The Best James Bond Action Scenes

The Best Bond Action Scenes: An Exhilarating Journey Through 007’s Most Spectacular Moments

The James Bond franchise has always been synonymous with extraordinary action sequences that have left fans on the edge of their seats with their hearts pounding. Be it an electrifying car chase, a deadly shootout, a daring skydive, or an adrenaline-fueled chases, each film presents a unique blend of action, adventure, and intrigue.

In celebration of the enduring legacy of this cinematic titan, we’ve delved into the rich tapestry of the Bond franchise to bring you ten of the most exhilarating action scenes ever showcased on the big screen.

Our selection covers a range of Bond eras and actors, from Sean Connery’s charm to Daniel Craig’s grit, highlighting the evolution of action aesthetics over the years. The scenes are presented in no particular order, but each one represents a peak moment in Bond’s long and storied history, offering a heart-stopping blend of tension, spectacle, and unmistakable 007 flair.

We fully recognize that the Bond franchise is a treasure trove of countless breath-taking action scenes, many of which have become defining moments in movie history. And choosing the top ten was no easy task!

Each James Bond movie offers a wealth of memorable moments, choreographed with stunning precision and daring creativity, reflecting the evolving trends in action cinema over the decades. So, join us as we embark on this cinematic journey, reliving the best Bond action scenes that continue to set the bar high in the realm of action cinema.

The Best Bond Action Scenes in Order of Movie Release

Las Vegas Car Chase in Diamonds Are Forever

Diamonds Are Forever might not be Sean Connery’s best Bond movie, but it offers one of the best action scenes in the entire franchise history.

An unforgettable car chase in the heart of old Las Vegas, with Sean Connery as James Bond, marking his final appearance as the iconic spy was the highlight of the movie. Bond deftly maneuvers Tiffany Case’s Mustang Mach 1 around the city’s famous old casinos, while the Las Vegas Police Department gives a hapless pursuit.

This chase is particularly memorable due to a classic continuity error that has become notorious among Bond fans. In a daring move, Bond drives the Mustang down a narrow alley, tilting it onto its passenger-side tires. However, when the car emerges from the other side, it inexplicably lands on its driver-side tires. This glaring error, overlooked in editing, is both infamous and pretty awkward.

An attempt was made to correct the mistake with a quick scene showing the car awkwardly tilting from one side to the other in the narrow passage. This quick fix only added to the scene’s oddity, but it couldn’t erase the brilliant driving sequences that preceded it.

Despite the continuity mishap, the Las Vegas car chase in Diamonds Are Forever remains an engaging and exciting spectacle. Its combination of thrilling driving maneuvers, relentless pursuit, and the iconic Las Vegas setting contributes to its place in Bond history, continuity error and all.

Boat Chase in Live and Let Die

The boat chase in Live and Let Die, a highlight of the Roger Moore era, perfectly encapsulates the exhilarating action and humor characteristic of his Bond movies. The chase takes place in the bayou, where Bond, in his quintessential style, eludes his pursuers with a range of audacious stunts and masterful maneuvers.

The scene brims with high-speed boat chases, thrilling jumps, and dramatic turns, showcasing the phenomenal action choreography that the Bond series is renowned for. The boats glide through the water with breathtaking speed, executing daring feats and adding an extra layer of excitement to the scene.

Adding a comic relief to the intense chase is the character of Sheriff J.W. Pepper, whose car is disrupted by one of Mr. Big‘s boats. Pepper’s quippy one-liners throughout the chase serve as a humorous counterpoint to the action. So much was the success of Sheriff Pepper, he made another appearance in the next Bond movie, The Man With the Golden Gun, where he inadvertently finds himself in the midst of Bond’s famous corkscrew jump stunt.

The boat chase in Live and Let Die is a quintessential example of the thrilling action scenes and the interplay of humor and danger that define the Bond franchise. It’s considered one of the best chase scenes in James Bond series history, as well as in cinema at large, due to its outstanding stunts, fast-paced action, and memorable characters.

Ski Chase in The Spy Who Loved Me

Regarded the best Roger Moore movie of the his era – The Spy Who Loved Me boasts one of the best Bond action scenes, especially on skis. In the movie’s opening sequence, James Bond displays his uncanny knack for escaping perilous situations while performing daring maneuvers.

The scene starts off with Bond indulging in a romantic tryst with Log Cabin Girl, after which he jumps up and sets off on a ski mission, proclaiming England needs him. However, he’s betrayed by her, who sends agents in pursuit. Undeterred, Bond embarks on a high-speed ski chase down the mountain, displaying exceptional skiing abilities as he outwits his pursuers.

