Not many characters have formed a bond with audiences as strong as James Bond. Since his creation in the 1950’s, Ian Fleming’s spy has appeared in several movies. An iconic figure in popular culture, Bond has become a character audiences treasure. Given the sheer number of movies made about the spy, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for best movies of a spy that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Casino Royale
James Bond is a legendary spy that my father has always loved dearly. I vividly remember developing a strong bond with a father that adored the iconic character. A huge fan of James Bond, he was extremely fond of a character with whom he formed a lifelong bond. He would always love talking about a goldeneye spy falling from the sky with no time to die. Through his strong love for James Bond, my father gave me an appreciation for movies about a spy that I’ve grown to value. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that loved a spy with abilities to enthral, I adored “Casino Royale”. Ever since its release in 2006, Martin Campbell’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest James Bond movie ever made. Campbell’s film forever changed the perceptions of James Bond by introducing a dark, intense and gritty version of the character audiences hadn’t seen before. If previous movies painted the spy as an invincible hero without any faults, the film found a way to bring humanity to James Bond. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Daniel Craig, who offered an unforgettable portrayal of the legendary spy. Craig brought dark intensity to the spy missing from previous versions of the character. For instance, the ending scene in which James Bond states his iconic catchphrase declaring his name after killing a villain is one of the greatest moments of the franchise. Ultimately, what makes “Casino Royale” the best James Bond movie is its humanity. It pulled off the tricky feat of turning James Bond into a person with flaws anyone could identify with. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film that introduced a spy, it’s a strong reminder about a commemorated franchise that has never lost abilities to satisfy.
2. Goldfinger
Sean Connery is a legendary actor that has always portrayed James Bond successfully. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that loved an actor with the ability to engage. I vividly remember a grandfather that grew up to treasure the iconic actor. My grandfather always believed Sean Connery was the best Bond doing complete justice to the iconic character. He loved all the movies about the legendary spy saving the world from danger, but his favourite film was always “Goldfinger”. Released in 1964, Guy Hamilton’s movie established the trademark style of James Bond. Packed with gorgeous gadgetry, globe-trotting locations and sharp humour, the film has stood the test of time as a definitive portrayal of the legendary character. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Sean Connery, who embodied the literary character. Connery definitely brought out a charisma to James Bond that defined the character. Ultimately, what makes “Goldfinger” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. The film captured the appeal of James Bond as a spy whose stories resonate with everyone. As powerful as James Bond’s desire to defeat Goldfinger, it’s a riveting reminder about a legendary character audiences treasure.
3. Skyfall
Bosses are strong figures that have shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with my store manager. Through her larger-than-life presence, she would often give me valuable life guidance. Shining a bright light in darkness, my boss always ensured her employees’ happiness. As someone treasuring heartwarming memories of a boss that’s easy to recall, I adored “Skyfall”. Released in 2012, Daniel Craig’s spectacular sequel brought depth to the spy absent from previous films in the franchise. What makes “Skyfall” stand out in the franchise is its emotional depth. Through focusing on the strong relationship between James Bond and his boss M, the film captured an emotional side to the spy. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Judi Dench, who embodied the authoritative personality of M. Ultimately, what makes “Skyfall” a great James Bond movie is its perfect balance. The film managed to strike a balance between storytelling and spectacle missing from previous James Bond movies. A spectacular tribute towards a spy facing a frightening fall, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated franchise that hasn’t lost capabilities to enthral filled with movies that are always easy for audiences to recall.
4. License to Kill
One of the defining characteristics that makes James Bond a fascinating character is his willingness to kill. He has always had a complex set of morales about whether he should kill the enemies that he is hunting. Each film adaptation has offered a unique interpretation of James Bond’s willingness to kill. Bond’s willingness to kill his victims is most evident in “License to Kill”. Released in 1989, Timothy Dalton’s movie offered a unique hard-edged portrayal of the world-famous spy. In the darkest film of the James Bond franchise, director John Glen explored the world-famous spy’s willingness to kill from a fresh perspective. Unlike most movies in the franchise, “License to Kill” took a huge risk through exploring the character’s tendencies for violence. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Timothy Dalton, who embodies the serious spy. “License to Kill” remains one of the most underrated films in the long-running franchise. A spectacular tribute towards a world-famous spy with a license to kill, it’s a sensational reminder of a franchise with the ability to fulfill expectations that has never lost abilities to thrill.
