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There’s something irresistible about a man in a tuxedo who can dismantle a bomb, crash a motorcycle onto a moving train without wrinkling his collar, and win at poker, don’t you agree? Sound familiar? Well, it’s none other thanJames Bond, not asecret agent who’s a pop culture institutionwith a license to kill and a knack for world-saving in style.
While some of his movies feel like high-octane dreams, others honestly feel like they were made during a hangover with zero plot and way too many gadgets. In other words, they’re bleh.
Over the decades, we’ve seenBond escape sharks, seduce spies, spacewalk with lasers, and even surf a CGI tidal wave. And now, with 27 films spanning multiple villains, eras, and wildly inconsistent theme songs, it’s only fair to sort the golden guns from the golden flops.
So, whether you’re here for the suave classics, the chaotic camp, or just to hate-watch the worst ones with popcorn in hand, we’re ranking everyBondmovie. Let’s dive into the wild, stylish, occasionally ridiculous world of 007.
27Casino Royale(1967) (non-Eon)
Casino Royaleis what happens when a Bond movie drinks too many martinis, reads a joke book, and decides to throw logic out the window. Yep, this 1967 psychedelic parody barely knows what it wants to be and throws everything at the wall, includingsix different James Bonds, one time-traveling flying saucer, and a villain whose master plan involves shrinking the male population. Yep, really.
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Well, the movie isn’t trying to be the Bond we know; it’s more like Bond went to a costume party and got stuck in the funhouse mirror room.Casino Royalefeatures a retired Sir James Bond, played by David Niven, a baccarat nerd, Mata Hari’s daughter, and a literal army of 007s running around in a plot so wild it makes a telenovela look calm.
The movie is overloaded, chaotic, and gloriously bizarre. No, critics didn’t love it, but it made a ton of money and even gifted usThe Look of Love, so not a total loss. If you want tight storytelling and suave spy work, this isn’t the one for you. But if you want something wrapped in spy satire, this one’s a fever dream worth one bewildered watch.
Casino Royaleis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
26Never Say Never Again(1983) (non-Eon)
A cinematic déjà vu but with wrinkles, nuclear missiles, and sass,Never Say Never AgainisSean Connery’sgrand comeback after swearing he’d never don the tux again. And do you know what we got? Well, a Bond film that’s basicallyThunderball 2.0, just with more sarcasm, 1980s tech, and a villain who looks like he’s about to sell you a luxury yacht.
And no, it’s not your standard Eon Bond flick. This movie is a rebellious cousin who came to the party uninvited but still left with the champagne.Connery’s Bond is older, grumpier, but he’s still smoother than silk in a freezer. He flirts, fights, and plays a video game so intense it could fry your eyebrows.
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This movie features a whip-cracking femme fatale, an eye-scanning plot, a health clinic WWE arena, and a scene where Bond literally writes a love note about a villainess mid-capture. And the underwater finale? Well, pure chaos. Meanwhile, Domino gets her revenge and Bond saves the world, again, before swanning off into retirement, again.
Never Say Never Againis an explosive, campy, and surprisingly self-aware film. Though not a classic, but for a rogue Bond film with its own flavor, let’s just say, we’re glad Connery said “never” one more time.
Never Say Never Againis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
25Die Another Day(2002)
ABondmovie featuring invisible cars, DNA makeovers, and ice palaces all showing up like they were RSVP’d to the same fever dream,Die Another DayisPierce Brosnan’sfinal outing as 007. Yep, thisguy went out in a fireballof CGI, slow-mo fencing, and glacier-sized plot twists. Bond began the movie tortured and bearded before diving into a gene-swapping villain twist that basically screams telenovela meets spy-thriller.
In the movie, we meet Gustav Graves, a diamond-drenched megalomaniac with a solar death ray called Icarus. But turns out, he’s actually a North Korean colonel who got a glow-up at a dodgy Havana clinic. Meanwhile, Bond’s ex-friend Miranda Frost stabs him in the back, literally, with betrayal so cold that it actually fits right in at that frosty Iceland base.
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AndHalle Berry as NSA agent Jinx? She straight-forwardly dives out of the ocean like she’s starring in her own Bond franchise. And let’s not forget the Aston Martin that turns invisible because why the hell not? This movie brings extra in every direction- high stakes, high camp, and high gloss. Though everyone did not love it, we have to admit it, it’s so over-the-top, you just can’t look away.
