RW: The Ultimate James Bond Ranking

 

By now, it's likely no surprise that I love James Bond. I grew up with Pierce Brosnan's iteration as a kid and remember thinking: "This guy is so freaking cool!". Back then of course, I didn't know much about the history of Bond in Hollywood and how he's evolved, had some rough patches, and differed from the novels. 

Over the last year and a half, I've made it my quest to watch each Bond film in order, most of them for the first time (thanks pandemic!). I've even begun reading the impressively exciting novels. While not every aspect of Bond (or the novels) has aged well, I've been immersed in the rogue-ish superspy in preparation for the long-delayed (thanks pandemic!) No Time to Die.

From that whole experience, I bring you: The Ultimate James Bond Ranking. We'll rank the actors themselves, and all 26 movies (including the "unofficial" Bond film) along with the newest one, No Time to Die.  

Let's start with the actors themselves shall we? Then the films. 

Actor Ranking

6 | George Lazenby

Avg. Film Score: 8/10

Lazenby is almost here by default. He's not memorable in the role, but he's part of a single, [mostly] great film. Since he only got to do the job once, there's not much more you can say about his placement.

5 | Timothy Dalton

Avg. Film Score: 8/10

Dalton follows nearly a similar fate to Lazenby: not enough time in the role. We got two very solid films from Dalton's more violent take on Bond following/during a tumultuous time in the franchise. Given 2-3 more films, he'd likely rank higher on this list. 

4 | Roger Moore

Avg. Film Score: 7.6/10

Almost the exact opposite as the previous two ranked Bonds, Moore arguably spent too much time in the role. Yes, because he got old and was borderline non-believable in later films, but also because his mark on the franchise eventually became too silly. With only two films rated above an 8 (aka "Great"), his films were sometimes strange, way-too-silly, but still frequently fun. 

3 | Sean Connery

Avg. Film Score: 7.9/10

Yes, it's true. There may not be a more "Bond" image than what you see above. And yes, Connery birthed the film version of Bond. But I also don't see Connery as the "best" Bond. He certainly made his mark and has fantastic Bond films to his name, but there's also a couple lazy performances, his inability to move-on from the franchise (causing competing Bond films later on), his absolute refusal to do much Bond "press" later in his career, and his version of Bond has certainly not aged well in the post #MeToo movement. Despite all that, there's a clear separation of impact between our bottom three and top three Bond actors. Connery defined the role early on, which can never be taken away from him.

2 | Pierce Brosnan

Avg. Film Score: 7.5/10

Brosnan might have the lowest average score of all these Bond actors, but one thing about his films is certain: he is never the weak link. In fact, Brosnan is almost the only reason why a couple of his movies work so well. Perhaps more than any Bond - even the #1 spot - Brosnan was just Damn. Cool. He had unmatchable swagger, especially under fire, and the charisma to lead a franchise with ease. It's no surprise that he was a long sought-after actor to take the role, even far before GoldenEye.

1 | Daniel Craig

Avg. Film Score: 8.6/10

Whatever you may think of my list thus far (I imagine #2 and #3 are controversial), Daniel Craig has undeniably ushered in a new look/feel/tone for the James Bond franchise. Once mocked for being a blonde Bond (because that really matters?), he burst onto the scene with the electric Casino Royale. His films have been somewhat up-and-down (more on that later), but Craig's ferocity, suaveness, and all-out performances in the role have been nothing short of iconic. He commands the screen, and deserves the #1 spot.

Film Ranking

26 | Diamonds Are Forever

Franchise Film #7

Score: 5/10

Connery Filmography Rank: 7th (of 7)

Honestly, I somewhat detest this film. It feels like it's phoning it in at nearly every angle, Connery's performance is lazy, it completely ignores the important plot beats of the film that preceded it, and Vegas is a boring locale. Save for one awesome car chase, this Bond entry is an awkward snoozefest. 

25 | Die Another Day

Franchise Film #20

Score: 5.5/10

Brosnan Filmography Rank: 4th (of 4)

Unlike Diamonds Are Forever, I don't hate Die Another Day. In fact, I have a soft spot for it. It's awful in a lot of regards - cringe-worthy, innuendo-laden dialogue being one of them - but it also swings for the fences. Brosnan, per usual, makes the film better with his swagger and despite being burdened with some critical issues, it has some fun moments.

