James Bond is gearing up for a new era. Amazon MGM is reportedly in the final stages of casting the next actor to don the tuxedo, with director Denis Villeneuve attached. Whoever gets the role will be stepping into some very polished shoes, following legends like Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and most recently, Daniel Craig.
Craig's run as 007 was anything but smooth sailing. From the initial backlash over his blond hair (the horror!) to the behind-the-scenes chaos of bankruptcies, writer strikes, and creative clashes, his tenure was a rollercoaster. But he silenced the doubters with a stunning debut and went on to redefine the character for a modern age, bringing a raw, emotional depth that was unprecedented in the franchise.
Over five films and fifteen years, Craig's Bond evolved from a blunt instrument to a man who could actually feel. His era also marked the end of an era for Eon Productions, the company that had shepherded every official Bond film since Dr. No. With Amazon now holding the creative reins, Craig stands as the last Bond under Eon's stewardship. So, let's look back at his five films and rank them, from the weakest to the absolute best.
5. Spectre (2015)
After the massive success of Skyfall, the same team, including director Sam Mendes, returned for Spectre. It was a box office juggernaut and even won an Oscar for Sam Smith's theme song, but it's widely considered Craig's weakest outing. The film tries to tie together all the loose threads from his previous movies, but it gets tangled in its own convoluted plot. The big reveal that Christoph Waltz's Blofeld has a personal history with Bond feels forced, and the attempt to treat his identity as a twist falls flat since everyone knew he was cast. The movie is also just plain boring, which is a cardinal sin for a Bond film. The opening action sequence is spectacular, and the production values are top-notch, but the script and characters feel undercooked. Even Craig seems to be going through the motions, delivering his most disengaged performance of the series.
4. Quantum of Solace (2008)
Here's a hot take: Quantum of Solace is actually a decent movie. It's not a traditional Bond film, but it's a gritty, stripped-down thriller that works on its own terms. Following the high bar set by Casino Royale, this sequel was rushed into production due to the 2007 writer's strike, and it shows in the script. Director Marc Forster's shaky-cam action sequences were criticized for borrowing too much from the Bourne franchise. But if you can get past that, the film is a lean, mean revenge story. Bond is a cold, calculating machine, tracking down the organization that killed Vesper Lynd. The villain, Dominic Greene, is a weaselly eco-terrorist, a far cry from the larger-than-life baddies of the past, but he fits the film's grounded tone. It's an underrated entry that shows how far Bond could be pushed.
3. No Time to Die (2021)
Craig's final bow as 007 was a fitting, emotional send-off. No Time to Die picks up years after Spectre, with Bond enjoying retirement in Jamaica. But of course, he's pulled back in for one last mission. The film brings back old allies and introduces a new villain, Lyutsifer Safin, played with chilling calm by Rami Malek. It's a movie that's unafraid to take risks, and it delivers a genuinely heartbreaking conclusion that redefines Bond's legacy. The action is spectacular, the emotional stakes are higher than ever, and it gives Craig the farewell he deserved. It's a bold, ambitious film that cements his place as one of the greats.
2. Skyfall (2012)
For many, Skyfall is the pinnacle of Craig's era, and it's easy to see why. Directed by Sam Mendes, this film is a stunning, visually breathtaking celebration of Bond's 50th anniversary. It digs deep into Bond's past, introducing the iconic character of M (Judi Dench) as a central figure and giving us a villain in Javier Bardem's Silva who is both terrifying and tragic. The film explores themes of aging, loyalty, and what it means to be a spy in a modern world. The action set pieces are legendary, from the opening chase in Istanbul to the final siege at Skyfall Manor. It's a film that balances spectacle with genuine character development, and it earned Craig his best reviews yet. It's a masterpiece of the genre.
1. Casino Royale (2006)
There was no doubt about the top spot. Casino Royale is not just the best Daniel Craig Bond movie; it's arguably the best Bond movie ever made. It rebooted the franchise with a bang, introducing a Bond who is raw, brutal, and still learning the ropes. The film is a gripping spy thriller that focuses on a high-stakes poker game, but it's the chemistry between Craig and Eva Green as Vesper Lynd that elevates it to greatness. Their love story is the heart of the film, and its tragic ending sets the stage for everything that follows. The action is visceral and grounded, from the parkour chase to the airport sequence. Craig's performance is a revelation, showing a Bond who is both a cold-blooded killer and a vulnerable human being. It's a perfect film, and it set a standard that the rest of the series could only aspire to.
Daniel Craig's tenure as Bond was a journey, and these five films show the evolution of a character and an actor. While not every entry was perfect, his legacy is secure. He gave us a Bond for the 21st century, and we're all the better for it. For more rankings of iconic franchises, check out our list of Apple TV+ sci-fi series with zero weak seasons or our take on the best book-based miniseries.
