There might not be a better franchise in the world than James Bond. Created by author Ian Fleming in 1953, the British secret agent has appeared in almost every medium imaginable — books, films, radio dramas, comic books, television, and video games. The popularity of 007 has made it the longest continually running movie franchise in the world, with 25 films to date and over $7 billion at the global box office. One constant across every single movie? The iconic bond music that opens each adventure.
Bond’s success has been driven by many factors — charismatic actors, exotic locations, glamorous women, daring stunts, and stylish action sequences. But a huge part of the franchise’s enduring appeal is its bond music. Over the decades, some of the biggest musical artists in the world have fought for the chance to perform a Bond theme. A spot in the opening credits can boost careers, cement legacies, and introduce musicians to an audience of millions.
Below are (subjectively) the greatest pieces of bond music of all time — presented in the order they first appeared on the silver screen.
James Bond Theme – John Barry (Dr. No, 1962)
There’s no list of bond music without the theme that started it all. First appearing in Dr. No, the James Bond Theme is arguably the most recognisable piece of music in cinema. It has featured in every single Bond film, instantly signalling that 007 is about to take the stage.
Over the years, variations have been introduced, but its core energy remains the same. That surf-guitar riff, those brassy stabs — it’s pure adrenaline and a signature sound that defines bond music.
Goldfinger – Shirley Bassey (Goldfinger, 1964)
Still the gold standard of bond music, “Goldfinger” cemented the template: big vocals, dramatic brass, and undeniable swagger. Shirley Bassey’s delivery is fierce, matching the larger-than-life villain it celebrates.
The song’s sheer power and memorability have kept it near the top of every “Best Bond Music” list for decades.
Thunderball – Tom Jones (Thunderball, 1965)
Tom Jones’ booming voice gave “Thunderball” the gravitas its convoluted plot perhaps didn’t. The song’s dramatic crescendos and orchestral flourishes make it one of the most musically ambitious entries in bond music.
Legend has it Jones held the song’s final note so long he nearly passed out in the recording booth.
Diamonds Are Forever – Shirley Bassey (Diamonds Are Forever, 1971)
Returning for Sean Connery’s final Bond outing, Shirley Bassey delivered another sultry, commanding performance. While often compared unfavourably to her earlier Goldfinger, “Diamonds Are Forever” stands strong on its own, with shimmering arrangements and Bassey’s unmistakable voice.
It’s one of the most enduring pieces of bond music, perfectly evoking luxury, danger, and desire.
Live And Let Die – Paul McCartney & Wings (Live And Let Die, 1973)
Paul McCartney brought his knack for unforgettable hooks and dynamic arrangements to Bond’s first Roger Moore entry. Alternating between sweeping balladry and explosive rock sections, “Live And Let Die” is as thrilling now as it was 50 years ago.
It’s the rare piece of bond music that transcended the films entirely, becoming a rock standard (and, yes, inspiring a heavy-hitting Guns N’ Roses cover decades later).
Nobody Does It Better – Carly Simon (The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977)
One of the few Bond songs to ditch the film’s title, Carly Simon’s romantic ballad was an unexpected change of pace. Soft, intimate, and heartfelt, it revealed a rare emotional side to Bond.
Beyond the franchise, “Nobody Does It Better” became a pop culture staple, often used in tributes, montages, and ceremonies — a testament to its place in bond music history.
A View To A Kill – Duran Duran (A View To A Kill, 1985)
Roger Moore’s later Bond films leaned into campy spectacle, and the music followed suit. Duran Duran’s “A View To A Kill” embraced the pop sensibilities of the 1980s, packed with synths, punchy drums, and a big, hook-filled chorus.
Fun fact: it’s still the only piece of bond music to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
GoldenEye – Tina Turner (GoldenEye, 1995)
After a six-year hiatus, Bond returned in the 1990s with Pierce Brosnan — and Tina Turner delivered a theme worthy of the comeback. Written by Bono and The Edge, “GoldenEye” married Turner’s sultry delivery with a lush, brassy arrangement that nodded to the franchise’s classic sound while updating it for a new era.
Like the film itself, it brought bond music roaring back to cultural relevance — and yes, the N64 game is still a legend in its own right.
Skyfall – Adele (Skyfall, 2012)
After Quantum of Solace left audiences cold, expectations were high for Bond’s 50th anniversary film. Adele delivered in spectacular fashion.
Her powerhouse vocals and the song’s slow build captured the gravitas of Skyfall’s story, echoing the golden age of bond music while feeling entirely modern. The track went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song — the first Bond theme to do so.
No Time To Die – Billie Eilish (No Time To Die, 2021)
One of the youngest artists to ever record a Bond song, Billie Eilish brought a slow, moody intensity to Daniel Craig’s final outing. Written to match the grittier tone of the Craig era, “No Time To Die” is a brooding, atmospheric track layered with subtle nods to the classic bond music chord progressions.
Despite the film’s delayed release, the song quickly made an impact, winning critical acclaim and fitting perfectly as a sombre farewell to Craig’s Bond.
Full List at a Glance (As of 2025):
| Year | Film | Theme Song | Artist(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Dr. No | James Bond Theme | Monty Norman / John Barry |
| 1963 | From Russia With Love | Instrumental + Vocal | John Barry / Matt Monro |
| 1964 | Goldfinger | Goldfinger | Shirley Bassey |
| 1965 | Thunderball | Thunderball | Tom Jones |
| 1967 | You Only Live Twice | You Only Live Twice | Nancy Sinatra |
| 1969 | On Her Majesty’s Secret Service | Instrumental | John Barry |
| 1971 | Diamonds Are Forever | Diamonds Are Forever | Shirley Bassey |
| 1973 | Live and Let Die | Live and Let Die | Paul McCartney & Wings |
| 1974 | The Man with the Golden Gun | The Man with the Golden Gun | Lulu |
| 1977 | The Spy Who Loved Me | Nobody Does It Better | Carly Simon |
| 1979 | Moonraker | Moonraker | Shirley Bassey |
| 1981 | For Your Eyes Only | For Your Eyes Only | Sheena Easton |
| 1983 | Octopussy | All Time High | Rita Coolidge |
| 1985 | A View to a Kill | A View to a Kill | Duran Duran |
| 1987 | The Living Daylights | The Living Daylights | A-ha |
| 1989 | Licence to Kill | Licence to Kill | Gladys Knight |
| 1995 | GoldenEye | GoldenEye | Tina Turner |
| 1997 | Tomorrow Never Dies | Tomorrow Never Dies | Sheryl Crow |
| 1999 | The World Is Not Enough | The World Is Not Enough | Garbage |
| 2002 | Die Another Day | Die Another Day | Madonna |
| 2006 | Casino Royale | You Know My Name | Chris Cornell |
| 2008 | Quantum of Solace | Another Way to Die | Jack White & Alicia Keys |
| 2012 | Skyfall | Skyfall | Adele |
| 2015 | Spectre | Writing’s on the Wall | Sam Smith |
| 2021 | No Time to Die | No Time to Die | Billie Eilish |
For over six decades, bond music has been as integral to the franchise as martinis, Aston Martins, and tuxedos. Each song not only defines the mood of its film but also captures the era in which it was made — from brassy, big-band swagger to synth-heavy pop anthems and moody, minimalist ballads.
The best bond music doesn’t just accompany the action — it becomes part of the character of James Bond himself. These themes live on well beyond the closing credits, played on radio stations, in concert halls, and in the collective memory of filmgoers worldwide.
As long as 007 is on screen, there’s no doubt bond music will continue to thrill, seduce, and inspire for generations to come.
