When we picture James Bond, the charming spy who's always saving the day, we can't help but recall the iconic Bond girls who added a touch of excitement to each adventure. From fierce and unforgettable characters to those who didn't quite make the cut, this ranking will lead us on a journey through the best Bond girls and their undeniable chemistry with the dashing 007. So, grab your martini, shaken, not stirred, and see if your favorite made it to the top of our ultimate Bond Girl showdown!
40. Corinne Dufour Played by: Corinne Cléry
In the action-packed movie Moonraker, Bond's seductive interrogation tactics come into play as he forms a romantic connection with Corinne. Corinne unwittingly divulges information about her criminal boss' covert project as their relationship unfolds. However, her association with Bond is tragic as she becomes a victim of her employer's ruthless punishment, being devoured by dogs. Bond's nonchalant approach to these problematic encounters leaves us in awe, wondering how he carries on without a hint of remorse.
Moonraker is the epitome of romance and danger colliding in true Bond style. But amidst all the seduction and passion, it's ironic how the movie takes a dark turn with Corinne's unforgettable fate.
39. Magda Played by: Kristina Wayborn
In the thrilling movie Octopussy, Magda, played by Kristina Wayborn, was a henchwoman with a captivating charm. While her role may seem typical – seducing and betraying Bond, leading him into Kamal's trap – her unwavering loyalty to Octopussy, the film's ring leader, stands out. Magda's allegiance remains firmly with Octopussy, even if it means not swaying her loyalty for Bond's sake. Her confidence and reserved demeanor add depth to her character and set her apart from most Bond girls.
Despite her passionate night with Bond, she remains fiercely devoted to Octopussy, proving that even James Bond's seduction skills aren't enough to convince this Bond girl to take his side.
38. Stacey Sutton Played by: Tanya Roberts
In the movie A View to a Kill, Stacey Sutton appears as a thwarted oil heiress seeking revenge against Max Zorin. Although overshadowed by the more captivating May Day, she reluctantly teams up with Bond to take down their common enemy. Stacey's character is portrayed with breathy line deliveries but lacks significant character development. Though some critics slammed her, we think Tanya Roberts added charm that just needed a better showcase.
While some consider her among the worst examples of a Bond Girl, we think Tanya Roberts' portrayal of Stacey Sutton isn't as bad as perceived. We must give the former Charlie's Angels actress some credit where it's due.
37. Jill Masterson Played by: Shirley Eaton
In the timeless classic Goldfinger, Shirley Eaton ignites the screen as the unforgettable Jill Masterson, making a lasting impact despite having such limited screen time. She and Bond shared undeniable on-screen chemistry, leaving fans wanting more. Sadly, Jill's potential for future Bond Girl appearances is cut short by her memorable and unusual death, in which she was suffocated by gold paint. An extremely rare way for someone to pass away!
It seems that fans actually enjoyed her performance wishing she would've been a recurring Bond girl.
36. Mary Goodnight Played by: Britt Ekland
Britt Ekland graces the screen as Mary Goodnight in The Man with the Golden Gun, a Bond Girl who may not be the most adept agent but certainly wins points for her spirited efforts. Her character was known for making mistakes but playing it off in a sweet, girl-next-door type of way. Actress Britt Ekland spoke about her role years later and had some pretty strong opinions about the Bond franchise.
She admitted that nowadays it's not as socially acceptable to play a Bond girl, but she thinks it was fun anyway and enjoyed being sexy and in a bikini filming all day!
35. Strawberry Fields Played by: Gemma Arterton
Gemma Arterton shines as Strawberry Fields in Quantum of Solace, infusing her character with a magnetic presence that leaves a mark on the Bond series. As a British Secret Service agent stationed in Bolivia, Fields exudes determination and professionalism, aiming to be taken seriously in a male-dominated world. When her path crosses with James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, their initial encounter isn't so friendly until, of course, she finds herself captivated by Bond's suave charisma.
Despite attempting to thwart Bond's mission, she becomes entangled in a whirlwind romance with the spy. Though Gemma Arterton has spoken out about her role, shedding light on the embedded sexism in Bond women's portrayal.
34. Nancy Played by: Catherine Schell
In On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Nancy, a fellow allergy-suffering and sex-starved co-patient, makes her appearance. While not as memorable as her counterpart, Ruby Bartlett, she manages to seduce an undercover Bond. Though she has some funny quirks and strange character attributes, like an undying dedication to figuring out her potato allergy, she's definitely not the worst Bond girl we've ever seen! But we surely can't deny that her role was questionable.
