“Bond, James Bond”: We all have this line on our lips. James Bond, Agent 007 in the service of the Crown, needs no introduction. Known by many for his cars, gadgets and Bond Girls, the Bond saga runs its course through 26 films, almost all of them successes. As the final film in the franchise ends on a sad note, on the fan’s part, it’s time to take stock.
Either way, we wonder what the best James Bond is. With that in mind, we invite you to find our ranking of the 10 best James Bond movies, from Pierce Brosnan to Daniel Craig through Sean Connery.
1- Skyfall (2012)
We can’t talk about the best Bonds without mentioning Skyfall. It’s the biggest hit of the franchise. Starring Daniel Craig as Bond, Skyfall is an in-depth exploration of Bond’s character. When MI6 comes under pressure from all sides, Bond saves them. Usually someone who ignores the rules proves to be dead loyal to his mentor M. If Ian Fleming created 007, Sam Mendes excels at creating a bridge between the past and the present. On the photography side, the film is filled with several action scenes including the train and the glass floor.
2 – Goldfinger (1964)
Let’s go back to the Sean Connery era. Goldfinger, we’re not afraid to say, is the bond that provided the architecture for future bonds. Thanks to him, the sequels had the same direction: a good villain, a certain construction, the dead, gadgets and a familiar taste for adventure. It’s even more surprising since this is the third film in the franchise. Some of the shots have even become cult, especially the gold-painted body part. Taken by Quantum of Solace.
3- Casino Royale (2006)
Another one from Daniel Craig! Remember that Bond has been voiced by English actors 5 times. Casino Royale and Daniel Craig have recreated the character of Bond. In the previous Bonds, our spy was heartless. This is no longer the case with Casino Royale, which has changed the dynamic. Bond can have feelings, Bond can be hurt. Apart from this new psychological arc of the hero, Casino Royale refers to what has been done before. We notice digital effects and tense scenes where we really fear for Bond. The poker game with Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) literally ends us.
4- Golden Eye (1995)
Golden Eye is remembered for two reasons. The first was Pierce Brosnan’s first Bond. It is also considered the best. The second M is played by actress Judi Dench for the first time. It held the role of M from 1997 to 2012. The Golden Eye pays tribute to the world of espionage that balances lies and treachery. It is on our level because it shows modernity. What’s more, Famke Jansen’s portrayal of a Bond girl who suffocates her partners after a gruesome affair is chilling and charming.
5 – Good Kiss From Russia (1963)
What would a spy story be without the Cold War allusions? That’s what a good kiss from Russia is for. Back again to the Connery era. Bond, here, is charismatic and knows very well what is happening in the diplomatic arena. At the same time, the criminal organization Specter intends to get his hands on it. What could be easier than putting cute curls to lure Bond into the monster hole?
6- On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
In Her Majesty’s Secret Service post, Connery marks the moment. After several successes, the producers were afraid of the return of fans with a new actor. But unlike the Bonds in our rankings, this one is thanks to a Bond girl. Of course, Diana Rigg wasn’t limited to being just one more Bond girl, but to actually be as much of a play as George Lazenby. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the spy shatters past bonds as he contemplates a happy ending to family life for the first time.
7- James Bond 007 on Doctor Who (1962).
It would be a sin not to include the original James Bond in our rankings. While not on par with its sequels, this film kickstarts future James Bond films. Despite the non-adventure gadgets, the first of Bonds served to build the personality of Bond and the universe. Moreover, unlike other Bonds, James Bond 007 has aged well on Dr. No. A fairly modest start to the success that came with time and hard work.
8 – Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Tomorrow Never Dies is Pierce Brosnan’s best Bond since Goldeneye. Bond goes from Charybdis to Scylla: he’s stuck between an impending world war and a megalomaniacal press magnet, nothing complicated for our spy. But this time, the gorgeous and athletic Bond Girl was accompanying him on his adventure. Michelle Yeo, just because she is who she is, fights like a man. His skit with Brosnan in the scene where the motorcycle is on the helicopter remains one of our favorite moments.
9- License to Kill (1989)
What could be better than bringing a more intimate note to our level? Bond is at his best friends wedding. But the bride was killed and the groom was seriously injured. Everything points to the involvement of a drug baron in this heinous crime. Our spy then goes beyond M’s law and uses his license to kill for a higher purpose: to avenge his friends. Away from the world of diplomacy and the misery of criminal organizations, License to Kill provides a personal arc in Bond’s journey.
10 – You Only Live Twice (1967)
Once again, James Bond walks on tiptoe. In the midst of the Cold War, Specter tries to defuse another conflict between the East and West blocs that he wants to instigate. Bond’s investigation takes him to Japan. The film is very ambitious in its story and plot, the film focuses on the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. A little special mention for the Toyota 2000 GT that makes us forget the traditional Aston Martin.
