Since the early 1960s, when international travel was still a rare luxury for the average person, the iconic James Bond series has captivated audiences globally and quickly transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Over its impressive run of more than six decades, this franchise has maintained a level of popularity that few competitors can match. Currently, however, it seems the series has reached a bit of a crossroads. This moment presents an excellent opportunity to reflect on the franchise’s storied history and its evolution through the years, up to the present day.

Originally conceived by former British Naval Intelligence officer Ian Fleming, James Bond is characterized as a suave, sophisticated spy with a penchant for danger and a few vices. Despite the complexities of his character, Bond remains a quintessential hero, and audiences have supported him through nearly a century of cinematic adventures. Over the years, critics have examined the character, suggesting he needs to adapt and evolve. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the James Bond franchise has thrived by embracing elements of male fantasy. While these films traditionally cater to a male audience, they are designed to be enjoyable for all viewers. Each film serves a unique purpose within the cinematic landscape. If the next iteration of Bond strays too far from what has made the character appealing—something that some argue occurred during the more serious Daniel Craig era—the entire series could be at risk of losing its charm.

Despite the franchise’s current challenges, the James Bond series remains one of the greatest film franchises ever created. This is entertainment at its best; it offers escapism while still being capable of striving for greater narratives. The following content provides a comprehensive ranking of every James Bond film, evaluated from the least to the most impressive. This ranking includes all three non-Eon productions for a complete overview.

28. ‘Casino Royale’ (1967)

Directed by John Huston, Ken Hughes, Val Guest, Robert Parrish, & Joe McGrath

The film that arguably stands as the worst entry in the Bond franchise is akin to a rodeo: how long can you endure the experience? Casino Royale (1967) embodies an exasperating sprawl that feels more like a painful endurance test than an enjoyable cinematic experience, dragging on for 137 minutes. This misguided parody faced numerous production challenges, but that does not excuse its lackluster execution—an emotionless film that often feels devoid of the charm and excitement that typically characterize the franchise. Despite its financial success at the time, which was met with scorn from critics, this film ultimately reflects the peculiar hold that Bond fever had on global culture during the late 1960s.

It’s hard to overlook the fact that Woody Allen emerges as the standout in this misadventure. Admittedly, that’s an uncomfortable sentiment to express today, yet it’s the truth. Casino Royale is largely unwatchable and should never have been released to international audiences.

27. ‘Never Say Never Again’ (1983)

Directed by Irvin Kershner

What could be more compelling than a movie born out of spite and legal entanglements? Perhaps a film that combines this spite with elderly characters engaged in video game battles? The non-canonical entry Never Say Never Again highlighted Sean Connery’s return to the role of Bond, and while it achieved financial success, it underscored the fact that the franchise’s appeal extends beyond a single actor. Albert “Cubby” Broccoli’s production team maintained high standards, consistently adapting and evolving while staying true to the franchise’s essence. However, Never Say Never Again is ultimately a visually unappealing bore, despite commendable performances by Barbara Carrera as the campy Fatima Blush and Klaus Maria Brandauer as the surprisingly understated Largo.

Connery returned to the iconic tuxedo for a remake of Thunderball, but this version feels so exhausted that it makes even A View to a Kill appear invigorating by comparison. The most outrageous aspect? It was helmed by Irvin Kershner, the director of The Empire Strikes Back. Just think about that for a moment—it’s akin to discovering that the director of GoldenEye also made Green Lantern. Oh, the irony.