Though not among the most iconic Bond girls, Nancy's role in the movie showcases her determination and willingness to take unconventional paths to achieve her goals. So who could possibly be the worst? You'll have to keep reading to find out.
33. Countess Lisl Von Schlaf Played by: Cassandra Harris
In the dazzling world of James Bond, every Bond Girl leaves a unique mark on the silver screen. Countess Lisl von Schlaf, portrayed by the enchanting Cassandra Harris in For Your Eyes Only, adds a much-needed touch of sophistication to the movie. As the mistress of the cunning smuggler Milos Columbo, Lisl's entrance provides an age-appropriate and refreshing respite in a film where Bond faces some rather peculiar pursuits from underage girls.
Lisl's playful seduction is a clever mission to gather intelligence. Still, she tragically becomes a pawn in Bond and Columbo's rivalry, meeting her death from an unexpected dune buggy incident.
32. Tilly Masterson Played by: Tania Mallet
Tania Mallet delivers a captivating performance as Tilly Masterson in the legendary film Goldfinger. Fueled by a thirst for revenge after her sister Jill Masterson's tragic yet iconic death by gold paint, Tilly sets her sights on taking down Goldfinger. Despite her determination, her aim falls short of her bloodlust. A fateful encounter with Bond on the highway ignites a spark between them, but fate intervenes when Tilly meets a fatal end from Oddjob's steel-rimmed bowler hat.
Tilly's quest for justice added a twist to the plot, making Goldfinger an unforgettable addition to the Bond franchise.
31. Kara Milovy Played by: Maryam D’Abo
In The Living Daylights, Maryam D'Abo portrays Kara, a concert cellist and the girlfriend of a KGB General. As Bond's mission requires him to watch over her, Kara's character falls short in terms of competence. It seems she struggles with her role as a love interest, lacking substantial impact on the plot. Though people think she wasn't that bad, we think her character is often overlooked as one of the least memorable Bond girls.
Although fans of the James Bond franchise will all have their favorite and least favorite Bond girl, Maryam D’Abo seems to be a character that most fans would rather not watch again.
30. Manuela Played by: Emily Bolton
Manuela, played by Emily Bolton, the MI6 operative and Bond's ally in Moonraker. This savvy seductress from Rio certainly knows how to catch 007's attention, outracing him in the bustling streets of Brazil and even mixing a perfectly shaken martini. Her bold proposal of intimacy leaves Bond momentarily stunned, proving her expertise in the art of seduction. But which Bond girl isn't an expert in the art of seduction after all?
Though not a standout in Moonraker, Manuela graces multiple scenes, including a memorable one where she narrowly escapes the clutches of Jaws, which was probably the most memorable bit of her character.
29. Christmas Jones Played by: Denise Richards
Denise Richards played Dr. Christmas Jones in The World Is Not Enough. This Bond Girl promised brains and beauty as an intelligent nuclear physicist. Though some critics were extremely tough on her, Richards revealed she even felt heartbroken by the backlash, especially regarding her portrayal and acting as overly sexualized. The Bond series has historically struggled to portray academically-minded women and appreciate the character and performance for what they were.
While she may not be the most iconic, Dr. Jones brought a fresh perspective and put her all into this franchise.
28. Andrea Anders Played by: Maud Adams
Maud Adams delivers a compelling portrayal as Andrea Anders in The Man With the Golden Gun, caught in the clutches of the assassin Francisco Scaramanga. Andrea seeks an escape from him and approaches 007 with a daring proposal: to get rid of Scaramanga and grant her freedom. Their encounter ignites a spark between them, but tragedy befalls as Scaramanga discovers the affair and takes ruthless action by killing her. Such a tragic way to go!
While her role in Octopussy earned her a title role, her part as Andrea Anders, alongside Britt Ekland, remains noteworthy but somewhat overlooked.
27. Ruby Bartlett Played by: Angela Scoular
Angela Scoular brings sizzling allure to her portrayal of Ruby Bartlett in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Their steamy encounter, with Ruby writing her room number on Bond's thigh, remains a memorable Bond moment. Ruby's assertive nature adds to the intrigue, even if her attempt at flirting by seductively eating a chicken leg fell flat. This was definitely one of the weirder Bond films, as she plays someone with an intense poultry allergy.