Die Another Dayis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
24Diamonds Are Forever(1971)
Diamonds AreForeveris one of Bond’s films where laser satellites, plastic surgery clones, and a pair of oddly polite assassins all crash the diamond party, hence the name. Once again,Sean Connery returns for one last Eon-produced hurrah, trading grief for glittery Vegas chaos.
In the movie, Bond is on the trail of smuggled South African diamonds, but the real sparkle lies in how wildly this one goes off-script—from moon buggies and circus casinos to a villain with multiple clones and an obsession with laser-beaming world powers into submission.
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Then comes Tiffany Case, the diamond smuggler whose name sounds like she moonlights at Cartier, and Plenty O’Toole has a name that, well, let’s just say subtlety left the building early. And the main villain? Blofeld, of course, because who else would impersonate a reclusive billionaire just to build a giant death beam in space?
Additionally, we also get to see a surprisingly gymnastic fight with two bodyguards named Thumper and Bambi, plus a flaming assassin named Mr. Kidd who meets a very hot end. The whole thing is campy, chaotic, and oddly charming.Diamonds Are Foreveris a Bond with a rhinestone filter, which has more sparkle than substance, but you would want to watch it just for the ride.
Diamonds Are Foreveris currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
23Moonraker(1979)
The eleventh Bond film,Moonraker,is easily one of the most spaced-out of them all, where 007 trades martinis for moonraking and ends up battling villains in zero gravity. Honestly, the story began about stolen space shuttles and quickly turns into pure sci-fi chaos, with the addition of evil billionaire Hugo Drax’s plan to wipe out humanity and start a master race in orbit.
You know, classic Bond stuff, just if classic Bond also involved laser guns, orchid-based nerve gas, and a romance subplot for the henchman Jaws.
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In this movie,Roger Moore’sBond goesglobal and honest interstellarhere- California, Venice, Rio, the Amazon, and finally space, all in one movie. And there’s a gondola as well that turns into a hovercraft, a cable car fistfight, a lab hidden behind stained glass, and a literal space laser battle. Too much, right?
The movie is basically inspired byStar Warsfever and goes full sci-fi camp with a budget to match. Yep, critics did raise eyebrows, but audiences went along for the ride, making it the highest-grossingBondfilm untilGoldenEye. Honestly, this movie is bonkers, shiny, over-the-top, and utterly watchable.
Moonrakeris currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
22The Man with the Golden Gun(1974)
Roger Moore’s Bond finds himself in a solar-powered, nipple-counting showdown with one of the classiest villains in 007 history, Scaramanga, aka the man with the golden gun and a third nipple. Yep, that’s a real plot point.The Man with the Golden Gunswaps espionage elegance for martial arts mayhem, flying cars, and a villain’s lair complete with its own creepy funhouse. And yes, it features Bond faking a third nipple to pass as the world’s most stylish assassin.
Set during the 1970s energy crisis, the film pretends it cares about global issues, cue the “Solex Agitator,” a sci-fi MacGuffin for clean energy. But let’s be honest, this one’s really about duels, jumps, and over-the-top Bond-isms. Bond kung-fus his way through Thailand, crashes a wedding, escapes a dojo, survives a flying car chase, and ends up in a one-on-one duel that’s more Old West than MI6.
Critics weren’t exactly shaken or stirred, thanks to clunky pacing, awkward comedy, and Britt Ekland playing the least helpful Bond girl ever, but Christopher Lee’s Scaramanga is pure gold (literally and figuratively). The film may be a hot mess, but it’s a shiny, campy, delightfully weird mess that only 1970s Bond could deliver.
The Man with the Golden Gunis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
21Quantum of Solace(2008)
Daniel Craig’ssecond rodeo asBond trades martinis for revenge-fueledparkour inQuantum of Solace,and honestly, it’s less “shaken, not stirred” and more “punch, shoot, repeat.” Picking up minutes afterCasino Royale, Bond is grieving, angrier, and ready to dismantle the shadowy group Quantum, starting with Dominic Greene, an eco-villain who’s less interested in saving the planet and more into selling Bolivia’s water back to them. Yep, water is the new oil, and this Bond film is parched with politics.
