Celebrating 50 years of Bond films

Many actors have occupied the shoes of 007 over the past 50 years, including Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and most recently, Daniel Craig. While each of these actors have seen various levels of success with the role, there are some we remember more than others.

As Skyfall marks the 23rd film in the series, we thought it would be fun to look at the top 10 Bond films that are regularly recognized as the best in the franchise.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

While some consider the George Lazenby’s Bond to be forgettable, many note that this film manages to earn tenth place because it has one of the strongest plots in the history of the series, and Lazenby’s ability to perform stunts was more convincing than any other Bond. Had he not given up the role after this film, he could have developed into one of the most memorable Bonds in the series.

Live and Let Die (1973)

The stylish film is easily considered one of Roger Moore’s best in the series, with Jane Seymour as the quintessential Bond girl and a memorable villain in Mr. Big/Kananga. It also has one of the strongest soundtracks.

Thunderball (1965)

Sean Connery’s fourth Bond film features high quality underwater scenes (unheard of at the time), a real working jet pack, a strong cast and story line. If you account for inflation, it is also the highest grossing Bond film in the series.

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Dr. No (1962) 

The first Bond film in the series, Dr.No launched Sean Connery into international stardom. With one of the best locations in the franchise, it also features the famous scene where Ursula Andress emerges from the sea in a white bikini.

License To Kill (1989)

While Timothy Dalton’s Bond is a polarizing topic for some Bond fans, many note that Bond was never supposed to be a superhero, and that Dalton played the role as it was written in the books. He is mature, serious, and must use his wits and natural strength to survive the extreme situations he is thrust into.

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Roger Moore’s third film shows him embodying the role to his fullest potential, and it marks a new era in the series, with gadgets galore, arch-enemies out to destroy the world, and beautiful women and stunt men in spades.

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Casino Royale (2006)

Daniel Craig’s first take on the role was a resounding success. The character returned to its novel roots presenting a more human Bond, one who makes mistakes, gets angry, falls in love, and doesn’t enjoy his talent for killing.

Goldeneye (1995)

In his debut as Bond, Pierce Brosnan easily proves he has the charisma needed to portray an infallible 007, balancing the coldness of Connery and the humor of Moore to put his stamp on the role. It also features one of the most unforgettable opening scene’s in the entire series.

From Russia With Love (1963)

Despite the trend for the first movie in the series to be the best, with the Connery Bond roles it seemed the opposite was true. With each film, the performances were elevated and the character more fully developed. This, the second in the series, improves upon the memorable stage that Dr. No set with a more significant love story, along with a slew of memorable characters.

 Goldfinger (1964)

Widely recognized as the best Bond film of all and easily the most memorable performance from Connery, Goldfinger features the famous character Pussy Galore, and sees Goldfinger planning a raid on Fort Knox. Many consider Auric Goldfinger to be the definitive villian in Bond history.

What is your favourite Bond film? Let us know in the comments!

Sources: Washington Post, 007 James, Epinions, Listverse, Wikipedia

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