GF has never seen a James Bond Movie!

ddahcmai

I just found out that my girlfriend has never seen a single James Bond movie in her life, and this needs to be fixed as soon as possible. The only problem is, I am by no means a Bond expert, and have had trouble figuring out what order to watch the movies in. Depending on if I start in the early movies or the later ones, I will vastly affect her perception of who Bond is, and while my favorite is Daniel Craig, if I show her a badass and then move onto Brosnan, she might be disappointed in the change in character, and I guess the same goes for the opposite.

The question is: I need a list of the 5 best movies, in the correct watching order, to properly introduce somebody to James Bond. Can you help?

Grid System

You're getting a bit ahead of yourself, thinking about sitting her down in front of five films. Start with one. If she likes it, maybe move on to another one.

That said, here are three places to consider starting:
From Russia With Love
Goldeneye
Casino Royale

Daenris

well... the first Bond movie I saw was Moonraker. My advice: don't let the first one she sees be Moonraker.

Something with Connery would be best. From Russia With Love is good, as is Goldfinger. It's been a while since I've seen any of them, and I haven't seen the most recent 2 or 3 at all.

truck-a-sauras

Diamonds are Forever - Connery
Moonraker or the Man with the Golden Gun - Moore
License to Kill - Dalton
Goldeneye - Brosnan
Casino Royale - Craig

The best way would be do an all day movie marathon and make a big silly event of the whole thing. This list would give you a good smattering of the transition over the decades of the character/franchise. Giant movie marathons are lots of fun too. I'm sure some other posters may disagree with my Connery choice of Diamond are Forever as it isn't the most serious film. It is more cliched and wacky, but that is why I love it so much.

have fun!

if it is only 1 to start with I'd say go for the Timothy Dalton movie. Now I must escape because I'm sure to get flamed for this statement.....

VeritasVR

I'll echo that From Russia With Love is a great Bond movie to start off with. It's action-packed, fun, easy to follow, and has all the elements of a fantastic movie.

RocketSauce

I actually thought Dalton made a good Bond.

Top 5:

1. Goldfinger
2. Casino Royale
3. From Russia With Love
4. Liscense to Kill
5. On Her Majesties Secret Service

You get a good blend of different styles, time periods, and actors playing Bond. Good Bond is few and far between. I wasn't a big fan of Brosnan's Bond, but I did like Goldeneye. It would probably edge out #5, but I just like how odd and out of place OHMSS is compared to everything else.

JeffH

no love for Dr. No? It's the first bond film and also pretty entertaining

ddahcmai

Just to clarify, I know her well enough to know that she will absolutely love Bond. It seems like some malevolent act of Satan that she hasn't seen one yet. Second, I am not planning on an all-day marathon. Even if she was all for it, I personally cannot sit still for that long - this will be more of a two week to one month process.

Otherwise, you guys have been a huge help. Thanks, and keep the suggestions coming if you think your list is better than somebody else's

Flying Couch

Dr. No or From Russia With Love. You gotta start with Connery, man. ;-)

The Savior

Depends on how receptive she is to the whole ordeal, and her general taste in movies. Like you mentioned, you have to decide if it would be best to move from brute to suave, or the other way around. Or maybe even goofy 1980's bond.

Drez

From Russia With Love. Goldfinger is excellent but some parts are a little tough to swallow. Casino Royale is great, too. I'm a huge fan of Thunderball. You Only Live Twice is pretty good but one of the weaker Connery Bond flicks.

I would skip Never Say Never Again and anything Roger Moore did. Roger Moore wasn't a complete disaster but he wasn't very good either.

I really liked GoldenEye, for what it's worth, of the Brosnan flicks. Tomorrow Never Dies and Die Another Day were watchable but not recommendable as better Bond films.

I thought Dalton's films were okay, but he really pussified the bond character. He cried in License to Kill for chrissakes. Okay, fine, I can understand why but I think Ian Fleming must've spun around in his grave. Moore and Brosnan actually personified Fleming's concept of Bond, at least from looks, than Connery, Dalton, or (I'd wager) Daniel Craig.

