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Want to Watch a James Bond Movie? These Are My Top Picks

I know the Bond movies inside and out. Let me help you find the right one to watch tonight.

CNET 2 min read 3/10
Want to Watch a James Bond Movie? These Are My Top Picks
Key Takeaways
  • There are 25 official Eon Productions James Bond films, from Dr. No (1962) to No Time to Die (2021).
  • Six actors have played Bond: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.
  • Skyfall (2012) is the highest-grossing Bond film at $1.11 billion worldwide.
  • Goldfinger (1964) is widely considered the film that defined the Bond formula: gadgets, girls, and a megalomaniac villain.
  • Daniel Craig's five-film arc (2006–2021) is praised for bringing emotional depth and continuity to the character.
HOOK: Deciding which of the 25 official James Bond films to watch can be more daunting than defusing a nuclear bomb in a villain's lair. LEAD: CNET's Bond expert has curated a definitive guide to the 007 franchise, helping both newcomers and seasoned fans navigate the golden era of Sean Connery, the camp of Roger Moore, the grit of Daniel Craig, and everything in between. CONTEXT: The James Bond series, produced by Eon Productions, has spanned six decades and featured six actors as the iconic British spy, from Dr. No (1962) to No Time to Die (2021). With the franchise now at a crossroads after Daniel Craig's departure, fans are revisiting classics and discovering lesser-known entries. KEY DETAILS: The guide ranks the best Bond movies across eras, highlighting Top Picks like Goldfinger (1964) for its quintessential Bond formula, Casino Royale (2006) as the best modern reboot, and On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) as an underrated gem. It also notes standout performances from actors such as Sean Connery (6 films), Roger Moore (7 films), Pierce Brosnan (4 films), and Daniel Craig (5 films). The most successful Bond film at the global box office is Skyfall (2012) with $1.11 billion, while Dr. No started it all for just $60 million. ANALYSIS: The Bond franchise remains a cultural touchstone, influencing spy thrillers, fashion, and even geopolitics. With Amazon's acquisition of MGM in 2022, the future of Bond—both the actor and the tone—is under intense speculation. Critics argue that the series must evolve for modern audiences while retaining its core appeal. OUTLOOK: Fans eagerly await news on the next James Bond, with names like Idris Elba and Henry Cavill frequently floated. Until then, CNET's guide provides the perfect roadmap to revisit the world's most famous secret agent, one martini (shaken, not stirred) at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

For newcomers, start with Casino Royale (2006) — it's a modern reboot that introduces Daniel Craig's Bond with emotional depth and clear stakes. Or go classic with Goldfinger (1964) to experience the formula that defined the franchise.

Opinions vary, but Sean Connery is often cited as the original and most definitive Bond. Daniel Craig is praised for bringing a gritty, humanized version. Roger Moore is beloved for his suave comedic style. Each actor brings a unique take.

There are 25 official James Bond films produced by Eon Productions, starting with Dr. No (1962) and ending with No Time to Die (2021). Two unofficial films also exist: Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again (1983).

Not necessary. Most Bond films are standalone, so you can jump in anywhere. However, the Daniel Craig era (2006–2021) has a connected storyline, so watching those in order enhances the experience.

Skyfall (2012), starring Daniel Craig, is the highest-grossing Bond film with over $1.11 billion worldwide. It was also the first Bond film to cross the billion-dollar mark.

Yes, the franchise will continue. Eon Productions and Amazon (via MGM) are developing a new film. The next James Bond actor has not been announced yet, with speculation swirling around Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, and others.

Topics

James Bond 007 movies best Bond films Bond actors spy films movie franchise Bond guide

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