Top 5 Bond films
“Bond. James Bond.” Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock his or her entire life should know that quote, made famous by Sean Connery all the way back in 1962’s “Dr. No,” the first Bond film.
It’s hard to believe 50 years have passed since then, but Bond is still going strong with his 23rd film “Skyfall” coming out in theaters this weekend. To celebrate, I’ve counted down the top five Bond films to get ready for “Skyfall.”
5. You Only Live Twice (1967)
This film is made by the rivalry between Bond and Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the bald, psychopathic head of SPECTRE who becomes Bond’s archenemy. Their rivalry is so iconic it inspired the Austin Powers/Dr. Evil rivalry. Heroes are only just as good as their villains, and in Blofeld Bond met his match.
4. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
While Connery is widely considered to be the best Bond, Roger Moore’s turn as 007 is at its best in this film, the third with Moore and the 10th overall. Moore delivers a great performance, but what everyone remembers from this film is the henchman Jaws, a giant with metal teeth who can bite through anything.
3. Casino Royale (2006)/Quantum of Solace (2008) –
So I might be cheating a little here by offering two films, but I honestly think these should come in a package deal. “Casino” rebooted Bond for the modern world, stripping away the gadgets and taking 007 back to basics in a riveting origin tale. While “Quantum” isn’t nearly as good, it’s one of the only Bond films to be a direct sequel to its predecessor. A story arc is formed between the two films, and considering they star Daniel Craig these two are essential viewing for anyone going to see “Skyfall.”
2. Goldeneye (1995)
Anyone who grew up with a Nintendo 64 may remember this as the title of the best Bond video game, but “Goldeneye” succeeds as a film by reimagining Bond immediately following the end of the Cold War. Peirce Brosnan steps up for the first time as 007, and fights a rouge 00 agent who was once his friend. The drama is personal and the action thrilling, but it’s not the best Bond with “gold” in its title…
1. Goldfinger (1964)
Sean Connery’s third outing as 007 has the honor of being the best Bond film of all time. There are so many iconic moments in this film that when one thinks of James Bond, this film should immediately come to mind. Bond strapped to a table awaiting death by laser. Auric Goldfinger screaming “No Mr. Bond, I expect them to die!” Henchman Oddjob beheading a statue with his bowler hat. Bond’s first meeting with Pussy Galore, probably the most memorable Bond girl just by name alone. This one movie has the ingredients for a perfect Bond film, and to this day I haven’t seen any other movie surpass it. Then again, maybe “Skyfall” will give it a run for its money.
