James Bond - a name echoing danger, suavity, and that unmistakably British allure. Over the years, Bond has been etched out by varied actors, each bringing their own dash of panache to the table. From cold war spy escapades to battles in the digital age, Bond films reflect the world's shifting geopolitics and its ever-evolving culture. So, allow me to embark on this expedition of ranking all the Bond movies, from the ones that slightly misfired to those that are the very epitome of cinematic splendour...
27. Casino Royale (1967) This parody, having no ties to Ian Fleming's narrative, boasted David Niven as Bond. Its convoluted storyline, coupled with a medley of subplots, made it hard to follow. While comedy was its intent, it drifted far from the beloved Bond ethos. Despite the talent of Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, and Orson Welles, it didn't resonate. Released on April 28, 1967, its US earnings stood at $22.7 million. Joseph McGrath, albeit a renowned comedy director, couldn't salvage this film. Robert Koehler of Variety remarked, "A sprawling mess that's only fun in patches."
26. Never Say Never Again (1983) Though unofficial, this film marked Sean Connery's return and is essentially a Thunderball remake. Helmed by Irvin Kershner, known for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, it was marred by superfluous action sequences. It hit theatres on October 7, 1983, raking in $55.4 million in the US.
25. A View to a Kill (1985) Roger Moore, in his Bond curtain call and at 57, was the oldest to assume the role. Christopher Walken's portrayal of Zorin is commendable, but the film's pace lagged. Released on May 24, 1985, it pocketed $50.3 million stateside. Its saving grace? Duran Duran's iconic title track.
24. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) This Roger Moore outing featured a solar energy plot and Christopher Lee as the titular villain. Despite a riveting premise, its execution was found lacking by some. Hitting screens on December 20, 1974, it accumulated $21 million in the US.
23. Moonraker (1979) Capitalising on the Star Wars frenzy, Bond went to space. While the concept was novel, its over-reliance on visual effects and less on plot nuances dragged its ranking. Released June 29, 1979, it garnered a whopping $70.3 million in the US.
22. Die Another Day (2002) Brosnan's final Bond avatar faced critique for its heavy CGI and a far-fetched plot involving gene therapy. However, Madonna's title track and the fencing duel were standout elements. It debuted on November 22, 2002, fetching $160.9 million in the US.
21. Octopussy (1983) Roger Moore's penultimate foray into Bond's shoes brought us to India, with its pulsating chase sequences and an enthralling circus subplot. However, the film's occasional dip into comedic patches diluted its intensity. Upon its release on June 10, 1983, it raked in $67.9 million in the US. Maud Adams' portrayal as the title character lent a mysterious charm. Still, the Chicago Tribune noted, "The film can't decide if it's a spy spoof or a serious action story."
20. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) Brosnan's second outing, this time against a media mogul looking to spark global wars for ratings, held promise. Helmed by Roger Spottiswoode, renowned for Under Fire, the film boasts action but was critiqued for lacking depth. Its December 19, 1997 release ensured earnings of $125.3 million in the US. Sheryl Crow's title track, though divisive, still holds a certain allure.
19. Quantum of Solace (2008) Directly following Casino Royale, this Daniel Craig installment saw Bond's hunt for vengeance. While Marc Forster's direction was praised, the narrative felt slightly muddled. Released on November 14, 2008, it accumulated $168.4 million in the US. Jack White and Alicia Keys' duet for the film added a modern musical edge.
18. The Living Daylights (1987) Timothy Dalton's debut offered a fresh Bond perspective, bringing a darker, more humanized 007. The plot, involving arms dealers and defections, had its moments. However, its execution couldn't entirely shake off the Moore era's shadow. Its July 31, 1987 release grossed $51.2 million stateside. John Barry's score was, as always, masterful.
17. For Your Eyes Only (1981) Steering clear of high-tech plots, this Moore film took a grittier route. It centered around a cryptographic device, pulling Bond into a tug-of-war between the Brits and Soviets. Released on June 26, 1981, it netted $54.8 million in the US. Its underwater scenes and the enchanting title track by Sheena Easton added depth.
16. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) With a plot echoing world domination via undersea bases, Moore delivered one of his most memorable performances. Jaws, the metal-mouthed henchman, became an instant icon. Premiering on August 3, 1977, its US earnings were a solid $46.8 million. Carly Simon's "Nobody Does It Better" remains a beloved Bond theme.
15. Diamonds Are Forever (1971) Connery's return after Lazenby's singular outing had its charm. The diamond smuggling plot, culminating in a laser satellite scheme, was pure Bond extravagance. Released on December 17, 1971, its US box office stood at $43.8 million. Shirley Bassey's title rendition added the necessary sheen.