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From opera house brawls in Austria to airplane dogfights over the desert,Quantum of Solacemoves like Bond’s espresso was spiked with adrenaline. We get a vengeful Bond, a revenge-seeking Bond girl (Camille), and a villain with zero flair but a very punchable face. Critics were divided; some missed the suave espionage of old, others praised the raw emotion. But one thing’s certain- this isn’t your dad’s Bond. It’s grittier, faster, and deeply personal.
Also, shout-out to the evil hotel powered by hydrogen cells that ends in an explosive inferno. Real estate tip- maybe don’t sign government contracts there. In the end, Bond lets go of Vesper (and a necklace), proving emotional closure can be just as lethal as a Walther PPK.
Quantum of Solaceis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
20Octopussy(1983)
Octopussyis what happens when Bond ditches espionage for circus acts, Fabergé eggs, and Soviet nuclear drama, all in one globe-trotting ride. Roger Moore’s sixth 007 outing has it all: deadly twins, killer yo-yos, a floating palace in India, and Bond escaping in a clown costume. Not kidding.
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The story kicks off with a murdered clown-spy and a fake Fabergé egg, which somehow leads Bond to an exiled prince, a smuggling circus, and General Orlov’s plan to nuke a US airbase to spark forced disarmament. Because Cold War, duh. Meanwhile, Bond flirts his way into Octopussy’s inner circle; she runs a cult, lives on a boat, and is somehow cool with being called Octopussy.
Between train-top fights, crocodile-sub infiltrations, and literal circus chaos, Bond also squeezes in a high-stakes game of backgammon with loaded dice and the cheesiest one-liners this side of 1983. And when it’s go-time, he disarms a nuke in full clown makeup. Cinema, people.
Critics were mixed, but audiences made it a hit. Is it ridiculous? Absolutely. Is it entertaining? Even more so. Octopussy is peak Moore-era madness, over-the-top, oddly charming, and delightfully bonkers in every sense.
Octopussyis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
19A View to a Kill(1985)
Roger Moore’s final Bond mission is a wild techno-thriller where Silicon Valley becomes the villain’s target, Grace Jones throws people like ragdolls, and 007 somehow makes it through fire engines, horse races, and the Golden Gate Bridge without a single tie wrinkle.
InA View to a Kill, Bond faces off against Max Zorin, played with chaotic blond menace by Christopher Walken, whose plan involves triggering an earthquake to sink Silicon Valley and take over the microchip market. Honestly? That’s one way to break into tech.
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The movie is absolutely bonkers, there’s horse-doping, Eiffel Tower base jumping, creepy Nazi science flashbacks, a mine flooded with explosives, and Bond in a literal elevator fistfight above San Francisco. And let’s not forget May Day, Zorin’s super-powered enforcer, who steals scenes and then switches sides epically.
Critics weren’t exactly kind, and even Moore thought he was too old for this gig (fair), but fans turned up anyway. Add in Duran Duran’s iconic theme song, still the only Bond theme to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and you’ve got a flashy, campy, over-the-top goodbye to the Moore era.
In short, it’s not the best Bond film, but it’s definitely one of the most entertaining hot messes out there.
A View to a Killis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
18You Only Live Twice(1967)
You Only Live Twiceis the Bond movie whereSean Connery fakes his death, becomes Japanese (sort of), and saves the world from a volcano. Yep, it’s that movie. Penned by Roald Dahl, yes, the guy who gave us Willy Wonka, this fifth Bond outing ditches Ian Fleming’s original plot and goes full Cold War sci-fi, complete with a space hijacking that nearly triggers World War III.
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Bond travels to Japan, navigates sumo standoffs, killer secretaries, and piranha pits, and trains with ninjas, all while wearing the most unconvincing disguise in MI6 history. The villain? Ernst Stavro Blofeld, finally revealed in all his scar-faced, cat-stroking glory, plotting global annihilation from a literal volcano lair. No exaggeration. It’s like Spectre meets Saturday morning cartoons.
There’s also a mini-copter dogfight (thanks, Q), a staged wedding, and a sequence where Bond goes full astronaut. It’s bonkers, brilliant, and 100% ‘60s spectacle. Sure, some bits haven’t aged well, but there’s no denying this one’s influence on future spy spoofs and serious entries alike.
It might be the most out-there Connery Bond, but when it comes to classic set pieces and stylish mayhem,You Only Live Twiceis twice the fun.
