7: Never Say Never Again - 4 6: Diamonds Are Forever - 6 5: You Only Live Twice - 7 4: Dr. No - 8 3: Thunderball - 8 2: Goldfinger - 9 1: From Russia With Love - 9
Joe, no mention of Fiona Volpe in Thunderball, surely the best femme fatale of the whole series. She lights up the screen whenever she is on. That look in her eye when Connery hands her shoes in the bathroom scene...perfect casting.
So good! Palazzi would have been great as Domino - probably better than Auger (RIP) - but they were very wise to change Fiona from an Irish lass to Italian and cast Palazzi in the part. One of the top Bond girls in the series.
You are so right about Goldfinger. Guy Hamilton is not a great director as Terence Young is. And Thunderball is also my favorite Sean Connery's James Bond
Another thing striking about Dr. No is that Ted Moore's cinematography is superb. Every scene is perfectly lit from moody hotel rooms to exotic Jamaican locales. For a modest budget, Dr No looks far richer than, say, the flat, over lit look of A View To A Kill.
@dustynreid5204 Good question. To my eyes, 80s Bond films like A View To A Kill, despite having a vastly larger budget, had an odd tv movie look to it. While some will see a glossy product, I see a cinematographer lighting his scenes without any tonality.
I agree with you 100% that Thunderball is # 1. I've said for many years Thunderball had everything - hot women, action, best locations, one of the best villains ever, great gambling scene, the iconic jet pack scene and the best James Bond ever, Sean Connery in his prime. If there was one movie I had to introduce James Bond to somebody to it would be Thunderball. Sean Connery was at his very best in this movie. No other James Bond actors performance can compare to Sean Connery in Thunderball. It was a masterpiece back in 1966 and still is. You got the point.
Really like your videos. They feel very honest and you don't rank movies highly (or poorly) out of obligation to popular thought. True individual fandom
All right. I will rank them myself first, before watching the video. Let's see how different our lists are! 1. Goldfinger 2. From Russia with Love 3. Thunderball 4. Dr. No 5. You Only Live Twice 6. Diamonds Are Forever 7. Never Say Never Again
1. From Russia With Love 2. Goldfinger 3. You Only Live Twice 4. Dr. No 5. Diamonds Are Forever. But they're all close, perhaps with the exception of Diamonds, but as we know, that cartoonishness was a sign of things to come for Bond. You can't really go wrong with Connery as James Bond. He's iconic. From Russia With Love might have one of the best Bond girls, too, Daniela Bianchi. But I still think Eva Green is the best, with the current Moneypenny, Naomie Harris coming in 3rd, but as a Canadian I have to love Lois Maxwell, who like Ms. Harris, had a ton of personality in the role.
The motion graphics introduction to this was pretty good, well done. I pretty much agree with almost everything said regarding the films except for the disdain for Never Say Never Again. I don’t actually mind that it’s different to the EON Bond films, it’s always just felt like a darn good 80s style adventure yarn to me. It might also help that I was pretty young when it came out and didn’t immediately associate it with the rest of the franchise. That understanding only came along as I got older. I definitely would rate NSNA higher than DAF, but the original it’s based on, Thunderball, is easily my preferred version of the same story (and probably my favourite of all of the Sean Connery films as well.)
I don't agree with your Bond list! My ranking is: 1️⃣.YOU ONLY LiVE TWiCE 2️⃣.THUNDERBALL 3️⃣.DR.NO 4️⃣.DiAMONDS ARE FOREVER 5️⃣.GOLDFiNGER 6️⃣.FROM RUSSiA WiTH LOVE 7️⃣.NEVER SAY NEVER AGAiN
Hi Being James Bond ..........I am so saddened by the news of the passing away of Sean Connery. At age 66 years and now living on the tropical island of Phuket Thailand, I have seen and loved all the Bond films. I will contact you again soon.
Joe the way you described FRWL is how I’ve always viewed thunderball. For whatever reason I can’t love it. I recognize it’s well made and has great elements, But I’ve never been able to connect. Hopefully it’ll grow on me over time
Joe, my ranking is exactly like yours. Dr. No used to be my number 2 until rouhly 1997 or so, the From Russia With Love took that spot over. Thunderball has always been my favorite since I first saw it on tv back in the 80s. Everything just fit together for me: the plot, the locales, the girls, the music. Such a classic and classy movie.
Joe, the production of your videos just went up ten fold, good job! Also agree with your point on Goldfinger about Bond being passive, which brings the film down a little. Its too hard to separate FRWL and TB in my mind, can't wait for the next review!
I totally agree with every one of your rankings and comments, the only difference would be I would probably put Goldfinger above Dr No. Thunderball is an extremely underrated film by many fans. It has the most epic feel of all the Bonds up to that point. The cinematography is sumptuous. The colours are so sharp and like you, I love the underwater climax. It's such a unique action sequence. It's always been one of the many highlights of the film for me. In fact the underwater photography is so beautiful and well presented. In fairness to the people who aren't really fond of this film and think the diving sequences slow down the pace to the extent that they kind of switch off mentally when Bond is underwater. That's okay, a lot of people aren't really fond of any film that spends too much of its running time underwater for the same reason, because they believe it slows down the pace. I however love underwater sequences in action movies, particularly when they are gorgeous and beautifully presented as they are in Thunderball. Different people like different things. Another great video, Joe.
Guy Hamilton deliberately set out to restrict Bond in 'Goldfinger'. Hamilton felt Bond was in danger of turning into a "superhero" (not in the comic book sense).
Joe is not gonna like my list 7: Never say never again 6: Diamonds are forever 5: Thunderball 4: Dr no 3: From russia with love 2: You only live twice 1: Goldfinger
From Russia with Love is my favorite James Bond movie. The dialogue between Red Grant and Connery was incredible before the fabulous fight. Kerim Bay was awesome. I liked Thunderball too, because of Connery's magnificent acting.
