James Bond Movies in Order: Ultimate Watch Guide

If you’re looking to watch the entire James Bond film franchise, you might be wondering about the best way to do so. The most straightforward way to dive into the world of 007 is by watching the movies in their release order. Starting with the iconic “Dr. No” from 1962 and ending with “No Time to Die” from 2021, this approach lets you experience the evolution of the series.

Watching the James Bond movies in order of release not only gives you a sense of the character’s development but also highlights the changes in film style and technology over the decades. It showcases the different actors who have portrayed the famous spy, from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, each bringing their own unique take on the character.

For those interested in seeing the full list of James Bond films, there are comprehensive guides available online. Check out this detailed list of James Bond films or explore a chronological guide to get started on your James Bond marathon.

Sean Connery Era

The Sean Connery era introduced the world to James Bond and established many of the franchise’s most iconic elements. Connery’s portrayal is often credited with setting the standard for the character.

1. Dr. No (1962)

“Dr. No” was the first James Bond film. It introduced Sean Connery as James Bond, a British secret agent. In the movie, Bond is sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of a fellow British agent. There, he encounters Dr. No, a villain with plans to disrupt the American space program. The film is notable for its introduction of the iconic Bond theme song, the “shaken, not stirred” martini, and the first appearance of the Bond girl, Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder.

2. From Russia with Love (1963)

In “From Russia with Love,” Bond is assigned to help a Soviet defector. However, the mission is a setup by SPECTRE to avenge the death of Dr. No. The film features intense action sequences, a compelling plot, and the introduction of major characters like Q and Blofeld. The fight scene between Bond and Red Grant on the Orient Express is a highlight and showcases Connery’s ability to combine charm with physicality.

3. Goldfinger (1964)

“Goldfinger” is one of the most famous James Bond films. Bond investigates gold magnate Auric Goldfinger, who is suspected of smuggling gold. The film features the memorable line “Do you expect me to talk? No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die,” and the iconic image of Jill Masterson covered in gold paint. The movie also introduces the Aston Martin DB5, equipped with gadgets like an ejector seat and machine guns, which became a signature of the series.

4. Thunderball (1965)

“Thunderball” centers on the theft of two nuclear warheads by the criminal organization SPECTRE, which demands a ransom to avoid their use. Bond travels to the Bahamas to locate the warheads. The film is known for its underwater action sequences and elaborate set pieces. Connery’s performance as Bond remains strong, balancing sophistication and ruthlessness. The movie’s success solidified the franchise’s popularity.

5. You Only Live Twice (1967)

In “You Only Live Twice,” Bond fakes his death to go undercover in Japan. He discovers a secret SPECTRE base inside a dormant volcano. The film dives into Japanese culture and features action-packed sequences involving ninjas and volcano lairs. This movie introduced the now well-known villain Blofeld, played by Donald Pleasence, and is remembered for its elaborate sets and imaginative storyline.

6. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

“Diamonds Are Forever” marked Connery’s return to the role after a brief departure. Bond investigates a diamond smuggling operation that leads him to Las Vegas. He uncovers a plot by Blofeld to use diamonds to create a space-based laser weapon. The film has a lighter tone compared to previous entries, featuring car chases, humor, and flamboyant settings. Connery’s portrayal is more relaxed, adding a touch of charm to the spy’s dangerous mission.

7. Never Say Never Again (1983)

“Never Say Never Again” is not an official Eon Productions Bond film but a remake of “Thunderball.” It features an older Bond coming out of retirement to stop SPECTRE from using stolen nuclear warheads. The film includes elements like Bond’s training scenes, his rivalry with villain Largo, and the reintroduction of familiar gadgets. Despite not being part of the official series, Connery’s return to the character after a 12-year absence was highly anticipated.

George Lazenby Era

George Lazenby’s brief tenure as James Bond saw just one film. Despite being offered a longer contract, Lazenby chose to step away from the role due to his belief that the character would become outdated.

1. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

Lazenby made his mark as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This movie is known for its unique take on the Bond universe.

The plot revolves around Bond trying to stop the villain Blofeld from using biological warfare. In the process, he meets Tracy di Vicenzo, who later becomes his wife. The film includes memorable ski chases and dramatic action scenes.

Lazenby brought a different style to Bond, shifting from Connery’s suave demeanor to something more raw and intense. While his portrayal received mixed reviews, the film itself is often praised for its emotional depth and engaging storyline.

Roger Moore Era

Roger Moore took on the role of James Bond in the 1970s and 1980s, delivering a lighter, more humorous take on the iconic character. His portrayal brought a mix of action and wit, appealing to a new generation of fans.

