The Best James Bond Movie Came Out Just 19 Years Ago — Here Are 10 Reasons Why It Earns the Top Spot
A staple of action cinema and blockbuster entertainment, the James Bond franchise spans back to the early 1960s, consisting of 25 official Eon-produced pictures, many of which stand among the most iconic and influential movies Hollywood has ever seen. Given the enduring popularity of the franchise, it is little surprise that fans the world over have debated over which 007 flick is truly the best. While Goldfinger and Dr. No are defining classics and Skyfall a modern masterpiece, there is another title that possibly stands as Bond’s best.
Released in 2006, with the Bond saga in disarray following a tumultuous conclusion to Pierce Brosnan’s tenure as 007, Casino Royale completely recalibrated the trajectory of the franchise in astonishing fashion. It also redefined the action and spy genres for the new millennium, launching a whole new chapter for Bond and the genres he calls home. Covering everything from its groundbreaking originality to its exceptional characters, engaging action, and intelligent writing, this list will cover 10 reasons why Casino Royale is the greatest Bond movie of all time.
10
It Marks a Redefining New Horizon.
Grittier story, grounded action, stronger characters and more realistic stakes.
While debate will surely continue among the Bond fan base as to what the series’ greatest picture truly is, one thing that no one can deny is how revolutionary Casino Royale was for the franchise. From its opening sequence, it does away with the anachronistic campiness and excessive absurdity that had infiltrated its immediate predecessors in favor of a far grittier and more grounded tone maintained throughout the entirety of the film.
In doing so, Casino Royale not only redefined the brand but it arguably adjusted it to embrace what it needed to be in order to captivate audiences in the 21st century. Casino Royale’s bold modernization — which impacted everything from the story and central characters to the action sequences and tone — is one of its strongest assets that has made it not only one of the most brilliant and accessible Bond films to 21st century audiences, but arguably the most important entry in the franchise as well.
9
It Honors the Franchise’s Roots.
The catchphrases, locales, Martinis, and the Aston Martin remain.
Not to be contradictory, but in addition to Casino Royale excelling as an evolutionary milestone for the Bond franchise, it also stands as a rewarding picture for fans given its incorporation of several classic 007 tropes. The litany of lavish locations on display, for instance, not only maintains the franchise’s penchant for idyllic scenery but is implemented in a way that adds gravitas, prestige, and mounting stakes to Bond’s mission.
Similarly, the Aston Martin remains a glamorous centerpiece, a Martini reference is slipped in stealthily, Bond’s prowess at the poker table becomes an integral plot point, and, of course, the climactic “Bond, James Bond” marks what is probably the best delivery of the line since Sir Sean Connery first uttered it way back in 1962. The fact that all these moments fit seamlessly into such a modernized and propulsive film without feeling forced or pandering is an achievement that ensures Casino Royale is a progressive step that is still keen to hearken back to the franchise’s illustrious past. This marriage of the new age of spy cinema and the greatest hits of 007 is handled with such class and deftness that it elevates Casino Royale exponentially.
8
Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” Opening Sequence Is Magnificent.
It can’t be a great Bond movie without nailing the opening sequence.
It isn’t necessarily an element that contributes to the overall quality of the film, but every Bond film containing an excellent opening sequence immediately makes an impression on the franchise. Casino Royale sports this badge of honor with aplomb, thanks to Chris Cornell’s upbeat and engaging “You Know My Name,” one of the better Bond songs. The striking style of the sequence’s visuals, courtesy of Daniel Kleinman’s phenomenal use of a kaleidoscopic setting and playing card motifs, is vivid, unique, and engaging.
More than just an arresting sequence, however, the opening credits of Casino Royale introduce viewers to a new age of James Bond that will maintain the franchise’s trademark sophisticated style and spy intrigue, but will also be imbued with a much darker tone, cutting violence, and a more savage story world. It stands equal to past great opening sequences like Goldfinger and The Spy Who Loved Me through its marriage of music and visuals, and is a small though decisive string to the bow of Casino Royale that helps it stand as the best Bond movie.
7
The Action Sequences Are Perfect for the Movie’s Tone.
Striking a precise balance between grounded intensity and awe-inspiring spectacle.
The approach to and execution of action sequences has always been a defining pillar of Bond movies, be it the suave suspense of Connery’s earlier classics, the gleeful absurdity of some of Sir Roger Moore’s stronger outings, or even the underappreciated edge of Timothy Dalton’s flicks. In a sense, Casino Royale has its cake and eats it too, with the action a note-perfect match for the story’s grounded intensity, yet still managing to captivate with its spectacle and thrills.
Perhaps the best example is the entirely absorbing sequence early in the picture in which Bond pursues a bomb manufacturer across a construction site and through the streets of Madagascar. The chase is an exhilarating spectacle, pitting the death-defying dare and athleticism of Mollaka (parkour pioneer Sebastien Foucan) against the resourcefulness, practicality, and brute force of 007. The airport chase sequence is similarly heart-pounding, the black-and-white bathroom fight is Bond at his most violent, the stairwell combat scene is vicious and contained, and the climactic Venezia pursuit and shootout is expertly done. Casino Royale remains the best action extravaganza Bond has ever seen, not only because of the sheer might of its fight and chase scenes, but because of how such scenes are used to progress the story rather than to distract from it.
6
It’s a Near-Perfect Tonal Adaptation of Ian Fleming’s 007.
Fleming’s first 007 adventure is faithfully presented.
