The Definitive Ranking Of 15 James Bond Theme Songs
James Bond theme songs carry a unique weight.
Each one has to introduce a new era, match the tone of its film, and still feel unmistakably Bond within seconds.
Some lean into swagger and danger, others into romance or melancholy, but all are judged against decades of iconic predecessors.
Disclaimer: All rankings and assessments are based on opinion, musical interpretation, and cultural context rather than any objective or absolute measure of quality or legacy.
15. Die Another Day by Madonna
Madonna brought techno beats and auto-tune to the Bond franchise in 2002, and honestly? Fans are still divided.
Some folks dig the futuristic vibe and electronic sound that matched the film’s high-tech gadgets perfectly.
Others think it strayed too far from classic Bond elegance, sounding more like a dance club remix than spy movie gold.
Either way, it’s undeniably bold and experimental.
14. The World Is Not Enough by Garbage
A moody alternative rock anthem released in 1999 divided listeners sharply, earning both devotion and resistance through the bold approach taken by Garbage.
Shirley Manson’s sultry vocals brought a darker edge to Bond’s world, matching the film’s serious tone beautifully.
However, some critics felt it lacked the bombastic punch traditional Bond themes are known for.
The orchestral swells are there, but they compete with grunge guitars in unexpected ways.
13. Writing’s on the Wall by Sam Smith
The ballad showcases Smith’s incredible vocal range with haunting falsetto notes that give you actual goosebumps.
Yet some fans missed the traditional brass-heavy bombast, finding it perhaps too melancholy and introspective.
It’s beautiful, no doubt, but lacks the adrenaline punch you expect when 007 enters the scene.
Still, those high notes? Chef’s kiss!
12. Tomorrow Never Dies by Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow’s 1997 contribution brought American rock sensibilities to Britain’s favorite spy with mixed results.
The song has great energy and Crow’s signature raspy vocals, but it somehow feels more like a radio hit than cinematic drama.
Producers actually replaced it with a different track for the opening credits, which tells you something right there.
It’s catchy and enjoyable on its own merits, just not quite Bond-level epic.
11. License to Kill by Gladys Knight
When the Empress of Soul tackled Bond in 1989, she brought gospel-infused power vocals that could shatter martini glasses.
Gladys Knight’s emotional delivery gives the song genuine heart, making it feel personal rather than just action-packed.
The production leans heavily into late-80s synth sounds, which dates it slightly but also adds nostalgic charm.
It’s underrated compared to flashier themes, yet Knight’s performance is absolutely flawless throughout.
10. The Living Daylights by a-ha
Norwegian synth-pop legends a-ha brought their signature sound to Bond in 1987, and it’s pure 80s perfection.
The driving beat and soaring vocals capture the decade’s energy while still maintaining that essential spy thriller atmosphere.
Fun fact: the band actually fought with producers over the final mix, preferring their original rockier version.
Despite behind-the-scenes drama, the result is incredibly catchy and memorable, standing out from traditional orchestral themes.
9. For Your Eyes Only by Sheena Easton
Sheena Easton made Bond history by appearing in the opening credits herself, singing directly to the camera with captivating presence.
Her soft, romantic approach contrasts sharply with bombastic themes, offering intimacy that perfectly matches the film’s more personal storyline.
The melody is gorgeous and memorable, though some action fans wished for more explosive energy to match car chases.
Bill Conti’s lush orchestration supports Easton’s vocals beautifully, creating pure cinematic elegance.
8. You Know My Name by Chris Cornell
Raw, aggressive energy announced a grittier Bond era in 2006, with a powerful rock anthem setting the tone for Daniel Craig’s debut, driven by the unmistakable force of Chris Cornell.
The Soundgarden frontman’s gravelly vocals perfectly captured the rebooted franchise’s darker, more brutal approach to the character.
Heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums make this feel more like an action movie theme than traditional Bond elegance.
It divided purists but thrilled younger audiences craving something fresh and modern for a new era.
7. Another Way to Die by Jack White and Alicia Keys
Two musical powerhouses joined forces in 2008 to create something completely different for Bond.
Jack White’s garage rock energy clashes wonderfully with Alicia Keys’ soulful piano, creating controlled chaos that mirrors action sequences.
Critics called it jarring, fans called it innovative, but everyone agreed it was unlike anything Bond had done before.
The dueling vocals and frantic pace make it feel like a musical car chase.
Definitely not background music, this one demands your attention!
6. A View to a Kill by Duran Duran
Duran Duran scored the only Bond theme to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, proving pop appeal and spy thrills can coexist.
The song perfectly balances their signature new wave sound with orchestral drama, creating something unmistakably Bond yet distinctly 80s.
Simon Le Bon’s vocals soar over synths and strings in a way that still sounds fresh decades later.
It’s ridiculously catchy, impossibly cool, and captures Roger Moore’s final Bond adventure perfectly.
5. Skyfall by Adele
Classic Bond musical DNA was revived in 2012 with a sound that felt both timeless and emotionally crushing, brought fully into the present through the commanding performance of Adele.
Her powerhouse vocals combined with sweeping orchestration earned the song an Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe, basically a clean sweep.
The haunting melody and lyrics about loyalty perfectly mirror the film’s themes of aging, legacy, and sacrifice.
It became a massive global hit beyond just Bond fans, introducing the franchise to entirely new audiences.
4. Diamonds Are Forever by Shirley Bassey
Confidence surged with a 1971 return to the Bond theme, leaving no doubt that the earlier triumph of Goldfinger was anything but luck for Shirley Bassey.
Her commanding vocals drip with sophistication and danger, perfectly embodying the glamorous yet deadly world of international espionage.
The song’s lyrics about eternal value cleverly mirror both the film’s plot and Bond’s timeless appeal as a character.
John Barry’s lush orchestration provides the perfect showcase for Bassey’s incredible range and dramatic flair.
3. Nobody Does It Better by Carly Simon
A sultry 1977 ballad took an unusual route by celebrating Bond himself rather than focusing on the film’s plot, a bold creative choice carried by Carly Simon.
The romantic, almost tender lyrics feel like a love letter to 007, capturing his irresistible charm and legendary status perfectly.
Marvin Hamlisch’s gorgeous composition earned an Oscar nomination, losing only to another Bond-adjacent song that year.
2. Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney and Wings
When a Beatle tackles Bond, you get pure musical genius that transcends typical theme song limitations completely.
Paul McCartney’s 1973 masterpiece shifts dramatically from gentle ballad to explosive rock anthem, mirroring Bond’s own unpredictable nature.
The song earned an Oscar nomination and remains a concert staple decades later, proving its appeal beyond just movie fans.
Those sudden tempo changes and orchestral explosions create genuine excitement that few songs can match even today.
1. Goldfinger by Shirley Bassey
Shirley Bassey’s 1964 masterpiece didn’t just define Bond themes, it basically created the entire template that every successor follows.
Those brassy opening notes and Bassey’s earth-shattering vocals scream danger, sophistication, and adventure in ways that give you instant chills.
John Barry’s legendary composition perfectly balances orchestral grandeur with jazz-infused cool, creating something timelessly perfect.
Decades later, it remains the gold standard (pun absolutely intended) against which all Bond themes are measured.