24 | Octopussy

Franchise Film #13

Score: 6.5/10

Moore Filmography Rank: 7th (of 7) 

Do I need to say more than the picture above? Octopussy was a strange film that tried to capture the "exotic" locales of the Indiana Jones films (pretty successfully, to be fair) while not leaving behind the overt silliness that plagued the Roger Moore films throughout his tenure. It's a James Bond film with our key spy in a clown suit and swinging from vines with a Tarzan-cry sound effect. Need I say more?

23 | The Man with the Golden Gun

Franchise Film #9

Score: 7/10

Moore Filmography Rank: 6th (of 7)

I often think of The Man with the Golden Gun as the Bond film that most needs a modern update. It feels like it leaves most of its most interesting bits unexplored (Christopher Lee's villain, for example) while doubling down on weird and annoying aspects: Bond grabbing a sumo wrestler's ass, third nipples, and Sheriff f**king Pepper. The outcome is boring and anticlimactic which feels weird for a film that's basically assassin versus assassin.

22 | A View to a Kill

Franchise Film #14

Score: 7/10

Moore Filmography Rank: 5th (of 7)

Many hold this as the "worst" Bond film in the franchise, largely because of Moore's age. It's true, he overstays his welcome here (even he has admitted as much) and doesn't fit the role. Despite that, his final entry has worthwhile elements, particularly in its other characters and villain, a reduction of "silly" moments, and an impressive, unique finale. Bond's worst film, this is not.

21 | Tomorrow Never Dies

Franchise Film #18

Score: 6.5/10

Brosnan Filmography Rank: 3rd (of 4)

I'll give credit where credit is due: Tomorrow Never Dies has some great action. In fact, that's what moves it higher on the list than its score indicates (along with Brosnan...again). Aside from that however, it's plagued with the franchise's worst villain and villain performance, a bunch of useless side characters, and a plot that is just nonsense. Thank god then for lots of gadgets, an awesome opening, and an iconic motorcycle versus helicopter chase. 

20 | Moonraker

Franchise Film #11

Score: 7/10

Moore Filmography Rank: 4th (of 7)

Moonraker is a Bond film where I love certain elements (e.g. the mystery it effectively spins) while I loath others (e.g. Jaws' "love" scene anyone?). Ultimately, it's not as whacky as "Bond-goes-to-space" sounds and is complimented by a memorable Bond girl, Dr. Goodhead, a lot of location hopping, and a few standout scenes.

19 | Quantum of Solace

Franchise Film #22

Score: 7/10

Craig Filmography Rank: 5th (of 5)

Talk about a film that gets too much hate! Yes, Quantum of Solace is Craig's weakest film, but my god, some of the vitriol for this film is outrageous. It has one of the franchise's worst villains and some awful action editing (a shame because the action itself is impressive) in a story that's an extended epilogue to Casino Royale. Likely marred because of its decline from Craig's stunning opener, Solace is forgettable, but serviceable Bond fare that builds the plot for Craig's later entries. Get over it, people!

18 | Dr. No

Franchise Film #1

Score: 7/10

Connery Filmography Rank: 6th (of 7)

The one that started it all is...well, it's fine. I tend to not have much love for very old films because filmmaking skills and techniques have come so far. Still, it's impressive that a 1962 film still has a franchise that's going strong in 2021. This initial Bond film does what it needs to for setting up SPECTRE in the following Connery films while also making sure he's instantly iconic in the role. Parts of it now are campy fun, and it's cool to know it's a piece of cinematic history.

17 | Live and Let Die

Franchise Film #8

Score: 7.5/10

Moore Filmography Rank: 3rd (of 7)

Roger Moore was really the first person to take (and keep) the James Bond mantle from Connery. In that regard, there was a lot to prove and his first outing is entertaining, even if it hasn't aged well due to its Blaxploitation roots (if you think the film is racist, you should read the novel...). The boat chase is solid - aside from Sheriff Pepper - and the smaller scale story works, along with the most iconic title song the franchise has ever seen. 

16 | Thunderball

Franchise Film #4

Score: 7.5/10

Connery Filmography Rank: 5th (of 7)

If you love harpoons, you'll love Thunderball! (should have been the tagline...). In all seriousness, Thunderball is an ambitious effort to create an underwater battle within the Bond franchise. While the film itself slogs, has some lame characters, and doesn't transition from plot point to plot point well, there's something still captivating about it all these years later, largely because of the underwater action. 

