sea-air missile.
As Bond and Amasova explore Stromberg’s underwater hideout, the Atlantis base, they confirm the activation of the submarine tracking system. Tensions rise when Amasova learns that Bond was responsible for the death of her former lover, Sergei Barsov. Sworn to exact vengeance on Bond after their mission, she vows to kill him.
Their journey leads them to board the USS Wayne, an American submarine, to investigate the Liparus. However, they fall into Stromberg’s trap as the tanker is revealed to be a floating dock housing the missing submarines. Stromberg eagerly prepares for a catastrophic nuclear launch aimed at obliterating Moscow and New York City, intending to survive in his Atlantis sanctuary and lead a new civilization beneath the waves.
While Stromberg departs for Atlantis with Amasova, Bond boldly escapes, freeing the sailors held captive from the British, Russian, and American submarines. A daring battle ensues against the crew of Liparus, culminating in Bond discovering that the launched submarines are moments away from firing their nuclear missiles. With quick thinking, he tricks the subs into firing upon each other, leading to their destruction and a dramatic end to Stromberg’s operation.
After the chaos, while the Pentagon orders the destruction of Atlantis, Bond’s priority shifts to rescuing Amasova. He confronts Stromberg, leading to a fierce showdown that ends with the villain’s demise. However, Jaws reemerges, escaping from Bond’s grasp by defeating a tiger shark in a startling turn of events.
In a final act of survival, Bond and Amasova exit in an escape pod, witnessing Atlantis’ destruction by torpedoes. In a poignant moment, Amasova contemplates vengeance but ultimately chooses to spare Bond, opting instead for a passionate embrace. As the Royal Navy recovers their pod, the couple shares an intimate moment through the viewing window, leaving their superiors astonished by their unexpected romantic entanglement.
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Disappearance of Submarines
A British and a Soviet ballistic-missile submarine mysteriously vanish without a trace. This alarming incident prompts MI6 to summon their most skilled agent, James Bond, to investigate the troubling circumstances surrounding the disappearances.
Ambush in Austria
On his way to the briefing about the submarines, Bond is ambushed by Soviet agents in the scenic landscape of Austria. He skillfully escapes their clutches through a thrilling ski chase, dispatching one of the attackers in the process.
Mission Leads to Egypt
The trail leads Bond to Egypt, where he learns important information about a cutting-edge submarine tracking system. Here, he also meets Major Anya Amasova, a KGB agent known as Triple X, introducing a new layer of tension and rivalry into the investigation.
Encounter with Jaws
During their investigation in Egypt, Bond and Amasova cross paths with Jaws, a formidable assassin with deadly steel teeth. This encounter further complicates their mission, forcing the duo to negotiate a temporary alliance to survive.
Travel to Sardinia
Together, Bond and Amasova travel by train to the secretive base of Karl Stromberg in Sardinia. Their journey is filled with tension and action, culminating in a moment where Bond saves Amasova from Jaws once again, sparking a budding romance between them.
Infiltrating Stromberg's Base
Disguised as a marine biologist and his wife, Bond and Amasova infiltrate Stromberg's secretive base. Here, they discover the existence of the Liparus, a newly launched supertanker that mysteriously has not docked anywhere in nine months.
Pursued by Henchmen
Bond and Amasova's cover is blown, resulting in a high-stakes chase as Stromberg’s henchmen pursue them. The duo narrowly escapes with the help of Bond's innovative Lotus Esprit, which allows them to dive underwater and evade capture.
Exploring Atlantis
The duo explores Stromberg's underwater hideout, Atlantis, confirming the functionality of the submarine tracking system. Tensions mount when Amasova learns that Bond was behind the death of her former lover, complicating their partnership.
Boarding the USS Wayne
Bond and Amasova board the USS Wayne to investigate the Liparus, only to be trapped by Stromberg. The tanker is revealed as a floating dock housing the missing submarines, raising the stakes dramatically for the mission.
Stromberg's Nuclear Launch
Stromberg prepares to launch nuclear missiles aimed at Moscow and New York City, intending to create a new civilization beneath the waves in his Atlantis sanctuary. Bond realizes the urgency of stopping the launch to prevent global catastrophe.
Bond's Daring Rescue
As chaos ensues, Bond makes a daring escape to free captured sailors from the submarines. He cleverly tricks the launched submarines into firing upon each other, leading to their destruction and foiling Stromberg's plan.
Confrontation with Stromberg
After defeating Stromberg's crew, Bond confronts the villain in a fierce showdown. The conflict culminates in Bond's victory and Stromberg's demise, concluding a significant chapter in the mission.
