As we're all celebrating Daniel Craig’s goodbye as the famous 007, and critics and audiences are reacting to the latest adventure, No Time To Die, it felt appropriate to continue the celebration. In this piece, I will be ranking some of the best of Mr. Craig as Bond, as well as best villains, best songs, best films, and best Bond characters. This is my take on this incredible and remarkable series that has endured the test of time and created some of the best action, catchphrases, cool gadgets, exotic locations, and best villains throughout its tenure. Let’s enjoy this without forgetting the name: Bond…James Bond.
Daniel Craig’s best Bond films
5. Spectre: The best way to describe why this film is at the bottom is because it embodies the word "disappointing". After one of the best films in its franchise, Skyfall, this film lacks coherence, the chemistry between our 007 agent and female lead is non-existent, weak villain, and a third act that felt forced. No doubt it's an elegant, well-shot film, and personally I believe it contains an opening sequence that will always be one of the best of the whole franchise.
4. Quantum of Solace: For some, this film is Craig’s worst as 007. However, the reason why this film is not on the fifth spot is very simple: it has one of the best foot chase sequences of the whole franchise and I have personally gone back and rewatched this scene over and over. Also, this film felt very much like a direct sequel to Casino Royale, which allowed us to see a more ruthless and cold-blooded version of Bond.
3. No Time To Die: Daniel Craig has never been better, and this film serves as a unique opportunity to provide closure to his tenure as the super spy after 15 years carrying the torch. Craig leaves the franchise better than he found it and says goodbye in spectacular action. Avoid spoilers and go watch, this one is full of surprises!
2. Skyfall: After four years since its predecessor, Skyfall unprecedently became the biggest box office Bond movie to date. This film had everything: the spectacular opening sequence, twists and turns, arguably one of the best villains in recent memory, bombastic original score, perfect Bond song, the best cinematography (Roger Deakins), and won three Academy Awards (best song, best sound mixing and best sound editing). For the first time, it felt that “Bond” was flirting with that Best Picture nomination, only falling short in a very competitive year in film.
1. Casino Royale: Highlighted by incredible action set pieces, spectacular performances, and a grounded story, Casino Royale is the boldest of them all. Craig's performance is only topped by his co-star, the beautiful, sexy, and always spectacular Eva Green as Vesper Lynn. Not only Craig’s best film but also the best Bond…that will come later.
Best Villains
5. Ernst Stravro Blofeld: Played by multiple award-winning actors, Blofeld is the head of SPECTRE, a global criminal organization responsible for many of Bond's best action sequences. It is Donald Pleasence who elevated this character into the stratosphere of inspirations for several comedies and evil impersonations in the last 40 years of cinema.
4. Le Chiffre: Played impeccably by the always reliable Mads Mikkelsen, Le Chiffre is responsible for one of the most memorable and uncomfortable torture scenes that we have ever seen in a movie. If you have seen it, you know what I am talking about, if not, just picture a man sitting on a chair without the seat, while being hit by a thick rope on the…grapefruits.
3. Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman): Well, he must be on this list since this was the first Bond villain and it carries the honor of being the name of the first Bond film. If you have any doubt, just look at his amazing well-designed headquarters to have an idea of how megalomaniacal he is.
2. Auric Goldfinger: With one of the most ambitious and outrageous evil plans ever, Gert Fröbe portrays this iconic figure that has served as inspiration for some of the most memorable villains in films.
1. Raoul Silva: NO villain in any Bond film has had a better introduction than Raoul Silva. And then the interrogation scene…if you know you know…Bond was a tiny bit uncomfortable. We can spend hours talking about all the boxes that Javier Bardem checks with this role, however, one of the biggest honors is to carry one of the most disturbing and menacing villains in recent memory.
Best Songs
5. "Tomorrow Never Dies" by Sheryl Crow: When Sheryl Crow was at her peak, she had an incredible task in being the voice of the song for Pierce Brosnan's second film as 007. And in my opinion, she crushed it with a beautiful ballad that highlights the dark tone of this film.
4. "A View to a Kill" by Duran Duran: Maybe it’s me, but I really loved pop-rock songs in a Bond film more than the classic ballad? A View to a Kill is a bonkers version of a Bond film, and this song blends perfectly with the film’s tone.
3. "Skyfall" by Adele: Perfect song, perfect opening credit sequence, perfect voice in Adele. Do I need to say something else?
2. "You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell: There’s no voice like Chris Cornell, and there will never be. And we all got the privilege of listening to his voice in this pop-rock bad-ass theme song for my favorite Bond film, Casino Royale.
1. "Goldeneye" by Tina Turner: My first experience watching a Bond film was this one, Goldeneye, and I remember as if this was today. When the opening credits started, I knew this was something special. The nostalgia factor is playing a role in this ranking, but I will always defend this one.
Best Bond Film
5. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: George Lazenby's only film takes twists and turns like no other. This is the only film in which we see Bond getting married. And those final 10 minutes say it all.
4. Goldeneye: Nostalgia again. Guys, Pierce Brosnan rocks as Bond. Also, the third act of the film takes place in my home country of Puerto Rico. Enough said.
3. Skyfall: When we talk about an almost perfect action film, Skyfall comes to mind. It has all the ingredients, ALL of them, and the reason why it's not on the top has something to do with one cast member that I still feel was a huge miscast. Other than that, this is the biggest Bond film ever.
2. Dr. No: It has all the elements that made Bond the world’s most famous secret agent. The elegance, the villain, and the plot make this more than just an enjoyable ride.
1. Casino Royale: No other Bond film has had the audacity of showing Bond’s flaws and vulnerability like this one. Anchored by an incredibly magnetic performance by Daniel Craig that earned him Best Actor nomination at the BAFTAs. This is a spectacular first film and the best of Craig’s tenure as the secret agent.
Best Bonds
6. Roger Moore: Roger took the role of the secret agent to a different level, that many describe as too over the top. However, his films are bonkers and so much fun to watch. A View to a Kill is still my favorite of his tenure as Bond.
5. Timothy Dalton: Underrated as Bond, Dalton started in two Bond films that are among the best. Dalton is so good at it, that he left this taste of wanting to see more of his Bond.
4. George Lazenby: His only film as James Bond is a unique one, but from the first scene, you know this Bond knows how to kick some ass!
3. Pierce Brosnan: If anyone emulates Sean Connery’s elegance and persona as the 007 secret agent, it is Brosnan. His films are possibly the most enjoyable ones and the ones that introduced the character to my generation.
2. Sean Connery: His accent, elegance, and wittiness make him the most popular of them all. Because of Sir Sean’s success as 007, we had another 24 adventures to enjoy.
1. Daniel Craig: There’s no better James Bond character arc like Craig’s. Even in the weakest of his films, he delivers. He distanced himself from being a cartoonish characterization to a hard-hearted and more complex one. And his last scene as Bond will live rent-free in my mind.
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