You Only Live Twiceis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
17The World Is Not Enough(1999)
InThe World Is Not Enough,Pierce Brosnan’s Bond dives headfirstinto daddy issues, oil politics, and nuclear chaos, with a side of snowmobiles, torture chairs, and Denise Richards as a nuclear physicist named Christmas Jones (yes, really). The movie kicks off with a London explosion, a boat chase on the Thames, and Bond dislocating his shoulder like a true action addict. From there, things only escalate.
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The plot twists its way from Azerbaijan oil fields to Istanbul’s underbelly, featuring Elektra King, a femme fatale with major trauma, a grudge against M, and a secret alliance with Renard, the villain with a bullet in his brain and no ability to feel pain. Cool, right? Until he tries to blow up the Bosphorus in a submarine.
There’s espionage, betrayal, a literal nuclear pig bomb, and a henchman named Bull. Also, Bond dodges buzzsaw helicopters at a caviar factory, and Zukovsky returns with one-liners and a weaponized cane. Is it a little too much? Absolutely. But it’s slick, fast, and stylish.
Critics rolled their eyes at the science, but audiences showed up anyway. Because when Bond says, “I thought Christmas only comes once a year,” you know you’re in for chaotic fun.
The World Is Not Enoughis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
16Tomorrow Never Dies(1997)
InTomorrow Never Dies, PierceBrosnan’s Bond goes up against every ’90skid’s worst nightmare- a media tycoon with world domination plans and 24/7 headlines. Jonathan Pryce’s Elliot Carver isn’t just a villain; he’s basically a clickbait overlord with a stealth ship, a global empire, and a desire to start World War III just to boost ratings. Rupert Murdoch? Take notes.
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Bond jet-sets from a Russian arms bazaar to Hamburg’s party scene, then dives into underwater missile hunts withChinese spy Wai Lin(played by the scene-stealingMichelle Yeoh, who does her own stunts and maybe even out-Bonds Bond). There’s a remote-controlled BMW, a brutal hotel-room death scene, a sea drill (yes, that’s a thing), and more global chaos than your morning news app.
It’s flashy, fun, and full of late-90s techno paranoia, wrapped in Brosnan’s smug charm and smirking one-liners. While it opened the same week asTitanicand got dunked on by the iceberg-sized box office,Tomorrow Never Diesstill carved out its place as a slick, solid Bond ride. Is it realistic? Not remotely. Is it rewatchable? 100%. Because when Bond battles fake news, he makes sure the villain dies live on air.
Tomorrow Never Diesis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
15Live and Let Die(1973)
Live and Let Diemarks Roger Moore’s Bond debut and instantly swaps martinis for tarot cards, voodoo rituals, crocodile-jumping, and a villain with two names and one truly bizarre plan. Forget space lasers, this time, Bond’s up against Harlem gangsters, Caribbean dictators, and enough snakes to make Indiana Jones faint.
The plot? Well, three British agents die under mysterious (read- very loud) circumstances, andBond finds himself chasing Dr. Kananga, aka Mr. Big, who wants to flood the US with free heroin, bankrupt all the other drug dealers, and then go full monopoly king. His secret weapons? A psychic virgin named Solitaire, a voodoo scare machine named Baron Samedi, and henchmen straight out of a pulp comic.
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This Bond goes from Harlem to the Louisiana Bayou to San Monique, with a legendary speedboat chase, crocodile-hop escape scene, exploding villain, and Paul McCartney’s Oscar-nominated title track blasting through the chaos. It’s blaxploitation meets British spy-camp, and somehow, it works.
Yes, it’s ridiculous. Yes, it’s problematic. ButLive and Let Diestill delivers big action, bigger set pieces, and a tone that screams, “Let’s just have fun with this.” Welcome to Roger Moore’s 007 era, bold, brash, and totally bonkers.
Live and Let Dieis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
14For Your Eyes Only(1981)
For Your Eyes Onlybrings James Bond back down to earth, literally. After the wild sci-fi splash ofMoonraker, this 1981 flick takes a gritty, more grounded approach, with Roger Moore trading lasers for revenge, espionage, and sun-soaked Mediterranean drama. The mission? Track down a lost British spy ship carrying the ATAC missile control system before the Soviets get their hands on it. Spoiler- it’s not an easy treasure hunt.
Bond teams up with Melina Havelock, a fierce woman out for vengeance after her parents were murdered by a cold-blooded Cuban assassin. The plot twists through Greece, Italy, and the Bahamas, featuring ski chases, icy showdowns, and classic Bond gadgets with a modern twist. And yes, there’s a parrot that surprisingly becomes a plot point (because why not?).
