September 21st 2024.
The world of cinema was taken by storm with the release of the iconic James Bond franchise, spanning over six decades with a total of 27 beloved films. These cinematic masterpieces, based on the novels about the fictional British agent 007 created by Sir Ian Fleming, have captured the hearts of fans with their nail-biting action sequences, alluring Bond girls, futuristic gadgets, and sharp one-liners.
Over the years, several stars have taken on the role of the suave secret agent, from the first man to grace the legendary tux, Sean Connery, to the most recent portrayal by Daniel Craig. And as the search begins for the next Bond, names like Idris Elba, Taron Egerton, Regé-Jean Page, Theo James, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have been rumored to be in the running for the coveted role.
With such a long-standing and beloved franchise, it's no surprise that everyone has their own opinion on the best and worst of the Bond films. Thankfully, review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has provided a definitive ranking based on critics' reviews. So without further ado, let's take a look at the top five Bond films of all time, from a modern classic to a record-breaking installment.
Coming in at number five is Skyfall, the third outing of Daniel Craig as 007. Directed by Sam Mendes and featuring Javier Bardem as the sinister villain Raoul Silva, the film sees Bond tasked with investigating a series of data leaks and attacks on MI6. With a whopping $1 billion worldwide gross, Skyfall is not only the highest-grossing Bond film but also the seventh highest-grossing film of all time. It received five nominations at the 85th Academy Awards and holds a mighty impressive 92% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
Just edging out Skyfall by 2% is Craig's debut as Bond in Casino Royale, the fourth highest-grossing film of 2006. The film follows Bond as he travels to Madagascar to uncover a link to Le Chiffre, a man who finances terrorist organizations. With a stacked ensemble cast and a more inexperienced and multi-faceted Bond, Casino Royale was a huge success, grossing over $600 million worldwide. And with a score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's hailed as a "caustic, haunted, intense reinvention of 007."
Taking us back to the swinging sixties, we have the first Eon Bond film, Dr. No, at number three. Starring Sean Connery as Bond, the film follows him on a mission to investigate the disappearance of a fellow agent and stop the scheming Dr. Julius No from disrupting an American space launch. It introduced many of the franchise's familiar tropes and was a commercial success, grossing $6 million worldwide. With a stellar 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's praised for its humor, action, and escapist thrills.
At number two is From Russia With Love, which improved on the formula set by Dr. No. Following the death of Dr. No, Bond is sent to assist in the defection of Soviet consulate clerk Tatiana Romanova. But his mission is thrown into disarray by SPECTRE's plans to avenge their fallen comrade. Made on a budget of just $2 million, the film went on to gross over $78 million and received a BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography. It's often featured on lists of the greatest Bond films of all time, and Rotten Tomatoes critics agree, giving it a 97% rating.
And finally, taking the top spot with a near-perfect score of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes is the iconic Goldfinger. This film is packed with all the classic Bond moments we know and love, from facing death via a laser beam to the introduction of the memorable character Pussy Galore. With a budget bigger than the previous two films combined and a theme song by Dame Shirley Bassey, Goldfinger solidified the franchise's status as a classic. It grossed over $120 million worldwide and even won an Academy Award. It's no wonder it's often hailed as the best Bond film of all time.
So there you have it, the top five Bond films according to Rotten Tomatoes. With such a long and successful franchise, it's clear that James Bond will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. Who knows what the future holds for the next Bond, but one thing's for sure, the world will be eagerly awaiting the next installment. What's your favorite Bond film? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
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