Bond infiltrates the clinic where she's seeking treatment, and they make love there. Not a romantic destination to say the least but it wouldn't;t be a Bond movie if it weren't for seduction and love-making.
26. Lupe Lamora Played by: Talisa Soto
Talisa Soto sets the screen on fire as Lupe Lamora in Licence to Kill. She had a complex and conflicted role, portraying the mistress to a Central American drug lord, Franz Sanchez, and was torn between her boyfriend and the charming James Bond. Despite the abuse she endures from Sanchez, Lupe's heart seems to be searching for something more genuine. Her wavering emotions make her a compelling character, navigating a dangerous world with divided loyalties.
There were moments where her performance felt natural, but they occurred way too rarely, putting her in the category of memorable but not favorite Bond girls.
25. Madeleine Swann Played by: Léa Seydoux
Léa Seydoux brings depth to the role of Dr. Swann in Spectre, blending various Bond Girl traits like being the crime boss's daughter, a skilled medic, and a pacifist. While not the typical female action hero, she possesses her own strength and resilience. Seydoux's portrayal shines, but the movie's shortcomings leave us yearning for more of her character's captivating backstory. Unfortunately, the chemistry between her and Bond lacks the spark needed to ignite the screen.
Dr. Swann ultimately falls into the damsel-in-distress trope despite her capabilities, leaving us wishing for a more empowering arc for this intriguing Bond Girl.
24. Miranda Frost Played by: Rosamund Pike
In Die Another Day, Rosamund Pike delivers a standout performance as Miranda Frost, making her character one of the movie's highlights. As a double-crossing and fiercely competitive MI6 agent, Frost is as icy as her name implies. Pike's portrayal of the beautiful yet deadly femme fatale is spot-on, making her the shining gem in an otherwise criticized film. While many may agree that Die Another Day falls short, there's no denying that Rosamund Pike's performance makes it worth watching.
The entire film, she is backstabbing people, so unironically dies by being stabbed. It's a Bond movie you need to see, but what about all the other memorable Bond girls?
23. Aki Played by: Akiko Wakabayashi
You Only Live Twice's Aki, portrayed by Akiko Wakabayashi, was all set to be the leading Bond Girl until a deadly SPECTRE assassin intervened. Despite her untimely death, Aki left a lasting impression on audiences. She showcased her dedication to the mission as an expert assassin and a skilled driver. While she may not have survived until the end credits, Aki remains a prime example of a beautiful and ill-fated Bond Girl.
Her potential as an excellent companion to Bond adds to the allure of her character, making her one of the more memorable figures in the Bond universe.
22. Solitaire Played by: Jane Seymour
Solitaire was a more mystical character that we don't really see in the Bond franchise. She was portrayed by Jane Seymour in Live and Let Die. This clairvoyant Bond girl captivates with her divine Tarot card readings and a wardrobe that's the envy of many. Though her character leans towards style over substance, there's no denying she was cool. However not cool enough to be completely memorable because the script just didn't give her much to work with.
She could have soared to even greater heights with a touch more depth to her character. Nonetheless, she remains a memorable addition to the Bond universe because of her uniqueness.
21. Holly Goodhead Played by: Lois Chiles
Lois Chiles brings intelligence and charm to her role as Holly in Moonraker, standing out as one of the brighter Bond Girls. Initially perplexing to 007, their mission to space reveals her capabilities as a CIA agent investigating Drax Industries. A refreshing change from how most Bond girls are portrayed, Holly is on par with Bond, using her skills effectively in a space mission! She takes the lead in piloting the space shuttle, impressing us with her expertise.
Fans all around loved Holly because she was a rare example of a Bond Girl with a vital role that complements 007's.
20. Pam Bouvier Played by: Carey Lowell
Carey Lowell's portrayal of Pam Bouvier in Licence to Kill is a breath of fresh air in the world of Bond Girls. From the moment she pulls a witty gun trick on 007, she captivates us with her charm and quick wit. Pam is not your typical emotionless action heroine; she's a fiery Floridian with a pixie cut, a former Army pilot, and a force to be reckoned with in a bar fight.
It's no surprise that Bond chose her in the end. With Pam around, who wouldn't be drawn to her irresistible allure?
