The James Bond film franchise has captivated audiences for decades with its suave spy protagonist, heart-pounding action sequences, and iconic theme music. I was recently asked in an AMA for my top five Bond films. This is no easy task…we grew up watching all of them (I remember the VHS tape covers…), and have enjoyed the maturation of the character through the most recent ‘No Time to Die’. With numerous films to choose from, narrowing down the top five is a huge challenge. There are so many things to consider: the Bond actor, the evil enemy, the clothes/outfits, and the Bond girls. In no particular order, here are my five favorites:
Goldfinger (1964): “Goldfinger” is often regarded as the quintessential James Bond film that set the standard for the franchise. Sean Connery shines as the charismatic spy, Agent 007, as he takes on Auric Goldfinger, a villain with a penchant for gold obsession. The film is famous for its memorable lines, ingenious gadgets, and the iconic scene involving Bond strapped to a table with a laser inching toward him. With its blend of action, humor, and style, “Goldfinger” solidified the formula that would define the Bond movies.
Casino Royale (2006): After a brief hiatus, James Bond returned with a fresh face in the form of Daniel Craig (who I would argue is my favorite of all the Bond actors). “Casino Royale” marked a bold reimagining of the character, taking audiences back to Bond’s beginnings as a newly minted double-0 agent. This gritty and emotionally charged film delves into Bond’s vulnerabilities and showcases intense poker scenes in the high-stakes world of espionage. The movie’s raw energy, coupled with Craig’s magnetic performance, breathed new life into the franchise, proving that Bond could evolve.
Skyfall (2012): Celebrating 50 years of James Bond on the silver screen, “Skyfall” delivered a masterful blend of nostalgia and modernity. Daniel Craig’s Bond faces a formidable adversary in Raoul Silva, played by Javier Bardem (one of the best villains of the franchise) while grappling with his own past. The film’s breathtaking cinematography, intricate plot, and exploration of Bond’s character added a new layer of depth to the franchise. The symbolism of the decaying ancestral home, Skyfall Lodge, and the haunting theme song by Adele contributed to the film’s impact.
GoldenEye (1995): Pierce Brosnan made his mark as the iconic spy in “GoldenEye,” revitalizing the franchise for a new generation. The film seamlessly transitioned Bond into the post-Cold War era, offering a blend of classic espionage and modern action. The charismatic Brosnan faced off against the enigmatic villain Alec Trevelyan (played by Sean Bean), who shared a complex history with Bond. With its adrenaline-pumping chase scenes, unforgettable tank sequence, and strong supporting cast, “GoldenEye” rejuvenated the Bond series.
From Russia with Love (1963): Returning to Sean Connery’s era, “From Russia with Love” is a masterclass in spy thriller storytelling. This film showcases a more grounded and realistic approach to espionage, emphasizing tension, intrigue, and character dynamics. As Bond navigates a web of deceit and betrayal, the film takes viewers on a thrilling ride through exotic locations. The chemistry between Connery’s Bond and Tatiana Romanova, played by Daniela Bianchi, adds a layer of depth to the narrative.
What did I miss? Which are your favorites?
Great list. I’ve loved the Bond films since I first saw Goldeneye in theaters. Shortly after that I got the collection on vhs (and then DVD and then Blu-Ray…). My favorite Bond overall is Craig because I think we was a great combination of all the previous Bonds. He had Connery’s masculinity, Moore’s gentlemanly suaveness and Daltons acting chops. For my favorite films:
1. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: This film has one of the best stories, one of the best Bond girls (heck it’s the only woman he settles down with), and an excellent villain and locations. Granted that this was Lazenby’s only turn as Bond and had it been Connery I think most people would consider it the best. But it’s still excellent.
2. From Russia With Love: Classic spy film with excellent villains.
3. Casino Royale: Original and helped reinvigorate Bond. Also, Vesper Lynd is one of the two best Bond girls (besides Tracy on OHMSS).
4. For Your Eyes Only: Arguably Moore’s best besides The Spy Who Loved Me, this one gets the most rewatched for me.
5. Live and Let Die: Super cheesy and cashes in on the blaxploitation phase but this one is very fun to watch and has one of the best title songs.
Honorable mentions: Skyfall, Goldfinger, Goldeneye, The Living Daylights.
When I think of James Bond, I think Roger Moore.
“Live and Let Die” and “The Spy Who Loved Me” are two of my favorites.
The 1990s were the decade for Jack Ryan films to shine, and I think the Bond flicks took a backseat, at least for me. Daniel Craig did a good job of bringing back the character.
Even as a 38 year old, Bond = Sean Connery as my first thought and then quickly followed by Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig as the best to reprise to role of 007. If I didn’t mention their names… they were duds in my book. I totally agree with Goldfinger as #1 followed by (#2) Casino Royale, (#3) From Russia With Love (#4) Die Another Day (#5) Skyfall.
Obviously, I re-watch others and love the franchise as a whole. Hopefully, when Daniel Craig is finished they can find a suitable replacement to carry on the torch as he has certainly reinvigorated the role to a “must see movie” for me in a time where basically no other franchise or movie is must see.
Great stuff here. Love it.
Great topic! Roger Moore was my “first” Bond as my dad took me to see the movies in the theater starting with The Spy Who Loved Me as a kid and I was hooked from then on with the series. As I got older I watched all the older ones when they came on TV or on DVD back when Netflix started up.
My Top 5 are:
1) Goldfinger
2) The Spy Who Loved Me
3) From Russia with Love
4) Sky Fall
5) For Your Eyes Only
Thunderball. Great Cold War Bond.
There’s a great documentary on Amazon Prime called the Sound of 007 which chronicles all the great music for all the Bond films, including several versions of the classic Bond theme.
happy to see Skyfall here, which is likely my # 1 although its been many years since I watched any of them anywhere near watching another. If i had the time, I would start a new review.