All James Bond Movies Ranked

The Ultimate Ranking of All James Bond Films

From the suave charisma of Sean Connery to the rugged intensity of Daniel Craig, the James Bond franchise has been a cinematic juggernaut, captivating audiences worldwide for decades. With a whopping 27 films under its belt, including the non-Eon productions like Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again (1983), the saga has traversed the spectrum of espionage thrillers, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.

Table of Contents

Exploring the Tomatometer Ranking

To curate the ultimate list of James Bond movies, what better tool to turn to than Rotten Tomatoes? Their Tomatometer aggregates critics’ reviews, offering a comprehensive view of each film’s reception. With seven films deemed “rotten,” seven earning a “fresh” rating, and an impressive 13 certified fresh, the Bond franchise has seen its fair share of highs and lows.

So, grab your favorite martini—shaken, not stirred—and let’s delve into the ranking to discover where your favorite 007 flick stands among the best Bond movies.

Bottom of the Barrel: Lowest-Rated Bond Films

27. Casino Royale (1967)

A spy parody gone awry, Casino Royale (1967) stands as the lowest-rated James Bond film, garnering a paltry score of just 26% on the Tomatometer. Despite assembling a star-studded cast featuring Hollywood heavyweights like Orson Welles and Peter Sellers, the film’s messy execution left much to be desired. With its convoluted plot and bizarre characters, this comedic take on espionage failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

26. A View to a Kill (1985)

Roger Moore’s final outing as Bond, A View to a Kill (1985), didn’t quite hit the mark, earning a reputation as one of Eon Productions’ weakest entries. Moore, at 57, seemed out of his element, and the film’s campy tone and absurd plot failed to impress. Despite iconic performances from Christopher Walken and Grace Jones, A View to a Kill remains a low point in the franchise’s history.

25. The Man With the Golden Gun (1974)

Even the formidable Christopher Lee couldn’t save The Man With the Golden Gun (1974) from mediocrity. While Lee’s portrayal of the masterful gunman Francisco Scaramanga added a glimmer of intrigue, the film faltered with lackluster dialogue and a deflating absence of gadgetry. Hindered by its outdated portrayal of Bond’s chauvinism, this entry failed to captivate audiences and has since faded into obscurity.

24. Octopussy (1983)

Octopussy (1983) may have dazzled audiences with heart-stopping action sequences, but its sluggish plot and failed attempts at humor left much to be desired. Hindered by uninspired villains and a convoluted narrative, Roger Moore’s portrayal of Bond veered into caricature territory, signaling the beginning of the end for his era. Octopussy stands as a testament to the franchise’s missteps during the ’80s.

23. The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Despite Pierce Brosnan’s charismatic turn as 007, The World Is Not Enough (1999) fell short of expectations. Marred by poor writing and a formulaic plot, the film struggled to find its footing. While it boasted standout action sequences and a compelling performance from Sophie Marceau, The World Is Not Enough failed to leave a lasting impression, earning its place among the franchise’s weaker entries.

22. Die Another Day (2002)

Brosnan’s final outing as Bond, Die Another Day (2002), attempted to recapture the magic of earlier films but fell short of the mark. Despite its respectable rating of 55%, the film faced relentless criticism from fans and struggled to compete with contemporary spy thrillers. However, Halle Berry’s iconic portrayal of Jinx Johnson provided a silver lining amidst the film’s shortcomings.

21. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) suffered from unimaginative storytelling, a recurring issue throughout Brosnan’s era. While Jonathan Pryce delivered a memorable performance as the media mogul Elliot Carver, the film’s formulaic plot progression left much to be desired. Despite its middling rating of 57%, Tomorrow Never Dies failed to stand out in a crowded landscape of action films.

Rediscovering Hidden Gems: Underrated Bond Films

20. Moonraker (1979)

Moonraker (1979) may be one of Bond’s silliest outings, but it boasts a certain charm that resonates with audiences. Featuring outlandish plot twists and spectacular set pieces, the film offers a thrilling ride for fans craving adventure. While its logic may be questionable, Moonraker remains a beloved entry in the franchise, captivating audiences with its sense of wonder.

19. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Sean Connery’s return to the role of Bond in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) may have been met with mixed reviews, but the film still holds its own with a fresh score of 64%. Featuring Connery’s charismatic portrayal of 007 and a gripping plot centered on international diamond smuggling, Diamonds Are Forever delivers an entertaining experience despite its derivative elements.

18. Spectre (2015)

Daniel Craig’s fourth Bond film, Spectre (2015), marked a departure from the gritty realism of its predecessors, embracing nostalgic callbacks to earlier Bond films. While the film received mixed reviews, its impressive spectacle and financial success cannot be denied. With an engrossing opening sequence and standout performances from the cast, Spectre offers a satisfying addition to Craig’s era as Bond.

17. Quantum of Solace (2008)

Quantum of Solace (2008) faced challenges due to the 2007-2008 writer’s strike but managed to deliver an entertaining Bond film despite its flaws. Building on the events of Casino Royale, the film explores Bond’s quest for vengeance with frantic action sequences and emotional depth. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, Quantum of Solace remains a worthy entry in the Bond saga.

16. Live and Let Die (1973)

Roger Moore’s debut outing as Bond in Live and Let Die (1973) proved to be a box-office hit, signaling a new era for the franchise. Set predominantly in America, the film offers a blend of flashy action and voodoo mystique, showcasing Moore’s charisma as 007. Despite its pacing issues, Live and Let Die remains a quintessential Bond film, paving the way for Moore’s tenure as the iconic spy.

15. For Your Eyes Only (1981)

For Your Eyes Only (1981) marks a return to form for Roger Moore’s Bond, eschewing the absurdity of Moonraker for a more grounded espionage thriller. With a compelling plot and captivating action sequences, the film recaptures the essence of classic Bond while embracing a modern sensibility. Despite its underrated status, For Your Eyes Only stands as a highlight of Moore’s tenure as 007.

14. The Living Daylights (1987)

Timothy Dalton’s debut as Bond in The Living Daylights (1987) breathes new life into the franchise, offering a darker and more introspective take on the iconic spy. Dalton’s portrayal of Bond as a conflicted and morally complex character adds depth to the film, elevating it above its predecessors. With thrilling action sequences and a compelling storyline, The Living Daylights heralds a promising new direction for the franchise.

13. License to Kill (1989)

License to Kill (1989) marks Timothy Dalton’s final appearance as Bond, delivering a gritty and emotionally resonant thriller that diverges from the typical Bond formula. With its darker tone and intense action sequences, the film explores themes of revenge and betrayal with depth and nuance. Despite its modest box-office performance, License to Kill remains a standout entry in the Bond canon, showcasing Dalton’s underrated portrayal of the iconic spy.

Breaking into the Top Tier: Critically Acclaimed Bond Films

12. You Only Live Twice (1967)

You Only Live Twice (1967) sees Sean Connery’s Bond embarking on a mission to thwart a nefarious plot hatched by the villainous Ernst Stavro Blofeld. With its exotic locales and iconic set pieces, the film offers a thrilling adventure that remains a fan favorite to this day. Despite its occasionally campy tone, You Only Live Twice solidifies Connery’s legacy as one of the definitive Bonds.

11. Thunderball (1965)

Thunderball (1965) pits Sean Connery’s Bond against the sinister organization SPECTRE in a high-stakes battle for global supremacy. Boasting breathtaking underwater sequences and pulse-pounding action, the film set a new standard for cinematic spectacle. While its runtime may test the patience of modern audiences, Thunderball remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate viewers with its unmatched excitement.

10. Dr. No (1962)

The film that launched the James Bond phenomenon, Dr. No (1962) introduces audiences to Sean Connery’s iconic portrayal of the suave superspy. With its stylish direction and charismatic performances, the film lays the foundation for the franchise’s enduring success. While its low-budget roots are occasionally evident, Dr. No remains a quintessential Bond experience that set the stage for decades of espionage intrigue.

