The Bond franchisehas charmed audiences for decades and, with speculation rife over who the next 007 will be, looks like it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. SinceDr. No, there have been twenty-five 007 films, spanning a range of tones and styles, and with different actors placing their distinctive spin on the character. This approach has resulted in some classics as well as not a few duds. With this in mind, this list looks at some of the most over-hated or neglected entries in the storied franchise.
Whether due to tonal shifts, experimental approaches, or simply being caught in the shadow of more celebrated entries,these movies deserve a closer look.Each offers its own unique flavor of espionage, action, and intrigue and, while flawed, still boasts at least a few merits. From underappreciated performances to ambitious plots, these overlooked gems showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of 007.
10’Die Another Day' (2002)
Directed by Lee Tamahori
“Ice can break, Mr. Bond. Can you?”Pierce Brosnan’s final outing as Bond was a financial success but received mixed reviews, with much criticism aimed at the over-the-top gadgets, CGI, and product placement. These points are valid, butDie Another Daystill features a few memorable moments. The story begins with Bond being captured and tortured in North Korea before escaping and embarking on a globe-trotting mission to uncover a diamond-smuggling operation tied to a new space weapon.
Halle Berry’s supporting performancequickly became iconic, andRosamund Pikeis enjoyable in her role as MI6 double agent Miranda Frost. Plus, it’s fun to spot all the film’s references to earlier Bond movies. Admittedly, scenes like Brosnan surfing a tsunami are pretty cringe-y, butoverall the actor is at his most confident and at ease here. It’s easy to see why he was sad to be dropped from the franchise. Fundamentally,Die Another Daymay be silly, but it’s not boring.
Die Another Day
James Bond is sent to investigate the connection between a North Korean terrorist and a diamond mogul, who is funding the development of an international space weapon.
9’A View to a Kill' (1985)
Directed by John Glen
“Max Zorin’s plan is as insane as he is.”A View to a Killfollows Bond (Roger Moore) as he investigates Max Zorin (Christopher Walken), who plans to destroy Silicon Valley to gain a monopoly on the microchip market. Bond teams up with geologist Stacey Sutton (Tanya Roberts) to thwart Zorin’s catastrophic scheme. Once again, critics were lukewarm, with many complaining about the campy ton and Moore’s age. Even the actor himself is said to have disliked the film.
And yet, several factors compensate at least a little, chief among themWalken’s winning villain performance. He’s delightfully menacing and unhinged here, as one would expect. There are also some solid stunts and action sequences, and the plot wastes little time in getting started. The music is decent too, with Duran Duran’s theme song hitting number one on the Billboard charts. All these elements add up to zany escapist fare that will appeal to at least a certain subsection of the Bond fandom.
A View to a Kill
8’Moonraker' (1979)
Directed by Lewis Gilbert
“Look after Mr. Bond. See that some harm comes to him.”Moonrakerisone of the most divisive Bond films, which is understandable given its outlandish premise. Roger Moore leads the cast, this time looking into the theft of a space shuttle and uncovering a plot by industrialist Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale) to create a new human civilization in space while wiping out life on Earth.
The decision to launch 007 into space is thoroughly ridiculous (probably intended to cash in onStar Warshype), butMoonrakeris still reasonably engaging in a cartoony way. It’ll be up to individual views to decide whether the action scenes and comedic bits are fun or wearisome. The cast is all on form at least, turning in committed and energetic performances. Some aspects ofMoonrakerhave aged poorly, but the special effects and lavish production design were impressive for the time.
7’The World Is Not Enough' (1999)
Directed by Michael Apted
“There’s no point in living if you may’t feel alive.” In this one,Brosnan’s Bond faces a more personal and emotionally charged mission as he investigates the assassination of oil tycoon Sir Robert King. Bond is tasked with protecting King’s daughter, Elektra (Sophie Marceau), who becomes entangled with Renard (Robert Carlyle), a terrorist impervious to pain.The resulting film aims to be more character-driventhan most of the preceding installments; a commendable target that it doesn’t always hit.
Both villains are layered and compelling - Marceau is manipulative, Carlyle chilling - and Brosnan also adds depth through his performance. In addition,Judi Denchis terrific as M, with the film giving her more screen time, whileDesmond Llewellynhas a bittersweet sendoff in his final performance as Q.Robbie Coltranealso appears in a very un-Hagrid part as Russian mafia boss Valentin Zukovsky.The World is Not Enoughdoesn’t always bring these elements together, but the attempt makes it more interestingthan its critics make out.
The World is Not Enough
6’Diamonds Are Forever' (1971)
Directed by Guy Hamilton
“Hi, I’m Plenty… Plenty O’Toole.”Diamonds Are ForevermarkedSean Connery’s return to the role after a brief hiatus. He pursues a diamond smuggling operation connected to archvillain Blofeld (Charles Gray), who plans to use the diamonds to create a powerful laser satellite. Along the way, Bond encounters Tiffany Case (Jill St. John), a feisty jewel smuggler, and Plenty O’Toole (Lana Wood), a comically ill-fated femme fatale.
The movie is perhaps best remembered now for itsShirley Basseytheme song, but it was generally well-liked on release. Subsequent reviewers have been harsher toward it, with many panning the supporting cast, the humor, the satellite concept, and calling the plot derivative. Nevertheless,Diamonds Are Foreversucceeds as a flawed but compelling mix of intrigue, action, and humor. Connery’s performance is not the best but he’s still charismatic and forceful, delivering the witty lines with utter cool, proving why he remains the world’s most beloved Bond.
