Table of Contents
With 6 different actors having performed the most iconic character in the history of Hollywood, it comes as no surprise that we all have our personal favourites marked in our heads. Over a couple of decades, 25 movies have been made – all dedicated to one man and his slick missions – the 007 franchise has given us many adventures and all of them are unique from one another. Some of them have obviously left a much deeper impact than others, and so, putting the debate to an end, we have compiled a list of every James Bond movie, all ranked from worst to best.
So without further ado, here are all the 007 movies in order of worst to best.
25. Die Another Day (2002)
You know it’s a bad movie when the presence of Madonna and Halle Berry can’t even save it. The one problem that was evident throughout this feature was its need to induce us with nostalgia. More than an addition to the legacy, this movie felt like a parody of all the previous movies. And worst of all, it had jokes that didn’t make us laugh.
24. Spectre (2015)
Shocking, right? But you will understand the reason in a second. The movie was overhyped, shallow with a spoon full of narcissism. More than a movie, it felt like a talking piece for the franchise, which is unnecessary and cheap considering the legacy it already owns. The deeply disappointing act was packed with too many dialogues that weren’t supported by a strong script.
23. Live and Let Die (1972)
The word that no one should use to describe the Bond series is essential to describe this piece of chaotic drama: sleazy. Live and Let Die gives us a glamorous world with exceptional cinematography but the problem here is that it still manages to look low-budgeted and grim. Here the globe-throttle playboy’s image is reduced to a man who is crass and all things ridiculous.
22. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
In the movie, the antagonist screams for attention from the media, and ironically, the film itself is completely unworthy of it. Brosnan is charming and fits the part but the production aspect of the film is disappointing, to say the least.
21. The World is Not Enough (1999)
Yes, we are acutely aware of the names Bong Girls are famous for having but this one takes a jibe at itself, it feels. The character is called Christmas Jones. Now that’s a tacky name for how beautiful Denise Richard looks. This is yet another Bond movie that Brosnan fails to sell.
20. Quantum of Solace (2008)
This feature was actually daunting and had the heart in the right place. However, the only aspect of the movie that seemed slightly off-track was of the man himself. It was odd to see the serial womanizer be reduced to a man reeling from a broken heart.
19. The Man With the Golden Gun (1974)
The movie, set in Thailand, seemed to be exploitative and low-budgeted. Considering Christopher Lee was the antagonist in the movie, a dream come true at the time, the man was given dead dialogues that didn’t have weight in them.
18. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
The movie is easily forgettable and maybe that’s its problem. Sean Connery is singing the swansong again with the sultry theme playing in the background. Despite being a better movie of the list so far, the writing could have been more crisp and tight. The mastermind that we all admire so much is not as daunting as we would like him to be.
17. The Living Daylights (1987)
What’s the plot? Well, you have a bunch of ludicrous antagonists who are trying to crack an arm-dealing scheme. But wait, Bond is also going into outer space (literally). Confused, right? Don’t be because this movie is closest to any Ian Fleming novels. Could it have been better? Of course, but an interesting direction nonetheless.
16. License to Kill (1989)
One could say that this was one of the more successful reboots of the franchise. It was dark, gritty and honestly, a breath of fresh air. It had the right amount of dialogue and action, and for the first time in a long time, we had Dalton going completely rogue, and we loved it!
15. Octopussy (1983)
In this movie, there is apparently going to be a nuclear apocalypse and we have a bunch of octopus-worshiping cults at the forefront. The location is obviously India because where else would you find the right octopussy she-thieves, right? With Mr. Bond jumping over the jungle, the scene itself may seem quite ridiculous.
14. A View to a Kill (1985)
This movie is a mess but it’s also fun and entertaining making it a much better watch than its predecessor. With your antagonist in Walken, the movie has a link to Silicon Valley, making it a bigger-budgeted film. The theme song of the movie is kickass thanks to Duran Duran. John Glen really tried to save the franchise with his direction.
13. You Only Live Twice (1967)
Who would’ve thought that Roald Dahl would have a minor but important contribution to the Jame Bond Franchise? What is this movie about? A third party that is convincing and successful in bridging differences between East and West.
12. For Your Eyes Only (1981)
This is the first time in forever when James Bond is portrayed more as a secret agent than a superhero, which he obviously isn’t. The chasing sequences are directed and shot well. With the location set in Italy and Greece, it surely was a beautiful ride.
11. Thunderball (1965)
From the action sequences filmed underwater to the other half of the movie shot in the Bahamas, this movie deservedly got a nod from the Oscars for its team leading the special effects. It’s a gorgeous piece that had Sean Connery at the helm of it.
10. No Time to Die (2021)
The last and most recent venture of the Bond series, delayed many times due to the pandemic, this movie could have been a disaster. Despite having some loose ends, it managed to be a gripping saga of crime and deceit. Ana De Armas was only a cherry on top.
9. Moonraker (1979)
It’s your ultimate guilty pleasure; an uninspired plot that has your charming spy play lover boy antics, it makes you gush in embarrassment. The positive aspects? Over-the-top action sequences, musical score and performances.
8. Dr. No (1962)
The film that launched the ever-green James Bond series, carved the right space for the saga that continues to grow even today. It did the groundwork and unleashed a spy into existence who is charming, intelligent and all-thing glorious. This is an epic prologue that deserves to be in the top 10!
7. GoldenEye (1995)
Brosnan is back and he is breaking a leg this time. After a lot of criticism that he was met with in the last decade, he made sure that no stone was left unturned this time to bring back the most enchanting spy in history. There is nonstop action and dialogue that will make you swoon for days.
6. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Easily one of the best Bond movies of the 70s, this flick was sexy and beautiful to watch. Being one of the most expensive movies of its time, this action flick gave us one of the best Bond Girls ever. The set itself was impressive and you didn’t mind globe throttling with your favourite man on Earth.
5. From Russia With Love (1963)
This is the first proper romance that you will see between Bond and his many girls. In terms of performances, it was a masterclass. You have to be truly a cynic to not be entertained by the rivalry between the psychopathic Red Giant and Bond.
4. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
This is probably the only movie that will see James Bond getting married. Even though George Lazenby failed to fill the weight of the shoes that Connery firmly held, it was interesting to see the character get stronger with every passing scene. It was a challenging film to shoot because of the locations but it was all handled spectacularly.
3. Goldfinger (1964)
This is the ultimate James Bond movie; a timeless movie with cult-like worshippers. Sean Connery was true dive as he portrayed the role of James Bond so effortlessly on screen. The debonaire spy was supported by production that was near perfection.
2. Casino Royale (2006)
Even if you exclude Casino Royale from its predecessors, any person who watches the movie would accept that it was one of the best pieces of filmmaking they’ve ever seen. Daniel Craig transformed into the spy so effortlessly and grabbed your attention without begging for it. There was a high-stake poker game that was absolutely breathtaking.
1. Skyfall (2012)
What is that one thing that turns on James Bond? Turn him on not sexually, but in a more maddening way. How does he go from 2 to 10 in terms of rage and action? Well, this movie psychologically analyzes him in this feature and maybe that is the reason why it remains on top even after all these years. The movie holds a meaningful connection with the audience as they for the first time ever witnessed his back story and how he became who he is today.
In Conclusion
And there you have, the list of the worst and best James Bond movies. And maybe after going through the series, you will come to terms with the fact that there is no better actor than Daniel Craig to step into the giant shoes of James Bond. Let us know your thoughts!