In a classic Bond moment, he masterfully skis off a cliff to evade his pursuers with classic 1970s background music. The audience is left in suspense until, in a dramatic fashion, Bond reveals a Union Jack parachute, signifying his British identity in what has become an iconic moment in Bond history. He glides to safety, providing a breathtaking spectacle and showing Bond’s coolness under pressure.

This scene is notable for its gripping action, daring stunts, and the twist of betrayal. It encapsulates the essence of the Bond franchise, combining elements of action, adventure, treachery, and Bond’s unruffled demeanor amidst chaos. The death of Agent XXX‘s lover at the hands of Bond adds a personal conflict to the mix, further intensifying the storyline.

Sky Diving Fight with Jaws in Moonraker

Moonraker, although often critiqued for its over-the-top space theme, does have an electrifying skydiving scene that truly encapsulates the quintessential Bond action. In this adrenaline-pumping sequence, Bond, played by Roger Moore, is thrown from an airplane by the formidable henchman, Jaws.

As he plunges towards the earth, Bond is engaged in an intense mid-air battle with the plane’s pilot, wrestling for control of a lone parachute. This free-falling fight is one of the series’ most dramatic, combining the perilous height, the rapid descent, and the desperate struggle for the parachute.

In a thrilling display of Bond’s resourcefulness and calm under extreme pressure, he manages to snatch the parachute from the pilot and avoid Jaws’ attack. The exhilaration peaks as Bond pulls the ripcord at the last moment, the parachute deploying just in time to provide a somewhat safer descent.

Despite Moonraker being notorious for its cheesy space scenes, this high-stakes skydiving opening sequence serves as a powerful reminder of the exhilarating action that typifies the Bond series, further cementing it as one of the franchise’s most dramatic moments.

Car Chase on Ice in The Living Daylights

In The Living Daylights, the grittier and more realistic action scenes characterize Timothy Dalton‘s tenure as James Bond, bringing a fresh perspective to the franchise. One of the most memorable sequences is the exhilarating car chase on ice.

Bond and Kara Milovy find themselves in a high-stakes chase pursued by the KGB and police across Czechoslovakia. The scene is set against the backdrop of a frozen landscape, adding an extra element of danger and intensity. Bond masterfully navigates the slippery terrain, demonstrating his superior driving skills and sharp instincts.

In a dramatic twist, Bond manages to elude his pursuers by slicing a police car off its wheels using the Aston Martin V8’s laser, before driving across a frozen lake. The scene culminates in Bond and Kara sledding across the Austrian border on Milovy’s cello case, demonstrating Bond’s quick-thinking and resourcefulness.

The presence of installed skis on the car underlines Bond’s readiness for any situation. This chase scene is a perfect blend of suspense, action, and quick-thinking, encapsulating the unique essence of Dalton’s grittier take on the iconic Bond character.

Tank Chase Through St. Petersburg in GoldenEye

In Goldeneye, unquestionably the best Pierce Brosnan movie, James Bond embarks on a thrilling chase that pushes the boundaries of cinematic action sequences. This segment captures the essence of the Brosnan Bond era, marked by its extravagant and over-the-top action scenes.

Bond finds himself in a high-stakes chase through the bustling streets of St. Petersburg, with Russian adversaries hot on his heels. However, Bond isn’t in just any vehicle – he’s commandeering a huge, powerful tank, adding a unique twist to the traditional chase scene and elevating it to a whole new level of action-packed intensity.

The scene showcases Bond’s audacity and composure. Amid the chaos, he maintains a serene expression, even as he propels the tank through a truck filled with Perrier, symbolizing Brosnan’s iconic portrayal of the character. The chase reaches a frenzied climax, with Bond expertly maneuvering the tank, showcasing his resourcefulness and unmatched driving skills.

This tank chase scene is widely regarded as a classic in the Bond series, epitomizing the elaborate and high-energy action sequences with a touch of the over-the-top. It’s a tribute to the larger-than-life spectacle that the Bond movies offer, making it a highly memorable chase scenes.

Motorbike vs Helicopter Chase in Tomorrow Never Dies

In Tomorrow Never Dies wasn’t a critical success, but it boasted a spectacular motorcycle chase with Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond and Michelle Yeoh’s Wai Lin against a relentless helicopter. This chase sequence further elevated the adrenaline factor in the Bond series and was arguably the best scene in the movie.