Across the franchise’s 25 films, there have been some wild departures from Ian Fleming’s original vision of Bond, be they cartoonishly slick or unintentionally comedic. Granted, the modernization of Fleming’s 1953 debut Bond novel to transpire in 2006 means that some creative liberties had to be taken, but James Bond’s hard edge, ruthless demeanor, and calculating and cutting wit are a perfect match to how the character is written.
Casino Royale’s use of high-stakes gambling as an integral plot point rather than a lavish and aesthetic-enhancing vice, the robust grit of the action sequences, and even the more menacing nature of the antagonist only strengthen its standing as one of the more faithful adaptations. The fact that the film departs from the original vision by imbuing Bond with more emotional beats and vulnerabilities also feels far more genuine and respectful than the borderline lampooning of the character that has occurred in past Bond films.
5
The Dialogue Is Perfect.
Snappy, sophisticated, and sharp.
Strong dialogue has always been a staple of the Bond franchise when it is operating at its best (even if the double entendres have sometimes been a little heavy-handed). No film in the franchise is as commanding, quick, or clever in this regard as Casino Royale. Expositional dialogue is handled with grace and efficiency, dramatic lines land with the desired impact, and famous phrases of 007 are thrown in with tremendous nous and class.
Where the dialogue truly thrives — and where it distinguishes itself from other Bond movies — is in the interplay between Bond and Vesper Lynd (Eva Green). Their introductory scene, for instance, a meeting over dinner on a train, is one of the most absorbing and gratifying moments in the entire franchise because of the dynamism of the characters’ back-and-forth, the revelations that are made, and the barbed jabs that are traded. It is not only the sharpest James Bond movie in this regard, but it stands tall among the most eloquently written spy movies in cinematic history as well.
4
It Launched a New Continuity.
‘Casino Royale’ is truly a new beginning.
Since its inception in Connery’s era, the Bond movies have never been anything more than loosely connected through ongoing rivalries with villains and a collection of recurring characters. It wasn’t until Daniel Craig’s stint as 007 that the franchise began actively exploring the possibilities available if it were to overlap its stories more intensely. Casino Royale does this flawlessly, implementing ideas and details that endure throughout Craig’s five films while still being focused and sharp enough to excel as a contained and isolated viewing experience.
Given that it is the first film in its story, Casino Royale doesn’t get to capitalize on this aspect of its excellence as much as its successors, but its mindset towards the future of Bond’s story makes it a treat to revisit. Not to mention, it gives tremendous meaning and gravitas to moments that, historically in the series, have been inconsequential, namely the death of Bond’s love interest, Vesper Lynd. The launching of a set continuity is just another testament to the brilliance of the writing and a feather in the cap of the movie that is completely unique in the context of the franchise.
3
Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre.
The franchise’s grittiest and most grounded villain.
Many of the greatest Bond villains have made an impression through their extravagance and flamboyance, eccentric personalities, and unsettling ticks. Joyously, Mads Mikkelsen’s Le Chiffre still flaunts no small amount of style and pizzazz, and even has a unique and memorable trait with his scarred eye that weeps blood. Still, the character’s ostentatious exuberance remains well contained within the grit of the story.
Rather than being an evil mastermind with a vision to destroy the world, Le Chiffre is a banker profiting from terrorist organizations and arms trading. His addictive gambling habit with his employer’s funds, however, gives Bond an opportunity to exploit him for information. He is calculating, cold, and callous, governed only by financial gain and survival. Le Chiffre is a defining pillar of villainy in the Bond franchise and remains the single most grounded antagonist 007 has ever faced, a fact that imbues Casino Royale with a tremendous amount of grit and suspense.
2
Eva Green as Vesper Lynd.
The best Bond girl brings about a new depth in 007.
From one extraordinary side character to another, Eva Green’s portrayal of Vesper Lynd makes for quite possibly the greatest Bond girl in the franchise’s history. A foreign liaison assigned to help 007 in his efforts to bring about Le Chiffre’s undoing, Lynd immediately proves much more than purposeless eye candy, introduced as a witty and perceptive asset who is every bit as sharp and cunning as Bond.
In this divine characterization — and Green’s captivating performance — Casino Royale finds a stirring romantic dynamic that has seldom been realized in any other Bond movie, at least not to such a degree. Besides being a nuanced and complex character in her own right, Vesper Lynd brings out a depth and vulnerability in Bond that becomes one of the picture’s most engrossing strengths. Her tragic betrayal of Bond that culminates in her heart-wrenching death imbues the movie with an added emotional might that recontextualizes Bond’s icy callousness towards his lovers. In essence, Vesper Lynd is quite possibly the single greatest thing that has happened to the Bond franchise in decades, and she is a definitive reason why Casino Royale is such an excellent Bond movie.
1
The Narrative Pacing Is Flawless.
A perfect balance between action, drama, and suspense is struck.
One of the biggest reasons Casino Royale stands as the best Bond movie, as well as arguably the finest spy thriller ever made, is the perfection of its pacing. Not only does the film explore James Bond’s elaborate and intense assignment to take down the terrorist financier Le Chiffre, but it also doubles as an origin story for 007, a feat that requires a lot of groundwork as the character and tone need to be completely re-established against audiences’ preconceived expectations.
Despite having to do this juggling act, Casino Royale unfurls with exceptional precision. Every weighted moment is given time to breathe without dragging, extravagant action sequences are entirely engaging but never tiresome, and the handling of character dynamics is richly rewarding as it is never overdone. Interestingly, Casino Royale was the longest Bond film upon release, though it has since been surpassed by Spectre and No Time to Die. Its 144-minute runtime — and the execution of the story — strikes a perfect middle ground that enables it to carry more action and intrigue than its shorter predecessors without slipping into the overlong malaise that bogged down some of its successors.