Hi, been watching your channel for a while now and must say they are quite enjoyable and well thought out. I totally agree with you on your ranking of Connerys Bond. Not something i say lightly. I am 65 years old and saw each of the original 007 films when they first came out and made history. Through the years i have sometimes felt like I was the worlds first James Bond super fan (when roger moore took over i felt like the last true believer of Sean Connery lol) since i was very young when they first came out and i was at a very impressionable age they changed my life. In some ways i now had a blue print. At nine I discovered photography ( b/w darkroom etc) and writing graffiti. In 1966 i became New Yorks First name based graffiti writer. I am just saying hello. You can read more about me in the modern art history books. Thank you for what you do.
Great stuff. I was expecting you to put FRWL as your number 1, as I remember from the reviews either you or Scott gave it a 10. But I’m glad Thunderball got it, my favourite Connery film too, definitely those locations win it
My list, for what it's worth... 1. From Russia With Love 2. Dr No 3. Goldfinger 4. You Only Live Twice 5. Thunderball 6. Never Say Never Again 7. Diamonds Are Forever
@@mercuryrising2424 I'd put Diamonds are Forever over Never Say Never again, while both are ridiculous fun in their own way, Diamonds is more iconic. (I do consider Never Say Never Again as the second most re-watchable Bond movie though, beaten by the amazing Licence to Kill)
G’day Joe, so glad to hear you’ll be ranking the Roger Moore 007 films, just because I want to hear more love for Octopussy, which is my favourite 007 film. Loved watching this ranking film, good to see NSNA at the bottom; just a film to settle scores. But I’m one of those that finds Thunderball dull, for me Dr No is his best. Thanks again for the great content mate.
My Ranking is 6. Diamonds Are Forever 5. Thunderball (One of the best? NO! IT'S ULTRA-BORING) 4. You Only Live Twice 3. Dr No 2. From Russia With Love 1. Goldfinger
Near Perfect Rating!!! At first I was on the defensive because Diamonds Are Forever was my first 007 film, but I can definitely see it's flaws now and recognize my own bias/nostalgia... that said I'd put it above You Only Live Twice personally. Your fab four rating is truly a chef's kiss as they say!! Glad there's someone out there besides me that really appreciates Thunderball!! Also nice to know I'm not the only one not as keen on Goldfinger in terms of those first four films. Still love it of course... just... would likely watch any of the other three first. What can I say? I love me some SPECTRE!
I love all the Bonds but Sean Connery was my favorite and Goldfinger and Thunderball are still my two favorite Bond films though I love them all. I'm a Bond girl obviously. I'm shaken but never stirred.
I also love THUNDERBALL I think that at the end is a question of been “serious” and find a balance between what is incredible but possible and what is impossible. That is something that happens in the best Sean Connery films and in Daniel Craig films. At the end is Sean Connery the more Fleming Bond you can feel the Fleming participation and Spirit
Great ranking! I’m pretty much agreeing with your whole list, I’ve always had Thunderball 1st and FRWL 2nd in my total Bond rankings (although Casino Royale has snuck in between them since its’ release). Connery ranking: 1) Thunderball [ 10/10 ] 2) From Russia... [ 10/10 ] 3) Dr. No [ 9/10 ] 4) Goldfinger [ 9/10 ] ........... (a big gap...) ........... 5) Diamonds Are Forever [ 6,5/10 ] 6) You Only Live Twice [ 6/10 ] 7) Never Say Never Again [ 6/10 ] The last three Connery’s are far below the ‘classic 4’ but I enjoy Diamonds (for what it is) a bit more than YOLT and the ninja/volcano finale edges out Never Say Never Again with a slight margin.
Head of Section: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! FINALLY, a ranking of James Bond movies that rightfully puts "Thunderball" at the top of the list. I LOVE that movie! I love it's epic, grand style. I love the underwater battle at the end. Thank you! (I concur with your other rankings here also - except I'd swap "Goldfinger" with "Dr. No.") Carry on.
I agree with your list, but I think the main problem a lot of people have with Thunderball is that the audience is shown the villains’ plan at the beginning and then we’re just watching James Bond catching up with us throughout the film. That is not how a story should be told. But besides that, it is a great one.
Best Connery Bond films 1. From Russia With Love Connery’s best performance. A great plot, great villians, greatest ally to date. Great soundtrack, fantastic suspense and simply and small set pieces that do not age. One of my top five favourite Bond films to date and probably the best direct adaptation of a Bond novel 2. Goldfinger Another great Connery performance, the pacing for the first hour is fantastic, the humour, wit are brilliant and one of the best Bond villains and henchman to date. After the first hour it does slow down, but it soon picks up in the last twenty minutes. 3. Dr. No Fantastic introduction, Connery is great, and an excuse on how less is more. Quarrel is a great ally and even it has dated, it is still a great watch. 4. You Only Live Twice Connery is starting to tire of the role, the film is ridiculous and illogical (seriously Blofeld needs a special place to kill Bond!?) and the set pieces are OTT, but the film is fun. 5. Never Say Never Again (since it is being counted) Dire, badly plotted and paced, Kim Basinger is awful, and unlike Dr No, the forced economy doesn’t work here. The score is the worst of all time. Thankfully time has mellowed Connery and he gives a great performance here along with Klaus Maria Brandauer as Largo. 6. Thunderball Terrible. Slow paced, dull and boring. The underwater scenes drag on for too long, the locations become claustrophobic, the scope seems grand but in reality its minute. Connery is starting to tire of the role, the villain is dull, the leading lady is a wet fish. Thankfully Luciana Paluzzi adds spice and life as Fiona Volpe and Tom Jones’ song is great. 7. Diamonds Are Forever It was always a dull and boring, but rewatching all the films recently for reviews I have to say that this is my worst Bond film to date, yes it just about beats Die Another Day. The plot tries to be epic scopes, but its just making time. The pacing is tiresome, the production design looks like the remanents of the You Only Live Twice set design and have been recycled for this film. I mean the colour tone of this film is akin to a hangover from the 60s Bond and this is the morning after. Blofeld is horrid, the leading lady is dull. However the biggest culprit of this film is Connery, sure he is in it for the paycheque and that’s all good, but he gives a performance where he acts as he doesn’t give a damn. This is not Connery playing Bond, this is Connery playing himself and he was most probably going through an identity crisis, he starred in Zardoz around this time and that is more than enough to suggest he was going through a crisis. A terrible film.
