The seemingly simple act of watching James Bond movies in order quickly becomes a complex mission, laden with conflicting timelines, alternate universes, and varying interpretations of canonicity. Ultimately, the best way to watch Bond movies in order is the release order. This method respects the evolution of the character, the advancements in filmmaking technology, and the shifting cultural context in which each film was created, offering the most coherent and historically informed viewing experience.
Release Order: The Gold Standard
Why release order? Because each film, upon its release, was designed to be a standalone adventure while also subtly building upon the preceding films. Watching them in this manner allows you to witness the evolution of Bond, from Sean Connery’s suave Cold War warrior to Daniel Craig’s gritty, emotionally scarred agent. It allows you to track the trends in spy gadgetry, the changing attitudes towards women, and the shifting geopolitical landscape reflected in the narratives. Crucially, it avoids potential spoilers and ensures that you appreciate the innovations of each era without the distorting lens of retrospect.
Consider, for example, the jump from the low-budget realism of Dr. No (1962) to the high-tech spectacle of Moonraker (1979). Watching them in release order highlights the dramatic stylistic shifts and the evolution of the franchise’s ambitions. Similarly, the tonal shift from the camp of Roger Moore to the brutality of Timothy Dalton becomes far more impactful when viewed within the context of their respective eras.
The release order, a list provided below, preserves these nuances and provides the most holistic understanding of the Bond franchise.
- Dr. No (1962)
- From Russia with Love (1963)
- Goldfinger (1964)
- Thunderball (1965)
- You Only Live Twice (1967)
- On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
- Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
- Live and Let Die (1973)
- The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
- The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
- Moonraker (1979)
- For Your Eyes Only (1981)
- Octopussy (1983)
- A View to a Kill (1985)
- The Living Daylights (1987)
- Licence to Kill (1989)
- GoldenEye (1995)
- Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
- The World Is Not Enough (1999)
- Die Another Day (2002)
- Casino Royale (2006)
- Quantum of Solace (2008)
- Skyfall (2012)
- Spectre (2015)
- No Time to Die (2021)
Chronological Order: A Contentious Alternative
While release order is recommended, some advocate for a chronological approach based on perceived continuity or character arcs. However, this quickly becomes problematic. The main issue is the rebooting of the timeline with Casino Royale (2006). This film serves as an origin story, effectively resetting Bond’s narrative and creating a separate continuity. Trying to integrate the earlier films into this “new” timeline results in inconsistencies and logical impossibilities.
The Inconsistencies of a Single Timeline
For instance, characters like M appear in multiple eras with different actors, making a linear timeline extremely difficult to reconcile. Furthermore, technological advancements showcased in later Connery or Moore films would seem anachronistic if placed after the comparatively grounded gadgets of Casino Royale.
Therefore, while a chronological approach might seem intuitive, it ultimately breaks down due to the franchise’s inherent lack of consistent continuity across all eras. The Daniel Craig era (Casino Royale onwards) is largely considered its own self-contained narrative.
The Curious Case of Never Say Never Again
You will note that the list above doesn’t include Never Say Never Again (1983). This is because it is a non-Eon production, a remake of Thunderball (1965) produced outside of the official Eon Productions lineage. While it stars Sean Connery as Bond, its inclusion in a definitive Bond film order is debated. For purists, it’s a non-canon curiosity. However, for the completist, it can be viewed as a supplemental, albeit non-essential, entry. If including it, watch it after Thunderball.
Should You Include Never Say Never Again?
The decision to include Never Say Never Again is ultimately a personal one. If you’re aiming for a purely canonical experience, stick to the Eon Productions films. If you’re curious to see Connery back in the role and are aware of its non-canonical status, feel free to add it to your viewing schedule. Just be mindful of the duplication of the Thunderball storyline.
Bond Through the Eras: A Historical Perspective
Breaking the Bond films into eras defined by the actor portraying 007 offers another way to organize your viewing experience. This allows you to appreciate the distinctive style and tone each actor brought to the role.
The Sean Connery Era: A Cold War Icon
Sean Connery established the blueprint for James Bond: a suave, sophisticated, and ruthless secret agent. His films are characterized by their Cold War intrigue, stylish set pieces, and iconic villains.
