Prime Video has all 25 Bond movies. Here are 15 must-sees and 10 to skip

Must-see: “Dr. No” (1962)

Sean Connery as Dr. No in “Dr. No.”

U.S. Artists

The first Bond film not only introduced us to the dashing spy based on Ian Fleming’s writings, but also to Sean Connery, the first actor to portray 007 on film.

In the early 1960s, his striking features, attractive Scottish accent, and action moves made him the prototypical movie hero.

The plot was so incredibly good that it tied everything together. Dr. No is the original antagonist in the franchise.

“From Russia with Love” is an absolute must-see (1963)

From Russia with Love stars Sean Connery.

U.S. Artists

Connery reprised his role as James Bond in the second installment of the franchise. This time, he is engaged in combat aboard the Orient Express and in Istanbul. The devices he employs have since become a characteristic of the majority of 007 films.

Must-see: “Goldfinger” (1964)

Sean Connery as Goldfinger in “Goldfinger.”

U.S. Artists

Bond battles the villain Auric Goldfinger (“No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die”), drives an Aston Martin, and prevents Fort Knox from exploding in what is arguably the best Connery-era Bond film.

Must-see: “Thunderball” (1965)

Sean Connery is featured in “Thunderball.”

Productions by Eon

Even if this is not as good as “Goldfinger,” the action is still of the highest caliber. Emilio Largo, the villain with the eyepatch, is also among the best in the genre.

Also, this is the film in which James Bond flies with a jet pack!

The film “You Only Live Twice” is a must-see (1967)

In “You Only Live Twice,” Sean Connery and Donald Pleasence appear from left to right.

Productions by Eon

The story is set in Japan, and the scenery is breathtaking. And with SPECTRE’s Number One Blofeld (well portrayed by Donald Pleasence) as the film’s antagonist, things couldn’t get any better with his lair including piranhas and ninja warfare.

The film “Diamonds Are Forever” is a must-see (1971)

“Diamonds Are Forever” stars Sean Connery.

Fox 20th Century

After a brief retirement from the character of James Bond (“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”), Sean Connery returned and proved he is the actual Bond by dismantling a diamond smuggling network and breaking hearts.

Then he left the position. Kind of (more on that at the end).

The Spy Who Loved Me is a must-see film (1977)

Roger Moore and Richard Kiel in “The Spy Who Loved Me,” left to right.

Productions by Eon

For the third film of the Roger Moore era, he reached his full potential as James Bond.

Together with a KGB agent, he must locate lost submarines equipped with ballistic missiles. In addition, he must evade the monstrous henchman Jaws, whose name derives from his enormous metal teeth.

Richard Kiel’s portrayal of Jaws rapidly became a fan favorite.

Must-see: “Moonraker” (1979)

In “Moonraker,” Sean Connery and Lois Chiles star.

U.S. Artists

In an attempt to compete with the success of “Star Wars,” 007 embarks on a mission in space.

It is cheesy yet quite entertaining. Moore once more confronts Jaws, of which we cannot get enough.

Sadly, this is their final confrontation. Not because Bond kills him, but because by the conclusion of the film Jaws finds love.

The film “A View to a Kill” is a must-see (1985)

In “A View to a Kill,” Christopher Walken and Grace Jones are featured.

Productions by Eon

The Moore era concluded with Bond’s arguably most 1980s chapter.

The adversary, played by Christopher Walken, pursues Bond aboard a massive airship. Grace Jones is a terrific henchwoman who wears stunning clothes throughout. And the film boasts the greatest Bond song ever, performed by ’80s legends Duran Duran.

The film “The Living Daylights” is a must-see (1987)

“The Living Daylights” starring Timothy Dalton.

U.S. Artists

This film represents the beginning of Timothy Dalton’s reign as James Bond, and it began with a bang, since he fits the 007 role well.

This film, like one of Moore’s, is about the KGB, but unlike Moore, Dalton gave the character a savage edge, which was appropriate as the figure entered the 1990s.

The film “Tomorrow Never Dies” is a must-see (1997)

“Tomorrow Never Dies” stars Pierce Brosnan and Michelle Yeoh.

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Moving into the Pierce Brosnan era (Dalton only stayed for two films), Bond is more dashing, the Bond girls are more gorgeous (hello, Michelle Yeoh! ), and the action is reaching Hollywood blockbuster proportions with lots of gunfire explosions.

Must-see: “Die Another Day” (2002)

Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry are featured in the film “Die Another Day.”

Fox 20th Century

This film honors the 40th anniversary of James Bond and is probably the best of the Brosnan era.

As the franchise enters the twenty-first century, it, like many blockbusters, employs more CGI. Bond battles in North Korea alongside Halle Berry as the Bond girl, yet the film has a grounded action tone.

