In the iconic world of espionage, James Bond is one of cinema’s most definitive on-screen icons. From Sean Connery’s debonair portrayal of Ian Fleming’s gentleman spy to Daniel Craig’s cool yet coarse and combative iteration, the series has produced a staggering 27 films to date. While the franchise has had its share of ups and downs, each Bond film leaves an indelible mark on the audience. In this film-by-film retrospective, we’ll go into the most notorious Bond flicks, exploring the highs and lows of the most beloved spy franchise.
Starting with the lowest-rated Bond film, “Casino Royale” (1967), a spy parody that failed to impress, we’ll journey through the 27-film collection, highlighting the most iconic one-liners, thrilling action sequences, and memorable villainous performances. From the hilarious hijinks of “A View to a Kill” (1985) to the gritty intensity of “Licence to Kill” (1989), we’ll examine how each film contributed to the evolution of the James Bond franchise.
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 26%, “Casino Royale” (1967) is the lowest-rated Bond film, with the film’s messy execution and confusing plot marked it as a major disappointment. The film’s attempted spoof of espionage thrillers ultimately fell flat, with the series struggling to recapture the charm of its earlier Bond films.
The film’s plot is convoluted, with a peacefuly retired Bond (Sir David Niven) called back into action to combat the criminal organization SMERSH, but things quickly become confusing as Bond interacts with a web of ridiculous characters, including a veteran gambler, a villainous banker, and his own bumbling, insipid nephew.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, “GoldenEye” (1995) stands out as a reinvigorating entry in the franchise, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 80%. The film’s well-balanced blend of espionage grit, action thrills, and tongue-in-cheek humor appealed to a new generation of Bond fans, with the film’s exceptional characters, including Famke Janssen’s sadistic Xenia Onatopp, Robbie Coltrane’s duplicitous yet lovable Valentin Zukovsky, and Dame Judi Dench’s debut as M, making it a standout.
Daniel Craig’s James Bond (Via IMDB)
The film’s plot follows Bond as he works with a Russian computer programmer to prevent Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), an ex-MI6 spy and the former 006, from using a powerful satellite weapon to attack Britain and collapse the global economy, all while getting rich himself.
Ranking in the middle, “The Man with the Golden Gun” (1974) holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 42%. While the film’s exceptional villain Leonardo DiCaprio’s Francisco Scaramanga, Master of the Golden Gun, faces off against a gangster thug before revealing that his ultimate target was none other than James Bond, the film’s lousy dialogue, deflating lack of gadgetry, and Bond operating at his chauvinistic worst led to a lackluster reception.
In the top 10, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969) boasts a Rotten Tomatoes score of 81%, with George Lazenby’s only appearance as Bond marked by a devastating finale, arguably the best Bond girl the franchise has seen, and visually stunning sequences.
The film’s plot follows Bond as he ventures to the Swiss Alps to face Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas) who plots to threaten the world’s food supply with a bacterial agent so he can hold all of humanity to ransom. Along the way, Bond is acquainted with Contessa Tracy di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) and finds himself falling in love.
Closing out the top 10, “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 82%, with Moore’s most timeless Bond movie as well as his finest. The film’s well-balanced blend of spy action, sci-fi fantasy, and a charming central relationship between Bond and Amasova (Barbara Bach) made it a standout.
The film’s plot follows Bond as he investigates missing submarines carrying nuclear warheads, receiving assistance from KGB operative Anya Amasova, and clashing with his massive henchman Richard Kiel’s Jaws in the process.
With a deep look into the most notorious Bond films, this retrospective offers a comprehensive look at the highs and lows of the most beloved spy franchise. From the lowest-rated film to the most iconic one-liners, each Bond film leaves an indelible mark on the audience.
