Ian Fleming's James Bond is the type of character who's so iconic and understandably integrated into the world of literature and film that we all have our favorite version. The actor who cemented why the special agent is so remarkable and why his story is worth caring about. While Daniel Craig's Bond movies weren't the first ones I watched, they were the first to become favorites. They were the first to make me so invested in the story that I'd run to the theater for the next one. In a lot of ways, Craig is one of the best out there, and he's already set an impossible standard for the actor who'll follow in his footsteps to become the next 007.
But until we know who'll be filling his shoes next, it's high time we rank all Daniel Craig Bond movies, and rewatch them on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and more.
5. Quantum of Solace (2008)
The problem with Quantum of Solace isn't that it's a bad movie, but it's the fact that the choices made within feel so questionable and lackluster when Casino Royale (2006) is quite literally the most astounding starting point. The James Bond we see here isn't acting as himself, and no, it's not because Vesper Lynd broke him to a point of no return.
There's a disconnect in the narrative that doesn't exactly work, but still, it's a follow-up that's worth watching at least once. In many ways, it's the secondary characters in Quantum of Solace that make it what it is, specifically any moment we get with Judy Dench's M and Jeffrey Wright's Felix. It might be easy to appreciate for the viewers who aren't looking to fill the cracks because the action is still solid, but it's sadly the weakest of the bunch.
4. Spectre (2015)
Unlike Quantum of Solace, while beats in Spectre don't exactly feel earned, the majority of the story at least feels like a somewhat smooth consequence from Skyfall (2012). In many ways, Spectre works because this is where we meet White's daughter, Madeleine Swann, and it's how we begin connecting more dots to the end that makes the film a wild, albeit daunting, penultimate ride.
The secrets that are unveiled and the deception that we see in Spectre are exactly what ensure that No Time to Die (2021) is a worthy conclusion. While some things weirdly remain unanswered, Daniel Craig also delivers one of his best performances in the quiet beats throughout. Oddly, while the cast in Spectre is fantastic, it doesn't feel as though characters are given a proper chance to shine, which in turn, doesn't allow this to land in the top three.
3. No Time To Die (2021)
No Time To Die is a solid, genuinely impeccable conclusion for those of us who've always believed that Vesper Lynd has haunted the narrative since her introduction. It allows the events of Casino Royale and Spectre to feel earned, but more importantly, it delivers the type of climax that honors Bond as a character and his tremendous legacy.
No one wants to see a beloved character die in the end, but this was always something that felt fated—written in the cards, if you will. Structurally, it's a fantastic movie that ensures every moment is thrilling and enormous, while all the stakes from every movie that's led us here come to a head with the type of final battle that is still haunting. It might not be the ideal ending, but there's no denying that it's a well-written one.
2. Skyfall (2012)
In every way that matters, Skyfall redeems Quantum of Solace while also delivering the kind of movie that feels like an epic blockbuster. A true cinematic adventure with a Bond who's not invincible, but deeply human and flawed, allowing the entire narrative to feel more relatable. And no, while we don't have to relate to him, we should see his humanity, and no film does a better job of bringing it to the surface.
From the opening moments, which feature Adele's award-winning title track to the credits, every beat of Skyfall fires on all cylinders. It tells a layered, cohesive story with stunning direction from Sam Mendes and another brilliant performance from Daniel Craig that cements why he's the 007 for so many of us.
1. Casino Royale (2006)
There aren't many movies as perfect on all fronts like Casino Royale. Sharp, engrossing, action-packed, and achingly romantic, it's the type of origin movie that delivers something so compelling, I still don't have words for it, and I might never. This one's for the romantics and the action aficionados—the type of movie that has something for everyone. If you only ever watch one Bond movie, Casino Royale should be it.
How it sets up the origin of the spy we get to know, and how the events that unravel here trickle down to every film that follows, is no small feat. Beginnings aren't always the most captivating in large sagas like this, yet Casino Royale does something inimitable as it lays the foundation. Plus, Mads Mikkelsen is an excellent villain as Le Chiffre, and Eva Green is revolutionary in embodying a fleshed-out, deeply complex woman. If you loved Sean Connery's From Russia With Love (1963), you would love Casino Royale.
