Every 'Bond' Film Ever, Ranked

Esquire ^ | Oct 7, 2021 | Chris Nashawaty

[Right_Wing_Madman]

Over the past six decades, the 007 franchise has put its stamp on cinema like no other movie run of films. Arriving in the midst of the Cold War, it invented and continued to define the Hollywood action movie. There were groovy gadgets, sensational set pieces, luscious locales, sinister seductresses, venomous villains, and, of course, Bond…James Bond as the straw that stirs the drink (a vodka martini shaken not stirred, naturally).

During that time, only six men have played the British superspy, and each brought their own unique interpretation to the role—often for good, occasionally for ill. Now on the eve of the franchise’s 25th installment, Daniel Craig’s final 007 outing No Time To Die, Esquire went back and ranked the entire series from worst to best.

So sit back, grab a cocktail (you know which kind…), and see if your opinion lines up with ours.

[Right_Wing_Madman]

Here is Esquire's ranking of all James Bond films. Dr. No should be higher and yes, Moonraker was terrible.

1. Goldfinger (1964)
2. From Russia with Love (1963)
3. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
4. Skyfall (2012)
5. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
6. Casino Royale (2006)
7. Thunderball (1965)
8. Octopussy (1983)
9. GoldenEye (1995)
10. License to Kill (1989)
11. Dr. No (1962)
12. A View to a Kill (1985)
13. For Your Eyes Only (1981)
14. You Only Live Twice (1967)
15. Live and Let Die (1973)
16. Quantum of Solace (2008)
17. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
18. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
19. The Living Daylights (1987)
20. Spectre (2015)
21. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
22. The World is Not Enough (1999)
23. Moonraker (1979)
24. Die Another Day (2002)

[cuban leaf]

Well, if nothing else, that list proves that art is subjective. 😜

[cuban leaf]

My personal favorite is Casino Royale. Not the Larry Niven one. 😎

[who knows what evil?]

You mean David Niven? Don’t believe Larry has ever done a Bond film. :-)

[1Old Pro]

My personal favorite is Casino Royale.

Totally agree. And the latest release wasn't that great.

[frogjerk]

Skyfall? Totally forgettable.

[Trumpet 1]

1964 Goldfinger was incredible. I recently saw it again and was seriously disappointed. From 1964 to 2021 the technology has changed dramatically. Still though, back in 1964, Goldfinger was absolutely the best.

[Dilbert San Diego]

Where is the final Sean Connery Bond film, “Never Say Never Again”? That was made in ‘82 or ‘83, if I recall correctly?

[Toddsterpatriot]

Yeah, the puppeteers ruined the Niven one.

[Gay State Conservative]

I’m sure that I’m the only English speaking man on earth who’s never seen a Bond film. I’ve seen small bits (2-3 minutes long) of certain ones...but never a full one.

[cuban leaf]

You mean David Niven? Don’t believe Larry has ever done a Bond film. :-)

---

Oops. Well, I know it wasn’t David Crosby. 😜

Maybe I should start a Ringworld thread.😃

[cuban leaf]

So, I suppose you have a completely different take on the two words, Pussy Galore. 🤣

[Yo-Yo]

Where is the final Sean Connery Bond film, “Never Say Never Again”? That was made in ‘82 or ‘83, if I recall correctly?

It's with the David Niven version of Casino Royale. It wasn't an "official" Albert R. Broccoli Bond film.

[frogjerk]

[ArtDodger]

Connery’s favorite was, he said, From Russia with Love.
The only one with a realistic plot.
In Japan, Connery’s Bond movies always had subtitles, never voice overs, they loved the distinct tone of his voice.

[al_c]

Skyfall? Totally forgettable.

To some, perhaps. I enjoyed that one.

[circlecity]

Quantum of Solice was bad. An hour in and I still couldn’t figure out what the plot was supposed to be.

[Dilbert San Diego]

ok thanks. I wasn’t aware that “Never Say Never Again” isn’t considered an “official” Bond film.

[dfwgator]

So, I suppose you have a completely different take on the two words, Pussy Galore. 🤣

Alotta Fagina!

[plain talk]

On her Majesty’s Secret Service - No 5? Everyone has their own tastes and I get that. But come on.