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This film ditches over-the-top fantasy for a leaner, meaner spy thriller that still knows how to deliver those signature Bond moments, slick villains, clever banter, and an unforgettable theme song by Sheena Easton. It might not have space lasers, butFor Your Eyes Onlyproves that sometimes less really is more, especially when there’s a deadly game of Cold War cat and mouse on the line.
For Your Eyes Onlyis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
13Dr. No(1962)
Dr. Nokicked off the whole James Bond party back in 1962, introducingSean Connery as the smooth, martini-shaking MI6 agentwe all love (or love to imitate). Forget flashy gadgets for a moment, this one’s all about tropical espionage, island danger, and a villain with metal claws and a deadly plan to sabotage American space launches. Classic Bond villain move, right?
Set in Jamaica, Bond’s on the hunt after a fellow agent mysteriously disappears, which leads him straight to the creepy Crab Key island and the sinister Dr. Julius No. This guy’s part mad scientist, part gold thief, and full-on dangerous with his radioactive swamp lair and those unmistakable robotic hands. Bond’s usual charm, fistfights, and cool gadgets (hello, the Walther PPK!) come into play as he sneaks into the secret base, stops a nuclear meltdown, and saves the day.
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Dr. Nolaid down the blueprint for everything Bond would be, stylish titles, unforgettable theme music, exotic locales, and of course, the iconic gun barrel intro. It might have been made on a shoestring budget, but it struck gold, spawning decades of espionage, explosions, and unforgettable “Bond, James Bond” moments. A true spy classic that started it all.
Dr. Nois currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
12The Living Daylights(1987)
The Living Daylightsswings in like a fresh breeze through the Cold War spy scene, with Timothy Dalton stepping up as the new, brooding James Bond. This 1987 thriller trades out the usual high-octane gadgets for a story that’s equal parts spy drama and globe-trotting adventure, taking us from chilly Bratislava to sun-soaked Tangier. Bond’s mission? Help KGB general Georgi Koskov defect, but nothing’s ever that simple in the world of espionage.
Cue a deadly female cellist, secret arms deals, and a shadowy assassin named Necros who’s got a flair for drama and an affinity for leaving chilling “Death to Spies” notes. Add in a daring smuggling across the Iron Curtain, a high-stakes opium shipment, and a mid-air fight scene that’s equal parts nail-biting and crazy cool.
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The Living Daylightsbalances classic Bond charm with a darker, grittier edge, and introduces Caroline Bliss as a fresh-faced Miss Moneypenny (sorry, Lois Maxwell fans). It’s less about flashy laser gadgets and more about tense spy games, memorable chase scenes, and a complicated romance with the cellist Kara Milovy. By the end, you’re left with explosions, broken loyalties, and Bond’s signature suave grin, proving that sometimes, espionage is all about playing your cards close to the vest.
The Living Daylightsis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
11Spectre(2015)
Spectrecranks up the James Bond chaos dial to eleven, sending 007 on a globe-trotting mission that’s equal parts espionage and family drama, with a dash of villainous organization scheming thrown in.
Daniel Craig returns as Bond, who stumbles upon the ominous secret society called Spectre, led by the scar-faced Ernst Stavro Blofeld (played with sinister charm by Christoph Waltz). From the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City to the deserts of the Sahara, Bond’s chasing clues, dodging assassins, and smashing bad guys in classic Bond style, cars, gadgets, and all.
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Director Sam Mendes, back for hissecond Bond outing, doesn’t hold back on the sleek visuals and intense action, including that now-iconic Aston Martin DB10 chase through Rome. Alongside Bond are fan favorites Q, Moneypenny, and a new love interest, Madeleine Swann, whose connection to the villain adds a juicy twist.
Though critics had mixed feelings about the pacing and some of the plot’s familiar beats,Spectrestill raked in a whopping $880 million worldwide, proving 007’s still got the mojo. Plus, the theme song “Writing’s on the Wall” snagged an Oscar and Golden Globe, because nothing says Bond like a killer soundtrack. Overall,Spectreblends old-school Bond vibes with a modern edge, making it a flashy, globe-trotting spy adventure you can’t look away from.
Spectreis currently available to watch on Amazon Prime.
