MovieChat Forums > Goldfinger (1965) Discussion > List of most essential Bond films?

List of most essential Bond films?

posted 9 years ago by cartesianthought
4 replies | jump to latest

23 films is a lot and most people may not be interested in watching them all, or at least all at once.

These are the films I'd recommend a movie buff watch to get a good representation of what the series is like. One from each actor.

Goldfinger (1964, Sean Connery)
Establishes the formula of most later films with Bond up against a megalomaniac villain.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969, George Lazenby)
A more serious grounded story, well done all around. Bond gets married in this one.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977, Roger Moore)
A grandiose epic. greater emphasis on comedy and romance - less on violence.
The Living Daylights (1987, Timothy Dalton)
Has a more complex plot and Dalton provides a dark authentic interpretation of Bond.
Goldeneye (1995, Pierce Brosnan)
Has a strong cast, plenty of humor, mixed with a relatively serious story, great action all around.
Casino Royale (2006, Daniel Craig)
Very faithful to Fleming's debut Bond novel, but reworked to be relevant in a post 9/11 society.

[–] sarizonana 9 years ago

i fully agree with your list and id like to add that this is perfect for anyone you want to make get into the Bond series.

Id just add Dr No since it had the Bond, James most Iconic introduction and the two anniversary films Die Another Day which celebrated 40 years of the Franchise and skyfall celebrating 50 years.

I think there should be a Boxset in stores with these movies 9 called Bond Essentials or introduction to James Bond.

[–] FilmKoala 8 years ago

Honestly as great as OHMSS is I don't think I'd consider it an essential Bond film. Granted if you're narrowing yourself to picking one from each Bond you don't have any other choice. But I don't think you need it in there. I'd add Dr. No or another Roger Moore film like Moonraker or The Man With the Golden Gun just to get the absolute full spectrum of the series.

[–] KingCobra686 8 years ago

I think I would switch out Goldfinger for From Russia with Love. FRWL has a better plot and it involves the Spectre element for the villains.

[–] TwoThousandOneMark 8 years ago

Ignoring my ranking of bests... the 5 essential for me should be:
From Russia With Love
Goldfinger
The Spy Who Loved Me
GoldenEye
Casino Royale

...top 50 http://www.imdb.com/list/ls056413299/