Every James Bond movie, my thoughts

Ranking every James Bond movie from worst to best is no small task, considering the iconic status of the franchise and the diverse opinions of fans. With a legacy spanning several decades, the James Bond series has delivered a mix of unforgettable moments, charismatic performances, and, of course, the suave espionage style that defines the character. Here's a subjective ranking, considering factors like storytelling, performances, and cultural impact.

The Rankings:

1. "Die Another Day" (2002):

• Regarded by many as the weakest Bond film, "Die Another Day" is criticized for its over-the-top action sequences and a plot that stretches the boundaries of believability. Pierce Brosnan's fourth outing as Bond is marred by a lackluster script and cringe-worthy moments.

2. "A View to a Kill" (1985):

• Roger Moore's final appearance as Bond is often considered one of the weaker entries. The age difference between Moore and his leading lady is noticeable, and the film's plot fails to live up to the standards set by earlier Bond movies.

3. "Moonraker" (1979):

• While praised for its space-themed spectacle, "Moonraker" takes Bond into an almost absurd realm. The plot, which involves a villain's plan to create a master race in space, stretches the franchise's credibility and departs from the more grounded espionage roots.

4. "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974):

• Despite featuring a memorable performance by Christopher Lee as the villain Scaramanga, "The Man with the Golden Gun" is criticized for its inconsistent tone and lackluster plot. Roger Moore's second outing as Bond is not as well-received as some of his other films.

5. "Octopussy" (1983):

• While containing some thrilling moments, "Octopussy" is criticized for its convoluted plot and reliance on gimmicky action sequences. Roger Moore's sixth Bond film is considered by some as a weaker entry in his tenure.

6. "Quantum of Solace" (2008):

• Serving as a direct sequel to "Casino Royale," "Quantum of Solace" is often criticized for its frenetic editing and a plot that fails to match the complexity of its predecessor. Daniel Craig's second outing suffers from comparisons to the superior "Casino Royale."

7. "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997):

• Pierce Brosnan's second Bond film is criticized for its formulaic plot and a somewhat forgettable villain. While it features some impressive action sequences, it doesn't stand out among the stronger entries in the series.

8. "The World Is Not Enough" (1999):

• Despite strong performances, particularly from Sophie Marceau and Robert Carlyle, "The World Is Not Enough" is criticized for its convoluted plot and uneven pacing. While Brosnan delivers a solid performance, the film falls short of the franchise's best.

9. "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971):

• Sean Connery's return to the role after George Lazenby's brief tenure is marked by a less inspired plot and an underwhelming villain. While the film has its moments, it doesn't reach the heights of Connery's earlier Bond films.

10. "Live and Let Die" (1973):

• Roger Moore's debut as Bond introduces a different tone with a more blaxploitation-inspired theme. While the film has its strengths, some critics find it lacking the sophistication of earlier entries.

11. "Thunderball" (1965):

• While it was a massive commercial success, "Thunderball" is criticized for its bloated plot and underwater action sequences. The film lacks the tight storytelling found in some of Connery's other Bond films.

12. "For Your Eyes Only" (1981):

• Regarded as a return to a more grounded and serious Bond, "For Your Eyes Only" is a mixed bag. While praised for its more realistic approach, it is criticized for moments of inconsistency and uneven pacing.

13. "Licence to Kill" (1989):

• Timothy Dalton's second and final outing as Bond is a darker and grittier film. While some appreciate the departure from the typical Bond formula, others find it lacking the traditional charm associated with the character.

14. "The Living Daylights" (1987):

• Timothy Dalton's debut as Bond is generally well-received for its more serious tone and Dalton's portrayal. However, it falls slightly short of the iconic status of some other entries in the series.

15. "You Only Live Twice" (1967):

• While featuring memorable moments, "You Only Live Twice" is criticized for its cultural stereotypes and reliance on gadgetry. Connery's performance is solid, but the film is not considered among the best in the franchise.

16. "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969):

• George Lazenby's only appearance as Bond is a divisive entry. While some appreciate its emotional depth and strong story, others find Lazenby's portrayal less convincing than his predecessor.

17. "Spectre" (2015):

• Despite high expectations following the success of "Skyfall," "Spectre" receives mixed reviews. While praised for its production values and performances, some find the plot convoluted and the villain's motives unclear.

18. "GoldenEye" (1995):

• Pierce Brosnan's debut as Bond is generally well-regarded for revitalizing the franchise after a six-year hiatus. The film is praised for its action sequences and Brosnan's performance, setting the stage for his tenure.

19. "Skyfall" (2012):

• Widely considered one of the best Bond films, "Skyfall" combines thrilling action with a more introspective exploration of Bond's character. Javier Bardem's portrayal of the villain adds depth to the film, making it a standout in the series.

20. "Casino Royale" (2006):

• Daniel Craig's debut as Bond is a critical and commercial success, redefining the character for a new generation. "Casino Royale" is praised for its intense action, intricate plot, and Craig's compelling portrayal.

21. "Dr. No" (1962):

• The film that started it all, "Dr. No" introduces Sean Connery as the suave MI6 agent. While the production values may seem dated, the film's impact on popular culture and the establishment of the Bond formula cannot be understated.

22. "From Russia with Love" (1963):

• Widely regarded as one of the best Bond films, "From Russia with Love" builds on the success of "Dr. No." The film combines espionage thrills with a more intricate plot, solidifying Connery's status as Bond.

23. "Goldfinger" (1964):

• Often cited as the quintessential Bond film, "Goldfinger" is a masterclass in the espionage genre. Sean Connery's charm, a memorable villain, and iconic moments like the Aston Martin's introduction make it a timeless classic.

Conclusion:

While opinions on the rankings may vary, the James Bond franchise's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to evolve with the times while maintaining the essence of the iconic character. Each film contributes to the legacy of the suave spy in its own way, offering a mix of action, intrigue, and, of course, the unmistakable Bond charisma. Whether one's favourite Bond is Connery, Moore, Brosnan, Dalton, or Craig, the franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model