10Thunderball(1965)
ThunderballtakesJames Bond on an underwater thrill ridethat’s equal parts high stakes and high scuba drama. Sean Connery’s 007 faces off against SPECTRE’s Number Two, Emilio Largo, eyepatch, bad attitude, and all, in a mission to recover two stolen nuclear bombs. The stakes? A cool £100 million ransom and the threat of blowing up either London or Miami. Classic Bond chaos, right?
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Set mostly in the sunny Bahamas, mixes casino games, underwater battles, and a killer love interest in Domino Derval. From sneaky double agents to a jaw-dropping underwater fight that’s basically a balletic display of wetsuits and gunfire, the film serves up action with a splash of style. It’s also famous for being the first Bond flick shot in widescreen Panavision, so you get all that oceanic glory in glorious scope.
Behind the scenes, it was a wild ride too, legal drama, multiple filming units, and the kind of production scale that would make even Q nervous. Despite some critics grumbling about repetitive aquatic action, audiences dove right in, makingThunderballthe highest-grossing Bond movie untilGoldenEyecame along.
And yes, it bagged an Oscar for visual effects, proving that underwater explosions can totally dazzle. In short,Thunderballis that over-the-top Bond adventure that knows exactly how to make a splash.
Thunderballis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
9Licence to Kill(1989)
Licence to Killtakes James Bond on a darker, grittier ride than usual, ditching the usual MI6 protocols for a full-on personal vendetta. Timothy Dalton’s Bond goes rogue after his CIA buddy Felix Leiter’s wedding gets crashed by a ruthless drug lord, Franz Sanchez, who brutally murders Felix’s wife and leaves Felix for dead.
This is no typical spy game, Bond’s out for blood, revoking his own licence to kill and diving deep into the murky world of drug cartels, shark tanks, and desert showdowns.
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Shot entirely outside the UK (hello, Mexico and the US!),Licence to Killditches the glam for grit, packing in boat chases, explosive fights, and even a deadly conveyor belt. It’s the last flick with the classic creative team behind the scenes, making it a bittersweet farewell to some Bond legends.
The plot? Bond pulls off some serious revenge moves, teaming up with pilot Pam Bouvier, infiltrating Sanchez’s inner circle, and turning up the heat (literally) in a wild desert chase. With sharks, sabotage, and a cigarette lighter-turned-flamethrower, this one’s a high-stakes cocktail of action and emotion. Critics noted the darker tone, but audiences were hooked. Plus, it’s the last before Pierce Brosnan’s suave takeover inGoldenEye. Bond fans, buckle up, this ride’s a thrilling, fiery blast!
Licence to Killis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
8On Her Majesty’s Secret Service(1969)
On Her Majesty’s Secret Serviceflips the Bond script with George Lazenby stepping in as 007 for his one and only ride. Say goodbye to Sean Connery’s suave swagger and hello to a fresher, slightly more emotional Bond who finds love, yes, actual romance, with Contessa Teresa “Tracy” di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg). But don’t get too comfy, because Bond’s up against the classic villain Blofeld (Telly Savalas), who’s cooking up a plan to mess with the world’s food supply using brainwashed “angels of death.” Talk about world domination with a side of horticultural horror.
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This flick takes us from casinos to snowy Swiss Alps, complete with ski chases, secret labs behind stained glass, and an avalanche or two, because what’s a Bond movie without a little chaos on ice? It’s the only Bond film directed by Peter R. Hunt, who brought a gritty realism, sticking closer to Ian Fleming’s original novel than most Bond films dare.
Despite mixed reviews back then,On Her Majesty’s Secret Servicehas aged like a fine martini, shaken, not stirred, with many fans now calling it one of the best Bond adventures. Bonus points for that bittersweet twist- Bond finally ties the knot, but tragedy isn’t far behind. Emotional rollercoaster? Check. Spy thrills? Double check. Classic Bond with a heart? Absolutely.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Serviceis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
7No Time to Die(2021)
No Time to Diesends James Bond on his final, globe-trotting mission, mixing espionage with a serious dose of family drama, and a dash of high-tech bioweapons to keep things spicy.Daniel Craig suits up one last time as 007, who’s traded his MI6 badge for a quieter life, only to get pulled back in by the CIA to rescue a kidnapped scientist. But of course, things get way messier when a vengeful villain armed with programmable nanobot weaponry threatens millions. Think less shaken martinis, more nanobot chaos.