7. Never say never again - score 5 6. Diamonds are forever - score 6 5. You only live twice - score 6.5 4. Thunderball - score 7 3. Goldfinger - score 7 2. From russia with love - score 9 1. Dr.No - score 9.5
Never Say Never Again is actually my favourite Connery film. I do usually play a CD in the background with the proper music though. I think it's much more entertaining than Thunderball which is so dark and underwater.
Good solid rankings Joe. For me starting at 7 is NSNA, followed by; DAF ,Dr.No,Goldfinger,YOLT(so 60’s) FRWL and my number one is Thunderball!!! Yes that window to the Bahamas!!
I can't rank Thunderball above Goldfinger purely on the basis of the water scenes being five minutes too long and the ending badly edited and I love Thunderball. From Russia With Love Goldfinger Thunderball You Only Live Twice Dr No Diamonds Are Forever
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Thunderball was the first Bond movie I saw. The jet pack sequence made a major impact on me. I knew this wasn't something I'd see on TV.
First time I totally agree with your #1!!! I even love the film poster best!!! This is the one going in the "time capsule!".. good list. I think Goldfinger would be right behind this one. Thanks for your energy and input!
My favorite part of this ranking is the knowledge that I’m not alone in assessing that Goldfinger is a good Bond film but not the best. I enjoy Goldfinger but certainly enjoy your top three more than that one (but FRWL) is my favorite Connery film
My opinion on Thunderball changed drastically. I hated it as a teenager, watching it with commercial breaks didn´t help with the pacing either but as a grown man, I appreciate it a lot more due to a lot of the reasons you mentioned and the climax of the film is underrated. I don´t think there has ever been a more gorgeous setting either.
I always liked Never Say Never Again. There does seem to be this unwritten rule that if you're a Bond fan, you're supposed to be offended by it. But, I like it just fine. It isn't my favorite it, but it's very entertaining. And Connery is great in it.
My list - 1. From Russia With Love 2. Thunderball 3. Dr. No 4. You Only Live Twice 5. Goldfinger 6. Never Say Never Again 7. Diamonds Are Forever. R.I.P. Sir Sean Connery
Dear Joe and Scott, please do a review on the unofficial "Never Say Never Again" and the reason is both of you did a great job on reviewing all the official Canon film series. Consider this as a final tribute to the cinematic legend - Sir Sean Connery (eventhough it's a bit "cheessy" compare to other Sir Sean's 007 official entries - from Dr.No to Diamonds Are Forever)
Sean Connery is my 2nd favorite Bond next to Daniel Craig. Here are my rankings, including Never Say Never Again, which I unfortunately saw in theaters when I was a kid along w/Octopussy. 1. Thunderball - I love the characters, the plot and the theme song, lots of fun. (9/10) 2. From Russia with Love - Good old-fashioned intrigue (8.5/10) 3. Goldfinger - It's a good Bond film but doesn't excite me like the top two. (8/10) 4. Dr. No - Could've been a really good movie. The last 3rd let me down. (6.5/10) 5. You Only Live Twice - Mediocre (6/10) 6. Diamonds Are Forever - Silly (2/10) 7. Never Say Never Again - Unfortunate (That's the word that comes to mind.) (-1/10, awful)
Wish Scott was involved with this one but loved it nonetheless. Dr No is also high on my Connery or all-time list, it's the prototype and its simplicity is part of its charm. I'd go with From Russia with Love as my favorite but also love Thunderball for the locations, Domino, etc. as you noted. I like You Only Live Twice more than you, but love the novel even more. I'd love to see that properly done.
@Gareth Davies Nice opinion bro! Here is my ranking of all Sean Connery James Bond films and they're all amazing imo. 1. Thunderball 2. Goldfinger 3. You Only Live Twice 4. From Russia With Love 5. Diamonds Are Forever 6. Never Say Never Again 7. Dr No
99% agree with everything you said. Thunderball has always been my favourite. I've always thought Dr. No was under-rated. Never did like YOLT that much (despite marrying a Japanese waifu too - just like Bond!) 1. Thunderball - its everything. You didn't even mention Fiona Volpe. OMFG this film is everything. 10/10 2. Dr. No - For exactly every reason you say. Its THE period-correct Bond. Its perfect. 9/10 3. From Russia With Love - I love the Romance and intrigue of this film. Its really superb. 8/10 4. Goldfinger - a very enjoyable romp. Forcing myself upon a lesbian in a barn and converting her to the side of good is definitely a bucket list item for me. 7/10 5. YOLT - I do like the opening in Hong Kong. And like you say - I love Aki. I don't know why they killed her off to be replaced with the other one. 6/10 6. DAF - This is one of my earliest memories of watching a Bond film on TV - and for me its pure fun. Kidd and Wint are so perfect in their creepy gay way. It reminds me of a saying - in the 50s gays were sinners. In the 60s gays were weird. In the 70s gays were creepy. In the 80s gays were tragic. In the 90s gays were funny. In the 2000s gays were cool. In the 2010 gays were AWESOME. in the 2020s gays are MAGICAL. Anyway.. this film is firmly in the era of "gays are creepy". 5/10 7. NSNA - I have seen it, but it didn't make an impression on me at all. I still rate the Thunderball story though, even in this weird incarnation. 4/10
Not really a bond fan, but I have seen all the films. I have no idea what the first bond film I actually saw was probably one of the Timothy Dalton ones, or it could have been Never Say Never Again. One thing I know for sure the first bond film I specifically planned to watch was Never Say Never Again. I had seen Batman in the cinema and quickly developed a crush on Kim Basinger, so I made a specific plan to watch Never Say Never Again when it was next on, it was also the first bond film I owned and the catalyst for me to check out all the other before. Never Say Never Again has since gone on to be my most watched James Bond film (although not my favourite by any stretch). I actually liked Klaus Maria Brandauer, Barbera Carrera & Rowan Atkinson in the film apart from James Bond himself & of course Kim Basinger. I liked Never Say Never Again more than Diamonds are Forever, Dr No (Too much talk, not enough action) & You only Live Twice, but behind From Russia with Love (Easily the best), Thunderball & Goldfinger (didn't like the Fort Knox sequence where everyone just fell down after the planes flew overhead, looked very silly to me).
