James Bond is widely recognized as one of the most enduring and iconic franchises in cinematic history. Spanning across 27 films, including two productions outside Eon’s series, the 007 franchise essentially pioneered the concept of a blockbuster movie series. Prior to the emergence of giants like the Harry Potter films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Disney’s Star Wars, Bond held the title for the highest-grossing film franchise (as reported by Statista).
In a direct comparison of nominal earnings, Daniel Craig’s five James Bond films stand out as the top earners in the franchise, each grossing over $500 million. Notably, Skyfall (2012) is the sole entry to surpass the $1 billion mark globally. However, ranking films solely based on box office returns without considering inflation does a disservice to earlier entries. For context, the value of a single US dollar in 1962, when Dr. No debuted, equates to over ten dollars today. The following list details the 10 highest-grossing James Bond movies, adjusted for inflation, as calculated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
10.Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
$904 Million Grossed
This seventh installment of the series is notable for its campy style and the dazzling performance by Shirley Bassey on the title track. It marked the final Eon Productions film featuring Sean Connery as the legendary 007, returning briefly after his departure following You Only Live Twice in 1967.Diamonds Are Forever was his true farewell to the franchise, despite a later stint in the non-Eon film Never Say Never Again.
Connery returned to the role due to popular demand, especially after the lackluster box office results of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, which featured George Lazenby as Bond for just one film. His reappearance in Diamonds Are Forever drew substantial audiences, reaffirming his status as the iconic secret agent.
9.Moonraker (1979)
$914 Million Grossed
Richard Kiel’s character, Jaws, although not present in Ian Fleming’s original material, became a fan favorite after his debut in The Spy Who Loved Me. His return in Moonraker solidified his status as a memorable antagonist. He becomes a significant figure in this film, leaving a lasting impression on audiences, even as his character was phased out in later installments.
8.Casino Royale (2006)
$931 Million Grossed
Daniel Craig made a striking debut as 007 in Casino Royale, rejuvenating a franchise that some had deemed outdated. His portrayal introduced a grittier, more flawed side of Bond and was complemented by breathtaking action scenes and a compelling romance with Eva Green’s character, Vesper Lynd. The film’s success helped solidify Craig’s standing as a formidable 007.
“The best Bond since Sean Connery. I might even say equal to Connery… especially Connery in the first James Bond film Dr. No.”– Vic Holtreman, ScreenRant
Despite the mixed reception of subsequent films, Casino Royale remains a cornerstone in discussions about the best portrayals of James Bond.
7.The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
$966 Million Grossed
The collaboration of Roger Moore, Barbara Bach, and the iconic villain Jaws, combined with the excellent performance of Karl Stromberg, made The Spy Who Loved Me a major box office success. This film exemplified the era’s more whimsical approach to the series, leaning heavily into fantastical elements while still entertaining audiences.
With its playful self-awareness, The Spy Who Loved Me stands as a testament to why Bond films maintain such a dedicated fan base.
6.You Only Live Twice (1967)
$1.06 Billion Grossed
In You Only Live Twice, Bond embarks on a thrilling adventure in Japan, confronting the sinister plans of chemical magnate Osato, linked to the nefarious Ernst Stavro Blofeld and the SPECTRE organization. This film marked a turning point, showcasing Bond’s international escapades flourishing in an era where such narratives captivated audiences.
Despite not matching the box office success of its predecessors, it remains a commendable installment within Connery’s run, outperforming a competing parody film released that same year.
5.Live And Let Die (1973)
$1.15 Billion Grossed
Live and Let Die is best remembered for its title song by Paul McCartney and Wings but also represents Roger Moore’s debut as Bond. Audiences were eager to witness this transition from Sean Connery to Moore, and while the film showcased potential, it didn’t quite meet the franchise’s expectations.
Despite some caricatured characters, the excitement surrounding Moore’s first outing propelled the film’s box office success, setting the stage for his future performances.
4.Spectre (2015)
$1.16 Billion Grossed
Although Spectre received mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike, it was significant for reintroducing the iconic villain Blofeld, portrayed by Christoph Waltz. The film attempted to weave a classic Bond narrative into Craig’s modern interpretation, referencing the character’s legacy while hinting at intricacies within the Bond universe.
Though the film did revitalize interest in the franchise’s roots, it fell short in delivering a captivating experience compared to its predecessor, Skyfall.
3.Goldfinger (1964)
$1.27 Billion Grossed
Goldfinger stands as a landmark entry, establishing many of the trademark elements for which the series is known. The thrilling action, innovative gadgets, Bond’s iconic Aston Martin, numerous Bond girls, a formidable supervillain, and a thrilling storyline all came together to create a classic.
As one of the first films to gross over $100 million globally—equivalent to over $1 billion today—Goldfinger set a high bar for all subsequent Bond films, securing its place in pop culture history.
2.Thunderball (1965)
$1.41 Billion Grossed
Following the immense success of Goldfinger, Thunderball dominated the box office, placing Connery’s Bond in two of the top three entries on this list. Despite its bloated runtime and budget, this film managed to sustain the franchise’s momentum, introducing audiences to thrilling underwater battles and a captivating villain.
For nearly 50 years, Thunderball maintained the record for the highest adjusted box office takings until Daniel Craig’s duo of films shifted the landscape.
1.Skyfall (2012)
$1.52 Billion Grossed
Director Sam Mendes achieved remarkable success with Skyfall, which not only garnered critical acclaims but also became a cultural phenomenon. Featuring the poignant farewell of Judi Dench’s M as well as receiving an Oscar for Best Original Song, Skyfall grossed over $1.5 billion, making it the highest-grossing James Bond film in nominal terms as well as adjusted for inflation.
The film is celebrated for its outstanding performances, thrilling set pieces, and emotional depth, although some fans find the narrative a bit sentimental. Nevertheless, few dispute that Skyfall rightfully claims its status as James Bond‘s all-time highest-grossing feature.
Sources: Statista; The Numbers via The James Bond Dossier; US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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