This flick is packed with globe-hopping thrills, from icy Norwegian forests to sultry Cuban nights, and features all the classic Bond ingredients- explosive boat chases, high-stakes fights, and a tangled web of betrayals. Plus, Rami Malek’s villain Safin brings a seriously creepy edge. And yes, there’s a heartfelt subplot involving Bond’s complicated love story with Madeleine Swann, complete with a twist involving their young daughter Mathilde.
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Behind the scenes, the film had a rocky start with director shake-ups and pandemic delays, but the end result? A box office smash and a proper send-off for Craig’s Bond era. With Hans Zimmer scoring and Billie Eilish singing the theme,No Time to Dieis a sleek, emotional, and explosive finale that’s part spy thriller, part family saga, and all Bond.
No Time to Dieis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
6The Spy Who Loved Me(1977)
The Spy Who Loved Meis classic Bond with a splash of underwater madness and Cold War vibes. Roger Moore returns as 007, this time teaming up with KGB agent Anya Amasova, because who says spies can’t be frenemies? Together, they’re chasing after the elusive villain Karl Stromberg, a man who dreams of wiping out the world above and building a shiny new civilization under the sea. Yep, Bond goes full Atlantis on us.
The movie serves up globe-trotting madness with stops in Egypt, Italy, and the Bahamas, plus a ton of action-packed moments like ski chases, rocket sidecars, and a Lotus Esprit that’s basically a Transformer, car by day, submarine by necessity. And let’s not forget the iconic henchman Jaws, whose steel teeth and unkillable charm steal every scene he’s in.
With a screenplay that tosses in espionage, romance, and over-the-top gadgetry,The Spy Who Loved Meis Roger Moore’s personal favorite, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a cocktail of Bond essentials shaken with sci-fi flair, topped off with a killer Marvin Hamlisch soundtrack. Whether it’s the epic underwater base or that unforgettable shark tank showdown, this flick is pure, gleaming Bond camp, and totally watchable chaos in the best way.
The Spy Who Loved Meis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
5From Russia with Love(1963)
From Russia with Loveis classic spy cinema that defined James Bond’s mojo early on. Sean Connery returns as 007, diving headfirst into Cold War espionage with a plot thicker than a Russian winter. This time, Bond is sent to Turkey to help Tatiana Romanova, a Soviet clerk who wants to defect, but, spoiler alert, it’s all a trap cooked up by the nefarious SPECTRE. Their plan? Use Bond’s charm against him while snagging a top-secret cryptography device called the Lektor.
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Filmed across exotic locations like Istanbul, Scotland, and Pinewood Studios, this flick mixes globe-trotting thrills with knife-edge tension. Bond’s ride? A trusty briefcase packed with gadgets and a sniper rifle, because you never know when you’ll need one. Along the way, he teams up with the sharp and savvy Ali Kerim Bey, dodges deadly assassins, and faces off against the cold-hearted Rosa Klebb, who literally hides a poison-tipped blade in her shoe. Talk about deadly footwear.
Packed with high-stakes train chases, double-crosses, and a romance with Tatiana,From Russia with Lovecranks up the suspense while layering in Bond’s signature wit. It’s a tight, smart, and stylish thriller that helped cement Bond as the ultimate spy icon, complete with gadgets, danger, and just enough charm to keep viewers hooked from start to finish.
From Russia with Loveis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
4Goldfinger(1964)
Goldfingeris where James Bond really finds his groove, and boy, does he do it with style. Sean Connery’s 007 is up against Auric Goldfinger, a shiny villain with a plan to irradiate the US gold stash at Fort Knox and crash the global economy. Classic Bond- bigger stakes, flashier gadgets, and a bad guy who loves gold a little too much.
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The film is packed with iconic moments, like the unforgettable scene of Jill Masterson painted head-to-toe in gold (talk about a killer look!), the legendary Aston Martin DB5 equipped with all sorts of spy toys, and Oddjob, the henchman with a steel-brimmed hat that doubles as a deadly frisbee. The globe-trotting adventure takes us from Miami’s glam to Switzerland’s snowy Alps, all with a golf game that’s anything but friendly.
Goldfingerset the blueprint for all things Bond- slick humor, jaw-dropping stunts, and gadgets that made every spy dream bigger. With a plot full of double-crosses, nerve gas, and a nail-biting laser table showdown, this movie is pure ’60s Bond camp brilliance, still golden decades later.