5. No Time to Die
One of the most common criticisms levelled against the James Bond franchise is poor treatment of women. Several years ago, I developed bonds with a girl that was critical of the hero. A girl with strong feminist views, she hated a legendary spy she thought mistreated women with abuse. She would criticize James Bond movies for depicting women as sexual objects without surprise. As someone treasuring a girl that would criticize the spy, I adored “No Time to Die”. Daniel Craig’s final James Bond film brought the franchise to a conclusion through feminism. Unlike previous films in the franchise, “No Time to Die” gave women the chance to shine. The decision to introduce a female Bond fixing the sexist issues that my friend had with the series. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Lashana Lynch, who embodies a compelling feminist character. Ultimately, what makes “No Time to Die” a great James Bond movie is its risks. The film introduced feminism into a male-dominated franchise through the introduction of a female James Bond which paid off tremendously. A spectacular farewell towards a spy with no time to die, it’s a sensational reminder about a legendary character with unforgettable stories to tell.
6. Dr. No
James Bond is a spy that has always a strong sense of style. With his glamorous suits, charismatic nature and cool gadgetry, Bond has stood the test of time as a stylish icon. Bond’s strong sense of style that makes him an inspirational hero is clearly evident in “Dr. No”. Released in 1962, the first ever James Bond movie did an excellent job of establishing the world-famous character in popular culture. In the most iconic role of his career, Sean Connery embodied the world-famous spy seeking to defeat enemies causing despair. While certain aspects of the film such as sexist portrayal of women are outdated today, it remains an admirable celebration of James Bond’s legacy. A breathtaking beginning of a beloved franchise about spies that are stylish, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary character that audiences have grown to cherish.
7. From Russia With Love
Trains are compelling settings that often make for engaging movies. Ever since detectives solved murders on the orient express, trains have often been used in movies with success. In 1963, Terrence Young captured the enduring appeal of trains audiences love in his film “From Russia With Love”. Unlike any other Bond movie, “From Russia With Love” takes place largely on a speeding train. Young effectively used the setting of a train to create thrilling action sequences way ahead of the time that entertain. At the centre of it all is Sean Connery who proved why he was born to play James Bond. It’s a movie that showcased Sean Connery’s strengths at playing Bond as the iconic spy with charisma. As strong as Bond’s desire to stop a speeding train, it’s a riveting reminder of a franchise that has never lost its abilities to entertain.
8. Goldeneye
Few actors that ever have played James Bond gained appreciation of Pierce Brosnan. Brosnan brought out a charismatic nature to James Bond which was missing from previous versions of the character. With his charming personality, witty one-liners and sex appeal, Brosnan created a distinct version of the character. Brosnan’s strength for playing the commemorated spy is clearly evident in “Goldeneye”. Released in 1995, Brosnan’s first Bond film offered a distinctive interpretation of the world-famous spy. What stands out most about “Goldeneye” in the franchise is its action sequences. It was one of the first films to capture the breathtaking action that has become a commemorated trademark of the franchise. A grand celebration of a goldeneye icon, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated franchise that has earned audiences’ appreciation.
9. The Spy Who Loved Me
James Bond has always been a serious character without a sense of humour. Ever since he was written by Ian Fleming, the spy has always been a serious character that rarely leaves audiences laughing. However, in 1977 Roger Moore showcased the legendary spy’s aptitude for comedy when he made “The Spy Who Loved Me”. In the most comical portrayal of James Bond, Moore brought a sense of humour to the spy that proved refreshing. Unlike most portrayals of the character, Moore’s Bond is sharp, witty and goofy. What makes “The Spy Who Loved Me” stand out in the James Bond franchise is its sharp sense of humour. The film took a risk by its humorous take on James Bond that paid off tremendously. A captivating comical take on a character that’s legendary, it’s a riveting reminder of a spy that audiences have always loved dearly.
10. Quantum of Solace
James Bond hasn’t always formed a strong bond with audiences. While most movies have been successful at honouring the spy, others have fallen short failing to satisfy. Unfortunately, “Quantum of Solace” falls into the latter camp of bad movies. Released in 2008, Marc Foster’s blockbuster is widely regarded as the worst James Bond film ever made. The film failed to celebrate James Bond through its poor storytelling. That being said, the film isn’t a total disaster. For all its faults, the film is saved by Daniel Craig. Daniel Craig has always given his best as Bond in every movie, and here he makes “Quantum of Solace” at the very least watchable. As strong as Bond’s commitment to become a strong agent, it’s a brilliant reminder about a timeless character that I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of writing about entertainment.
The Film Buff 