The Ultimate Guide to Watching the James Bond Collection in Order
Hello, fellow Bond enthusiasts! If you're here, it's safe to assume you're ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the world of James Bond. But with 25 films and a complex continuity, it can be a bit daunting to figure out the best order to watch the James Bond collection. Fret not! We've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of shaken, not stirred martinis and exploding pens. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and james bond collection in order.
Watching the James Bond Collection: The Eon Productions Films
The James Bond franchise consists of two main series: the Eon Productions films and the non-canon films. Let's start with the Eon Productions films, which are the official Bond series.
The Original Storyline (1962-1967)
Dr. No (1962)
Kicking off the series is Dr. No, the film that started it all. Starring Sean Connery, this film introduces us to the suave, debonair secret agent, James Bond. The story revolves around Bond's mission to investigate the disappearance of a fellow agent in Jamaica, leading him to the mysterious Dr. No.
From Russia with Love (1963)
In From Russia with Love, Bond is tasked with retrieving a Soviet decoding device known as the Lektor. This film features a memorable fight scene on the Orient Express and introduces Bond's iconic Aston Martin DB5.
Goldfinger (1964)
Goldfinger is a fan favorite for a reason. It's packed with iconic moments, including the introduction of the Bond theme song, the iconic Aston Martin DB5, and the unforgettable scene of Bond being tied to a table with a laser beam inching closer to his nether regions.
Thunderball (1965)
In Thunderball, Bond goes up against SPECTRE, a global terrorist organization, to retrieve two stolen nuclear warheads. This film features some stunning underwater scenes and the introduction of the classic Bond theme song.
You Only Live Twice (1967)
Connery's final Eon-produced Bond film, You Only Live Twice, sees Bond traveling to Japan to investigate a mysterious spaceship hijacking. This film features some impressive sets and stunts, including a memorable volcano lair.
The David Niven Era (1967)
Casino Royale (1967)
The non-canon Casino Royale is a spoof comedy that parodies the Bond films. It's a fun, if somewhat chaotic, watch that's worth checking out for a unique take on the Bond universe.
The Roger Moore Era (1973-1985)
Live and Let Die (1973)
Roger Moore's debut as Bond, Live and Let Die, sees 007 investigating a series of mysterious deaths linked to a voodoo cult in New Orleans. This film features a memorable boat chase and the introduction of the classic Bond villain, Mr. Big.
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
In The Man with the Golden Gun, Bond travels to Hong Kong and Thailand to track down a reclusive assassin known as Scaramanga. This film features some impressive stunts and a memorable car chase.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
The Spy Who Loved Me is a classic Bond film that sees 007 teaming up with a Russian agent to stop a madman from destroying the world. This film features a memorable underwater Lotus Esprit and the iconic theme song, "Nobody Does It Better."
Moonraker (1979)
In Moonraker, Bond travels to space to stop a madman from committing global genocide. This film features some impressive special effects and a memorable fight scene in a glass factory.
For Your Eyes Only (1981)
For Your Eyes Only sees Bond investigating the theft of a valuable military secret. This film features a memorable snowmobile chase and a return to the more grounded spy action of the earlier Bond films.
Octopussy (1983)
In Octopussy, Bond investigates a series of daring heists connected to a mysterious Indian prince. This film features a memorable octopus tattoo and a memorable fight scene on a moving train.
A View to a Kill (1985)
Roger Moore's final Bond film, A View to a Kill, sees 007 investigating a series of mysterious murders connected to a Silicon Valley industrialist. This film features a memorable horse race and a memorable fight scene on the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Timothy Dalton Era (1987-1989)
The Living Daylights (1987)
Timothy Dalton's debut as Bond, The Living Daylights, sees 007 investigating a series of mysterious murders connected to a Soviet general. This film features a memorable snowbound fight scene and a memorable theme song by a-ha.
Licence to Kill (1989)
In Licence to Kill, Bond goes rogue to investigate the drug trafficking operation of a former friend. This film features a memorable boat chase and a memorable fight scene in a chemical plant.
The Pierce Brosnan Era (1995-2002)
GoldenEye (1995)
Pierce Brosnan's debut as Bond, GoldenEye, sees 007 investigating a mysterious attack on a Soviet military facility. This film features a memorable tank chase and a memorable theme song by Tina Turner.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
In Tomorrow Never Dies, Bond investigates a mysterious media mogul's plot to start a war between China and the UK. This film features a memorable car chase and a memorable fight scene in a helicopter.
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
The World Is Not Enough sees Bond protecting a oil heiress from a mysterious terrorist. This film features a memorable boat chase and a memorable fight scene in an oil pipeline.
Die Another Day (2002)
In Die Another Day, Bond is captured by North Koreans and must rely on an old ally to help him escape. This film features a memorable ice palace and a memorable fight scene in a fencing tournament.
The Daniel Craig Era (2006-2021)
Casino Royale (2006)
Daniel Craig's debut as Bond, Casino Royale, sees 007 investigating a mysterious terrorist organization. This film features a memorable poker game and a memorable fight scene in a construction site.
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Quantum of Solace continues the story of Casino Royale, with Bond investigating a mysterious organization known as Quantum. This film features a memorable car chase and a memorable fight scene in a desert fortress.
Skyfall (2012)
In Skyfall, Bond investigates a mysterious attack on MI6 and must confront his own past. This film features a memorable fight scene in Bond's childhood home and a memorable theme song by Adele.
Spectre (2015)
Spectre sees Bond investigating a mysterious organization known as SPECTRE. This film features a memorable plane chase and a memorable fight scene in a Rome square.
No Time to Die (2021)
Daniel Craig's final Bond film, No Time to Die, sees 007 coming out of retirement to investigate a mysterious kidnapping. This film features a memorable car chase and a memorable fight scene in a London street.
The Non-Canon Films
Never Say Never Again (1983)
Never Say Never Again is a remake of Thunderball that was produced outside of Eon Productions. It's a fun, if somewhat forgettable, watch that's worth checking out for the unique take on the Bond universe.
Watching the James Bond Collection: The Best Order
Now that we've gone through the films, let's talk about the best order to watch the James Bond collection. There are a few different options, depending on what you're looking for.
Release Order
The most straightforward way to watch the Bond films is in release order. This allows you to see the evolution of the character and the franchise over time. However, this order can be a bit confusing, as the continuity of the films is not always clear.
Franchise Canonical Order
The franchise canonical order is a more recent development, created by fans to provide a more coherent narrative for the Bond films. This order places the Bond films in a chronological order based on the events of the films, rather than their release dates. This order can be a bit confusing, as it requires some knowledge of the Bond universe to follow.
Daniel Craig's Bond Films
If you're a fan of Daniel Craig's take on Bond, you can watch his films in order of release. This will give you a consistent continuity and a clear arc for the character.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! The ultimate guide to watching the James Bond collection. Whether you're a Bond veteran or a new recruit, we hope this guide has helped you navigate the world of 007. So grab your martini, put on your tuxedo, and get ready to save the world with the best secret agent in the business. Until next time, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
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