14. Spectre (2015) Daniel Craig's penultimate film, directed by Sam Mendes, reintroduced the sinister organization SPECTRE. While visually dazzling, some felt it lacked the emotional punch of its predecessor, Skyfall. Debuting on November 6, 2015, it garnered a hefty $200.1 million in the US. The title track by Sam Smith, though divisive, bagged an Oscar.
13. Thunderball (1965) Connery's fourth Bond venture had it all - nuclear threats, underwater battles, and high-stake gambles. While praised for its action, some critiques called out its lengthy runtime. Released on December 29, 1965, it raked in $63.6 million in the US. Tom Jones' booming vocals for the title track added gravitas.
12. You Only Live Twice (1967) Set primarily in Japan, this Connery film offered a unique cultural infusion. Helmed by Lewis Gilbert, it presented a sprawling volcano lair and aerial sequences. Its June 13, 1967 release saw earnings of $43 million stateside. Nancy Sinatra's soft vocals for the title song remain memorable.
11. Licence to Kill (1989) Dalton's second and final Bond film took a darker tone, with Bond going rogue. It delved deep into the world of drug cartels, but some purists felt it strayed from Bond's essence. Released on July 14, 1989, it amassed $34.7 million in the US. Gladys Knight's title track stood out, but the film remains polarizing.
10. Dr. No (1962) The one that started it all. Connery's introduction as the suave spy remains iconic. While comparatively low-key, its impact is undeniable. Released on May 8, 1963, in the US, it earned $16.1 million. Ursula Andress emerging from the sea is a cinematic hallmark.
9. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) George Lazenby's singular outing is often criminally underrated. A more emotional Bond narrative involving love and loss, its depth was its strength. Released on December 18, 1969, it garnered $22.8 million in the US. Louis Armstrong's "We Have All the Time in the World" added a poignant touch.
8. Skyfall (2012) Celebrating 50 years of Bond, this Craig film, directed by Sam Mendes, was both introspective and explosive. Its focus on M's past and Bond's childhood brought fresh layers to the lore. Released on November 9, 2012, it earned a massive $304.4 million in the US. Adele's haunting title track resonates to this day.
7. Live and Let Die (1973) Moore's debut took Bond to the realms of voodoo and tarot. Its blend of Blaxploitation and traditional Bond elements was commendable. Hitting theaters on June 27, 1973, it raked in $35.4 million stateside. Paul McCartney and Wings' title track remains an all-time classic.
6. From Russia with Love (1963) Connery's second outing was a cold war masterpiece. Its spy-vs-spy narrative, devoid of overt gadgetry, focused on pure espionage. Released April 8, 1964, in the US, it earned $24.8 million. Its train fight sequence remains iconic.
5. No Time to Die (2021) Craig's swan song, delayed due to the pandemic, delivered an emotional punch. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, it provided a fitting end to Craig's tenure. Released on October 8, 2021, it amassed $160.5 million in the US. Billie Eilish's melancholic title track and Hans Zimmer's score were standout elements.
3. Casino Royale (2006) Daniel Craig's inaugural Bond venture was nothing short of a franchise revival. This film, digging deep into Bond's genesis, presented a raw, gritty 007. Directed by Martin Campbell, it steered Bond films to fresh cinematic waters. With a US debut on November 17, 2006, it amassed $167.4 million. The poker sequences and Eva Green's portrayal of Vesper Lynd were hallmarks. Rolling Stone rightly observed, "Daniel Craig, a Bond redefined."
2. GoldenEye (1995) Brosnan's advent as Bond in GoldenEye was an artful blend of classic Bond vibes with contemporary strokes. Guided by Martin Campbell, it was a narrative rich with post-Cold War motifs and unparalleled action. Tina Turner's title rendition remains timeless. Upon its release on November 17, 1995, it secured $106.4 million stateside.
1. Goldfinger (1964) Perching at the zenith is the film many tout as the embodiment of Bond - Goldfinger. Connery's rendition here is Bond at his finest. Under Guy Hamilton's stewardship, this film showcased the unforgettable antagonist Goldfinger and iconic lines like "No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die." The magnetic vocals of Shirley Bassey in the theme song are etched in cinematic memory. Released on December 22, 1964, it garnered $51 million in the US. As aptly stated by The Guardian, "Bond at his peak - a touchstone of cinema."
In summation, Bond films aren't just cinematic entries; they're chronicles of an enduring legacy, mirroring the world's ever-shifting pulse. From Sean Connery's suave agent to Daniel Craig's intense spy, Bond continues to bewitch, evolve, and inspire. In the expansive realm of cinema, James Bond remains an indomitable beacon, guiding both filmmakers and aficionados.
Whis is your favourite James Bond film? And how would you rank them?
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