Casino Royale must be viewed (2006)

Daniel Craig in “Casino Royale.”

Sony Pictures Distributing

Four years after “Die Another Day,” the franchise reboots and a new James Bond is introduced. Daniel Craig joins the party and introduces the most serious iteration of 007 to date.

Must-see: “Skyfall” (2012)

Daniel Craig in “Skyfall.”

MGM Studios

Craig finds his rhythm in this film, which we rank among the top five Bond films of all time.

The film is directed by Sam Mendes, stars Javier Bardem as the antagonist, and was photographed by the great cinematographer Roger Deakins. By the end of the film, the stakes are extremely high (we won’t reveal why if you haven’t seen the film).

Must-see: “No Time to Die” (2021)

Daniel Craig in “No Time to Die”

MGM

The most recent Bond film concludes the Craig era in dramatic way. The film’s action is among the greatest in recent memory, and the closing half hour is among the most thrilling in the franchise.

“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” is omitted (1969)

George Laznby and Diana Rigg in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”

Fox 20th Century

Connery announced his retirement from the role of James Bond after “You Only Live Twice,” paving the way for George Lazenby. Fans and pundits who want Connery’s return reacted negatively to the model-turned-replacement. actor’s

Lazenby has his moments, but the film as a whole is uninteresting.

Skip: “Live and Let Die” (1973)

Roger Moore and Yaphet Kotto in “Live and Let Die”

U.S. Artists

Roger Moore’s first Bond film features one of the best Bond songs, performed by Paul and Linda McCartney’s band Wings. However, the film’s attempt to cash in on the blaxploitation genre leaves it feeling boring and at times more like a police procedural than a spy film.

“The Man with the Golden Gun” is omitted (1974)

Christopher Lee and Roger Moore in the film “The Man with the Golden Gun.”

U.S. Artists

Despite the presence of Christopher Lee and Hervé Villechaize as antagonists, Moore once again navigates a tedious plot.

However, this is the film with the awesome corkscrew car jump.

“For Your Eyes Only” is omitted (1981)

Roger Moore’s performance in “For Your Eyes Only”

Fox 20th Century

Again, Moore’s work is a mishmash of uninspired action and sloppy narrative.

Avoid: “Octopus” (1983)

Roger Moore in the film Octopussy

Fox 20th Century

The Moore era was an intriguing time period. This assignment, for instance, requires him to disguise himself as a clown and infiltrate an unethical circus in order to save the world. Fun, but also forgettable.

Skip: “Permission to Kill” (1989)

Timothy Dalton in “Permission to Kill”

Productions by Eon

Following “The Living Daylights,” Timothy Dalton reappeared in “Licence to Kill,” which lacked the same vitality as its predecessor.

Although Dalton was acclaimed for his solemn tone in “Daylights,” his second performance is a tad excessive.

Skip: “GoldenEye” (1995)

Sean Bean and Pierce Brosnan in “GoldenEye,” left to right.

United International Pictures, MGM/UA Distribution Co, and United International Pictures

Great video game, but not the best James Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan.

Do not read “The World Is Not Enough” (1999)

Pierce Brosnan and Denise Richards in “Not Enough of the World”

Productions by Eon

This one is difficult to fault Brosnan for. With a stale plot and Denise Richards unfit to play a Bond girl, the film is a complete failure.

Don’t watch “Quantum of Solace” (2008)

“Quantum of Solace” stars Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko.

Fox 20th Century

After the triumph of “Casino Royale,” Daniel Craig makes James Bond even more sinister. However, it did not pan out. This film’s lack of action is the part that is most frustrating.

Skip: “Spectre” (2015)

Daniel Craig in “Spectre.”

Sony

Director Sam Mendes returned after the triumph of “Skyfall,” but was unable to rekindle the spark.

The film gives the impression that Craig was feeling the strain of his character. It also appears that everyone is simply going through the motions in a Bond film.

Thankfully, “No Time to Die” remedied this error.

Special recognition: “Never Say Never Again” (1983)

Never Say Never Again stars Sean Connery.

Fox 20th Century

All of the aforementioned titles were developed by Eon Productions, the franchise’s main firm. In 1983, however, a Bond film not produced by Eon was able to be released after overcoming numerous legal obstacles.

Connery returns to the role of Bond.

The title referenced Connery’s declaration in “Diamonds Are Forever” that he would “never” play James Bond again. Fortunately, he did.

The film “Never Say Never Again” portrays an elderly James Bond who is dragged back into the spy world to prevent SPECTRE from destroying the planet. Max von Sydow’s performance as Blofeld, Kim Basinger’s as Bond girl, and Rowan Atkinson’s as comedic relief are all noteworthy.

Seek out this film!