Jaws Escapes
In a surprising turn of events, Jaws reemerges after Bond's encounter with Stromberg. He manages to survive against a shark, emphasizing his role as an indomitable foe within the story.
Escape from Atlantis
Bond and Amasova escape in a pod as Atlantis faces destruction from torpedoes. In this critical moment, Amasova contemplates her desire for vengeance but ultimately decides to spare Bond, paving the way for a deeper connection.
A Romantic Closing
As the Royal Navy retrieves Bond and Amasova from the ocean, they share an intimate moment through the viewing window, surprising their superiors. This unexpected romantic entanglement marks a poignant conclusion to their perilous adventure.
Explore all characters from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
James Bond (Roger Moore)
As MI6 agent 007, James Bond embodies charisma, resourcefulness, and a penchant for danger. He navigates treacherous waters both figuratively and literally, seducing allies and outsmarting enemies. Bond's character is defined by his duality of sophistication and ruthlessness, making him an unforgettable figure in the world of espionage.
Major Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach)
A talented KGB agent, Major Anya Amasova, coded as Triple X, possesses intelligence and physical prowess. Initially a rival to Bond, her character evolves, showcasing depth as she struggles between professional obligation and growing affection for him. Amasova is marked by her strong will and dedication to her mission, even when confronted with personal conflict.
Learn where and when The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
1970s
Set in the 1970s, this era is marked by the Cold War tensions between the British and Soviet powers. The movie reflects the geopolitical struggles of the time, with espionage at the forefront as nations engage in intricate intelligence operations. This period also highlights advancements in technology that play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama.
Location
Austria, Egypt, Sardinia, Atlantis
The film showcases the beautiful and picturesque landscapes of Austria, known for its idyllic mountains and skiing resorts. The journey extends to Egypt, a land rich in history and mysteries, where ancient pyramids and desert terrains set the backdrop for espionage. Sardinia serves as a covert location for the villain's secret base, while Atlantis is depicted as a hidden underwater sanctuary, brimming with advanced technology and a villainous plot.
Discover the main themes in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
💔
Betrayal
The theme of betrayal looms large as Anya Amasova grapples with her feelings toward Bond, especially after learning he was involved in her former lover's demise. This conflict between duty and personal vendetta enriches the narrative, as allegiances are tested amid their evolving relationship. Betrayal not only shapes their motivations but also influences the course of the mission.
🌍
Survival
Survival is a central theme, evident in Bond's desperate fight against time to thwart Stromberg’s catastrophic plans. As the stakes escalate, both Bond and Amasova must navigate dangerous obstacles and adversaries to save themselves and the world from annihilation. Their journey underlines the lengths one will go to preserve life, making their survival a hard-won triumph.

Coming soon on iOS and Android
From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.
Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.
Discover the spoiler-free summary of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a world still echoing with the cold‑war tremors of rival superpowers, a shadowy convergence of threats forces the globe’s most seasoned operatives to step beyond the familiar borders of their agencies. From the icy sheen of Arctic ridges to the mysterious depths hidden beneath the ocean’s surface, the film paints a sweeping canvas of danger and intrigue, where the stakes are as expansive as the planet itself. The tone balances sleek, high‑tech espionage with a pulsing sense of adventure, inviting viewers to glide through a series of breathtaking locales that feel both exotic and foreboding.
James Bond returns as MI6’s quintessential 007—charming, unflappable, and equipped with a razor‑sharp wit that masks a deadly seriousness. His reputation for handling impossible missions precedes him, and he carries a legacy that is as much a burden as it is a badge of honor. Opposite him stands Anya Amasova, the Soviet Union’s elite operative known as Triple‑X, whose poise and competence match Bond’s own. Their initial rivalry crackles with the tension of two world powers colliding, yet an undercurrent of mutual respect begins to shape a partnership neither fully anticipates.
Hovering over their uneasy alliance is Karl Stromberg, an enigmatic magnate whose vision for a new world order threatens to flood the planet’s great cities and erase the very foundations of modern civilization. His grand design, hinted at through whispers of a massive underwater stronghold and the looming Arctic landscape, introduces a menace that feels both intellectually chilling and physically imposing. Adding to the aura of peril is Jaws, a hulking enforcer whose reputation alone sends shivers through even the most hardened agents.
Together, Bond and Amasova must navigate a maze of international intrigue, blending their contrasting methods while confronting a threat that could reshape humanity’s future. The film promises a stylish, pulse‑quickening chase across continents, where slick gadgets, daring improvisation, and the chemistry between two iconic spies keep the audience teetering on the edge of anticipation.
Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.