To celebrate James Bond trailer day, I have compiled the definitive list of the top 5 James Bond films, based on personal opinions, reviews and other top-secret metrics.
5. Dr. No – 1962
Sean Connery helped bring Ian Fleming’s character from the page to the screen for the first time. Joseph Wiseman portrays Dr No, a reclusive member of SPECTRE, who orders a hit on an MI6 Station Chief, forcing Bond to take him down. Not only is the film great, it helped to launch one of the greatest movie franchises of all time and for that we have to appreciate its legacy.
4. Live and Let Die – 1973
Roger Moore’s first taste of MI6 action came in this 1973 classic. Famous for the Wings soundtrack, with its unique voodoo orientated theme, produced by the “fifth Beatle” George Martin and written by Paul and Linda McCartney. To this day, it still holds the record for being the most viewed broadcast film on television when it debuted in 1980. One for the ages.
3. Skyfall – 2012
Skyfall was a homage to all Bond films, setting the villain, the car and constant references to all the old ways. It was the highest grossing Bond films after making over $1 billion at the Box Office, earning them two Academy Awards for the Best Original Song and Best Sound Editing, thanks to Adele’s titular belter.
2. Goldfinger – 1964
Goldfinger produced possibly the Series’ most famous scene in which Jill Masterson dies from “skin suffocation”. A.K.A. she was painted from head to toe in gold paint. Iconic. This was also the first Bond film to win an Oscar for Best Sound Effects Editing by Norman Wanstall. All in all, this film is great and that was shown through the box office takings of $125 million from just a $3 million budget.
And finally, the best James Bond film is …
1. Casino Royale – 2006
Daniel Craig’s first outing as James Bond tops the list. His suave take on the already flashy character was perfectly matched with Mads Mikkelsen’s blood-weeping Le Chiffre. This was the first time Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale was made into a serious film after the 1967 comedy starring David Niven and Peter Sellers. Overall, a phenomenal film, but will No Time to Die top it?