Here's the simplest way I put it. McClory sued Ian Fleming for taking material from their film project. They settled out of court. Fleming could keep publishing the Thunderball novel (while adding a credit for McClory and Jack Whittingham) while McClory got the film rights. McClory did a deal with Broccoli & Saltzman (which is why McClory is credited as producer) for Thunderball. McClory agreed to wait 10 years before pursuing any more projects with his rights.
Finally someone who gives Thunderball the respect it deserves, and same goes for Dr. No. I recently rewatched the Bonds and my Sean Connery ranking is the following. The movies of the top 4, similarly to yours, are all more or less at the same level. 1.) From Russia With Love (best plot in my opinion, also best espionnage atmosphere) 2.) Thunderball (my perfect type of escapism, best girls and locations) 3.) Dr. No (genuinely impressed how good and rewatchable this one is for the first of the serie) 4.) Goldfinger (perfect Bond formula, lacks a little bit of exoticism/dream material) "pretty considerable gap" 5.) You Only Live Twice (a little deceiving but still an alright movie overall) "Huge gap" 6.) Diamonds Are Forever (almost fast forwarded the end, a pretty bad movie overall)
Need to watch Thunderball again it's not my fave but its a good Bond film and you made some good observations. I have different faves on different days current 1.Goldfinger 2. Diamonds Are Forever 3. From Russia With Love 4. Dr. No 5. You Only Live Twice 6.Thunderball 7.Never Say Never. I actually like Never Say Never fond memories of seeing it at the cinema.
Great list. My list starts exactly like yours and then we deviate…but only slightly. My list: 7. Never say Never, watching it Again. 6. Diamonds Are Forever 5. Dr No 4. You Only Live Twice 3. Thunderball 2. Goldfinger 1. From Russia With Love.
Great review Joe. While I don't agree that Thunderball is necessarily the best Connery Bond film, I agree that Goldfinger is kind of overrated and Dr. No is a bit underrated. FRWL is my #1 Connery and I think it would be followed by Dr. No. Despite Thunderball dragging a bit in certain areas, I rank Thunderball higher than all the other Connery Bonds so I agree with your placement of the others apart from Thunderball.
My list of great performance of Sean Connery: 1. Goldfinger 2. From Russia with Love 3. Thunderball 4. DR. No 5. You Only Live Twice 6. Never Say Never Again 7. Diamonds are Forever
Goldfinger is great, one of my top four. It is a different feel, Bond captured, was to figure out what was going on. Goldfinger had the gangsters foot him money. And he promused them so much gold each. So, obviously, he wasnt stealing gold, so he used gas on them. Goldfinger had his voice dubbed, as Gert didgt speak good english.And that makes him even greater as a villian. He has one of tbe best villian schemes in the series. The miami hotel scenes were filmed on set. Leiter first walks across is filmed at the hotel. But they had to film most at pinewood.
7: Never Say Never Again - 4
6: Diamonds Are Forever - 6
5: You Only Live Twice - 7
4: Dr. No - 8
3: Thunderball - 8
2: Goldfinger - 9
1: From Russia With Love - 9
Joe, no mention of Fiona Volpe in Thunderball, surely the best femme fatale of the whole series. She lights up the screen whenever she is on. That look in her eye when Connery hands her shoes in the bathroom scene...perfect casting.
So good! Palazzi would have been great as Domino - probably better than Auger (RIP) - but they were very wise to change Fiona from an Irish lass to Italian and cast Palazzi in the part. One of the top Bond girls in the series.
Not a fan of the film, but loved Fiona Volpe. If only she got her own spin off.
Absolutely gorgeous lady - and the character is a good answer to the too-convenient conversion of Pussy Galore in Gold Finger.
Connery's sarcasm and arrogant behavior towards Fiona when he hands her shoes is acting at it's best.
@@saleemkirmani5583 that’s the only time I’ve ever seen the words “Connery” and “acting” in the same sentence!🤣
You are so right about Goldfinger. Guy Hamilton is not a great director as Terence Young is.
And Thunderball is also my favorite Sean Connery's James Bond
Great video, great commentary and nice ranking! Awesome Joe!!!
Good ranking. I align with this almost unanimously in my own ranking of the Connery films.
Never Say Never Again WAS my introduction to James Bond
Another thing striking about Dr. No is that Ted Moore's cinematography is superb. Every scene is perfectly lit from moody hotel rooms to exotic Jamaican locales. For a modest budget, Dr No looks far richer than, say, the flat, over lit look of A View To A Kill.
Well said
Not knocking your view of Dr.No. How in what way is A View to a kill flat and overlit?
@dustynreid5204 Good question. To my eyes, 80s Bond films like A View To A Kill, despite having a vastly larger budget, had an odd tv movie look to it. While some will see a glossy product, I see a cinematographer lighting his scenes without any tonality.
I agree with you 100% that Thunderball is # 1. I've said for many years Thunderball had everything - hot women, action, best locations, one of the best villains ever, great gambling scene, the iconic jet pack scene and the best James Bond ever, Sean Connery in his prime. If there was one movie I had to introduce James Bond to somebody to it would be Thunderball. Sean Connery was at his very best in this movie. No other James Bond actors performance can compare to Sean Connery in Thunderball. It was a masterpiece back in 1966 and still is. You got the point.
6. Diamonds are forever
5. Thunderball
4. You only live twice
3. Dr. No
2. From russia with love
1. Goldfinger
Benjamin Schmidt cannot Agee more...diamonds is terrible!
Exact same list as me!
Dr No, From Russia,, Goldfinger, Thunderball
You Only Live Twice, Diamonds, Never Say Never
all 10s.
Really like your videos. They feel very honest and you don't rank movies highly (or poorly) out of obligation to popular thought. True individual fandom
Thank you! Much appreciated!
All right. I will rank them myself first, before watching the video. Let's see how different our lists are!
1. Goldfinger
2. From Russia with Love
3. Thunderball
4. Dr. No
5. You Only Live Twice
6. Diamonds Are Forever
7. Never Say Never Again
@teppolundgren I agree with the List !!!! No question in that Order that's how it should be.
