James Bond has been gracing cinema screens for almost sixty years in a franchise spanning over twenty films. Six actors have so far portrayed the secret agent, with every fan having a particular favorite either based on the way the star portrays the agent or the quality of the movies.
As a celebration of the series’ legacy, the following list will rank all the Bond films based on their runtime, going from shortest to longest. A large majority of the films stand at around the two hour and ten-minute mark, while only a small handful are shorter than two hours. Some of the more recent works also get a boost from their credits including more names.
2008: Quantum Of Solace (1:46)
Daniel Craig’s second outing is generally considered one of the weaker films, all the more disappointing following the character’s strong comeback.
At the very least it stands as the shortest one, so it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Another plus is Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko costarring.
1962: Dr. No (1:50)
Watching the first Bond film, it is interesting to see the character before the formula was established.
The trademark theme is present in all its glory, but the action is more grounded, at least until the end when Bond finds the titular villain’s lair.
1964: Goldfinger (1:50)
This one blew the lid off the franchise and solidified all the tropes bond fans have come to love. It is slightly lighter in tone than the first two films, though it still features plenty of killing and fantastic action sequences.
This is where Oddjob plays the muscle, becoming one of the most iconic Bond henchmen around.
1967: You Only Live Twice (1:57)
Sean Connery would leave the role after this film, only to come back after a small break. While plenty of things about his outing haven’t aged gracefully, Bond disguises himself as a Japanese fisherman who might just take the cake.
He and Mickey Rooney probably have a lot to talk about.
1997: Tomorrow Never Dies (1:59)
The last of the films under two hours, Pierce Brosnan’s second work as Bond is aided significantly by costar Michelle Yeoh, who at the time was most recognizable for her successful Hong Kong action movies like Police Story 3: Supercop.
Jonathan Pryce also delivers a hammy performance as the villain.
1971: Diamonds Are Forever (2:00)
Sean Connery’s final Eon production Bond film is an oddity to behold.
Some appreciate its camp, while lovers of the more grounded entries bemoan its silliness and the lead actor’s age making for a significantly smaller scale than On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
1973: Live And Let Die (2:01)
Roger Moore’s introduction as Bond establishes several trends for his tenure, such as borrowing elements from contemporary culture to use in their films.
As a first outing, it doesn’t impress with its lackluster fight scenes, though Jane Seymour is fantastic as the love interest.
1974: Man With The Golden Gun (2:05)
Similarly to the last film, this one instead borrows from martial arts films, having an extended sequence in a dojo where Bond is aided by several comrades in hand to hand duels.
Christopher Lee became one of the most iconic Bond villains with his performance and weapon of choice.
1977: The Spy Who Loved Me (2:05)
The Spy Who Loved Me isn’t only notable for Jaws’ introduction, the movie also has a great story, culminating in a breathtaking epic climactic battle.
The chemistry between the two leads is almost tangible; strong even by the standards of the series.
1979: Moonraker (2:06)
Moonraker was produced to cash in on the success of Star Wars. If Bond goes into space, surely more people will flock to the theaters.
It is easily one of the most absurd entries, but this doesn’t make it bad. It is a joy to behold from start to finish and Jaws returns with a love interest.
1981: For Your Eyes Only (2:07)
Coincidentally, the first five Roger Moore films get marginally longer, putting them in proper release order. Things will switch up a bit after here, however.
Following Moonraker’s ridiculousness, this 1981 film returned to a more grounded and gritty feel.
1999: The World Is Not Enough (2:08)
The World Is Not Enough took some flack from critics, but that didn’t stop it from making bank at the worldwide box office.
The four Pierce Brosnan films progressively got more silly and absurd, though they always contained fun action from start to finish.
1965: Thunderball (2:10)
Sean Connery’s longest film is also up there with his best adventures. It reels in the childish adventure of Goldfinger while maintaining an exciting narrative.
It was also the first in the series to come in at over two hours.
1987: The Living Daylights (2:10)
Timmothy Dalton’s premier take on the character is often left out of the conversation, but it is an exciting thrill ride taking place mostly in Afghanistan.
Taking cues from the Soviet-Afghan war, Bond assists the local Mujahideen, culminating in a climactic sequence inside a cargo plane.
1995: Goldeneye (2:10)
This movie was somewhat of a comeback following a six-year hiatus. The first film after the Cold War, Eon productions had to wonder if audiences were still interested in a spy from a bygone age.
Fortunately, they were. The movie’s incredible quality also helped keep Bond relevant.
1983: Octopussy (2:11)
Roger Moore did not intend to return for Octopussy, but the non-Eon Bond film Never Say Never Again prompted the producers to get the actor in by whatever means necessary.
It made sense for the actor to want something else. He gives it his all, but Roger Moore was already older than Sean Connery when he started and ended his tenure as the oldest Bond actor.
1985: A View To A Kill (2:11)
A View to a Kill may not be a particularly beloved entry, but it was still successful and has one of the catchiest theme songs of the franchise.
Grace Jones costars and her then-boyfriend Dolph Lundgren makes a tiny appearance long before he achieved fame.
2002: Die Another Day (2:13)
When thinking about this movie, all anybody says is “ice hotel,” yet there is more to it. One shouldn’t expect a dark spy tale.
Instead, go into it expecting a ridiculous ride on par with Moonraker and A View to a Kill.
1989: License To Kill (2:13)
After his friend Felix Leiter is tortured and left for dead by a drug baron, Bond goes on the offensive.
The script was inspired by Yojimbo, and the writing process went through some turmoil as a writer’s strike coincided with the pre-production. Despite this, the end result is solid.
1969: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (2:22)
Because the longer films have significantly beefed up end credits, this stands as the longest film. It is also one of the most epic action films of its decade, culminating in a fantastic spectacle on top of a snowy mountain.
Watching the films in order, one feels a significant downgrade going into Diamonds are Forever immediately after.
