James Bond Movies in Order: Complete List of 25 Films

Few film series spark as much debate as James Bond—especially when you try to count how many movies exist. Between official Eon productions, a rogue remake, and a 1960s spoof, the number jumps from 25 to 27 depending on who you ask. This guide settles the count, lists every film in release order, answers your top questions about 007, and looks at who might play the next Bond.

Official James Bond films: 25 (1962–2021) ·
Actors who played Bond: 6 ·
Highest-grossing Bond film: Skyfall ($1.1 billion) ·
Top-rated Bond film (Rotten Tomatoes): Goldfinger (99%)

Six key facts at a glance: the official numbers, dates, and actor records that define the Bond franchise.

How many James Bond movies are there?

The short answer: 25 official films from Eon Productions (official franchise site). But the full story includes two non‑Eon titles that push the total to 27 if you count them all.

Official Eon Productions count (25)

• Eon has produced 25 films, starting with Dr. No in 1962 and ending with No Time to Die in 2021. 007.com – official franchise site
• Every film from Dr. No onward is part of the same series, though continuity is loose before Craig.

Non‑Eon films: Never Say Never Again and Casino Royale (1967)

• Never Say Never Again (1983) is a remake of Thunderball produced by a different studio. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial – Bond guide
• The 1967 Casino Royale is a satirical spoof, not part of the official series. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial – Bond guide

Why some sources say 24 or 26

• Counting only Eon films gives 25. Excluding Never Say Never Again and the 1967 spoof yields 25.
• Some older lists omit the 2006 Casino Royale as a reboot and count differently, but the official number is 25.
• A 26th appears when adding Never Say Never Again. Rotten Tomatoes includes both non‑Eon films, reaching 27. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial – Bond guide

What is the correct order of the James Bond movies?

Release order is the standard chronological order for the series. Here is every official Eon film from Dr. No to No Time to Die, with a focus on how the six actors each defined an era.

Full release order of all 25 official films

Six actors, seven decades, one timeline that rewards watching in release sequence.

Encyclopaedia Britannica – complete film list and 007.com – official site verify this sequence.

The Daniel Craig era order

• Casino Royale (2006) → Quantum of Solace (2008) → Skyfall (2012) → Spectre (2015) → No Time to Die (2021). 007.com – official films page
• Craig’s five films form a continuous storyline, a first for the franchise.

Where non‑Eon films fit in a viewing order

• Never Say Never Again (1983) is a standalone remake of Thunderball; watch it after the official 1965 film.
• The 1967 Casino Royale is best treated as a curiosity – watch it after the entire official series.

What is considered the best James Bond movie ever?

Two films consistently top the rankings: Goldfinger (1964) for its iconic status and Skyfall (2012) as the modern benchmark. But the answer depends on whether you ask critics or fans.

Critical consensus (Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic)

• Goldfinger holds a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – the highest of any Bond film. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial – Bond guide
• From Russia with Love (96%) and Casino Royale (94%) follow close behind.
• Skyfall scores 92% and is often praised for its cinematography and Villeneuve’s direction.

Fan favorites and polls

• IMDb users rank Casino Royale (2006) highest with an 8.0 rating. IMDb – James Bond movie ratings
• Skyfall was the first Bond film to cross $1 billion worldwide, indicating massive fan appeal. Encyclopaedia Britannica – Skyfall entry

Key contenders: Goldfinger, From Russia with Love, Skyfall, Casino Royale

• Goldfinger defined the Bond formula: pre‑title sequence, gadgets, villain lair.
• From Russia with Love is often called the most tightly plotted.
• Skyfall brought emotional depth and a new Moneypenny.
• Casino Royale reinvented the character for the 21st century.

The pattern: critical and audience consensus rarely align on Bond, so your favorite depends on whether you value tradition or evolution.

Who will be the next James Bond actor?

Daniel Craig stepped away after No Time to Die (2021) and as of 2025, Eon Productions has not announced his replacement. Speculation is rife, but the casting process has its own rhythms.

Current status of casting

• Barbara Broccoli, Eon’s producer, stated in 2022 that the decision “is a big one and we’re not going to rush it.” 007.com – official franchise site
• No actor has been officially approached, though media rumors circulate constantly.

Leading contenders (Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, Henry Cavill, etc.)

• Media reports frequently name Aaron Taylor‑Johnson as a frontrunner, along with Callum Turner and Henry Cavill.
• Other names: Regé-Jean Page, James Norton, and Tom Hardy have all been mentioned in trade speculation.

Historical casting process and timeline

• Previous actors were announced 1–3 years before their first film: Craig was announced in 2005 for a 2006 release.
• Eon typically casts actors in their early 30s: Craig was 38 when announced, Brosnan 41, Moore 45.
• The next film is not expected before 2027 at the earliest. Encyclopaedia Britannica – film list

What does 00 mean in MI6?

The “00” prefix is James Bond’s most famous credential – a licence to kill. It originated in Ian Fleming’s novels and is central to the character’s identity.

Origin in Ian Fleming’s novels

• Fleming introduced the 00 designation in Casino Royale (1953), where Bond is described as having “double‑O status.” Encyclopaedia Britannica – Bond character
• The 00 agents are MI6 operatives authorized to kill in the line of duty without prior clearance.

Licence to kill explained

• The official 007 site states Bond has “00 status” which grants a “licence to kill.” 007.com – official franchise site
• In the films, Bond often reminds superiors of his 00 privilege to justify lethal action.

List of 00 agents in the films

• Only James Bond (007) is consistently shown as a 00 agent.
• Other numbers appear briefly: 006 (Alec Trevelyan in GoldenEye), 009 (mentioned in a few films), but no other 00 has a sustained role.

Why did Ian Fleming not like Sean Connery?

Ian Fleming initially disliked the idea of Sean Connery playing his creation, calling him “a rough‑looking, uneducated Scot.” But after seeing Dr. No, he changed his mind.

Fleming’s initial reaction to Connery’s casting

• In a 1961 letter to a friend, Fleming wrote that Connery was “too unpolished” and lacked the elegance he envisioned. Wikipedia – Dr. No (film) production notes
• Fleming had preferred David Niven or a more classically handsome actor.

Fleming’s later change of heart

• After attending the Dr. No premiere, Fleming admitted Connery was “bloody good” and added some of Connery’s mannerisms (curt dialogue, sense of humor) to his Bond novels.
• Fleming and Connery later developed a friendly professional relationship. Encyclopaedia Britannica – Ian Fleming biography

Influence on the literary Bond

• From Dr. No onward, the literary Bond became grittier, reflecting Connery’s portrayal.
• This shift helped make the film Bond distinct from the novel version.

The catch: Connery’s portrayal fundamentally reshaped Bond on the page, proving that an actor can redefine a character even against the author’s initial vision.

For new viewers, the bottom line is simple: 25 official films, watch them in release order starting with Dr. No. The next Bond actor remains unknown, but Eon’s deliberate pace suggests a 2027 release. For fans who grew up with Craig, the wait is an opportunity to explore the earlier eras – and discover why the debate over “best Bond” will never end.

Frequently asked questions