Key Insights
- James Bond’s legacy: Roger Moore faced skepticism following Sean Connery’s iconic portrayal.
- Box office success: Moore’s films often outperformed Connery’s in terms of ticket sales.
- Film rankings: Each of Moore’s Bond films has its unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Personal favorites: Nostalgia plays a significant role in how fans perceive Moore’s portrayal of 007.
Too many people give Roger Moore’s James Bond a bad rap. Following Sean Connery was never going to be easy. George Lazenby crumbled under the pressure when he made On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, leading to Connery reprising 007 for Diamonds Are Forever, and many assumed Moore wouldn’t be up to the task when he signed on to star in Live and Let Die. After all, he was already forty-five years old (he was three years older than Connery), and was best known to audiences for playing the very Bond-like Simon Templar — The Saint — on TV.
But, against all odds, and with a few hiccups here and there, his run as James Bond was wildly successful. When his own Bond movie, Octopussy, came out in the same year as Sean Connery’s rogue Never Say Never Again, it was Moore who won the battle of the Bonds at the box office. He actually became the actor to play 007 the most in the official series (he ties with Connery if you include Never Say Never Again). So he deserves some respect. On a personal note, he’s my nostalgic favorite 007, even if, intellectually, I know he’s actually NOT the best (as reflected in my James Bond Actors Ranking). How do the individual films stack up against each other? Just like we did with Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan, we’re going to rank them from worst to best.
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974):
This film is often regarded as one of the weaker entries in the series. While it features strong performances from Christopher Lee as Scaramanga and Hervé Villechaize as Nick Nack, Roger Moore delivers his least impressive performance as 007. The film struggles with its tone and pacing, leading to a lackluster reception at the box office.
Moonraker (1979):
This movie is infamous for taking James Bond into outer space, attempting to capitalize on the popularity of science fiction films like Star Wars. Despite its many flaws, including a lackluster villain and a forgettable Bond girl, it features impressive practical effects and an engaging score by John Barry. The film’s silliness adds a unique charm that only Roger Moore could deliver.
Live and Let Die (1973):
This entry is often debated among fans regarding its quality. While some praise it as one of Moore’s best performances, others criticize it for its outdated script that seems tailored for Connery. However, it features an exciting motorboat chase and a memorable theme song by Paul McCartney, contributing to its overall appeal.
A View to a Kill (1985):
This film faced criticism for casting an aging Moore as Bond at fifty-seven. Despite this, he manages to deliver a charming performance alongside strong supporting characters like Christopher Walken and Grace Jones. The action sequences are well-executed, complemented by an excellent score from John Barry and a catchy theme song by Duran Duran.
Octopussy (1983):
This film is often divisive among fans; however, it holds a special place in my heart due to nostalgia. While it may not be considered Moore’s best work, it offers plenty of entertainment value with its adventurous tone reminiscent of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The film features an engaging villain in Kamal Khan and an outstanding score by John Barry.
For Your Eyes Only (1981):
This installment aimed to return Bond to a more grounded character after fan backlash against Moonraker. Moore delivers a more mature performance while navigating complex themes such as vengeance and morality. Although the score by Bill Conti lacks the finesse of previous entries, the film features impressive stunts and action sequences.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977):
This film marked a turning point for Roger Moore’s portrayal of Bond. The screenplay was crafted to highlight his strengths with added humor and charm. It introduced memorable characters like Richard Kiel’s Jaws and Barbara Bach’s Anya, making it one of the standout entries in the series.
What do you think of these rankings? Let us know in the comments.
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