With "Spectre" opening in a couple of weeks, I present to you, as a lifelong James Bond aficionado, my personal ranking of all 23 official Bond films. See them all!
"From Russia with Love" (1963)
Not just a perfect Bond film, but also a perfect masterpiece of cinema. Short, simple, to the point, there’s literally not a dull frame in the entire film. Features the unquestioned best Bond, Sean Connery, at his finest.
"You Only Live Twice" (1967)
The quintessential "Bond" film. Features my favorite gadget vehicle, “Little Nelly,” the ultimate villain’s lair inside a Japanese volcano, and of course, the full introduction of Bond’s greatest nemesis, Blofeld.
"Thunderball" (1965)
My dad’s (another lifelong Bond fan) absolute favorite. Brilliant underwater photography, Largo’s eyepatch, and the jet pack!
"Goldfinger" (1964)
Another masterpiece – Oddjob, Pussy Galore, and, “No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!” Honestly, you can’t go wrong with picking any of the above four as the number-one best.
"Dr. No" (1962)
The original. The first time Connery says the iconic “Bond, James Bond” with a cigarette dangling from his mouth is one of the great all-time shots. Overall, clearly the weakest of the first five given that they were still finding their footing, but still better than the rest.
"For Your Eyes Only" (1981)
‘80s Bond at its most excessive! Criminally underrated, with a deliciously sappy opening theme, and a potpourri of all classical Bond locations (ski resort, underwater, European countryside, etc.). The ever-delightful Roger Moore is at his peak.
"Skyfall" (2012)
Sam Mendes is a genius in spite of the insufferably brooding Daniel Craig (though this is by far his best outing). Suspenseful, well plotted and reverential, with Javier Bardem’s ultra-compelling Silva.
"Die Another Day" (2002)
Most people despise the over-the-top campiness of this (even I cringe at the CGI wave, but I defend the invisible car) – but at least the first hour is exactly what I dreamed Bond would be like when I was a little kid before I was allowed to watch them. A nostalgic choice to be taken with a grain of salt.
"Octopussy" (1983)
‘80s Bond strikes again! A crackling adventure from beginning to end. “Fill her up, please!”
"The Living Daylights" (1987)
European spy comfort food. Makes one disappointed that Timothy Dalton didn’t ultimately fulfill the potential he showcases here.
"Moonraker" (1979)
Some think is the worst. It’s the pinnacle of Roger Moore-era silliness. But I just love the hell out of it. And of course, the infamous exchange, “Where did you learn to fight like that, NASA?” “No, Vassar.”
"Goldeneye" (1995)
Generally accepted as the quintessential Pierce Brosnan outing (who for my money is the second-best Bond after Connery).
"The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977)
The best Bond stunt opening! The underwater car! Jaws! Most rank this higher, but I’ve always found it to be a little slow.
"The World Is Not Enough" (1999)
Probably Bond at his most ‘90s Euro-suave. Holds the record for most cringe-inducing Bond pun – “I thought Christmas only came once a year.” Ugh! You’ll understand when you see it.
"Diamonds Are Forever" (1971)
A tongue-in-cheek Bond for the Vietnam era. Connery is still tops, but you can see he did this for the money.
"Live And Let Die" (1973)
Bond and voodoo have always proved a weird combination.
"The Man With The Golden Gun" (1974)
Behold Scaramanga! The three-nippled wonder played by Count Dooku!
"A View To A Kill" (1985)
Probably the most heart-pounding Bond theme. Christopher Walken is crazy! However, Roger Moore is at the nadir of his old age (he was 58), and the scene when he unintentionally looks out of breath after running up the Eiffel Tower is indicative of the whole film.
"Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997)
Bond vs. Rupert Murdoch! By the numbers, but if you like Brosnan, you’ll like this.
"Casino Royale" (2006)
Attempts to ground Bond in gritty reality – fails because Bond isn’t supposed to be this serious or thuggy. Daniel Craig is not classy enough to be Bond! Still features Mads Mikkelsen’s awesome blood-tearing Le Chiffre.
"On Her Majesty’s Secret Service" (1969)
The one and only outing from the worst Bond, George Lazenby. This is the one where Bond briefly gets married. Some people have reappraised this as one of the best – I still fall asleep during the insufferable “We Have All The Time In The World” montage (though the bobsled chase at the end is incredible).
"Quantum of Solace" (2008)
Fun, but a complete mess between the incomprehensible Bourne rip-off shaky-cam and half-baked script from the late 2000s writer’s strike.
"License To Kill" (1989)
A glorified "Miami Vice" episode featuring Bond in a tacky powder blue tuxedo. It’s still worth seeing, but it’s uncharacteristically mean spirited.
