The James Bond franchise has its fair share of stinkers, but even the worst installments are saved by an amazing action sequence. Starting with Dr. No, the 007 film series has dropped a new movie every few years since 1962. That sort of longevity is practically unheard of, especially considering all the changes the franchise has made since then.
Bond has survived across seven decades and five recasts, something few other franchises have done. However, that’s not to say that every 007 movie is perfect, and plenty of sequels have been lackluster or downright terrible. Fortunately, even the worst movies in the James Bond franchise have a few saving graces.
The action in the James Bond films is always crisp and exciting, even in movies that are better left forgotten. In fact, some of the most memorable action scenes in the entire franchise come from the worst movies, a testament to why Bond has been able to stick around for so long. Even the clunkers have highlights.
Bond Vs. Scaramanga – The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)
Bond points his pistol while surrounded by mirrors in The Man with the Golden Gun
Roger Moore’s second outing as James Bond is a mixed bag, and The Man with the Golden Gun is a middling installment in the franchise. However, it features one of the more memorable final showdowns between 007 and his main adversary, and opts for something clever instead of bombastic and explosive.
Bond finds himself trapped in a funhouse of mirrors and facades as he is stalked by Scaramanga, and their duel becomes a battle of wits as Bond outsmarts the ingenious snare. After a plethora of lengthy chase sequences and exaggerated fights, the slow and methodical nature of the scene is all the more gripping.
The conclusion is shocking and intentionally anticlimactic, a stark departure from the usual goofy humor of the Moore era. The final battle saves The Man with the Golden Gun because it pays off the central conflict in a satisfying manner and shows off the tougher side of the most suave Bond in the franchise.
Cable Car Fight – Moonraker (1979)
Bond hangs from a cable car in Moonraker
It took 11 movies, but the Bond franchise finally jumped the shark with 1979’s Moonraker. The sci-fi-inspired entry is typically overshadowed by its space scenes, but it does have a few excellent action sequences down on Earth. One of the more memorable is the showdown between Bond and Jaws on a cable car.
Embracing the slapstick elements of Moore’s era, the Moonraker fight scene covers up the limitations of the main actor while still delivering an over-the-top moment that’s befitting Bond. The size difference between Bond and Jaws is highlighted, though the former is able to outsmart the latter instead of outfighting him.
Since so much of the focus of Moonraker is put on the climax, the rest of the movie can feel somewhat superfluous. However, the cable car fight is one highlight that is not to be missed, and it really shows off the sort of grandeur that set the 007 franchise apart from other action films at the time.
Ice Car Chase – Die Another Day (2002)
Bond’s car flips back onto its wheels on a frozen lake in Die Another Day
Die Another Day was the end of an era, but the classic Bond timeline went out with a whimper instead of a bang. Stretching all the problems of the Pierce Brosnan era to their absurd limits, the 2002 film was a cheesy mess. Fortunately, Die Another Day didn’t skimp on its action sequences.
Die Another Day was a massive box office success, grossing over $400 million (via Box Office Mojo).
The true high point of the film comes when Bond and Zao chase one another across the frozen lake in their respective high-tech cars. The six-minute sequence features lots of explosive weaponry, some exciting car stunts, and even a few goofy twists, and caps off the film as the villain’s lair literally melts.
The ice car chase is quintessential Brosnan Bond, and it blends a heavy emphasis on gadgetry with eye-catching stunts. However, the scene isn’t a one-note affair, and the location switch midway through keeps things from growing bland. Die Another Day isn’t great, but the ice chase certainly makes up for its failings.
Bond aims his gun while hanging from a roof in Quantum of Solace
After Casino Royale introduced the world to a new Bond era, Daniel Craig’s second film in the tuxedo was a massive letdown. Quantum of Solace had a smaller scale and a forgettable story, but that was all wiped away by one of the best action sequences in the entire 007 franchise.
Bond’s foot chase with Mitchell across the rooftops of Siena is pure action cinema, and upped the ante for the series. Every moment feels real, with both men taking violent licks as they jump from place to place. Bond isn’t portrayed as a superhero, but a man with a mission who puts his body in harm’s way.
Though Casino Royale certainly let viewers know what to expect from Daniel Craig’s Bond, Quantum of Solace drove that point home with the roof chase. There have been dozens of chase sequences in Bond’s history, but none so visceral as the five-minute stretch in Quantum of Solace.
Plane Fight – Octopussy (1983)
Bond and Kamal Khan’s goon face off on a flying airplane in Octopussy
Octopussy is considered by many to be the true low point in the entire Bond franchise, and the penultimate Roger Moore movie has little of value to offer. Fortunately, there is one absolutely stunning action sequence that makes the entire lackluster film worth watching. It involves the villain, his goon, and an airplane.
Bond finds himself clinging for dear life on the outside of Kamal Khan’s private plane, and he survives a few deadly barrel rolls. However, it’s the fight against Khan’s goon that makes the scene so memorable, and he’s able to outsmart the knife-wielding brute with the help of a trusty antenna.
For such an unambitious Bond movie, the plane fight is such an ambitious stunt to pull off. It embraces the goofiness of the era while adding in touches of brutal realism. Octopussy is a nearly unsalvageable movie, but the plane fight sequence makes it worth a revisit.
Motorcycle Chase – Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Bond and Wai Lin ride a motorcycle in Tomorrow Never Dies
Released right after the triumphant GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies wasn’t able to top its impressive predecessor and has largely been forgotten. However, the Pierce Brosnan flick has become something of a hidden gem in the franchise, due in large part to its prescient villain and absolutely bombastic action sequences.
Arguably the best action scene in the entire Brosnan 007 era came in Tomorrow Never Dies. The climactic chase finds Bond handcuffed to Chinese agent, Wai Lin, and they must both control a motorcycle in order to escape some thugs. It ends with them taking on a helicopter with only their wits.
Tomorrow Never Dies is perhaps a bit too overhated, but it’s by no means an all-time classic. On the other hand, the motorcycle chase sequence is better than almost anything else in the franchise. It more than saves the film, and is a worthy reason to put Tomorrow Never Dies back on the map.
Las Vegas Car Chase – Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Bond drives his Mustang down the Las Vegas strip in Diamonds are Forever
Sean Connery returned as Bond for one last time (officially) in Diamonds are Forever, but it was clear that something was off from the start. The utterly forgettable installment was far inferior to earlier Connery movies, and looked pallid compared to 1969’s One Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Fortunately, it had one heck of a car chase.
On the run from the cops in Las Vegas, Bond must outsmart the police officers through a series of exciting stunts. The raw carnage of the chase makes it enjoyable, and the combination of humor and excitement is uniquely James Bond. It goes on for just the right length, and even ends on a funny note to cap the scene.
Diamonds are Forever is not a bad movie out of context, but as a James Bond sequel it falls flat. The Las Vegas car chase sequence is a highlight of the Connery era, and showed just how far the franchise had come in a decade.
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