Top 10 James Bond Films Voted by Enthusiasts
Avid James Bond enthusiasts are intimately acquainted with their favored film series and possess strong preferences regarding its various installments.
Spanning from dynamic action to unforgettable antagonists and signature quips, the Bond franchise has entertained audiences with decades of exhilarating escapades. Rotten Tomatoes has compiled a ranking of numerous Bond films based on audience sentiment, ordered by approval ratings.
Below is a countdown of the top 10 James Bond cinematic experiences, as ranked by dedicated fans, ranging from lighthearted thrillers to more profound and reflective narratives within the 007 saga:
10. GoldenEye (1995) – 80%
Starring Pierce Brosnan in his debut as 007, GoldenEye revitalized the James Bond series for a contemporary audience following a six-year absence. Bond confronts a former compatriot turned adversary, Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), who has commandeered a potent satellite weapon capable of widespread devastation. Set within a technologically advanced and action-driven landscape, Bond is tasked with thwarting Trevelyan’s scheme to unleash chaos utilizing the satellite.
Critics’ View:
“The inaugural and quintessential Pierce Brosnan Bond film, GoldenEye effectively transitions the series into a more modern setting, yielding a 007 entry that is high-tech, action-intensive, and sophisticated.”
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9. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) – 81%
George Lazenby’s singular portrayal of James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service presents one of the most emotionally resonant and dramatic chapters in the series. Bond’s romantic involvement with Tracy di Vincenzo (Diana Rigg) culminates in a poignant and unforgettable conclusion, marking one of the franchise’s most impactful finales. The film also showcases awe-inspiring ski chase sequences, picturesque locations, and a gripping final confrontation.
Critics’ View:
“George Lazenby’s sole appearance as 007 stands as a commendable addition to the franchise, featuring one of the most captivating Bond girls in Tracy di Vincenzo (Diana Rigg), breathtaking visuals, and remarkable ski pursuits.”
8. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – 82%
Roger Moore’s tenure as Bond reached its zenith with The Spy Who Loved Me, delivering an ideal blend of action, humor, and adventure. Bond collaborates with Russian operative Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach) to impede the machinations of the megalomaniacal villain Stromberg (Curd Jürgens), whose objective is to instigate global conflict. Boasting memorable gadgets, thrilling underwater action sequences, and the introduction of the iconic Jaws (Richard Kiel), The Spy Who Loved Me is widely acknowledged as the apex of Moore’s Bond era.
Critics’ View:
“While alluding to the escalating absurdity of subsequent installments, The Spy Who Loved Me’s polished style, menacing antagonists, and subtle wit establish it as the preeminent offering of the Roger Moore epoch.”
7. No Time to Die (2021) – 83%
Daniel Craig’s concluding performance as James Bond in No Time to Die furnishes a satisfying resolution to his interpretation of the celebrated spy. Bond, having retired from active duty, is compelled back into the realm of espionage when a cryptic adversary (Rami Malek) materializes, imperiling global security.
Critics’ View:
“Although not the most streamlined or audacious 007 endeavor, No Time to Die concludes Daniel Craig’s franchise commitment with gratifying panache.”
6. Thunderball (1965) – 85%
A quintessential Bond adventure, Thunderball marks Sean Connery’s reprise as 007 to thwart the criminal enterprise SPECTRE from seizing NATO nuclear warheads. The film is renowned for its opulent set designs, including underwater action spectacles, and Connery’s debonair rendition of Bond.
Critics’ View:
“Sumptuously crafted set pieces and Sean Connery’s enduring charisma render Thunderball an expansive and enjoyable adventure, even if it slightly falls short of the series’ previous pinnacles.”
5. Skyfall (2012) – 92%
Sam Mendes ushered James Bond into the 21st century with Skyfall, fusing sophisticated action with a more profound emotional storyline. As MI6 faces compromise, Bond is compelled to confront his past, notably with the resurgence of the nefarious Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem).
Critics’ View:
“Sam Mendes revitalizes Bond with an intelligent, alluring, and gripping action thriller that qualifies as one of the finest 007 films to date.”
4. Casino Royale (2006) – 94%
Casino Royale heralded the commencement of Daniel Craig’s portrayal of 007 and rebooted the franchise with a revitalized, gritty aesthetic. In this narrative, Bond must impede the villain Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a financier for terrorist organizations, by defeating him in a high-stakes poker tournament. Craig’s depiction of Bond garnered acclaim for its emotional resonance and intensity, unveiling a more vulnerable and human facet of the iconic agent.
Critics’ View:
“Casino Royale dispenses with the frivolity and gadgets that afflicted recent James Bond outings, and Daniel Craig delivers precisely what enthusiasts and critics have anticipated: a biting, haunted, and powerfully reimagined 007.”
3. Dr. No (1962) – 95%
The film that initiated the phenomenon, Dr. No introduces Sean Connery as James Bond and establishes the groundwork for the entire franchise. Bond is assigned to investigate the enigmatic Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman), who intends to disrupt American space launches from his secluded island base. While the film’s production quality may appear modest by contemporary benchmarks, Dr. No remains a cornerstone of global cinematic significance.
Critics’ View:
“Featuring ample doses of the humor, action, and escapist thrills that would become synonymous with the series, Dr. No commences the Bond franchise in grand style.”
2. From Russia with Love (1963) – 97%
Widely considered among the most tightly constructed and intense thrillers in the Bond collection, From Russia with Love finds James Bond (Sean Connery) embroiled in a perilous scheme orchestrated by the Soviet Union’s intelligence agency, SMERSH. Bond is tasked with safeguarding a crucial cryptograph and navigating a complex network of adversaries, including the lethal assassin Red Grant (Robert Shaw).
Critics’ View:
“The second James Bond film, From Russia with Love is a razor-sharp, briskly paced Cold War thriller distinguished by several electrifying action sequences.”
1. Goldfinger (1964) – 99%
Securing the top position as fans’ favored Bond film is the celebrated Goldfinger. This third Bond installment showcased Sean Connery in his prime as 007, confronting the megalomaniacal antagonist Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe). The film introduced several defining elements of the series, including the quintessential Aston Martin DB5, a memorable Bond girl (Pussy Galore, portrayed by Honor Blackman), and the now-legendary utterance: “A martini. Shaken, not stirred.”
Critics’ View:
“Goldfinger is where James Bond as we recognize him solidifies – it features one of 007’s most iconic phrases (“A martini. Shaken, not stirred.”) and a diverse array of gadgets that would become the series’ hallmark.”