Ranking every Daniel Craig James Bond film from worst to best
It’s amusing to remember that back in 2006, people were convinced that Daniel Craig was wrong to play James Bond. The franchise needed a new leading man and direction, yet casting Craig, known for blonde hair and crime dramas over more action-oriented stars, seemed like a bad idea.
Those doubts were silenced by Casino Royale as Craig more than proved up to the task. This was a tougher and meaner Bond, lacking the cartoonish antics of the past, and it was more down-to-earth yet still the wild action fans expected from the franchise. Craig grew into the role well, soon showcasing classic Bond motifs and traits with his own style to be one of the best actors in the role.
Craig bowed after five films, which ranged from okay to fantastic. He’ll be a tough act to follow and to pay tribute to his run, here’s how each Craig Bond movie ranks and a reminder of the great way he revived the franchise.
5. Quantum of Solace
This movie had a difficult production and it shows. Picking up right where Casino Royale left off, Quantum Solace has its good moments in an opening chase and some nice fight scenes. But the plot is lacking as trying to hoard water doesn’t scream the type of world-beating excitement fans expect from a Bond film. Mathieu Amalric lays claim to one of the lamest Bond villains ever, lacking any sense of danger or threat.
Olga Kurylenko’s character is surprisingly flat, with little chemistry with Craig, and the wince-inducing Strawberry Fields from the name to a body covered in oil is a waste. It barely feels like a Bond movie with the actors looking downright bored and it's amazing the film series bounced back after this.
4. No Time To Die
The grand conclusion to the Craig Bond movies was infamously delayed by the pandemic. Some might wonder if it was worth the wait. It’s not a bad film as there are strong bits such as Lashana Lynch as a new 007 and Bond trying to escape this life. The highlight is the Cuba section, with Ana de Armas stealing the film as a feisty agent to the point you wish she was the co-lead.
However, the film is far too long and feels bloated, especially with Bond trying to reconnect with his past love Madeleine. Rami Malek as a Bond villain should have been fun, but he’s far too dry in the part and lacks the menace he’s intended for. Then there’s the controversial ending that closed out Craig’s tenure as Bond but rubbed many fans the wrong way. It’s not the epic sendoff he deserved and comes off more of a mess.
3. Spectre
Trying to top Skyfall was a hard task, yet this entry is better than some might think. The opening scene of Bond in Mexico, done in a single Steadicam shot, is a thrill, and we’ve got some great action sequences. There are fun cameos from Monica Bellucci and Dave Bautista, and Bond seems more energetic.
While Bond’s connection to Madeleine (Léa Seydoux) isn’t as huge as the movie wants it to be, it’s offset by Christopher Walz, a fine choice to play the new version of iconic Bond villain Blofeld. Spectre doesn’t skimp on the action like a fantastic snowbound chase, although the finale could have been tighter. Yet it feels like a pure Bond film more than other Craig entries and that alone elevates it nicely.
2. Casino Royale
From its brutal start of a black-and-white sequence of Bond making his first kill, Casino Royale shows it’s a true reboot of the franchise. This is a harsher Bond, tougher and lacking the suave style we come to know with Craig’s intensity bursting off the screen. Judi Dench’s M is a delight, showing how hard she can be, and things truly come alive when Eva Green enters the scene as the chemistry between her and Craig is off the charts.
Mads Mikkelsen makes for a terrifying villain, and while poker playing may not seem all that exciting, veteran Bond film director Martin Campbell makes it a thrill. The finale is a wild twist and a big loss for Bond before a terrific final scene. This movie got the franchise back on track in a wonderful way and Craig silenced his doubters as well as Bond could.
1. Skyfall
It’s only fitting that the 50th anniversary of the Bond franchise provided one of the all-time best Bond films. Skyfall's opening gets it started right with Bond seemingly killed on a mission. He survived, of course, and Craig nicely sells a broken Bond, getting himself back on track. We’re also introduced to Ben Whishaw's wonderful Q, as Ralph Fiennes has a good turn as well.
Then there’s Javier Bardem doing what any Bond villain actor should do by chewing the scenery in a bizarre fashion that captivates you. Sam Mendes keeps the action moving at a brisk pace and it’s amusing it all culminates in Bond basically going Home Alone on the baddies. The last scenes set the tone for the sequels, and from top to bottom, it’s not just the best of the Craig Bond flicks but also one of the greatest in the franchise.
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