And I don't think I've ever seen On Her Majesty's Secret Service, so I can't say anything about George Lazenby.

So I'd recommend From Russia With Love, then GoldenEye, then Casino Royale if you only watch three. These aren't necessarily my three favorite or even thre three best but they are different enough in style and feature three different Bonds - three of the better Bonds - and as such I think they provide a good "Bond sample," so to speak.

P.S. We are referring to the Daniel Craig version of Casino Royale, not the Woody Allen mock-up which is also available on DVD.

Dalboz

Start at the beginning: Dr. No. Seriously, it introduces you Bond and the supporting cast (sans Q) very well. I would suggest going in order, although it's not entirely necessary.

Also, On Her Majesty's Secret Service probably gets little love because Lazenby played a very different Bond that we weren't used to seeing, particularly the ending was very different from every other Bond movie, and it leads in Diamonds Are Forever. Personally, I thought it was very good and interesting to see a different side of Bond.

The movie ends with him crying over his dead wife.

Kilroy

Drez wrote: »

And I don't think I've ever seen On Her Majesty's Secret Service, so I can't say anything about George Lazenby.

I didn't care for it, personally. Some people do, but I'm perfectly happy skipping it.

I definitely recommend starting with Connery. Diamonds are Forever is my favorite, but you might want to start with an earlier one, so she knows who Blofeld is. From Russia with Love is a great one.

My favorite Bond movie overall is definitely GoldenEye. It's not the best Bond movie, but it's fun and has some of the most memorable characters. Also a tank chase through St. Petersburg. :^:

Muramasa18

Yeah, Goldeneye is definitely my favorite. Casino Royale is probably second.

Rook

I think you need to start with The Bourne Identity, then maybe move onto The Bourne Supremacy, and the only other good one is The Bourne Ultimatum.



I like the dalton films, then maybe goldeneye, but really goldfinger is all you need to see.

randombattle

Flying Couch wrote: »

Dr. No or From Russia With Love. You gotta start with Connery, man. ;-)

Yeah you gotta go with Connery. He defines Bond.

Aridhol

Top 5:

1. Goldfinger
2. Goldeneye
3. From Russia With Love
4. The world is not enough
5. Dr. No


It is seriously dissapointing the level of Brosnan love in this thread.
Connery *IS* Bond but Dalton before Brosnan? (edit: sorry, a little harsh. Honestly though Brosnan was great)

Cylarana

I have to say, I have you beat. When we got married, my wife hadn't seen Indiana Jones. Any of them

For starting out...GoldFinger. "No Mr Bond. I expect you to die!" is a great line. Tomorrow Never Dies would be OK too. Casino Royale is actually very good; I thought Craig as Bond was closer to the book character than any of the others. Avoid Moonraker at all cost. Same with Die Another Day. Avoid most of the Moore movies. The Dalton movies weren't bad either. So, Goldfinger, Casino Royale, Tomorrow Never Dies, License to Kill, The Living Daylights would all be good places to start.

This is coming from a fan of the books though--I thought Craig did the mentally off kilter killer very well. The James Bond of Ian Fleming was an alcoholic, probably ED, and very, very good at detached, rutheless violence--in short a sociopath. I tend to prefer movies that show that side of Bond. And sadly, this thread has reminded me of how...crappy...a lot of the Bond movies really are.


Edit: I didn't care much for how Connery played Bond. I thought Dalton was decent, and Brosan did the character well but the movies he was in mostly sucked despite that. I like Craig so far. Moore...well, I hated most of his movies so much I can't say if I liked how he played Bond or not. Lazenby really doesn't count.

Bliss 101

I'll add my vote for From Russia With Love, it's by far my favorite.

I'd also second the suggestion that you pick one movie from each of the different Bonds. I didn't exactly hate Roger Moore, I think I actually enjoyed A View to a Kill. That's because it has Christopher Walken and a zeppelin, both ingredients of a good movie.

