"50 Years of Bond" Retrospective: In Conclusion...

Well, there you have it. 50 years, and still going strong. James Bond, which started as a partnership between two people, has now evolved into the longest running franchise in history, earned billions in box office sales, shared a hefty number of Oscar nominations, and has jump started the careers of many classic actors. The series has suffered from serious low points, but it’s also had incredible high points. It’s evolved over the years to fit various times, and has gained many a fan with each new installment. It’s earned its position as one of the most beloved franchises ever.

So, how will the future affect the series? Well, Daniel Craig is still confirmed to be doing two more films, and we’re not sure what the next films will be about, but here’s hoping for great things. But once Craig’s time is done, the studio will have the impossible task of finding someone to fill his shoes. Rumors have circulated about possible contenders like Idris Elba, but no matter what actor the studio chooses, I hope they never lose sight of what made these movies a success, but still continue to try new things.

Needless to say, the franchise will always have its devoted fanbase ready for more thrills. Whether your favorite movie is Goldfinger or GoldenEye, whether your favorite Bond is Sean Connery or Daniel Craig, your favorite Bond song by Paul McCartney or Tina Turner, everyone has their connections to Bond, both positive and negative. And though we don’t know what the future has in store, we can only hope that the next 50 years of vodka martinis will be just as incredible.

James Bond will return...

Ranks

The movies:

1. Skyfall

2. Goldfinger

3. Casino Royale

4. The Spy Who Loved Me

5. On Her Majesty's Secret Service

6. Licence to Kill

7. Quantum of Solace

8. GoldenEye

9. The Living Daylights

10. Tomorrow Never Dies

11. You Only Live Twice

12. Live and Let Die

13. The Man with the Golden Gun

14. Dr. No

15. Moonraker

16. Thunderball

17. From Russia with Love

18. The World is Not Enough

19. Diamonds Are Forever

20. Octopussy

21. For Your Eyes Only

22. A View to a Kill

23. Die Another Day

The Bonds:

1. Craig

2. Connery

3. Lazenby

4. Dalton

5. Brosnan

6. Moore

The top five villains:

1. Silva (Skyfall)

2. Goldfinger (Goldfinger)

3. Scaramanga (The Man with the Golden Gun)

4. Onatopp (GoldenEye

5. Blofeld - Pre-Diamonds (You Only Live Twice & On Her Majesty's Secret Service)

The top five Bond girls:

1, Vesper Lynd (Casino Royale)

2. Anya Amasova (The Spy Who Loved Me)

3. Tracy di Vicenzo (On Her Majety's Secret Service)

4. Pussy Galore (Goldfinger)

5. Xenia Onatopp (GoldenEye)

The top five songs:

1. "Skyfall" (Skyfall)

2. "You Know My Name" (Casino Royale)

3. "Nobody Does it Better" (The Spy Who Loved Me)

4. "GoldenEye" (GoldenEye)

5. "Goldfinger" (Goldfinger)