1. Live and Let Die (1973)

“Live and Let Die” marked Roger Moore’s first appearance as James Bond. This film stands out for its unique setting, incorporating elements of blaxploitation and voodoo. I remember the boat chase sequence as one of the most thrilling scenes.

The plot revolves around Bond’s mission to investigate the mysterious deaths of three British agents, leading him to Dr. Kananga, a ruthless drug lord. Jane Seymour starred as the psychic Solitaire, adding a mystical element to the storyline. The movie’s theme song by Paul McCartney & Wings remains one of the most iconic Bond songs to date.

2. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

In “The Man with the Golden Gun,” Roger Moore’s Bond faces off against the assassin Francisco Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee. Scaramanga is known for his distinctive weapon — a golden gun.

The film is set in exotic locations like Thailand and Macau. The story follows Bond as he tracks down Scaramanga, who plans to use solar energy to create a powerful weapon. I found the duel between Bond and Scaramanga on the latter’s private island to be a highlight. The film also introduced the memorable henchman, Nick Nack, played by Hervé Villechaize.

3. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

“The Spy Who Loved Me” is often considered one of Moore’s best Bond films. The movie begins with a thrilling ski chase, featuring Bond’s escape with a parachute emblazoned with the Union Jack.

The story revolves around a partnership between Bond and Soviet agent Anya Amasova, played by Barbara Bach. Together, they must thwart the plans of the villainous Karl Stromberg, who aims to create an underwater utopia by destroying the world above. The introduction of the character Jaws, a henchman with steel teeth, adds a unique twist to the film. The chemistry between Moore and Bach makes the movie engaging.

4. Moonraker (1979)

“Moonraker” takes Bond into space, riding on the success of the “Star Wars” phenomenon. The movie features Hugo Drax as the villain, who plans to wipe out the human race and repopulate Earth with a master race.

The film’s most memorable scenes include Bond’s zero-gravity fight and the spectacular space station battle. Lois Chiles stars as Dr. Holly Goodhead, a CIA agent who partners with Bond. While some fans found the space elements a bit far-fetched, I appreciated the film’s ambition and special effects.

5. For Your Eyes Only (1981)

“For Your Eyes Only” returns to a more grounded approach, focusing on espionage and intrigue. The plot centers around Bond’s mission to recover a stolen encryption device that can control British submarines.

Carole Bouquet plays the Bond girl, Melina Havelock, who seeks revenge for her parents’ murder. The film features intense action sequences, including a thrilling rock-climbing scene and a dramatic underwater battle. I found Moore’s portrayal in this film to be more serious, highlighting his versatility as an actor.

6. Octopussy (1983)

“Octopussy” sees Bond uncovering a nuclear plot involving a rogue Soviet general. The film’s title character, played by Maud Adams, is a wealthy businesswoman and leader of a circus smuggling operation.

The action spans various locations, including India and Germany. Highlights include Bond’s daring escape on a train and a climactic showdown at a circus. I enjoyed the blend of espionage and exotic locales, making this film a classic in the Moore era.

7. A View to a Kill (1985)

Roger Moore’s final Bond film, “A View to a Kill,” pits him against the villain Max Zorin, portrayed by Christopher Walken. Zorin plans to destroy Silicon Valley to monopolize the microchip market.

The movie features memorable action sequences, such as a chase on the Eiffel Tower and a final battle on the Golden Gate Bridge. Tanya Roberts stars as Stacey Sutton, a geologist who aids Bond. I appreciated Moore’s swan song performance, delivering a mix of charm and toughness to conclude his Bond tenure.

Timothy Dalton Era

Timothy Dalton’s portrayal of James Bond introduced a darker, more serious take on the character. His tenure as the iconic spy was short but memorable, with only two films to his name.

1. The Living Daylights (1987)

“The Living Daylights” marked Timothy Dalton’s debut as James Bond. The movie starts with Bond aiding a Soviet defector who has valuable information about an arms dealer.

Dalton’s performance is noted for its gritty realism. He sought to align the character more closely with Ian Fleming’s original novels. This film set a different tone from previous Bond movies, focusing on a more realistic and less gadget-driven portrayal.

The plot is intense, with Bond uncovering a larger conspiracy involving the KGB and the arms trade. Directed by John Glen, “The Living Daylights” was well-received, praised for its action sequences and Dalton’s fresh take on the character.

Pierce Brosnan Era

Pierce Brosnan brought a fresh energy to the James Bond series, starting with “GoldenEye” in 1995. His era is known for revitalizing the franchise and introducing new fans to the classic spy character.

