For over six decades, James Bond has been synonymous with cutting-edge spy gadgets. Whether it's a seemingly ordinary pen that doubles as a grenade or a car that transforms into a submarine, Q Branch's creations have become as iconic as 007 himself. With the franchise's future still unfolding, we've ranked the 10 coolest gadgets from the big screen—the ones we'd most want in our own arsenal.
10. The Palm Print Pistol (Skyfall, 2012)
In Skyfall, Q (Ben Whishaw) presents Bond (Daniel Craig) with a Walther PPK that only responds to 007's palm print. It's a personal statement as much as a weapon—though Bond never actually fires it in the film. When a henchman tries to use it, the gun refuses to cooperate, proving that some gadgets are all about exclusivity.
9. Little Nellie (You Only Live Twice, 1967)
This single-person autogyro, piloted by Bond (Sean Connery) in You Only Live Twice, is a flying arsenal. Equipped with machine guns, rockets, and heat-seeking missiles, Little Nellie was a real vehicle flown by former RAF Wing Commander Ken Wallis. Its name comes from a World War II tradition of nicknaming people named Wallis after music hall star Nellie Wallace.
8. Explosive Toothpaste (Licence to Kill, 1989)
In Licence to Kill, Q hands Bond (Timothy Dalton) a tube of Dentonite toothpaste—a plastic explosive that must be used sparingly. Bond later uses it to blow away bulletproof glass during an assassination attempt on Franz Sanchez. It's quirky, effective, and a reminder that Q Branch never runs out of creative ideas.
7. Bell Rocket Belt (Thunderball, 1965)
Who wouldn't want a jetpack? In Thunderball, Bond uses the Bell Rocket Belt to escape a funeral and fly back to his Aston Martin DB5. This real-life device, built by Bell-Textron in the late 1950s, was so popular it made a cameo in Die Another Day (2002). It's the ultimate getaway gadget.
6. Wet Nellie (The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977)
The Lotus Esprit S1 that turns into a submarine is pure fantasy. In The Spy Who Loved Me, Bond (Roger Moore) drives it into the sea to escape pursuers, then casually emerges on a beach. Armed with missiles and torpedoes, Wet Nellie is a nod to Little Nellie and remains one of cinema's most memorable vehicle transformations.
5. Ericsson JB988 (Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997)
Before smartphones, Bond had the Ericsson JB988. This cellphone featured a fingerprint scanner, a taser, and a remote control for his BMW 750iL. It was a glimpse into the future of mobile tech, and it's still cooler than anything in your pocket today.
4. The Aston Martin DB5 (Goldfinger, 1964)
The DB5 is the gold standard of Bond cars. With machine guns, an ejector seat, oil slick spray, and revolving license plates, it's been a franchise staple for decades. It appears in Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, Skyfall, and No Time to Die. No gadget list is complete without it.
3. The Watch with a Laser (GoldenEye, 1995)
Bond's Omega Seamaster in GoldenEye hides a laser cutter that can slice through metal. It's subtle, stylish, and deadly—perfect for escaping traps or cutting through villainous schemes. This gadget proves that the best tools are the ones you wear.
2. The Explosive Pen (GoldenEye, 1995)
In GoldenEye, Q gives Bond a pen that can explode with a three-click sequence. Bond uses it to blow up a helicopter, and it's a masterclass in everyday objects turned lethal. It's simple, elegant, and unforgettable.
1. The Jetpack (Thunderball, 1965)
Topping our list is the Bell Rocket Belt from Thunderball. It's the ultimate expression of freedom and escape—Bond literally flies away from danger. For sheer cool factor and wish-fulfillment, nothing beats a jetpack. It's the gadget we all dream of.
From explosive toothpaste to submersible cars, James Bond's gadgets have defined spy cinema for generations. As we await the next 007, one thing is certain: Q Branch will keep innovating. For more on the most thrilling moments in film, check out our ranking of Heart-Pounding Cinema: The Most Thrilling Movies Ever Made, Ranked and explore The 10 Best Noir Thrillers of the Last 80 Years, Ranked.
