Ranking Roger Moore’s Bond Films

With the passing of Sir Roger Moore, we celebrate his life and career. Given that Moore starred as

Bond more than any other actor (excluding Connery’s non-EON Never Say Never Again), let’s take a look at his films, as we rank them.

In honor of Moore, please visit UNICEF to learn what you can do to help children in poverty.

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7. Moonraker (1979)

James Bond in space? Yes. In an attempt to capitalize on Hollywood’s Sci-Fi boom, stemming from Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, EON went Uber-Bond with this campy outing that did not reflect Ian Fleming’s novel of the same name. Writer Christopher Wood and director Lewis Gilbert went for the absurd, including a gondola that turns into a car, a double-taking pigeon, and a love interest for henchman Jaws.

6. For Your Eyes Only (1981)

One of the better Bond plots is undone by camp and the presence of Bibi Dahl, a figure skater who has a crush on Bond. The film features an exciting ski chase, in which Bond finds himself on a bobsled run. But this is undercut by Bill Conti’s score, which sounds more fitting for a made-for-TV drama. But For Your Eyes Only does have much to offer, including a hair-raising rock climb and Bond’s ruthless killing of henchman Locque, in the following scene:

5. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

Perhaps one of the more forgotten Bond films, The Man with the Golden Gun has a unique place in Bond lore. The film’s villain, Francisco Scaramanga (played to hilt by Christopher Lee), has his sights set on Bond, making it the only James Bond film in which Bond is attempting to find his own would-be assassin. Cool factor: the film features a Bond completing a barrel roll in an AMC Hornet. Furthermore, Scaramanga’s island (Khao Phing Kan) is now a tourist attraction in Thailand.

4. Octopussy (1983)

One has to give Octopussy credit for one thing: combining espionage with the circus…and making it work. While some may deride the decision to put Bond in a clown suit, the disguise fits the film perfectly. The post-title sequence, with agent 009 being chased to the British embassy, is unforgettable for its suspense and pacing.

3. A View to a Kill (1985)

Though widely panned, and despite Moore’s own admission to being too old for the role, A View to a Kill has too many positives to overlook. First and foremost, there is Christopher Walken as villain Max Zorin. Walken was the perfect choice to play the crazed Zorin, who has gone from Russian agent to high tech mogul, complete with a dirigible used for transportation–and high altitude kills. His henchwoman, May Day, played by Grace Jones, is also worthy of attention. And if you’re looking for a Patrick McNee sighting in the Bond series, you’ll find it here.

Duran Duran’s theme song isn’t too bad, either.

2. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

This 1977 epic is grand in scope and the most impressive production of any of Moore’s Bond films. The final battle, aboard Stromberg’s massive freighter, pays homage to Connery’s Bond films of the 60s.  Want iconic moments? The Spy Who Loved Me features two: a Lotus Espirit that turns into a submarine and a ski-jump to near death, in the scene below:

1. Live and Let Die (1973)

Moore’s best Bond film was arguably his first. Though some may find the mix of Bond and the Blaxploitation genre of the time to be trafficking in racial stereotypes, the film may also be a nod to the advancements blacks had made at the time. Live and Let Die is the first (and only) Bond film to feature blacks in several prominent roles, including the villain, Kananga (played by Yaphet Kotto). The film is also the first to show Bond kissing a black co-star (Gloria Hendry, as Rosie Carver), no doubt a comment on the state of interracial relationships. Baron Semedi (the terrific Geoffrey Holder) and Tee Hee are iconic baddies, as well.

And if the theme song counts for anything, Live and Let Die has that going for it, too.