1. From Russia With Love 2. Goldfinger 3. You Only Live Twice 4. Dr. No 5. Diamonds Are Forever. But they're all close, perhaps with the exception of Diamonds, but as we know, that cartoonishness was a sign of things to come for Bond. You can't really go wrong with Connery as James Bond. He's iconic. From Russia With Love might have one of the best Bond girls, too, Daniela Bianchi. But I still think Eva Green is the best, with the current Moneypenny, Naomie Harris coming in 3rd, but as a Canadian I have to love Lois Maxwell, who like Ms. Harris, had a ton of personality in the role.
The motion graphics introduction to this was pretty good, well done.
I pretty much agree with almost everything said regarding the films except for the disdain for Never Say Never Again. I don’t actually mind that it’s different to the EON Bond films, it’s always just felt like a darn good 80s style adventure yarn to me. It might also help that I was pretty young when it came out and didn’t immediately associate it with the rest of the franchise. That understanding only came along as I got older. I definitely would rate NSNA higher than DAF, but the original it’s based on, Thunderball, is easily my preferred version of the same story (and probably my favourite of all of the Sean Connery films as well.)
I don't agree with your Bond list!
My ranking is:
1️⃣.YOU ONLY LiVE TWiCE
2️⃣.THUNDERBALL
3️⃣.DR.NO
4️⃣.DiAMONDS ARE FOREVER
5️⃣.GOLDFiNGER
6️⃣.FROM RUSSiA WiTH LOVE
7️⃣.NEVER SAY NEVER AGAiN
I love You Only Live Twice. Escpecially it's theme song.
Hi Being James Bond ..........I am so saddened by the news of the passing away of Sean Connery. At age 66 years and now living on the tropical island of Phuket Thailand, I have seen and loved all the Bond films. I will contact you again soon.
1 goldfinger
2 thunderball
3 dr no
4 from russia with love
5 you only live twice
6 diamonds are forever
@11:24 - the famed "Wilhelm scream" - Gotta love it
1- From Russia with Love
2- Goldfinger
3- Dr No
4- Thunderball
5- You Only Live Twice
6- Diamonds Are Forever
7 Diamonds Are Forever
6 Thunderball
5 Never Say Never Again
4 Goldfinger
3 Dr No
2 You Only Live Twice
1 From Russia With Love
I'm always impressed by your presentations! Visuals and mixed sounds/music are really fantastic!
Thunderball is #1 for sure! Great job!
Joe the way you described FRWL is how I’ve always viewed thunderball. For whatever reason I can’t love it. I recognize it’s well made and has great elements, But I’ve never been able to connect. Hopefully it’ll grow on me over time
Joe, my ranking is exactly like yours. Dr. No used to be my number 2 until rouhly 1997 or so, the From Russia With Love took that spot over. Thunderball has always been my favorite since I first saw it on tv back in the 80s. Everything just fit together for me: the plot, the locales, the girls, the music. Such a classic and classy movie.
Joe, the production of your videos just went up ten fold, good job!
Also agree with your point on Goldfinger about Bond being passive, which brings the film down a little.
Its too hard to separate FRWL and TB in my mind, can't wait for the next review!
6. Thunderball
5. You only Live twice
4. Goldfinger
3. From Russia with love
2. Diamonds are forever
1. Dr. No
Respect
CRAZY! We have the exact same order. Not kidding. Let’s see how it goes with Moore.
I agree with you. Thunderball is my favourite Connery film. The first Bond film I ever watched.
The only REAL James Bond. Sean Connery.
Totally agree with the lineup, “Thunderball” has always been my most favorite of Sean Connery‘s James Bond. I agree.👌🏿😎🌴🌙
Finally! I agree with every single point here, and the exact same ranking order as I have. Thunderball is amazing.
I totally agree with every one of your rankings and comments, the only difference would be I would probably put Goldfinger above Dr No. Thunderball is an extremely underrated film by many fans. It has the most epic feel of all the Bonds up to that point. The cinematography is sumptuous. The colours are so sharp and like you, I love the underwater climax. It's such a unique action sequence. It's always been one of the many highlights of the film for me. In fact the underwater photography is so beautiful and well presented. In fairness to the people who aren't really fond of this film and think the diving sequences slow down the pace to the extent that they kind of switch off mentally when Bond is underwater. That's okay, a lot of people aren't really fond of any film that spends too much of its running time underwater for the same reason, because they believe it slows down the pace. I however love underwater sequences in action movies, particularly when they are gorgeous and beautifully presented as they are in Thunderball. Different people like different things. Another great video, Joe.
Thunderball is amazing
@@Oakwoodstudiosmoviesandtvshows Totally agree.
Not only is Bond a passive observer in Goldfinger, everything he does try doing fails. He can't even disarm the bomb at the end without help.
Guy Hamilton deliberately set out to restrict Bond in 'Goldfinger'. Hamilton felt Bond was in danger of turning into a "superhero" (not in the comic book sense).
Thunderball has never been near my top choice for a Connery Bond movie. Even his quips are overboard. Pun intended (for the finale).
inoubliable acteur
Joe is not gonna like my list
7: Never say never again
6: Diamonds are forever
5: Thunderball
4: Dr no
3: From russia with love
2: You only live twice
1: Goldfinger
From Russia with Love is my favorite James Bond movie. The dialogue between Red Grant and Connery was incredible before the fabulous fight. Kerim Bay was awesome. I liked Thunderball too, because of Connery's magnificent acting.
Hi, been watching your channel for a while now and must say they are quite enjoyable and well thought out. I totally agree with you on your ranking of Connerys Bond. Not something i say lightly. I am 65 years old and saw each of the original 007 films when they first came out and made history. Through the years i have sometimes felt like I was the worlds first James Bond super fan (when roger moore took over i felt like the last true believer of Sean Connery lol) since i was very young when they first came out and i was at a very impressionable age they changed my life. In some ways i now had a blue print. At nine I discovered photography ( b/w darkroom etc) and writing graffiti. In 1966 i became New Yorks First name based graffiti writer. I am just saying hello. You can read more about me in the modern art history books. Thank you for what you do.
