Analysis: The Top 5 Bond Films of All-Time

Since the release of the first James Bond Film, Dr. No in 1962, the films have become a distinct part of world pop culture. But believe it or not there was and is a time and place for Bond films to actually be films not just action romps. This is the list of the top 5 James Bond films of all time as of 2010.

5. Quantum Of Solace (2008)



The only underrated film to appear on this list. Quantum of Solace received mixed reviews upon its release on November 14, 2008. The film features what is arguably the darkest of all the Bond films, even darker then the highly overlooked On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Much like that film, Quantum of Solace digs into not the character of Bind, but what happens to the people around him due to his devil may care attitude. It is also a direct sequel to Casino Royale, being that the film's setting starts fifteen minutes after the previous film ended. Everyone Bond comes into contact with and gets remotely close to ends up killed. It shows that yes Bond is dangerous, but he leaves behind an aftermath of pain, sorrow and death. He tries to redeem himself in the second act and this films shows just why Bond is so reluctant to form attachments.

4. GoldenEye (1995)



The Bond franchise was in disarray. The 80's were not kind to Bond and ended on what many critics consider its worst films (the Dalton films get panned for their 'dark content'). But it was an even more stressful time. Dalton was fired after License To Kill and by the time a script was approved, the Cold War had ended and Bond's greatest nemesis was now defunct. So instead of cowering away and ending the franchise, MGM got a new script, a new bond (Pierce Bronson) and released one of the finest additions to the Bond film series. The story was well written and was filled with the typical Bond double crosses and twists. GoldenEye was not only a great film, but it revamped the dying franchise and introduced Bond to a new generation.

3. Casino Royale (2006)



Although the Bronson era had revamped the Bond series initially, critics grew tired and apparently so did the filmmakers (see the 2002 film Die Another Day if you can even call it a film). Bronson, much like Dalton before him, was fired and a new Bond search began. Insert Daniel Craig: the anti-Bond. He had blond hair and blue eyes, was mean, lean and tough. Not only did Casino Royale reinvent Bond's vision, it reinvented Bond. No more silly slapstick gadgets from the 80's and 90's (no more Q for that matter). The only remnants of the old films was Judy Dench returning as M because much like Bernard Lee and Robert Brown before her, she's the only actress one can envision in the role. Bond was updated if you will, rebooted for the 21st Century. He had to deal with international terrorists and schemes. Double crosses fly as well in this reboot, but Casino Royale still has so much more than all but two Bond films before it, it sets itself far above the rest.

2. From Russia With Love (1963)



Released in 1963, From Russia With Love was the second Bond film in the series. It is also the second best yet. One way of interpreting the genius of From Russia With Love is that in the 60's not many films were shot on exotic locations. From Russia With love was shot on numerous (Turkey, Russia and Scotland). The film is almost absolutely free from any gimmicky gadgets that would later define the series. Sean Connery is at perhaps his best in this film. He's not acting like James Bond, He is James Bond and this is one of films that solidified him forever as being the true Bond (now only recently challenged by Craig). From Russia With Love introduces S.P.E.C.T.R.E and the one Bond villain to make two more appearances, Blofeld although in this film we never once see his face we only see him stroking his white cat (Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers films is a direct reference to Blofeld). From Russia With Love is now and forever will be a classic.

1. Goldfinger (1964)



There are good Bond films, then there are classic Bond films, and then there is Goldfinger: THE Bond film. Released in 1964 the third Bond film was the first to become an international sensation and it single handily boosted Bond's status from cool spy to pop culture icon. The film itself is filled with what is now very highly regarded in pop culture. From classic lines, ("No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die."), to classic villains, (Odd Job and his hat of death), to classic Bond one liners (Right before the main title's run Bond kills an assassin by throwing an lamp into a bath tub and says "Shocking, simply shocking"). Iconic images are all fill this film, from the golf course scenes to perhaps the most recognizable and iconic, the woman on Bond's bed encased in gold. It even gets away with the most comically pun intended Bond girl name (Pussy Galore) and manages to make even that work. Goldfinger has what has to be hands down the single best Bond theme ever. Shirley Bassey's 'Goldfinger' has become instantly recognizable and was even inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2008. There is and will never be a better Bond film than Goldfinger. It defines Bond, it is Bond. This is the film that propelled Sean Connery from the actor playing James Bond, to becoming James Bond. And not only that it rocketed Sean Connery into the legendary actor he is today. Goldfinger is the very blueprint of how to do a Bond film 110% right. There is no other way to put it, Goldfinger is not classic, it's legendary, which is contrary to Mr. Bond's statement not at all shocking.

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