Daedalus

Casino Royale was incredible; it did for the Bond movies what Batman Begins did for the Batman movies. I can actually take them seriously again, which I thought would never happen after I saw the abomination that was Die Another Day.

So, yeah. Casino Royale would be my first recommendation.

bombardier

If it helps any, my first introduction to Bond was Goldeneye when it first came out. Soon after that I had every movie on VHS, which were watched in order. That's how I became a fan, anyways.

ViolentChemistry

Goldfinger and Goldeneye should both be on the list, I'd put License to Kill on the list but that's just because I had a huge crush on Carrie Lowell when I was 13.

CyberJackal

If you want to show her some of the most parodied elements of the Bond franchise, show her You Only Live Twice and The Spy Who Loved Me. The cliches were born here (not that I don't enjoy them).

If you want to show her a movie from each of the actors and want to stay away from the kooky stuff, For Your Eyes Only is the most "serious" and arguably the best of the Moore films.

Tal

bombardier wrote: »

If it helps any, my first introduction to Bond was Goldeneye when it first came out. Soon after that I had every movie on VHS, which were watched in order. That's how I became a fan, anyways.

The *exact* same happened to me.

Now, I don't know what your tastes will be between the two of you as far as movies go in general, but I wonder if I would have been as interested had I seen a Connery film before Goldeneye. My concern for this is that there's a huge difference in movies in general from the 60s to the 90s. Pacing, effects, etc. Now don't get me wrong, I love the older Bond movies, but I wonder if the action and more aggressive character development of Goldeneye would be a better hook.

For me, it's like comparing Rocky to Rocky 3/4. Pacing changed. Story telling elements changed. The first time I watched Rocky it felt drawn out more than it needed to be (granted I was younger). Now, I watch it and wish more movies were like that.

Having said that, I will echo the top 3 as being (in no particular order):

From Russia with Love
Goldeneye
Casino Royale

truck-a-sauras

Tal wrote: »

bombardier wrote: »

If it helps any, my first introduction to Bond was Goldeneye when it first came out. Soon after that I had every movie on VHS, which were watched in order. That's how I became a fan, anyways.

The *exact* same happened to me.

Now, I don't know what your tastes will be between the two of you as far as movies go in general, but I wonder if I would have been as interested had I seen a Connery film before Goldeneye. My concern for this is that there's a huge difference in movies in general from the 60s to the 90s. Pacing, effects, etc. Now don't get me wrong, I love the older Bond movies, but I wonder if the action and more aggressive character development of Goldeneye would be a better hook.

For me, it's like comparing Rocky to Rocky 3/4. Pacing changed. Story telling elements changed. The first time I watched Rocky it felt drawn out more than it needed to be (granted I was younger). Now, I watch it and wish more movies were like that.

Having said that, I will echo the top 3 as being (in no particular order):

From Russia with Love
Goldeneye
Casino Royale

I guess I'm one generation older here. I grew up in the 80's and my first introduction to Bond was with Timothy Dalton and from there I was hooked. So Goldeneye isn't necessarily the key to the hook. Like you said Bond has been around for decades; so everyone jumps on at a different point. Pretty much most of the films being listed here I'd say are 'hook' worthy.

Now it depends on the taste of the viewer if they like more serious action, the kookiness, or the over the top nonsense on what film to choose for introduction.

On a side note, as I love kooky things Rocky 3 - 4 are my faves of the series as they are the most cartoonish. Somebody who likes serious things would want to watch the first film and possibly the most recent Rocky Balboa movie and ignore the middle few.

Can't wait for the new Bond movie. Casino Royale really made quite the impact and I hope this new one can follow it up.

seasleepy

I can't offer too many suggestions having not seen all that many Bond films, but Goldfinger should definitely be on your list if only because it'll let her get the many many references to it in various pop culture places. I saw it when I was in high school and I spent basically the entire movie going "Oh, so that's where that comes from."