Goldfingeris currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
3GoldenEye(1995)
GoldenEyemarked a smashing comeback for James Bond, introducing Pierce Brosnan as the new 007 and swapping Cold War cloak-and-dagger for post-Soviet chaos. The story kicks off with Bond and his partner, 006 (Sean Bean), infiltrating a secret Soviet lab, but surprise! 006 turns rogue, ready to unleash a satellite weapon called GoldenEye to crash the world’s financial systems. Talk about high stakes.
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This flick has it all- slick casino scenes, adrenaline-pumping chases through snowy Russia, and a badass Bond girl hacker, Natalya Simonova, who’s as smart as she is fearless. Of course, there’s Bond’s trademark gadgets (hello, exploding pen!) and villainous henchmen with flair, including the lethal Xenia Onatopp, who’s got a killer grip and a thing for squeezing, literally.
GoldenEyewas shot across exotic locales from London to Cuba, even making history as the first Bond film with CGI effects, blending classic spy thrills with modern style. The chemistry between Brosnan’s suave Bond and the new M (Judi Dench) added fresh energy, while the movie’s slick action and sharp plot rebooted the franchise for the ’90s. With betrayal, epic stunts, and a showdown on a missile train,GoldenEyeis pure Bond brilliance that made us all say, “007, your mission’s a go.”
GoldenEyeis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
2Skyfall(2012)
Skyfallis where James Bond’s world gets seriously shaken, and not just by the explosions. Daniel Craig’s third outing as 007 dives deep intoBond’s past while facing off against Javier Bardem’smenacing cyberterrorist, Raoul Silva, who’s got a personal vendetta against MI6 and its head, M (Judi Dench). The stakes? Exploding buildings, deadly data leaks, and a laser-guided plot that drags Bond from the slick streets of Shanghai to the misty Scottish Highlands.
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This flick brings back fan favorites Q and Moneypenny (played with fresh sass by Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris) and amps up the action with iconic chase scenes, gadgets that never quit, and emotional punches that hit harder than a sniper’s bullet. Bondeven takes us on a nostalgic ridein the legendary Aston Martin DB5, proving some classics never die.
Directed by Sam Mendes with a script that balances grit and glamour,Skyfallstruck gold with critics and fans alike, earning multiple Oscar nods and raking in over a billion dollars worldwide. It’s a thrilling blend of spy drama and personal reckoning, making it one of the most memorable and stylish James Bond adventures to date.
Skyfallis currently available to watch on Apple TV+.
1Casino Royale(2006)
Casino Royale rebooted the James Bond franchise with a gritty, fresh take and introducedDaniel Craig as the new 007, rugged, raw, and ready to shake things up. This flick strips away the shiny gadgets and gives us a Bond who’s still learning the ropes, earning his “license to kill” in a pulse-pounding poker game against the villainous Le Chiffre, a financier of terror with a taste for high stakes and higher risks.
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Set across exotic locations from Montenegro to the Bahamas, Casino Royale mixes sleek casino tension, explosive action, and unexpected romance with Eva Green’s mysterious Vesper Lynd stealing scenes (and hearts). The movie’s real charm? Its grounded realism, with practical stunts and a storyline that digs into Bond’s vulnerability, not just his martini preference.
With jaw-dropping sequences, like a high-speed chase in a vintage Aston Martin and brutal hand-to-hand combat, this movie proved Bond could be both suave and savage. Craig’s debut smashed box office records and critics’ expectations alike, making Casino Royale not just a comeback but a complete reinvention of the iconic spy. And yes, it’s still the gold standard for modern Bond movies.
Glad you made it to the end, shaken, stirred, and hopefully not too salty about your fave’s ranking! Whether you’re screaming “Justice forQuantum!” or nodding along in tuxedoed approval, one thing’s clear- Bond fans love a good debate almost as much as Bond loves a martini.
Samridhi Goel
Content Writer
Articles Published :376
Samridhi breathes HOLLYWOOD. A seasoned professional content writer boasting three years of experience. Her expertise shines in the realm of entertainment, where she skillfully craft narratives that breathe life into movies, music, and pop culture. She has completed her Masters in Commerce but her obsession with Hollywood lead her to curate content for the same.
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Casino RoyaleDaniel CraigJames BondNever Say Never AgainNo Time to DiePierce BrosnanQuantum of SolaceRoger MooreSean ConnerySpectreThe Man With The Golden Gun