Great stuff. I was expecting you to put FRWL as your number 1, as I remember from the reviews either you or Scott gave it a 10. But I’m glad Thunderball got it, my favourite Connery film too, definitely those locations win it
IN my opinion the only director who really understood James Bond was Terence Young. He would never accept a guy like daniel craig for the role.
My list, for what it's worth...
1. From Russia With Love
2. Dr No
3. Goldfinger
4. You Only Live Twice
5. Thunderball
6. Never Say Never Again
7. Diamonds Are Forever
Perfect list.
@@mercuryrising2424 Not exactly perfect
@@SharkWhosFondOfBond How would you change it?
@@mercuryrising2424 I'd put Diamonds are Forever over Never Say Never again, while both are ridiculous fun in their own way, Diamonds is more iconic. (I do consider Never Say Never Again as the second most re-watchable Bond movie though, beaten by the amazing Licence to Kill)
@@SharkWhosFondOfBond Yeah I agree, from what I can remember of NSNA.
6.Diamonds are forever
5.From russia with love
4.You only live twice
3.Thunderball
2.Goldfinger
1.Dr No
6) Diamonds Are Forever 3) Goldfinger
5) You Only Live Twice 2) Dr. No
4) Thunderball 1) From Russia With Love
G’day Joe, so glad to hear you’ll be ranking the Roger Moore 007 films, just because I want to hear more love for Octopussy, which is my favourite 007 film. Loved watching this ranking film, good to see NSNA at the bottom; just a film to settle scores. But I’m one of those that finds Thunderball dull, for me Dr No is his best. Thanks again for the great content mate.
Thunderball is for me the ultimate Bond movie. Young and Connery are on their best. Some scènes (about 10) are truly amazing
My Ranking is
6. Diamonds Are Forever
5. Thunderball (One of the best? NO! IT'S ULTRA-BORING)
4. You Only Live Twice
3. Dr No
2. From Russia With Love
1. Goldfinger
Near Perfect Rating!!! At first I was on the defensive because Diamonds Are Forever was my first 007 film, but I can definitely see it's flaws now and recognize my own bias/nostalgia... that said I'd put it above You Only Live Twice personally. Your fab four rating is truly a chef's kiss as they say!! Glad there's someone out there besides me that really appreciates Thunderball!! Also nice to know I'm not the only one not as keen on Goldfinger in terms of those first four films. Still love it of course... just... would likely watch any of the other three first. What can I say? I love me some SPECTRE!
3:48
Joe: Its firmly planted in the 80s
plays 'Come on Eileen' jokes aside, well said about Never Say Never Again and the ranking
I love all the Bonds but Sean Connery was my favorite and Goldfinger and Thunderball are still my two favorite Bond films though I love them all. I'm a Bond girl obviously. I'm shaken but never stirred.
I also love THUNDERBALL I think that at the end is a question of been “serious” and find a balance between what is incredible but possible and what is impossible. That is something that happens in the best Sean Connery films and in Daniel Craig films. At the end is Sean Connery the more Fleming Bond you can feel the Fleming participation and Spirit
Great ranking! I’m pretty much agreeing with your whole list, I’ve always had Thunderball 1st and FRWL 2nd in my total Bond rankings (although Casino Royale has snuck in between them since its’ release).
Connery ranking:
1) Thunderball [ 10/10 ]
2) From Russia... [ 10/10 ]
3) Dr. No [ 9/10 ]
4) Goldfinger [ 9/10 ]
...........
(a big gap...)
...........
5) Diamonds Are Forever [ 6,5/10 ]
6) You Only Live Twice [ 6/10 ]
7) Never Say Never Again [ 6/10 ]
The last three Connery’s are far below the ‘classic 4’ but I enjoy Diamonds (for what it is) a bit more than YOLT and the ninja/volcano finale edges out Never Say Never Again with a slight margin.
Head of Section: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! FINALLY, a ranking of James Bond movies that rightfully puts "Thunderball" at the top of the list. I LOVE that movie! I love it's epic, grand style. I love the underwater battle at the end. Thank you! (I concur with your other rankings here also - except I'd swap "Goldfinger" with "Dr. No.") Carry on.
I agree with your list, but I think the main problem a lot of people have with Thunderball is that the audience is shown the villains’ plan at the beginning and then we’re just watching James Bond catching up with us throughout the film. That is not how a story should be told. But besides that, it is a great one.
7) Never Say Never Again
6) ThunderBall
5) Diamond are Forever
4) Dr. No
3) You Only Live Twice
2) From Russia with Love
1) Goldfinger
Best Connery Bond films
1. From Russia With Love
Connery’s best performance. A great plot, great villians, greatest ally to date. Great soundtrack, fantastic suspense and simply and small set pieces that do not age. One of my top five favourite Bond films to date and probably the best direct adaptation of a Bond novel
2. Goldfinger
Another great Connery performance, the pacing for the first hour is fantastic, the humour, wit are brilliant and one of the best Bond villains and henchman to date. After the first hour it does slow down, but it soon picks up in the last twenty minutes.
3. Dr. No
Fantastic introduction, Connery is great, and an excuse on how less is more. Quarrel is a great ally and even it has dated, it is still a great watch.
4. You Only Live Twice
Connery is starting to tire of the role, the film is ridiculous and illogical (seriously Blofeld needs a special place to kill Bond!?) and the set pieces are OTT, but the film is fun.
5. Never Say Never Again (since it is being counted)
Dire, badly plotted and paced, Kim Basinger is awful, and unlike Dr No, the forced economy doesn’t work here. The score is the worst of all time. Thankfully time has mellowed Connery and he gives a great performance here along with Klaus Maria Brandauer as Largo.
6. Thunderball
Terrible. Slow paced, dull and boring. The underwater scenes drag on for too long, the locations become claustrophobic, the scope seems grand but in reality its minute. Connery is starting to tire of the role, the villain is dull, the leading lady is a wet fish. Thankfully Luciana Paluzzi adds spice and life as Fiona Volpe and Tom Jones’ song is great.