Edd

In my experience, Casino Royale is the most female friendly.

The women I've known to enjoy it have really dug the uncharacteristic emotional vulnerability they infuse amidst the boobs and explosions. Let's not forget that Bond is crafted to appeal principly to the male ego.

kilroydos

Casino Royale is amazing, but works better if watched later in the series, I feel. It's nice to see Connery and even Moore as Bond and then get to see a younger Bond and the events that shaped his persona later. Hardcase Connery and Devil-May-Care Moore wouldn't have the patience or the emotional space left to feel bad about love lost.

Nexus Zero

Not only should Die Another Day not be in your list of five, but you should find some way of ensuring your girlfriend never has to sit through that abomination. Mediocre as an action film, offensive as a Bond film.

Goldeneye would definitely be a good place to start, though. There's better but it's quite modern, quite easy-going, Brosnan's great, etc etc

FyreWulff

While I can never hope to remember or keep track of all the pre-Brosnan films, the only two I would really recommend out of Brosnan is Goldeneye and The World is Not Enough.

Tommorow Never Dies and Die Another Day = eh.

ViolentChemistry

The end of The World Is Not Enough is very facepalm.

Drez

ViolentChemistry wrote: »

The end of The World Is Not Enough is very facepalm.

Real spoiler, so don't click it if you haven't seen it:

"I thought Christmas only came once a year." - Bond

/facepalm indeed

*mod-edit for accuracy*

LordSolarMacharius

I'd start at the beginning and go through in order for as long as you find it enjoyable (aka do a Bondathon).* Not only do you see a couple of good movies, but it's a fun way to watch how the west's culture has changed over time. From Cold War paranoia to the Swinging Sixties, through Blacksploitation and the Star Wars craze, on to Feminism and Grr-Terrorism.

If you really just want to do five - in preperation for Quantum of Solace no doubt - I'd say start at the beginning anyway, as the early Connery's/Lazenby's film(s) are my favourites.

Dr. NO

Mission
James Bond is sent to Jamaica to investigate what is causing interference with American space launches on the island of Crab Key. Bond and adventuress Honey Ryder find the answer to the mystery and come face to face with the diabolical Dr. No.
Best Line
Bond: "Bond... James Bond."
Best Mistake
At one point Bond picks a thug up with his left hand and prepares to lay into him with his right. However, he then hits him with his left hand...
Distinguishing feature
The first time Bond uses a Walther PPK, replacing his preferred Beretta.
Vital Statistics
Conquests: 3
Martinis: 2
Kills: 5
"Bond, James Bond": 1

From Russia With Love

Mission
SPECTRE plans an intricate scheme to lure James Bond into stealing a valuable Soviet decoding machine, and unknowingly deliver it into their hands. In the process, Agent 007 is to suffer a humiliating and disgraceful death.
Best Line
Bond: "Red wine with fish. Well, that should have told me something."
Best Mistake
The noise in the SPECTRE training camp doesn't start until Rosa Klebb gets there.
Distinguishing Feature
The hands of Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Anthony Dawson) and his Persian cat appear for the first time.
Vital Statistics
Conquests: 4
Martinis: 0
Kills: 17
"Bond, James Bond": 0

Goldfinger

Mission
Agent 007 investigates a smuggling operation run by the obsessive millionaire Auric Goldfinger and uncovers a plot to irradiate the entire gold supply of the United States by detonating an atomic bomb inside Fort Knox.
Best Line
Bond: "Do you expect me to talk?"
Goldfinger: "No, Mr Bond, I expect you to die!"
Best Mistake
Through his binoculars Bond watches Goldfinger break a pencil; from a great distance he hears the snap.
Distinguishing Feature
The Aston Martin DB5 makes its debut, with rotating licence plates, water jets, smoke screen, radar and ejector seat.
Vital Statistics
Conquests: 2
Martinis: 1
Kills: 10
"Bond, James Bond": 1½