The chase scene begins with Bond and Wai Lin handcuffed together, fighting for control of the motorcycle. This unique setup adds a layer of complexity and tension to the chase, as both characters try to navigate the motorcycle while also dealing with their conflicting objectives. Their dynamic interaction, coupled with impressive stunt work, creates a captivating spectacle that stands out in the series.

As if the high-speed motorcycle chase wasn’t thrilling enough, a helicopter is then introduced into the mix, raising the stakes even higher. This unexpected twist adds an extra layer of excitement and danger to the chase, creating a breathtaking action sequence that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The motorcycle chase in Tomorrow Never Dies is a testament to the ingenuity and intensity of the action sequences in the Bond franchise. The combination of high-speed chase, complex character dynamics, and the looming threat of the helicopter in the busy streets of Saigon makes this scene one of the most memorable in the series.

Parkour Chase Scene in Casino Royale

In Casino Royale, the opening scene delivers a heart-pounding parkour chase sequence that signifies Daniel Craig’s electrifying entry into the Bond franchise. After his cover is blown in Madagascar during his mission to apprehend a bomb-maker, Bond is thrown into a thrilling pursuit across a construction site.

The bomb-maker, Mollaka, portrayed by free runner Sébastien Foucan, skillfully navigates the complex terrain of the construction site, showcasing exceptional practical stunts and mind-blowing parkour moves that make the scene a cinematic spectacle.

Demonstrating his superb physical fitness and determination, Bond matches the pace and agility (almost) of the bomb-maker, engaging in an intense chase that pushes both characters to their limits.

This parkour chase scene is a thrilling and action-packed scene that emanates the creativity of Bond action scenes, while also highlighting Bond’s tenacity and athleticism. The scene remains one of the most memorable sequences in the film, demonstrating the franchise’s commitment to delivering top-tier action sequences.

Motorbike Chase on The Grand Bazaar in Skyfall

In Skyfall, arguably the best movie of the Daniel Craig era, a heart-stopping motorbike chase unfolds on the rooftop of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. This scene raises the bar for action sequences, carving a permanent place in the annals of great chase scenes in cinema history.

The pursuit is an exhilarating blend of speed and danger, characterized by swift maneuvers and treacherous conditions. The stakes are high as Bond races across the rooftops on his motorbike, masterfully navigating the perilous terracotta tiled rooftop in pursuit of his quarry.

Bond’s stunt double, pro biker Robbie Maddison, brings a heightened sense of realism and risk to the scene. The dangerous stunts involved are emphasized by the metal stakes on the roof, adding an extra layer of tension to the chase.

This motorbike chase in Skyfall is a testament to the high-caliber action sequences that the Bond franchise continues to deliver. The chase scene’s seamless blend of top-notch stunt work, impressive cinematography, and the heightened sense of danger makes it an unforgettable moment in the Bond series.

Bond and Paloma in No Time To Die

In No Time to Die, we’re given probably the most explosive scene of the Bond franchise with minor character Paloma, a woman who’s had 3 weeks training, helping Bond take on the might of SPECTRE.

A retired 007 agent James Bond is persuaded by CIA ally Felix Leiter to meet Paloma in a bar in Santiago de Cuba. Paloma is elegantly dressed, but absolutely ready for action. They infiltrate a high-end party thrown by the criminal organization, SPECTRE, intending to capture Dr. Valdo Obruchev.

Unexpectedly, the party is a trap set to ensnare and kill Bond by Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who can observe the entire event through a bionic eye. Blofeld releases nanobots from Project Heracles, meant to kill Bond, but it backfires when Obruchev reprograms them to wipe out SPECTRE members instead.

As Bond and Paloma locate Obruchev, henchmen attack, triggering a shootout. Paloma’s excellent combat skills are revealed as she tackles numerous henchmen. The strong camaraderie between Bond and Paloma heightens the action, and their humorous exchange about Paloma’s “three weeks training” adds a light-hearted element.

This shootout scene in No Time To Die is definitely one of the best scenes of the movie, and up there with the best action scenes in the franchise. So much so, that although Paloma, played by Ana de Armas‘ 10 minutes left such a mark that most Bond fans would more than welcome a return for this minor character.

The Best James Bond Action Scenes

The enduring legacy of the Bond franchise is intrinsically linked to its thrilling, innovative, and action-packed scenes that have continued to captivate audiences over the past six decades.

The breadth of scenes we’ve explored, from adrenaline-pumping chases to inventive fight sequences, exhibit the creativity, technical skill, and daring spirit that are the hallmark of 007’s adventures. These scenes have not only defined the Bond franchise but have also influenced the larger action genre, setting a high bar for cinematic excitement.