7. Diamonds Are Forever
It was always a dull and boring, but rewatching all the films recently for reviews I have to say that this is my worst Bond film to date, yes it just about beats Die Another Day. The plot tries to be epic scopes, but its just making time. The pacing is tiresome, the production design looks like the remanents of the You Only Live Twice set design and have been recycled for this film. I mean the colour tone of this film is akin to a hangover from the 60s Bond and this is the morning after. Blofeld is horrid, the leading lady is dull. However the biggest culprit of this film is Connery, sure he is in it for the paycheque and that’s all good, but he gives a performance where he acts as he doesn’t give a damn. This is not Connery playing Bond, this is Connery playing himself and he was most probably going through an identity crisis, he starred in Zardoz around this time and that is more than enough to suggest he was going through a crisis. A terrible film.
7. Never say never again - score 5
6. Diamonds are forever - score 6
5. You only live twice - score 6.5
4. Thunderball - score 7
3. Goldfinger - score 7
2. From russia with love - score 9
1. Dr.No - score 9.5
1. From Russia with Love
10/10
2.
Dr. No
9/10
3.
Goldfinger 8.5/10
4. You Only Live Twice
7/10
5. Thunderball
6.5/10
...
6. Diamonds Are Forever
4/10
7. Never Say Never Again
4/10
Never Say Never Again is actually my favourite Connery film. I do usually play a CD in the background with the proper music though. I think it's much more entertaining than Thunderball which is so dark and underwater.
I totally agree with your point on Goldfinger! I also prefer Dr No & Thunderball.
Good solid rankings Joe. For me starting at 7 is NSNA, followed by; DAF ,Dr.No,Goldfinger,YOLT(so 60’s) FRWL and my number one is Thunderball!!! Yes that window to the Bahamas!!
6. from russia with love
5. goldfinger
4. thunderball
3. diamonds are forever
2. dr no
1. you only live twice
I can't rank Thunderball above Goldfinger purely on the basis of the water scenes being five minutes too long and the ending badly edited and I love Thunderball.
From Russia With Love
Goldfinger
Thunderball
You Only Live Twice
Dr No
Diamonds Are Forever
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Thunderball was the first Bond movie I saw. The jet pack sequence made a major impact on me. I knew this wasn't something I'd see on TV.
1) From Russia With Love
2) Dr. No
3) Thunderball
4) Goldfinger
5) Diamonds Are Forever
6) You Only Live Twice
First time I totally agree with your #1!!! I even love the film poster best!!! This is the one going in the "time capsule!".. good list. I think Goldfinger would be right behind this one. Thanks for your energy and input!
My favorite part of this ranking is the knowledge that I’m not alone in assessing that Goldfinger is a good Bond film but not the best. I enjoy Goldfinger but certainly enjoy your top three more than that one (but FRWL) is my favorite Connery film
For some reason NSNA is in my top half of Connery. Really enjoyed it.
My opinion on Thunderball changed drastically. I hated it as a teenager, watching it with commercial breaks didn´t help with the pacing either but as a grown man, I appreciate it a lot more due to a lot of the reasons you mentioned and the climax of the film is underrated. I don´t think there has ever been a more gorgeous setting either.
1. Russia with Love
2. Dr No
3. Thunderball
4. Goldfinger
5. You Only Live Twice
6. Diamonds are Forever
7. Never Say Never Again
I always liked Never Say Never Again. There does seem to be this unwritten rule that if you're a Bond fan, you're supposed to be offended by it. But, I like it just fine. It isn't my favorite it, but it's very entertaining. And Connery is great in it.
My list - 1. From Russia With Love 2. Thunderball 3. Dr. No 4. You Only Live Twice 5. Goldfinger 6. Never Say Never Again 7. Diamonds Are Forever. R.I.P. Sir Sean Connery
Thank you! Very interesting and entertaining review once again :)
Imagine being 14 years old and saying From Russia with Love on the big screen
Dear Joe and Scott, please do a review on the unofficial "Never Say Never Again" and the reason is both of you did a great job on reviewing all the official Canon film series. Consider this as a final tribute to the cinematic legend - Sir Sean Connery (eventhough it's a bit "cheessy" compare to other Sir Sean's 007 official entries - from Dr.No to Diamonds Are Forever)
Would swap Goldfinger and Dr No but agree with this list. The top two are almost perfect Bond films. Another great vid.
Sean Connery is my 2nd favorite Bond next to Daniel Craig. Here are my rankings, including Never Say Never Again, which I unfortunately saw in theaters when I was a kid along w/Octopussy.
1. Thunderball - I love the characters, the plot and the theme song, lots of fun. (9/10)
2. From Russia with Love - Good old-fashioned intrigue (8.5/10)
3. Goldfinger - It's a good Bond film but doesn't excite me like the top two. (8/10)
4. Dr. No - Could've been a really good movie. The last 3rd let me down. (6.5/10)
5. You Only Live Twice - Mediocre (6/10)
6. Diamonds Are Forever - Silly (2/10)
7. Never Say Never Again - Unfortunate (That's the word that comes to mind.) (-1/10, awful)
1.) From Russia With Love
2.) Doctor No
3.) Goldfinger
4.) You Only Live Twice
5.) Diamonds are Forever
6.) Thunderball
My list:
1.FRWL
2. Goldfinger
3.Dr.No
4.YOLT
5 Thunderbolt
6.Diamonds are forever
7.NSNA
Really interesting episode - thanks for posting!
Wish Scott was involved with this one but loved it nonetheless. Dr No is also high on my Connery or all-time list, it's the prototype and its simplicity is part of its charm. I'd go with From Russia with Love as my favorite but also love Thunderball for the locations, Domino, etc. as you noted. I like You Only Live Twice more than you, but love the novel even more. I'd love to see that properly done.
6. Diamonds Are Forever
5. Thunderball
4. From Russia With Love
3. You Only Live Twice
2. Goldfinger
1. Dr. No
6. Thunderball
5. Dr. No
4. Diamonds
3. You Only Live Twice
2. From Russia With Love
1. Goldfinger
Fantastic video, love the opening credits
Totally with Joe on preferring Dr No to Goldfinger. It's my favourite Connery film.
@Gareth Davies Nice opinion bro! Here is my ranking of all Sean Connery James Bond films and they're all amazing imo.
