James Bond Day
October 5 is “James Bond Day,” because it celebrates the release of Dr. No in 1962.
If this date inspires you to want to have a movie marathon of Bond, here’s my list of the best six Bond flicks to stream. My list isn’t weird or unique, but it might help you.
Here you go:
Goldfinger (1964): I immensely like From Russia with Love, but Goldfinger sets the franchise’s style. It is the quintessential Sean Connery Bond film. Funny, exciting, and original all at the same time. Also, the best Bond girl name.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969): George Lazenby’s only outing as James Bond is the best Bond flick Connery never did. Aside from Casino Royale, it has the best end. “We Have All the Time in the World” is the franchise’s best song.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977): The best Roger Moore Bond film by most accounts, although For Your Eyes Only is pretty good. The Lotus Esprit turning into a submarine takes the honor of the best Bond car. Barbara Bach is a top Bond girl.
GoldenEye (1995): The first and best Pierce Brosnan film. Also of note, this is Judi Dench’s first appearance as Bond’s boss M. I’m a big fan of the plot of the former friend who betrays Bond.
Casino Royale (2006): Daniel Craig reboots the franchise for the 21st century. In the best opening scene of the franchise, he kills a guy in a bathroom with his bare hands. It goes on a tad too long but sets up Craig to deliver the best “Bond, James Bond” line since Connery.
Skyfall (2012): Arguably the best James Bond movie in the franchise. It features great action, especially the end attack, and unique globe-trotting. It’s also a grounded story about Bond and his sense of place in the world. Judi Dench gives her best performance as M.