10 Best Bond Movies that You Should Watch

Must watch Bond films

Skyfall remains the most commercially-successful Bond movie ever made. Released in 2012, it featured Daniel Craig in his third appearance as the character. It was made at a budget of 200 million dollars and earned in excess of 1.1 billion dollars around the world. The film was highly praised by critics for its fabulous acting, especially by the lead trio of Dame Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, and Craig himself. Other elements of the film such as writing and script, direction of Sam Mendes, and cinematography were lauded as well. The score by Thomas Newton, which featured the iconic title song by Adele, and the action scenes, also became highly popular.

Thunderball

Released in 1965, Thunderball – featuring Sean Connery as James Bond – is the second highest-grossing Bond film after being adjusted for inflation. It was made at a budget of $9 million and went on to collect $141.2 million. The film was highly praised by a section of critics and viewers alike, who regarded it as a welcome inclusion to the franchise. The visual effects and production design of the film were of the highest order as well.

Goldfinger

Goldfinger released in 1964 and is the third most successful film in the Bond series when adjusted for inflation. It is the third Bond movie with Sean Connery essaying the said role. It was made at a budget of $3 million and earned $124.9 million. In many ways this film acts as a groundbreaker by introducing elements that were used later on in other Bond films. This includes the ample usage of various gadgets and technological devices by the titular character. There were also lots of pre-credits scenes that were not there in the primary storyline. It was also received favorably by critics and became the first Bond film to win an Academy Award. It is also regarded as one of the most critical films in the series.

Live and Let Die

This was the first Bond film featuring Roger Moore. It released in 1973 and till date remains the fourth most commercially-successful Bond film after being adjusted for inflation. Made at a budget of $7 million it earned $161.8 million all over the world. The film was praised by critics and is in many ways a departure from earlier films. It was the first Bond film that does not have a megalomaniac villain and instead focuses on real issues like drug trafficking. It is also first film in the series where an African-American lady is shown romancing the central character. One of the highlights of the movie is the title song. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song, written by Linda and Paul McCartney, and performed by Wings, a band that had the songwriters as well.

You Only Live Twice

Released in 1967 this is the fifth Bond film for Sean Connery and also the fifth highest grosser among Bond films, when adjusted for inflation. It was made at a cost of $10.3 million and collected $111.6 million from around the world. It was very well received by critics.

The Spy Who Loved Me

The Spy Who Loved Me released in 1977 and was the third Bond film with Roger Moore as the central character. When adjusted for inflation it remains the sixth highest grosser among Bond films. It was made at a budget of $14 million and it earned $185.4 million. This film was praised by critics as well. The soundtrack of the film, composed by Marvin Hamlisch, was highly successful as well. The film was also selected for three Academy Awards.

Casino Royale

Released in 2006 this was the first Bond film to feature Daniel Craig. After being adjusted for inflation it is the seventh most commercially-successful Bond film. It cost $150 million dollars to make the film and it earned $600 million and above from across the world. The film was highly praised by critics with Craig being credited for the way he had interpreted the character. Yet another highlight of the film was the way in which it departed from previous Bond films.

Moonraker

This was the fourth Bond film with Roger Moore as the central character. It was made at a budget of $34 million and earned $210.3 million all around the world. Adjusted for inflation, this makes it the eighth highest grosser among Bond films. Even though the film received both positive and negative reviews from critics, its visuals were praised.

Diamonds are Forever

Released in 1983, this is the sixth Bond film to have Sean Connery as the central character. Adjusted for inflation this is the ninth highest grossing Bond film. It was made at a budget of $7.2 million and earned $116 million around the world. This film marked the return of Sean Connery to the series after George Lazenby quit. In spite of its undoubted commercial success it was criticized for its camp tone.

Quantum of Solace

Quantum of Solace released in 2008 and was the second Bond film featuring Daniel Craig in the lead role. When adjusted for inflation it remains the tenth highest grossing Bond film. It cost $200 million but earned $586 million. This is regarded as the most violent of Bonds films. The film received mixed reviews from critics with Daniel Craig’s determined performance earning lot of praise. The action sequences in the film were praised as well.

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