15 | SPECTRE

Franchise Film #24

Score: 7.5/10

Craig Filmography Rank: 4th (of 5)

2015 was a difficult year for a Bond film to make a splash. Not only was Craig and Co. following up Skyfall, they were up against a slew of "spy" films like Kingsman, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, and even The Man from UNCLE. By the time we got around to SPECTRE, the epic, but bloated and somewhat confused film felt like a disappointment. A recent re-watch helped it's legacy in my eyes as there's a lot to love (awesome opening, car chase, and Craig still kicks ass) even if it doesn't match the highs of its predecessor. 

14 | On Her Majesty's Secret Service

Franchise Film #6

Score: 8/10

Lazenby Filmography Rank: 1st (of 1)

Perhaps more than any other Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service has grown on me the most. Lazenby was thrown into an unfortunate situation taking over the Bond mantle for a single film - making the whole affair feel awkward because of it. But the film that's here is impressive, not only for the scale and action it features (except for that horrendous opening fight on the beach), but also the story it tries to use to push Bond forward as a character. Would it not have been for a pretty bad/slow first hour and Lazenby's fish-out-of-water performance, this likely could have been a Top 5 Bond entry.

13 | The Living Daylights

Franchise Film #15

Score: 8/10

Dalton Filmography Rank: 2nd (of 2)

Timothy Dalton was dealt a rough hand with Bond in a short tenure with the role in which he wasn't exactly the producers first choice. Even still, his impact to the franchise was immediate in his opening film with a more serious tone, a brand new, gorgeous Aston Martin, and action that kicks a**. The story's a bit of a mess, but it was nice to be away from the silliness of the Moore era. 

12 | For Your Eyes Only

Franchise Film #12

Score: 8.5/10

Moore Filmography Rank: 2nd (of 7)

While nothing is outright incredible about For Your Eyes Only, I still really enjoyed my time with it because it was more focused on espionage and spy craft as opposed to the Moore era's usual focus on zany "stuff". It's also just a well-made film (i.e. cinematography, editing, etc.) and the side characters are engaging. A perfectly serviceable Bond film. 

11 | Licence to Kill

Franchise Film #16

Score: 8/10

Dalton Filmography Rank: 1st (of 2)

The best way to describe Dalton's tenure is: solid. Both of his films received the same score, although Licence to Kill has grown on me more because of how dark it's willing to go (seriously...the beginning is a bit shocking), how strong the side characters are, and how straight forward the plot is. Couple that with a fun finale and you've got Dalton's best film in the role.

10 | The World Is Not Enough

Franchise Film #19

Score: 8/10

Brosnan Filmography Rank: 2nd (of 4)

I consistently feel like The World is Not Enough gets too much hate (much like Craig's Quantum). Outside of Denise Richards feeling wildly out of place and an awkward finale, it's a very strong entry and has aged really well. Once again, Brosnan kills it in the role and the mostly-serious take/analysis/manipulation of Bond's sexual nature is captivating. Sophie Marceau's Elektra is a underappreciated villain and the film has some memorable action scenes to boot. Definitely one of Brosnan's stronger entries.

9 | From Russia with Love

Franchise Film #2

Score: 8.5/10

Connery Filmography Rank: 4th (of 7)

I'm probably in the minority here, but as much as I enjoyed From Russia with Love, I also find it to be overrated within Bond circles. There's a lot to love, and it's obviously a step-up from it's predecessor, Dr. No, but I think nostalgia blinds across the fact that it's still too long and 60s filmmaking doesn't age gracefully most of the time. Even still, for the time, it was impressive and it's a sexy sequel that makes good use of its women, Bond, its villains, and action scenes so it deserves a spot in my Top 10.

8 | You Only Live Twice

Franchise Film #5

Score: 8.5/10

Connery Film Rank: 3rd (of 7)

 

I'm probably splitting hairs between my #8 and #9 films (and I imagine this is the more controversial direction to go) but something about You Only Live Twice's zaniness and entertainment factor gives it the slight edge. It's true, the whole aspect of Bond going Japanese (with just some eyebrows?) is absurd and not...great...but everything else feels fresh and exciting after Thunderball was more of a slog. The action beats are awesome, side characters and the unique setting are memorable, Bond is "less" creepy toward woman, and Blofeld feels like an important villain. You Only Live Twice is just fun!