Diamonds Are Forever
James Bond infiltrates a diamond smuggling ring, uncovering a plot by his arch-nemesis Blofeld to build a space-based laser weapon. From Amsterdam to Las Vegas, Bond faces off against Blofeld’s henchmen and foils the plan, ensuring the diamonds return to their rightful owners.
5’Octopussy' (1983)
“Mr. Bond is indeed of a very rare breed… soon to be made extinct.” InOctopussy, Roger Moore’s Bond is tasked with finding out the truth behind the death of a fellow agent. His search brings him to a plot involving stolen Soviet treasures, a circus, and a nuclear warhead. The story takes Bond from the streets of East Germany to the lush palaces of India, where he meets the enigmatic Octopussy (Maud Adams), the leader of a smuggling ring who becomes an unlikely ally.
The plot is structured like a classic mystery rather than an action romp, which is a refreshing change of pace. Still,Octopussyreceived a lot of hate, with some accusing it of being boring, unserious, and undermining the secret agent’s suave image. While there’s merit to these charges,Octopussyhas many strong points, like the gorgeous locales, the knife-throwing twin assassins, and the bold character of the titular Bond girl herself.
A jewel-encrusted Fabergé egg surfaces at a London auction, catching the attention of MI6. James Bond is dispatched to investigate its origins, leading him to the mysterious and opulent world of exiled Afghan prince, Kamal Khan, and his accomplice, the enigmatic and resourceful circus leader, Octopussy.
4’Quantum of Solace' (2008)
Directed by Marc Forster
“I don’t care about your organization. I just want revenge.” Most audiences adored the refreshingly realistic and stripped-backCasino Royale, though they were much more muted about its follow-up.Quantum of Solacepicks up immediately after the events of the previous film, with Bond (Daniel Craig) seeking revenge for the death of Vesper Lynd. His quest leads him to Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), a member of the shadowy organization Quantum, who is plotting to control Bolivia’s water supply.
The movie is simply less fun than Craig’s debut, with an uneven narrative and pacing and a story that’s at times needlessly complicated. Still,Quantum of Solacedeserves props for trying to weave real-world politics and conflicts into Bond’s fantasy world. It also presents a more seasoned version of Craig’s Bond, in contrast to the rookie seen inCasino Royale. For these reasons, while far from the best,Quantum of Solaceis probably overheated.
Quantum of Solace
3’On Her Majesty’s Secret Service' (1969)
Directed by Peter R. Hunt
“We have all the time in the world.”On Her Majesty’s Secret Serviceis one of the most distinctive Bond films, featuringGeorge Lazenbyin his only appearance as the iconic spy. 007 infiltrates a mountaintop retreat run by Blofeld (Telly Savalas), who is threatening the world with a biological weapon. Along the way, Bond falls in love with Tracy di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg), marking the first time the character experiences genuine romantic vulnerability.
The film benefits from an increased focus on character developmentand a more grounded approach to the action sequence. It’s also strong acting-wise, with Lazenby turning in memorably nuanced performance despite the long shadow cast by Sean Connery. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is also notably faithful to Ian Fleming’s original novel, earning it respect from many fans of the books. As a result, the movie’s defenders includeChristopher Nolan, who hassaid, “I thinkOn Her Majesty’s Secret Servicewould be my favorite Bond. It’s a hell of a movie, it holds up very well.”
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
2’The Living Daylights' (1987)
“Stuff my orders! Tell M what you want—if he fires me, I’ll thank him for it.”The Living DaylightsintroducedTimothy Daltonas Bond, bringing a darker and more serious tone to the character. It sees the spy delving into a conspiracy involving arms deals and international smuggling. Bond teams up with Kara Milovy (Maryam d’Abo), a cellist who becomes embroiled in the plot, as they navigate a web of deception and danger.
This film injected some much-needed grit into the franchise, stripping away some of the campier elements that had defined the preceding films. In this regard, Dalton’s more damaged, haunted Bond is closer Fleming’s original vision. The actor deliberately drew on the novels, calling the book Bond " man of contradictions and opposites." Not everyone liked this approach, off course, but it was the right choice for the time, helping to update the 007 formula. This more subdued and introspective take resonated with viewers looking for a spy who felt closer to reality.
The Living Daylights
The Living Daylights: British secret agent James Bond is tasked with aiding a Soviet general’s defection to the West, but a complex web of deception soon leads him into a global conspiracy involving arms deals and assassinations. Amidst political intrigue and high-stakes espionage, Bond relies on his skills to unravel the truth.
1’Licence to Kill' (1989)
“This is between him and me.” Claiming the top spot on this list isLicence to Kill. It’s one of the most brutal and personal entries, with Dalton delivering a fierce, uncompromising performance. The film sees Bond going rogue after his close friend Felix Leiter (David Hedison) is attacked by drug lord Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi). Stripped of his official status, Bond embarks on a mission of vengeance, infiltrating Sanchez’s operation and dismantling it from within.
The story’s focus on personal stakes sets it apart from the traditional globe-trotting espionage narratives of the series.It’s also more morally complex and ambiguous. This approach divided the public in 1989, and many critics continue to reject it, feeling that it’s too grim for a Bond movie. This is exactly what makesLicence to Killinteresting. It might not be perfect but at least the cast and crew were willing to take a risk. Hopefully future Bond directors bring this same creative spirit to their projects.
Licence to Kill
James Bond goes rogue to seek revenge against drug lord Franz Sanchez after his friend Felix Leiter is brutally attacked and left for dead. Stripped of his license to kill, Bond infiltrates Sanchez’s organization, navigating a dangerous world of deception and betrayal. As he gains Sanchez’s trust, Bond meticulously dismantles the drug empire from within.