Thunderball

Mission
SPECTRE has hijacked two atomic bombs from NATO and threatens to destroy an important city in the US or England unless their ransom demand is met. James Bond has only four days to thwart SPECTRE mastermind Emilio Largo and prevent a nuclear holocaust.
Best Line
Bond: "That looks like a woman's gun."
Largo: "Do you know a lot about guns, Mr Bond?"
Bond: "No, but I know a little about women."
Best Mistake
Bond's jet pack proves to be too big for the boot of the Aston Martin.
Distinguishing Feature
It is the only film in which all the Double-O's are seen together.
Vital Statistics
Conquests: 3
Martinis: 0
Kills: 22
"Bond, James Bond": 0

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

Mission
007 must thwart Blofeld's plan to use biological warfare to threaten the world. In the process, he meets Tracy di Vicenzo, a countess whose courage and charismatic spirit earns her the name Mrs. James Bond.
Best Line
Bond: "This never happened to the other fellow."
Best Mistake
When Tracy and Bond are on the beach, and Tracy drives off, you can hear the tyres screech - not something usually associated with wheels on sand.
Distinguishing Feature
Lazenby's one and only appearance as Bond - he turned down a seven-picture deal.
Vital Statistics
Conquests: 3
Martinis: 1
Kills: 8
"Bond, James Bond": 2

Also, for Bondathonning purposes, in order EON-produced films:
I decided do blue the gems, and red the avoidables.
Dr. NO
From Russia With Love
Goldfinger
Thunderball
You Only Live Twice
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Diamonds Are Forever
Live and Let Die
The Man With The Golden Gun
The Spy Who Loved Me
Moonraker
For Your Eyes Only
Octopussy
A View To A Kill
The Living Daylights
Licence to Kill
GoldenEye
Tomorrow Never Dies
The World Is Not Enough
Die Another Day
Casino Royale '06

Non-EON
Casino Royale '69
Never Say Never Again (Thunderball remake)

*Spread this out over a few months, of course. I should mention that you can buy all 21 bond films and the 2 bastards for a fairly good price now-a-days, if you were going to rent them originally.

Cylarana

I liked tomorrow never dies It and goldeneye were OK, the other two...eh, not as much.

Oh, and second the love for the Bourne movies. Those were good.

Nakatomi2010

Casino Royale should be last... You know, save the best for last...

Italax

If you want to be cruel, show her Die Another Day then immediately follow it up with Casino Royale. Just as a contrast between how not to do a Bond movie and how to do one.

Unknown

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Dalboz

LordSolarMacharius wrote: »

From Russia With Love

Mission
SPECTRE plans an intricate scheme to lure James Bond into stealing a valuable Soviet decoding machine, and unknowingly deliver it into their hands. In the process, Agent 007 is to suffer a humiliating and disgraceful death.
Best Line
Bond: "Red wine with fish. Well, that should have told me something."
Best Mistake
The noise in the SPECTRE training camp doesn't start until Rosa Klebb gets there.
Distinguishing Feature
The hands of Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Anthony Dawson) and his Persian cat appear for the first time.
Vital Statistics
Conquests: 4
Martinis: 0
Kills: 17
"Bond, James Bond": 0

You forgot under Distinguishing Features:

The first appearance of Desmond Llewelyn as Q.

ben0207

The best Bond film is GoldenEye, and persoanlly I'd skip the rest except Casino, Goldfinger and maybe From Russia.

FyreWulff

I wonder how many people here like Goldeneye the movie standalone, or Goldeneye-because-it-also-had-an-awesome-videogame-and-everytime-you-watch-it-it-reminds-you-of-your-favorite-levels

Nexus Zero

FyreWulff wrote: »

I wonder how many people here like Goldeneye the movie standalone, or Goldeneye-because-it-also-had-an-awesome-videogame-and-everytime-you-watch-it-it-reminds-you-of-your-favorite-levels

Little from column A, little from column B. I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the nostalgia kick but it's still an excellent movie.