Every Daniel Craig Bond Movie Ranked: Which Ones You’ll Rewatch Over and Over?

As we reflect on Daniel Craig’s remarkable 15-year run as James Bond, it’s clear that the franchise experienced a shift—both in tone and legacy. From the groundbreaking Casino Royale to the divisive No Time to Die, Craig’s tenure as 007 has been marked by highs, lows, and complex character evolution. With the future of Bond now being explored by new filmmakers and actors, it’s time to assess how the films in the Craig era hold up, particularly through the lens of rewatchability. Here’s our definitive ranking, from the least rewatchable to the most iconic.

5. Spectre (2015)

After the seismic success of Skyfall, Spectre was tasked with continuing Bond’s evolution in a way that felt fresh and thrilling. Unfortunately, the film falters in several key areas. Critics and audiences were unimpressed with the overcomplicated plot, which introduced a convoluted backstory for Bond’s infamous nemesis, Blofeld, that felt forced and rather ridiculous. The character’s familial connection to Bond is so implausible that it nearly breaks the film’s reality. While Spectre certainly delivers some breathtaking visuals—most notably, the one-take opening sequence in Mexico—it struggles with a slow pacing and lack of genuine tension. The film doesn’t quite live up to the hype, and while it has moments of spectacle, it lacks the emotional resonance and suspense of its predecessors, making it a Bond film that’s easier to overlook on repeated viewings.

4. No Time to Die (2021)

No Time to Die marked the end of Craig’s tenure as Bond, but not without a few stumbles along the way. The film’s long delays due to the pandemic only added to its mystique, but the final product left fans divided. Its action sequences are exhilarating, with several standout moments, but the villain, played by Rami Malek, never quite reaches the menace of previous antagonists. The film’s bold narrative choices, especially its ending, have drawn mixed reactions. While some admire the film’s attempt at closing Bond’s story arc with a poignant and irreversible shift, others find the ending unsatisfying and unearned. This film is undoubtedly an emotional ride for Bond fans, but with the lackluster villain and an ending that leaves more frustration than closure, it doesn’t hold up well for rewatching. The spectacle is enjoyable, but it’s ultimately a film that’s easier to appreciate once than revisit.

3. Quantum of Solace (2006)

The immediate follow-up to Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace had some massive shoes to fill. The 2006 reboot of Bond had redefined the series, and expectations were sky-high. However, Quantum suffered from a troubled production, including a writer’s strike and a rushed filming schedule, which is evident in the final product. While it’s undeniably fast-paced and packed with action, it struggles with a lack of clarity and a jumbled storyline. The direction by Marc Forster, a director known for more thoughtful, character-driven films, doesn’t mesh well with the action-heavy demands of a Bond movie. Despite this, Quantum remains somewhat entertaining and rewatchable thanks to its kinetic energy and the ever-charming Craig. It’s not a masterpiece by any means, but as a fast-paced action flick, it has its place.

2. Skyfall (2012)

Skyfall is a high point in Craig’s Bond career and arguably one of the most visually stunning films in the series. Directed by Sam Mendes, it balances thrilling action sequences with a more personal, introspective look at Bond’s psyche. Javier Bardem’s portrayal of Raoul Silva as a disgruntled former MI6 agent provides a chilling antagonist, and Roger Deakins’ cinematography elevates the film to near-perfection. Yet, despite its excellence, Skyfall falters under the weight of its influences, particularly from The Dark Knight, which seems to have affected its narrative structure. Still, Skyfall is a highly rewatchable film due to its mix of gripping action, personal stakes, and technical brilliance. Bond’s emotional arc, paired with some of the most visually striking set-pieces of the franchise, makes Skyfall a worthy rewatch that never quite loses its punch.

1. Casino Royale (2006)

There’s no denying that Casino Royale remains the crown jewel of Daniel Craig’s Bond era. With this film, Craig effectively redefined the character, presenting a version of Bond that was raw, vulnerable, and intensely charismatic. Martin Campbell’s direction delivered a thrilling yet emotionally grounded reboot that reestablished Bond as more than just a suave super-spy—he was now a complex, driven character dealing with personal loss and vulnerability. The film’s ability to merge romance with action while maintaining Bond’s signature coolness set a new standard for the franchise. From the intense parkour chase to the high-stakes poker game, Casino Royale is thrilling from start to finish and remains an enduring classic. Its rewatch value is off the charts, as it captures the excitement and emotional depth that every subsequent Bond film struggled to match.

Conclusion

The Daniel Craig era of Bond films has proven to be a mixed bag, full of towering highs and perplexing lows. While Casino Royale remains the ultimate Bond film, Spectre and No Time to Die show the challenges of maintaining consistency in the long-running series. As we await the next chapter in the Bond legacy, it’s clear that Craig’s Bond will remain a pivotal part of the franchise’s history—an era that provided unforgettable moments, even if not every film lived up to the same standard of rewatchability.