Many James Bond fans are familiar with their favourite film series from top to bottom, and they know where their preferences lie.
From explosive action sequences to unforgettable villains and iconic one-liners, the Bond films have provided audiences with decades of thrilling adventures – and Rotten Tomatoes has ranked, based on fans’ opinions, the numerous Bond films in order of audience approval.
Here is a list of the top 10 James Bond films, ranked by mega fans, from the lighthearted thrillers to the more serious, introspective entries in the 007 saga:
10. GoldenEye (1995) – 80%
Starring Pierce Brosnan, GoldenEye reintroduced James Bond to a new generation of fans after a six-year hiatus. Bond faces a former ally-turned-enemy, Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), who has stolen a powerful satellite weapon capable of mass destruction. In a high-tech, action-packed world, Bond must stop Trevelyan from using the satellite to wreak havoc.
“Critics Consensus: The first and best Pierce Brosnan Bond film, GoldenEye brings the series into a more modern context, and the result is a 007 entry that’s high-tech, action-packed, and urbane.”
9. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) – 81%
In George Lazenby’s sole turn as James Bond, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service offers one of the most dramatic and emotional installments in the series. Bond falls in love with Tracy di Vincenzo (Diana Rigg), but his relationship with her takes a tragic turn in one of the franchise’s most unforgettable endings. The film also features breathtaking ski chases, beautiful locations, and a thrilling final showdown.
“Critics Consensus: George Lazenby’s only appearance as 007 is a fine entry in the series, featuring one of the most intriguing Bond girls in Tracy di Vincenzo (Diana Rigg), breathtaking visuals, and some great ski chases.”
8. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – 82%
Roger Moore’s Bond hit its peak with The Spy Who Loved Me, offering a perfect mix of action, humor, and adventure. Bond teams up with Russian agent Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach) to foil the plans of the megalomaniac villain Stromberg (Curd Jürgens), who is trying to start a world war. With memorable gadgets, exciting underwater action sequences, and the addition of the iconic Jaws (Richard Kiel), The Spy Who Loved Me is widely regarded as the best of Moore’s tenure.
“Critics Consensus: Though it hints at the absurdity to come in later installments, The Spy Who Loved Me‘s sleek style, menacing villains, and sly wit make it the best of the Roger Moore era.”
7. No Time to Die (2021) – 83%
Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond in No Time to Die brings a satisfying conclusion to his portrayal of the iconic spy. Bond, who has retired from active service, is drawn back into the world of espionage when a mysterious villain (Rami Malek) emerges, threatening the safety of the world.
“Critics Consensus: It isn’t the sleekest or most daring 007 adventure, but No Time to Die concludes Daniel Craig’s franchise tenure in satisfying style.”
6. Thunderball (1965) – 85%
A classic Bond adventure, Thunderball sees Sean Connery return as 007 to stop the criminal organization SPECTRE from hijacking NATO warheads. The film is famous for its lavish set pieces, including underwater action scenes, and Connery’s suave portrayal of Bond.
“Critics Consensus: Lavishly rendered set pieces and Sean Connery’s enduring charm make Thunderball a big, fun adventure, even if it doesn’t quite measure up to the series’ previous heights.”
5. Skyfall (2012) – 92%
Sam Mendes brought James Bond into the 21st century with Skyfall, which blends stylish action with a deeper emotional narrative. When MI6 is compromised, Bond must confront his past, particularly with the return of the villainous Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem).
“Critics Consensus: Sam Mendes brings Bond surging back with a smart, sexy, riveting action thriller that qualifies as one of the best 007 films to date.”
4. Casino Royale (2006) – 94%
Casino Royale marked the beginning of Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007 and rebooted the franchise with a fresh, gritty approach. In this film, Bond must stop the villain Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a banker for terrorists, by defeating him at a high-stakes poker game. Craig’s portrayal of Bond was lauded for its emotional depth and intensity, showcasing a more vulnerable and human side of the iconic spy.
“Critics Consensus: Casino Royale disposes of the silliness and gadgetry that plagued recent James Bond outings, and Daniel Craig delivers what fans and critics have been waiting for: a caustic, haunted, intense reinvention of 007.”
3. Dr. No (1962) – 95%
The film that started it all, Dr. No introduces Sean Connery as James Bond and sets the stage for the entire franchise. Bond is tasked with investigating the mysterious Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman), who plans to disrupt American space launches from his island lair. While the film’s production values may seem modest by today’s standards, Dr. No remains one of the most important films for audiences worldwide.
“Critics Consensus: Featuring plenty of the humor, action, and escapist thrills the series would become known for, Dr. No kicks off the Bond franchise in style.”
2. From Russia with Love (1963) – 97%
Arguably one of the tightest and most intense thrillers in the Bond series, From Russia with Love finds James Bond (Sean Connery) entangled in a dangerous plot by the Soviet Union’s secret service, SMERSH. Bond must protect a valuable cryptograph and navigate through a complex web of enemies, including the deadly assassin Red Grant (Robert Shaw).
“Critics Consensus: The second James Bond film, From Russia with Love is a razor-sharp, briskly-paced Cold War thriller that features several electrifying action scenes.”
1. Goldfinger (1964) – 99%
Topping the list of fans’ favorite Bond films is the iconic Goldfinger. This third Bond film saw Sean Connery in his prime as 007, facing off against the megalomaniac villain Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe). The film introduced several elements that would define the series, including the iconic Aston Martin DB5, a memorable Bond girl (Pussy Galore, played by Honor Blackman), and the now-legendary line: “A martini. Shaken, not stirred.”
“Critics Consensus: Goldfinger is where James Bond as we know him comes into focus – it features one of 007’s most famous lines (“A martini. Shaken, not stirred.”) and a wide range of gadgets that would become the series’ trademark.”