James Bond Movies: Lazenby and Dalton Films

1969 - 19893 Films6h 45m3.7 Average

This watch list showcases two distinct approaches that brought greater realism and emotional depth to the character. George Lazenby's single film On Her Majesty's Secret Service is often considered the most emotionally complex early Bond entry, while Timothy Dalton returned the character to his literary roots with a harder edge.

Both actors emphasized Bond's vulnerability and humanity over gadgets and quips. These films stand apart from their respective eras by taking the character and his world more seriously, presaging the grounded approach of later decades.

There are 6 other watch orders available – see the links up above.

1
On Her Majesty's Secret Service poster

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

19692h 22m3.7
Director: Peter R. Hunt
Cast: George Lazenby, Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas, Gabriele Ferzetti, Ilse Steppat

James Bond pursues his archnemesis Ernst Blofeld to a Swiss Alps retreat where he's training an army of deadly women. Along the way, Bond falls for and marries Italian contessa Tracy Draco in this unique entry that sees the secret agent face both professional and personal stakes.

AdventureActionThriller
2
The Living Daylights poster

The Living Daylights

19872h 10m3.7
Director: John Glen
Cast: Timothy Dalton, Maryam d'Abo, Joe Don Baker, Art Malik, John Rhys-Davies

James Bond is assigned to protect a defecting Russian general and prevent a dangerous escalation of Cold War tensions between the Soviet Union and the West.

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3
Licence to Kill poster

Licence to Kill

19892h 13m3.6
Director: John Glen
Cast: Timothy Dalton, Carey Lowell, Robert Davi, Talisa Soto, Anthony Zerbe

When Bond's close friend Felix Leiter is brutally attacked and his wife murdered by drug lord Franz Sanchez, the secret agent goes rogue to seek personal vengeance. Bond infiltrates Sanchez's criminal organization to bring down the cartel from within.

AdventureActionThriller