There are 27 James Bond films in total, including the 25 official Eon Productions films and two non-Eon productions: Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again (1983). This article provides a comprehensive, ordered list of every James Bond film ever made, along with fascinating insights and answers to frequently asked questions.
The Complete James Bond Filmography: Official and Unofficial
The journey through the world of 007 is a thrilling one, spanning decades and showcasing various interpretations of the iconic character. Here’s the complete list of films, presented in chronological order of release, including both the canonical Eon Productions movies and the two “unofficial” entries:
- Dr. No (1962) – Starring Sean Connery
- From Russia with Love (1963) – Starring Sean Connery
- Goldfinger (1964) – Starring Sean Connery
- Thunderball (1965) – Starring Sean Connery
- Casino Royale (1967) – Starring David Niven (Unofficial)
- You Only Live Twice (1967) – Starring Sean Connery
- On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) – Starring George Lazenby
- Diamonds Are Forever (1971) – Starring Sean Connery
- Live and Let Die (1973) – Starring Roger Moore
- The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) – Starring Roger Moore
- The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – Starring Roger Moore
- Moonraker (1979) – Starring Roger Moore
- For Your Eyes Only (1981) – Starring Roger Moore
- Octopussy (1983) – Starring Roger Moore
- Never Say Never Again (1983) – Starring Sean Connery (Unofficial)
- A View to a Kill (1985) – Starring Roger Moore
- The Living Daylights (1987) – Starring Timothy Dalton
- Licence to Kill (1989) – Starring Timothy Dalton
- GoldenEye (1995) – Starring Pierce Brosnan
- Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) – Starring Pierce Brosnan
- The World Is Not Enough (1999) – Starring Pierce Brosnan
- Die Another Day (2002) – Starring Pierce Brosnan
- Casino Royale (2006) – Starring Daniel Craig
- Quantum of Solace (2008) – Starring Daniel Craig
- Skyfall (2012) – Starring Daniel Craig
- Spectre (2015) – Starring Daniel Craig
- No Time to Die (2021) – Starring Daniel Craig
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the James Bond Film Series
Here, we address common questions about the Bond filmography, offering further insight and context to help you navigate the thrilling world of 007.
Understanding the Eon Productions Distinction
Question 1: What does “Eon Productions” mean, and why is it important to the Bond film series?
Eon Productions is the company founded by Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman that has produced the majority of the James Bond films. Being an “Eon Productions” film is crucial because these are considered the official and canonical entries in the Bond franchise, maintaining a consistent storyline and character development (especially in the Craig era). The other films, Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again (1983), are considered “unofficial” due to legal rights issues.
The Curious Case of “Unofficial” Bond Films
Question 2: Why are Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again considered “unofficial”?
These films were produced outside of Eon Productions due to complicated rights issues surrounding the source material (Ian Fleming’s novels). Casino Royale (1967) was produced after Charles K. Feldman acquired the rights to the novel, while Never Say Never Again was a result of a settlement between Kevin McClory (who claimed to have co-written the story that formed the basis for Thunderball) and Ian Fleming’s estate. Despite featuring James Bond, they aren’t part of the official Eon Productions canon.
Sean Connery’s Bond Saga
Question 3: How many times did Sean Connery play James Bond?
Sean Connery portrayed James Bond a total of seven times. He starred in Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever, and Never Say Never Again. While Diamonds Are Forever was initially intended as a one-off return, it solidified Connery’s legendary status as the definitive 007. Never Say Never Again was his final appearance.
Roger Moore’s Long Reign
Question 4: Which actor played James Bond the most times in Eon Productions films?
Roger Moore holds the record for playing James Bond the most times in Eon Productions films, appearing in seven installments: Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, and A View to a Kill. His portrayal was known for its lighter, more humorous tone.
The Significance of “Casino Royale”
Question 5: Why are there two films titled Casino Royale?
The existence of two Casino Royale films stems from the aforementioned rights issues. The 1967 version is a comedic spoof featuring David Niven as Sir James Bond. The 2006 version, starring Daniel Craig, is a serious and gritty reboot of the Bond franchise, reclaiming the original story as part of the Eon Productions canon.
Chronological Continuity & The Daniel Craig Era
Question 6: Is there a specific chronological order to follow within the Daniel Craig James Bond films?
Yes, the Daniel Craig films form a loosely connected narrative arc. The recommended viewing order is: Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die. These films explore Bond’s emotional depth, his relationships, and the changing landscape of espionage. This era marked a shift towards a more serialized storytelling approach.
Bond Music and Iconic Themes
Question 7: Who composed the iconic James Bond theme music, and has it changed much over the years?
The iconic James Bond theme music was composed by Monty Norman, although John Barry is largely credited with arranging and popularizing it. While variations exist, especially in the opening sequences of each film, the core melody has remained remarkably consistent, a testament to its enduring appeal. The musical score is an integral part of the Bond experience.
The Changing Face of Bond: Diversity and Evolution
Question 8: Has the character of James Bond evolved significantly over the course of the film series?
Yes, James Bond has evolved significantly to reflect changing social norms and audience expectations. While maintaining core characteristics like charm and resourcefulness, later portrayals have explored Bond’s vulnerabilities, his relationships with women, and his place in a rapidly changing world. The Daniel Craig era, in particular, presented a more nuanced and psychologically complex Bond.
Villains, Henchmen, and Memorable Foes
Question 9: Which James Bond villain is considered the most iconic and memorable?
This is subjective, but Goldfinger (from the film of the same name) is often cited as one of the most iconic Bond villains. His elaborate schemes, his ruthless henchman Oddjob, and his memorable dialogue have cemented his place in cinematic history. Other popular choices include Blofeld and Jaws.
Bond’s Gadgets: From Spectacles to Submersibles
Question 10: What are some of the most famous gadgets used by James Bond in the films?
James Bond is known for his innovative and often outlandish gadgets. Some of the most memorable include the Aston Martin DB5 with its ejector seat and machine guns, the jetpack from Thunderball, the submersible Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me, and the laser watch from GoldenEye. Gadgets are a defining characteristic of the Bond franchise.
Future of the Franchise & Potential Actors
Question 11: What is the current status of the James Bond franchise, and when can we expect the next film?
Following No Time to Die, the James Bond franchise is currently being reimagined. Eon Productions is actively searching for a new actor to portray 007. While no official release date has been announced, fans anticipate the next film will be released within the next few years. The search for the next James Bond is a closely watched event within the entertainment industry.
Beyond the Big Screen: Bond’s Expanding Universe
Question 12: Are there any James Bond-related movies, TV shows, or video games besides the main film series?
Yes, the James Bond universe extends beyond the main film series. There have been various television series, including animated shows and adaptations of Ian Fleming’s works. Furthermore, numerous James Bond video games have been released, with GoldenEye 007 being a particularly iconic example. These adaptations provide alternative interpretations and expanded storylines within the Bond universe.