Roger Moore, the suave and ever-charming actor, brought his distinctive style to the role of James Bond in seven films between 1973 and 1985. Moore’s portrayal was marked by humor, wit, and a slightly lighter take on the character compared to his predecessor, Sean Connery. His run as 007 left an indelible mark on the franchise, producing iconic moments and memorable villains.
Here’s a definitive ranking of Roger Moore’s James Bond films, from Live and Let Die to A View to a Kill, considering their cultural impact, storytelling, and Moore’s performance.
7. A View to a Kill (1985)
Roger Moore’s final outing as James Bond, A View to a Kill, is often criticized for feeling tired and out of step with the times. Moore, at 57, was noticeably older, which created a mismatch in scenes requiring physicality or romantic chemistry with much younger female leads like Tanya Roberts.
The film, however, isn’t without its highlights. Christopher Walken delivers a wonderfully unhinged performance as Max Zorin, a psychopathic industrialist plotting to destroy Silicon Valley to monopolize microchip production. Grace Jones as the fearsome May Day adds an unforgettable layer of charisma to the villainous ensemble. The Golden Gate Bridge climax is visually striking, but the film ultimately struggles to capture the magic of earlier entries.
6. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
While The Man with the Golden Gun has its fans, it’s often considered one of the weaker entries in Moore’s tenure due to its inconsistent tone and underwhelming narrative. That said, Christopher Lee as Francisco Scaramanga, the titular assassin with a golden gun, is a standout.
Scaramanga’s private island lair and his high-stakes duel with Bond make for memorable sequences. The film also features one of the series’ most iconic stunts: a corkscrew car jump over a broken bridge. However, the addition of comic relief characters like Sheriff J.W. Pepper and a lackluster Bond girl in Mary Goodnight (Britt Ekland) detract from the film’s overall quality.
5. Moonraker (1979)
Often dubbed “Bond in Space,” Moonraker took the franchise to new (and literal) heights. Following the success of Star Wars, producers decided to infuse the Bond formula with science fiction, resulting in one of the most polarizing films in the series.
Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale) is a chilling yet understated villain with plans for global genocide and repopulation. The film features stunning set pieces, including a gondola chase in Venice and a thrilling skydiving sequence. However, the campy tone, especially in the space station battle, pushes the boundaries of believability even for a Bond film. Moore’s charm carries the film, but its over-the-top nature divides audiences.
4. Octopussy (1983)
With its exotic locations, intricate plot, and thrilling stunts, Octopussy is a quintessential Roger Moore Bond film. The title character, played by Maud Adams, is one of the more interesting Bond women—a mysterious smuggler running her own criminal empire.
The plot, revolving around a Soviet general’s scheme to detonate a nuclear bomb in Europe, is a complex web of espionage and betrayal. Highlights include a heart-stopping train chase and Bond’s daring infiltration of a circus to defuse the bomb. Moore balances humor and intensity well, making this one of his stronger performances.
3. For Your Eyes Only (1981)
After the extravagant sci-fi spectacle of Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only marked a return to the grounded espionage roots of the series. Moore delivers a more serious performance, showing Bond’s ruthless side, especially in scenes like his cold-blooded disposal of villainous henchman Locque.
The story revolves around the retrieval of a stolen ATAC device, with Bond navigating a web of deceit involving Greek smugglers and Soviet agents. The rock-climbing sequence at St. Cyril’s Monastery and the underwater action scenes are among the film’s highlights. While it lacks some of the glamour of other entries, its focus on character and realism earns it a spot near the top.
2. Live and Let Die (1973)
Roger Moore’s debut as James Bond, Live and Let Die, is a stylish and culturally significant entry. With a plot steeped in voodoo mysticism and drug trafficking, it marked a departure from the series’ usual Cold War themes.
Yaphet Kotto’s portrayal of Kananga/Mr. Big is both charismatic and menacing, while Jane Seymour shines as the mysterious Solitaire. The film’s standout moments include the thrilling boat chase through Louisiana’s bayous and Bond’s escape from a pool of crocodiles. Paul McCartney’s theme song remains one of the franchise’s most iconic.
Moore’s debut established his lighter, more humorous take on Bond, setting the tone for his subsequent films.
1. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of Roger Moore’s Bond tenure, The Spy Who Loved Me strikes the perfect balance between action, humor, and romance. The film introduces one of the franchise’s most memorable Bond girls, Major Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach), a Soviet agent and Bond’s equal. Their reluctant partnership adds depth to the story, creating a compelling dynamic.
The plot revolves around a megalomaniacal villain, Karl Stromberg (Curt Jürgens), who plans to destroy the world and create an underwater utopia. The film features iconic sequences, including the opening ski jump with the Union Jack parachute and the introduction of the indestructible henchman Jaws (Richard Kiel).
From its breathtaking locations to its spectacular set designs, particularly Stromberg’s underwater lair, The Spy Who Loved Me epitomizes the grandeur of the Bond series. Marvin Hamlisch’s score and Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better” add to the film’s timeless appeal.
Roger Moore’s Legacy as James Bond
Roger Moore’s seven films were instrumental in shaping the James Bond franchise, demonstrating its ability to evolve with the times. His portrayal brought a sense of humor and sophistication, ensuring the series’ continued success during an era of changing cinematic tastes.
While some entries leaned heavily into camp and extravagance, Moore’s charm and commitment to the role made even the weaker films enjoyable. His legacy as Bond remains a cornerstone of the franchise, inspiring generations of fans and setting a standard for style and wit.
Whether scaling mountain peaks or trading quips with villains, Roger Moore’s James Bond will forever be remembered as the gentleman spy who saved the world with a raised eyebrow and a well-timed pun.
