Movie fans secret agents and martini lovers listen up! We are diving deep into the world of James Bond. Ever wondered why Pierce Brosnan sometimes looks a little less-than-tuxedo-ready in his non-Bond roles ? Or which 007 flick is the king of the box office ? Get your gadgets ready we are about to spill some seriously shaken-not-stirred secrets and facts about the James Bond movie universe.
Pierce Brosnan's Bond Contract Had a Hilarious Wardrobe Restriction: No Tuxedos Allowed!
Pierce Brosnan handsome talented and oh-so-smooth as James Bond right? Turns out his contract to play 007 came with a rather unusual rule: no tuxedos in other movies! Yep you read that right. Apparently Eon Productions the folks behind Bond didn't want Brosnan rocking the iconic tux in any non-Bond film while he was under contract.
Director John McTiernan revealed this funny tidbit in a commentary for "The Thomas Crown Affair". Remember that suave movie where Brosnan is a playboy thief? Well there's a black-and-white ball scene and Brosnan isn't wearing a tux like all the other men. That wasn't just a fashion choice it was a contractual obligation! He ended up in a midnight blue dinner suit with a slightly undone look which of course Brosnan still managed to pull off. Talk about a dedicated Bond!
From 'Skyfall' to 'Dr. No': Ranking the Top 10 Highest-Grossing James Bond Movies of All Time
The James Bond franchise is a box office juggernaut. Spanning over six decades and multiple actors it's been a consistent money-maker. But which 007 films have raked in the most cash? Let's break down the top 10 highest-grossing Bond movies worldwide:
- Skyfall (2012): The king of the box office earning a massive £1182.84 million globally. Daniel Craig's Bond at its peak.
- Spectre (2015): Despite mixed reviews this one still pulled in huge numbers.
- No Time to Die (2021): Daniel Craig's emotional farewell to Bond landed high on the list.
- Casino Royale (2006): Craig's debut and a critically acclaimed hit.
- Quantum of Solace (2008): Even a weaker entry in the Craig era is still a box office success.
- Die Another Day (2002): Brosnan's last Bond outing and a 21st-century kickoff.
- The World Is Not Enough (1999): Brosnan's late 90s Bond charm still worked wonders.
- GoldenEye (1995): Brosnan's debut that revitalized the franchise.
- Tomorrow Never Dies (1997): Solid action and Michelle Yeoh boosted this one.
- Moonraker (1979): Bond in space! Campy but surprisingly successful.
So there you have it Skyfall takes the crown. Daniel Craig era Bond movies dominate the top spots showing just how popular his portrayal of 007 has been. But classics like GoldenEye and Moonraker prove that every Bond actor has had their box office moment.
Every Bond Movie Ranked: From 'Goldfinger' to 'Die Another Day' - Is Your Favorite at the Top?
Want to dive even deeper into Bond film history? One ranking attempted to order every single James Bond movie ever made . It's a tough task as there are so many and everyone has their favorites! Here are some highlights from their ranking:
- Top Tier - Must-See Bond: They placed "Goldfinger" at the very top calling it the quintessential Bond film with iconic villains gadgets and a classic theme. "Casino Royale" and "Skyfall" also get top marks praised for their depth and action.
- Mid-Range Bond - Solid Entertainment: Films like "GoldenEye" "The Spy Who Loved Me" "From Russia with Love" and "Thunderball" fall in this category. They are enjoyable and have classic Bond elements but maybe not quite top-tier masterpieces.
- Lower Ranked - Still Bond Fun: Even movies lower down the list like "Die Another Day" and "Moonraker" are still seen as having something to offer. "Moonraker" for example is recognized for its sheer craziness of sending Bond to space a truly unique moment in the franchise even if a bit silly.
- The "Bananas" End - Camp and Crazy: Some Bond films are just over-the-top fun like "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Octopussy". These movies might not be the best for serious spy thrills but they deliver campy entertainment.
- The Point? No Truly "Bad" Bond Movies: The overall message is that even the lowest-ranked Bond films are still watchable and enjoyable in their own way. Each movie offers a different take on Bond and his world.
Whether you prefer serious spy thrillers or campy action adventures there is a James Bond movie out there for you. And even the "worst" Bond films are still arguably more fun than many other action movies out there!
'Skyfall' Reigns Supreme: The Most-Watched James Bond Film Crowned
While box office numbers tell one story another study looked at overall popularity and crowned a different movie as the king: "Skyfall". According to data analysis "Skyfall" is considered the Most-Watched James Bond Film of all time. This study took into account IMDb ratings box office gross Reddit comments and more.
Skyfall topped the list with a strong viewer rating a significant share of 10/10 ratings and of course that massive box office haul we already mentioned. Interestingly while "No Time to Die" Daniel Craig's final Bond film didn't make the top 5 it did have the most Reddit comments showing people were definitely talking about it.
"Goldfinger" a classic Sean Connery Bond film came in second place in this "most-watched" ranking proving that the older films still hold their appeal. "Casino Royale" another Craig hit landed in third place boasting the highest IMDb rating of all Bond films. So while opinions vary it seems "Skyfall" is currently holding the title of most popular Bond flick.
What's Next for 007? New Bond Rumors and the Future of the Franchise
With Daniel Craig's era over everyone is wondering who will be the next James Bond. Rumors are flying as always. One recent report even suggests that Scottish actor Stuart Martin is in "serious contention" for the role. He is apparently known for his roles in shows like "Babylon" and "Miss Scarlet and the Duke" and his action scenes in "Army of Thieves" caught the eye of Bond producers.
Of course this is just a rumor and the search for the next Bond is always shrouded in secrecy. What we do know is that Amazon MGM now has creative control over the James Bond franchise. So expect some changes and a new direction as they figure out how to take 007 into the future. One thing is for sure the world will be watching eagerly to see who gets to wear the tuxedo next and what adventures await.