7 | Never Say Never Again

Unofficial Franchise Film

Score: 9/10

Connery Film Rank: 2nd (of 7)

Probably one of my more controversial rankings on this list is Connery's "unofficial" Bond film ranking 1) as high as #7 and 2) as his second best Bond film. But whatever, this is MY list! This light retread of Thunderball misses the Bond theme and some other minor Bond staples, but otherwise the "unofficial" part is hardly felt. After a lazy performance in Diamonds are Forever many years before, Connery feels excited to be back in the Bond shoes again as "old man" Bond and the film's story (and jokes) circulate around that. Add in a slew of interesting characters, a strong villain, a more streamlined plot than the film it's based on, and some impressive action (the motorcycle chase is a blast) and you've got a much better Bond film than the "actual" one that released in 1983 (Octopussy).

6 | No Time to Die

Franchise Film # 25

Score: 8.5/10

Craig Film Rank: 3rd (of 5)

Craig's final entry was a long delayed affair thanks to a global pandemic, and at times it felt like it would buckle under the weight of its legacy and how excited audiences were to finally get it. While certain elements are lackluster (the villain, it's too long for most audiences), I'm confident that No Time to Die will age well within Bond lore. It's Craig's most intimate and raw performance as the spy, and the story - as it relates to Bond - takes surprising turns. We're also treated to an all-time great Aston Martin DB5 action sequence, stunning cinematography, and a Hans Zimmer score. So yeah...it'll be fine as time goes by. 

5 | Goldfinger

Franchise Film #3

Score: 9.5/10

Connery Film Rank: 1st (of 7)

While I enjoyed most of the Bond entries, it's really once we're in the Top 5 that the quality becomes truly special. These are movies that will stand the test of time and helped put Bond on the map. For Connery, that film was Goldfinger. It's nearly perfect save for an awkward and uncharacteristic ending battle. The cinematography, Aston Martin DB5, original score usage, and many other aspects make this really the "ultimate" Bond film. 

4 | GoldenEye

Franchise Film #17

Score: 10/10 - Instant Classic

Brosnan Film Rank: 1st (of 4)

Brosnan's first film (finally) in the role is also, by far, his best. GoldenEye still feels like a classic today, despite the distracting connection that many make with the iconic/timeless N64 game that came along side of it. It's an exciting actioner, features an espionage/betrayal-filled story, an unforgettable original score, and tons of characters who have stood the test of time in Bond lore. It also showed that Brosnan was born for the role as there's almost zero "learning curve" for him playing Bond. 

3 | Skyfall

Franchise Film #23

Score: 10/10 - Instant Classic

Craig Film Rank: 2nd (of 5)

While there's a lot to be said for how awesome Skyfall is as a Bond flick, and how important of a role it plays in Craig's interconnected filmography, I'll instead focus on it's key distinguishing feature: Skyfall is the best made film in the entire James Bond franchise. Most of that goes to jaw-dropping cinematography from the master, Roger Deakins, a pulse-pounding original score, and a masterfully edited film. It really has everything you would want, wrapped in an exquisite package. 

2 | The Spy Who Loved Me

Franchise Film #10

Score: 10/10 - Instant Classic

Moore Film Rank: 1st (of 7)

I just f**king love The Spy Who Loved Me. Having never seen it before, it took me by total surprise as the brightest spot - by a considerable margin - in Moore's tenure in Bond. The action is top-notch and incredible, particularly any bits with the gadget-heavy Lotus Espirit. Bond and Amasova's tension and competition is both fun and sexy, breathing tons of life into the film. Lastly, it's another damn well made film that feels like an epic. This is particularly apparent in the well-orchestrated "pyramids" scene, but the whole thing just sings and is peak Bond, and it's the lone Roger Moore film to make it in the Top 10. 

1 | Casino Royale

Franchise Film #21

Score: 10/10 - Instant Classic

Craig Film Rank: 1st (of 5)

I'm not sure what else can be said about Casino Royale that hasn't already. It's a masterpiece that has only gotten better with time and is probably one of the best films this side of the year "2000". Obviously, there's the iconic free-running opener that will forever stand the test of time, but it also ushered in a new era of Bond after one of the franchise's low points (Die Another Day). Craig almost instantly gives us a Bond to be excited about, the plot is filled with espionage and nuance, Le Chiffre is an all-time villain with that torture scene, and Vesper is, without a doubt, the best Bond woman, period. It's a film jam-packed with standout, memorable scenes and is the premier film in the James Bond franchise.

So there you have it, folks! Hate my list? Love it? Let me know in the comments, Facebook, or Instagram. Otherwise, let's all appreciate Hollywood's longest running franchise of 007's "Bond, James Bond" as we all eagerly await casting news for the next person to be drinking martinis shaken, not stirred.