These 5 James Bond Films Were Critically Ignored—But They Might Be the Franchise’s Best Kept Secrets

If you’re a James Bond fan—or even if you’re just curious about diving into the iconic 007 series—there’s no better time than now. Starting June 1, MGM+ will offer the entire collection of 25 EON-produced James Bond films, giving fans easy access to the franchise’s rich history of espionage, gadgets, and shaken-not-stirred martinis. While the obvious classics like Goldfinger and Casino Royale are widely praised, there are plenty of hidden gems that don’t always get the recognition they deserve. If you’re ready to explore a few underrated Bond films, here are five must-watch entries to kick off your 007 marathon.

1. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

In Diamonds Are Forever, Sean Connery returns to the role of James Bond after swearing off the character following his time on You Only Live Twice (1967). His return marked a significant break in continuity, with George Lazenby’s one-time performance as Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). Set predominantly in the bright lights of Las Vegas, this film doesn’t quite have the same globe-trotting vibe as many other Bond movies, but it offers a unique charm, with Bond navigating the gritty glamour of early 1970s Vegas. Connery’s portrayal of a more world-weary Bond gives the film an intriguing depth that stands out, and his performance holds up well over 50 years later. Don’t skip this one—it’s a fascinating chapter in the Bond legacy that’s often overshadowed by more famous entries.

2. Thunderball (1965)

If you think you’ve seen it all in the world of Bond films, Thunderball will surprise you. It’s the fourth installment of the series, and while Goldfinger (1964) introduced some of the most iconic moments in Bond history, Thunderball took the series to a whole new level of weird. A significant portion of the film is shot underwater, making for some incredibly ambitious (and visually striking) scenes that were a technological feat for the time. While the film’s scale feels massive compared to its predecessors, it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. The underwater action is a bit more over-the-top, but it’s also quintessentially 1960s Bond—kooky and unapologetically larger-than-life.

3. Licence to Kill (1989)

Timothy Dalton’s Licence to Kill is one of the grittiest, most intense entries in the entire Bond franchise, and it’s undoubtedly a standout in Dalton’s brief tenure as 007. The film sees Bond going rogue after being suspended from MI6, embarking on a personal mission for revenge after his close friend is targeted by a drug lord. This darker, more serious tone marks a stark contrast to the often playful and tongue-in-cheek Roger Moore era, and it works brilliantly. Dalton’s Bond is fed up with the world around him—one filled with betrayal and corruption—which makes for an emotionally complex portrayal. This film is a refreshing break from the standard Bond formula and deserves more appreciation for its raw intensity.

4. From Russia With Love (1963)

As the second film in the series, From Russia With Love occupies a unique space in the Bond canon. Following Dr. No (1962), the film expands on Bond’s world, delivering a more complex story, but it hasn’t yet fallen into the trap of gadget-filled extravagance that would define the later entries. The film is darker and more serious, with a tone that contrasts sharply with the increasingly over-the-top Bond films that would follow. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, From Russia With Love has a sense of gritty realism that’s hard to match. Though not as bombastic as some later entries, its grounded, spy-thriller feel is a rare treat in the Bond world.

5. GoldenEye (1995)

GoldenEye isn’t typically considered underrated, especially by those of us who grew up with Pierce Brosnan’s Bond, but in the shadow of Daniel Craig’s more recent interpretations, this 1995 film deserves more recognition. Brosnan’s first outing as Bond feels like a perfect blend of the old and new, offering a mix of classic espionage with fresh, modern sensibilities. The film has aged incredibly well, especially with Sean Bean playing the excellent villain, Alec Trevelyan. The personal stakes in GoldenEye—trust, betrayal, and the shadows of the past—help elevate the action sequences, making it more than just a standard Bond film. In an era when the Bond franchise was reinventing itself, GoldenEye managed to strike the right balance between nostalgia and innovation, which is why it remains a favorite for many fans.

Conclusion: The Bond Films You Might Have Missed

While MGM+’s addition of all 25 James Bond films starting June 1st is sure to please both longtime fans and newcomers, these five underrated entries stand out for their unique contributions to the franchise. Whether you’re watching Connery’s world-weary return in Diamonds Are Forever or Brosnan’s compelling debut in GoldenEye, these films provide something beyond the typical Bond formula—emotional depth, darker tones, and memorable performances. If you’re looking to dig a little deeper into the 007 saga, these hidden gems are the perfect place to start.