What is the greatest James Bond film ever made?
That question has been debated for over sixty years, and there is no shortage of answers. Some fans will immediately choose Goldfinger, the movie that defined the classic Bond formula. Others will point to From Russia with Love as the best pure spy thriller in the series. More recent fans may argue for Casino Royale or Skyfall.
But rather than simply picking the most famous Bond film, I wanted to look at the series based on the elements that actually make a great 007 adventure.
After considering all twenty six Bond films, including Never Say Never Again, I used several criteria:
• Best portrayal of James Bond
• Closest to Ian Fleming's original character
• Best Bond girl
• Best villain
• Best story
• Best action sequences
• Best theme song and musical score
• Best opening sequence
• Best locations and cinematography
• Best supporting characters
• Best vehicles and gadgets
• Overall re-watchability
• Cultural impact
When all those factors are considered, one film rises above the rest.
Number One: On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
Yes, the greatest Bond film may be the one that spent decades being treated as the outsider. You know, the one without Sean Connery.
The one starring George Lazenby, a virtual unknown who replaced the man who created the cinematic version of James Bond.
At the time, the reaction was understandable. Connery had become one of the most iconic screen characters in history, and replacing him was nearly impossible.
But looking back today, On Her Majesty's Secret Service has aged incredibly well and has earned a place among the most respected films in the franchise.
The Best Version of Bond?
Sean Connery created the template. Roger Moore brought charm and humor; the gentleman adventurer as it were. Pierce Brosnan had the classic look and confidence (but in my opinion he was Pierce Brosnan playing Sean Connery playing Bond). Daniel Craig brought a modern intensity.
But George Lazenby may have delivered the most human version of Bond.
Ian Fleming's Bond was not a superhero. He was a government operative, a professional killer, and a man carrying emotional scars beneath a polished exterior.
That is the Bond we see here. Lazenby's Bond is vulnerable. He is capable of love. He can be hurt. He can make mistakes. That humanity separates this film from many others in the series.
Some criticism of Lazenby's performance is fair. He was inexperienced and had the impossible task of following Connery. However, when judged against Fleming's version of the character rather than Connery's performance, Lazenby deserves far more appreciation. He looks the part. He handles the physical demands of the role. His fights feel realistic. Most importantly, he captures the emotional side of Bond better than many people remember. OHMSS isn't bad because its Lazenby, people used to perceive it as "bad" because "he wasn't Connery." Simple as that in my opinion.
A Truly Great Bond Story
Most Bond films are about saving the world. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is about something more personal. Without giving away too much for those who haven’t seen it, the film explores a side of Bond that few entries ever attempt. It asks what happens when a man who has always kept people at a distance finally lets someone into his life. That emotional weight is a large part of why the film still lands so hard.
The Villain
A great Bond film needs a great villain, and Telly Savalas ("who loves ya, baby!") delivers as Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Donald Pleasence’s version remains iconic, but Savalas brings something different. His Blofeld is more physical, more aggressive, and more personally threatening. He feels like a man who could actually beat Bond.
The Action
The action in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service remains some of the best in the entire franchise. The skiing sequences are spectacular, the car chase is excellent, and the bobsled finale is still unforgettable. One of the main reasons the film has aged so well is that so much of it relies on practical effects and real stunt work. That gives the set pieces a sense of danger many modern action films struggle to recreate.
The Competition
There are several films that come close. From Russia with Love may be the best traditional spy thriller in the series. Goldfinger established much of what people still picture when they think of James Bond, even if I’m not convinced it’s the best entry. Casino Royale gave us Daniel Craig’s striking debut and a modern take that returned Bond closer to his literary roots; Vesper Lynd carries an emotional weight that feels very close to Tracy. Licence to Kill delivered one of the darkest and most personal Bond stories ever put on screen, in some ways it barely feels like a Bond film at all. Skyfall brought stunning cinematography, a memorable villain, and one of the strongest themes in the franchise, helped by Adele’s standout title song.
All of them are worthy contenders. But only one film manages to combine the character development, action, romance, music, and emotional impact that, for me, define the best of Bond.
Final Ranking
- On Her Majesty's Secret Service
- Casino Royale
- From Russia with Love
- Goldfinger
- Licence to Kill
- Skyfall
- GoldenEye
- The Spy Who Loved Me
- Thunderball
- Dr. No
The greatest Bond film is not necessarily the one with the most famous actor, the biggest explosions, or the most gadgets.
It is the one that best captures who James Bond really is.
And for me, that film is On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
What do you think? Which James Bond film deserves the title of greatest ever?
Let me know in the comments.
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