1. GoldenEye (1995)

“GoldenEye” was Pierce Brosnan’s debut as James Bond. It marked a new beginning for the series after a six-year hiatus. The plot revolves around Bond facing a rogue MI6 agent, Alec Trevelyan, who plans to use a satellite weapon to cause global financial chaos. Iconic for its action scenes and memorable characters, this movie redefined Bond for the 90s.

GoldenEye not only introduced Brosnan as Bond but also gave us Judi Dench as M, adding depth to the series. The film’s success paved the way for three more Brosnan-led Bond films.

2. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

“Tomorrow Never Dies” pits Bond against media mogul Elliot Carver, who manipulates international events to boost his empire. The movie stands out for its high-tech gadgets, intense action sequences, and the introduction of Chinese agent Wai Lin, played by Michelle Yeoh.

This movie showcased Bond’s adaptability in a world increasingly dominated by media and technology. Brosnan’s performance was both charismatic and nuanced, solidifying his place in the pantheon of great Bonds.

3. The World is Not Enough (1999)

In “The World is Not Enough,” Bond is tasked with protecting Elektra King, an oil heiress, from Renard, a terrorist who feels no pain. This film delves into themes of trust and betrayal, as Bond navigates a complex web of intrigue.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Brosnan’s chemistry with co-stars and the intricate storytelling make this one of the more complex and engaging movies in the series.

4. Die Another Day (2002)

“Die Another Day” was Brosnan’s final outing as James Bond. The movie features Bond uncovering a North Korean plot involving a space-based weapon. Known for its elaborate settings and action-packed scenes, this movie pushed the boundaries of the Bond franchise.

Significant for including Halle Berry’s Jinx, a character who almost received her own spin-off, “Die Another Day” combined tradition with modern flourishes. The movie’s ambitious stunts and Brosnan’s consistent performance provided a fitting end to his Bond era.

The Pierce Brosnan era brought the James Bond franchise back into the spotlight, blending classic spy elements with contemporary themes and action sequences. Each film contributed to the evolution of a character beloved by audiences worldwide.

Daniel Craig Era

Daniel Craig redefined the James Bond character for a new generation. His portrayal brought a raw, emotional depth to the iconic spy, paired with intense action scenes and intricate plots.

1. Casino Royale (2006)

Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond in Casino Royale marked a departure from previous interpretations of 007. The film, based on Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel, tells the origin story of Bond’s career. Craig brings a rugged, more vulnerable side to the character, showing Bond’s development into the suave and hardened spy we know.

The movie features an intense poker game at the Casino Royale, where Bond faces off against the villain Le Chiffre. The action scenes were innovative, featuring parkour and high-stakes chases. Casino Royale is crucial in understanding Craig’s Bond, as it lays down the foundation of his character.

2. Quantum of Solace (2008)

Quantum of Solace picks up directly after the events of Casino Royale. The film is driven by Bond’s quest for revenge for Vesper Lynd’s betrayal and death. This installment is notable for its fast-paced action and darker tone, as Bond battles the shadowy organization Quantum.

The film includes intense sequences, such as car chases, boat pursuits, and aerial dogfights. Despite mixed reviews, it provides crucial insight into Bond’s emotional state and his evolution. Quantum of Solace is central to understanding the complexities of Craig’s 007, highlighting his unrelenting drive for justice.

3. Skyfall (2012)

Skyfall is considered one of the best Bond films. Directed by Sam Mendes, it brings Bond back to his roots while modernizing the franchise. The story revolves around an attack on MI6 and Bond’s loyalty to M, played by Judi Dench.

This film delves deeper into Bond’s past, including his childhood home and his parents’ deaths. The cinematography is exceptional, with visually stunning scenes like the fight in a neon-lit Shanghai building. Skyfall balances character development with action, making it a standout in Craig’s era.

4. Spectre (2015)

Spectre connects the dots of the previous films, revealing the sinister organization behind Bond’s past adversaries. Christoph Waltz plays Blofeld, Bond’s arch-nemesis, marking a significant turning point in the story arc.

The film revisits Bond’s history, linking his personal and professional lives. Spectacular action sequences, such as the opening helicopter fight in Mexico City, are complemented by a deeper exploration of Bond’s psyche. Spectre is pivotal in tying together the narrative threads of Craig’s tenure.

5. No Time to Die (2021)

In No Time to Die, Bond has left active service but is pulled back into action by a new threat. The film is notable for closing out Craig’s era with emotional and narrative resolution.

Rami Malek portrays the villain Safin, whose plan threatens millions. The film features epic action set pieces, but it also focuses on Bond’s personal life, including his relationship with Madeleine Swann and his legacy. No Time to Die is a fitting conclusion to Craig’s portrayal of 007, bringing his journey full circle.

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