The George Lazenby Era: One and Done
George Lazenby’s sole outing in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is often considered an anomaly. While it features a more emotional and vulnerable Bond, many appreciate its faithfulness to the source material.
The Roger Moore Era: Camp and Gadgets
Roger Moore brought a lighter, more comedic tone to the role. His films are known for their outlandish gadgets, globe-trotting adventures, and a heightened sense of escapism.
The Timothy Dalton Era: A Return to Grittiness
Timothy Dalton’s brief tenure marked a return to a darker, more realistic portrayal of Bond. His films are characterized by their intense action sequences and morally ambiguous characters.
The Pierce Brosnan Era: Modern Action Hero
Pierce Brosnan modernized Bond for the 1990s. His films blended classic Bond elements with contemporary action tropes and cutting-edge technology.
The Daniel Craig Era: Raw and Emotional
Daniel Craig reinvented Bond as a raw, physically imposing, and emotionally complex character. His films explored Bond’s origins, his relationships, and the toll that espionage takes on the human psyche. This era is also largely considered a reboot, following a distinct and continuous storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the best Bond actor to start with if I’m new to the franchise?
While release order is preferred, if you’re hesitant about starting with the older films, Casino Royale (2006) is an excellent entry point. It’s a modern reboot that showcases Bond’s origin story and provides a fresh perspective on the character.
2. Are the Bond movies connected? Do I need to watch them in order to understand the plot?
While some films have minor references to previous events, the vast majority are standalone adventures. The Daniel Craig era (Casino Royale onward) is the most interconnected, forming a continuous narrative. For the other films, watching them in release order enhances your appreciation of the franchise’s evolution, but it’s not strictly necessary for understanding individual plots.
3. Is Casino Royale (2006) a reboot? Does it disregard all the previous films?
Yes, Casino Royale (2006) is a reboot. It effectively restarts Bond’s timeline, depicting his early days as a Double-0 agent. It does not directly reference or acknowledge the events of the pre-2006 films.
4. What’s the deal with M changing actors throughout the series? Is she the same person?
The character of M is a codename for the head of MI6. The different actors portraying M reflect either recasting or, within the narrative, a new individual assuming the role. The Daniel Craig era offers the clearest explanation for M’s history and position within MI6.
5. Should I skip any of the Bond movies? Are there any considered “bad”?
Taste is subjective. Some films, like Die Another Day (2002) and A View to a Kill (1985), are often criticized for their campy elements and perceived lack of realism. However, even these films have their fans. It’s best to watch them all and form your own opinion.
6. What are the “must-see” Bond movies?
- Goldfinger (1964): A quintessential Bond film that set the standard for the franchise.
- On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969): Underappreciated for its emotional depth and strong narrative.
- The Spy Who Loved Me (1977): A classic example of the Roger Moore era with memorable villains and action sequences.
- GoldenEye (1995): A successful modernization of Bond that remains a fan favorite.
- Casino Royale (2006): A gritty reboot that revitalized the franchise.
- Skyfall (2012): A visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores Bond’s past.
7. Are there any official James Bond short stories or novels that tie into the films?
While many of the films are based on Ian Fleming’s novels and short stories, there are no official short stories or novels that directly tie into the films after the initial adaptations. The films often deviate significantly from their source material.
8. What’s the recommended order if I want to focus on a specific Bond actor?
Watch all the films starring that particular actor in release order within their respective era. This allows you to appreciate their specific interpretation of the character and the stylistic nuances of their films.
9. How many James Bond actors have there been?
There have been seven actors who have officially portrayed James Bond in Eon Productions films: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. David Niven played Bond in the 1967 spoof Casino Royale.
10. Where can I watch all the James Bond movies?
Availability varies by region and streaming service. Popular options include Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and digital rentals/purchases on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play. Check local listings for theatrical re-releases as well.
11. What’s the best way to experience the films: theatrical release, Blu-ray, or streaming?
Theatrical release offers the most immersive experience, but it’s dependent on re-releases. Blu-ray provides the best picture and sound quality for home viewing. Streaming offers convenience and accessibility.
12. Will there be more James Bond movies after No Time to Die?
Yes. Eon Productions has confirmed that James Bond will return, but the next actor to portray 007 has not yet been announced. The future of the franchise is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.