1. Thunderball
2. Goldfinger
3. You Only Live Twice
4. From Russia With Love
5. Diamonds Are Forever
6. Never Say Never Again
7. Dr No
99% agree with everything you said. Thunderball has always been my favourite. I've always thought Dr. No was under-rated. Never did like YOLT that much (despite marrying a Japanese waifu too - just like Bond!)
1. Thunderball - its everything. You didn't even mention Fiona Volpe. OMFG this film is everything. 10/10
2. Dr. No - For exactly every reason you say. Its THE period-correct Bond. Its perfect. 9/10
3. From Russia With Love - I love the Romance and intrigue of this film. Its really superb. 8/10
4. Goldfinger - a very enjoyable romp. Forcing myself upon a lesbian in a barn and converting her to the side of good is definitely a bucket list item for me. 7/10
5. YOLT - I do like the opening in Hong Kong. And like you say - I love Aki. I don't know why they killed her off to be replaced with the other one. 6/10
6. DAF - This is one of my earliest memories of watching a Bond film on TV - and for me its pure fun. Kidd and Wint are so perfect in their creepy gay way. It reminds me of a saying - in the 50s gays were sinners. In the 60s gays were weird. In the 70s gays were creepy. In the 80s gays were tragic. In the 90s gays were funny. In the 2000s gays were cool. In the 2010 gays were AWESOME. in the 2020s gays are MAGICAL. Anyway.. this film is firmly in the era of "gays are creepy". 5/10
7. NSNA - I have seen it, but it didn't make an impression on me at all. I still rate the Thunderball story though, even in this weird incarnation. 4/10
I'd it just me or is Connery's voice different in Diamonds are Forever?
Not just you. His Scottish accent is definitely thicker.
1. From Russia With Love
2. Goldfinger
3 Dr No
4 You Only Live Twice
5 Thunderball
6 Diamonds Are Forever
7 Never Say Never Again
Not really a bond fan, but I have seen all the films. I have no idea what the first bond film I actually saw was probably one of the Timothy Dalton ones, or it could have been Never Say Never Again. One thing I know for sure the first bond film I specifically planned to watch was Never Say Never Again. I had seen Batman in the cinema and quickly developed a crush on Kim Basinger, so I made a specific plan to watch Never Say Never Again when it was next on, it was also the first bond film I owned and the catalyst for me to check out all the other before. Never Say Never Again has since gone on to be my most watched James Bond film (although not my favourite by any stretch). I actually liked Klaus Maria Brandauer, Barbera Carrera & Rowan Atkinson in the film apart from James Bond himself & of course Kim Basinger. I liked Never Say Never Again more than Diamonds are Forever, Dr No (Too much talk, not enough action) & You only Live Twice, but behind From Russia with Love (Easily the best), Thunderball & Goldfinger (didn't like the Fort Knox sequence where everyone just fell down after the planes flew overhead, looked very silly to me).
I pretty much agree with this list. The Terence Young ones are awesome.
Here's the simplest way I put it. McClory sued Ian Fleming for taking material from their film project. They settled out of court. Fleming could keep publishing the Thunderball novel (while adding a credit for McClory and Jack Whittingham) while McClory got the film rights. McClory did a deal with Broccoli & Saltzman (which is why McClory is credited as producer) for Thunderball. McClory agreed to wait 10 years before pursuing any more projects with his rights.
Actually, NSNA WAS my introduction to 007 and I haven't stopped since!
Finally someone who gives Thunderball the respect it deserves, and same goes for Dr. No. I recently rewatched the Bonds and my Sean Connery ranking is the following. The movies of the top 4, similarly to yours, are all more or less at the same level.
1.) From Russia With Love (best plot in my opinion, also best espionnage atmosphere)
2.) Thunderball (my perfect type of escapism, best girls and locations)
3.) Dr. No (genuinely impressed how good and rewatchable this one is for the first of the serie)
4.) Goldfinger (perfect Bond formula, lacks a little bit of exoticism/dream material)
"pretty considerable gap"
5.) You Only Live Twice (a little deceiving but still an alright movie overall)
"Huge gap"
6.) Diamonds Are Forever (almost fast forwarded the end, a pretty bad movie overall)
Need to watch Thunderball again it's not my fave but its a good Bond film and you made some good observations. I have different faves on different days current 1.Goldfinger 2. Diamonds Are Forever 3. From Russia With Love 4. Dr. No 5. You Only Live Twice 6.Thunderball 7.Never Say Never. I actually like Never Say Never fond memories of seeing it at the cinema.
Great list. My list starts exactly like yours and then we deviate…but only slightly.
My list:
7. Never say Never, watching it Again.
6. Diamonds Are Forever
5. Dr No
4. You Only Live Twice
3. Thunderball
2. Goldfinger
1. From Russia With Love.
Agree except would switch 6 and 7. NSNA is definitely more coherent than Diamonds are Forever and Connery actually feels like he wants to be there.
Great review Joe. While I don't agree that Thunderball is necessarily the best Connery Bond film, I agree that Goldfinger is kind of overrated and Dr. No is a bit underrated. FRWL is my #1 Connery and I think it would be followed by Dr. No. Despite Thunderball dragging a bit in certain areas, I rank Thunderball higher than all the other Connery Bonds so I agree with your placement of the others apart from Thunderball.
6 Thunderball 5/10
5 diamonds are forever 6/10
4 you only Live Twice 7/10
3 dr no 8/10
2 from russia with love 9/10
1 Goldfinger 10/10
My list of great performance of Sean Connery:
1. Goldfinger
2. From Russia with Love
3. Thunderball
4. DR. No
5. You Only Live Twice
6. Never Say Never Again
7. Diamonds are Forever
Goldfinger is great, one of my top four. It is a different feel, Bond captured, was to figure out what was going on. Goldfinger had the gangsters foot him money. And he promused them so much gold each. So, obviously, he wasnt stealing gold, so he used gas on them. Goldfinger had his voice dubbed, as Gert didgt speak good english.And that makes him even greater as a villian. He has one of tbe best villian schemes in the series.
The miami hotel scenes were filmed on set. Leiter first walks across is filmed at the hotel. But they had to film most at pinewood.