9. GoldenEye (1995)

Pierce Brosnan’s debut as Bond in GoldenEye (1995) revitalized the franchise for a new generation, blending exhilarating action with sophisticated storytelling. Directed by Martin Campbell, the film offers a modern take on the classic Bond formula while retaining its trademark charm. With its memorable villain and groundbreaking use of CGI, GoldenEye remains a standout entry in the series and a beloved favorite among fans.

8. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) stands as Roger Moore’s finest hour as Bond, delivering a thrilling adventure that ranks among the franchise’s best. With its iconic theme song and unforgettable villain, Jaws, the film epitomizes the grandeur and excitement of classic Bond. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, The Spy Who Loved Me remains a beloved favorite among fans and a testament to the enduring appeal of 007.

7. Skyfall (2012)

Directed by Sam Mendes, Skyfall (2012) represents a high point in Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond, offering a compelling blend of character-driven drama and breathtaking action. With its exploration of Bond’s origins and a formidable performance by Javier Bardem as the enigmatic villain Raoul Silva, the film transcends the typical trappings of the genre. Boasting stunning cinematography and a haunting score, Skyfall stands as a modern masterpiece and a testament to the enduring legacy of 007.

6. From Russia with Love (1963)

From Russia with Love (1963) sees Sean Connery’s Bond embroiled in a deadly game of espionage as he battles the nefarious organization SPECTRE. Directed by Terence Young, the film offers a taut and suspenseful thriller that ranks among the franchise’s finest entries. With its exotic locales and memorable characters, From Russia with Love remains a fan favorite and a quintessential Bond experience.

5. Goldfinger (1964)

Goldfinger (1964) stands as one of the most iconic entries in the James Bond franchise, setting the standard for cinematic espionage thrillers. Directed by Guy Hamilton, the film features Sean Connery at the peak of his powers as 007, facing off against the diabolical Auric Goldfinger. Boasting unforgettable characters, ingenious gadgets, and iconic lines of dialogue, Goldfinger remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences over 50 years after its release.

4. For Your Eyes Only (1981)

For Your Eyes Only (1981) sees Roger Moore’s Bond embarking on a perilous mission to recover a vital piece of British naval technology. Directed by John Glen, the film represents a return to form for the franchise, eschewing the over-the-top theatrics of its predecessors in favor of a more grounded and suspenseful narrative. With its breathtaking action sequences and compelling storyline, For Your Eyes Only ranks among the finest entries in the Bond canon.

3. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) stands as one of the most unique and underrated entries in the James Bond franchise. Directed by Peter R. Hunt and starring George Lazenby as 007, the film offers a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the iconic spy. With its breathtaking action sequences, compelling storyline, and tragic romance, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service remains a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring legacy of James Bond.

2. Casino Royale (2006)

Casino Royale (2006) represents a bold and exciting reinvention of the James Bond franchise, introducing Daniel Craig in his debut performance as 007. Directed by Martin Campbell, the film offers a gritty and realistic take on the iconic spy, exploring Bond’s origins and vulnerabilities with depth and nuance. With its breathtaking action sequences, complex characters, and intense emotional drama, Casino Royale ranks among the finest entries in the Bond canon and a modern classic in its own right.

1. No Time to Die (2021)

No Time to Die (2021) marks the triumphant conclusion to Daniel Craig’s tenure as James Bond, delivering a thrilling and emotionally resonant adventure that ranks among the finest entries in the franchise’s storied history. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film offers a fitting send-off for Craig’s 007, blending heart-stopping action with poignant character moments. With its breathtaking cinematography, masterful direction, and powerhouse performances, No Time to Die stands as a modern masterpiece and the ultimate culmination of the James Bond saga.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings with Dr. No to the epic conclusion of No Time to Die, the James Bond franchise has captivated audiences for over half a century with its thrilling adventures, iconic characters, and unparalleled style. Whether it’s the suave sophistication of Sean Connery, the wry humor of Roger Moore, or the gritty realism of Daniel Craig, each era of Bond has brought something unique to the table, ensuring that 007 remains one of the most enduring and beloved icons in cinematic history. As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Bond saga, one thing is certain: James Bond will return.