19. Lucia Sciarra Played by: Monica Bellucci
Spectre's Lucia, portrayed by the stunning Monica Bellucci, garnered much attention as the franchise's oldest Bond Girl, but let's not forget that age doesn't define her appeal. She's mysterious and witty, seeming to be on par with Bond himself. Though there was a moment when Bond saved her from death, she doesn't;t play a damsel in distress. The focus on her age may overshadow her depth, but Bellucci's portrayal ensures that Lucia is more than just a stereotype.
A mature and complex Bond Girl, Lucia adds a refreshing twist to the usual formula, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
18. Domino Derval Played by: Claudine Auger
Bonjour to Claudine Auger's Domino Derval character in Thunderball! This French beauty, voiced by Nikki van der Zyl due to her thick French accent, is the ultimate Bond Girl package: intelligence, wit, courage, and undeniable beauty. When she uncovers the truth about her brother's disappearance, vengeance becomes her driving force. Armed with a harpoon and a taste for scuba adventures, she was the perfect match for 007. Though, of course, during her scuba scenes, rather than wear scuba gear, she donned a tiny bikini.
Though most Bond girls, especially in earlier movies, were just deemed eye candy, many wished she got more screen time. Yet she still managed to make her mark on the Bond world.
17. Kissy Suzuki Played by: Mie Hama
In You Only Live Twice, James Bond embarks on a daring mission that takes him to the mysterious Japanese islands. To blend in and avoid suspicion, 007 gets entangled in a fake marriage, leading to unexpected twists and turns. The courageous Kissy is Bond's "fake" wife, who plays a pivotal role in helping him navigate through danger. Kissy stands out among Bond girls, as she doesn't require rescue during the movie.
Kissy stands out with her strong, independent character, going beyond the plan and forming an emotional connection with 007 that turns into something more. Not too shabby for a Bond girl!
16. May Day Played by: Grace Jones
Grace Jones electrifies the screen as May Day in A View to a Kill. As the fierce companion, lover, and bodyguard to the psychopathic billionaire Max Zorin, she had iconic fashion looks and deadly skills. But she didn't stay his lover for long. Why? Well, you guessed it! While at the beginning of the movie, she escapes Bond by jumping from the Eiffel Tower; later on in the film, they make love.
There's no doubt that Bond has a hold on making any woman from his enemy to his lover.
15. Fiona Volpe Played by: Luciana Paluzzi
Luciana Paluzzi shines as Fiona Volpe in Thunderball, where sex and espionage collide in Connery-era Bond style. As an assassin for SPECTRE, Fiona seduces a NATO pilot to aid in stealing atomic bombs. Ever the opportunist, Bond noticed she was working for SPECTRE but decided to work his charm on her anyway. After they slept together, he, of course, hit her with the “this was business, not pleasure” move and ended things.
Even though Bond uses her as a human shield and for intimacy, their chemistry is undeniable, making Fiona a formidable and memorable Bond girl.
14. Anya Amasova Played by: Barbara Bach
Barbara Bach shines as Anya, aka Agent XXX, in The Spy Who Loved Me, a Bond Girl who brings a breath of fresh air to the franchise, though not all fans feel the same way! As Russia's top-notch superspy, she starts with a vendetta against Bond, but love finds its way into the picture. Though her transformation from foe to love interest is somewhat predictable, Anya proves she's no ordinary damsel.
With her intelligence and stealth, she showcases her competence in the field. While some may argue she doesn't fully live up to her potential, she still outshines Bond's past encounters.
13. Elektra King Played by: Sophie Marceau
Elektra King is taking the crown as the ultimate Bond villain. Sophie Marceau takes on the role of the devious Elektra in The World Is Not Enough, a Bond girl who defies expectations. Unlike others who crumble after falling for 007's charms, Elektra masterfully deceives and uses him to her advantage. Unlike the typical "world destruction" trope, Elektra's mission is grounded and believable, making her one of the most realistic baddies in the franchise.
It takes a special kind of woman to manipulate and outwit the iconic MI6 agent, and Elektra does it with flair. Underrated and underappreciated, she shines in one of the most overlooked Bond films.
12. Sylvia Trench Played by: Eunice Gayson
Eunice Gayson, the inaugural Bond Girl in Dr. No and From Russia With Love, set the standard for the iconic female companions of the franchise. As a confident and alluring figure, Sylvia made quite the impression on Sean Connery's 007. Breaking the mold of typical love interests, she showcased her golfing skills, gambling, and adventurous spirit. However, her voice was dubbed by Nikki van der Zyl, a common practice for Bond "girlfriends" of that era.
Despite this, her true voice can be heard in the original trailers, leaving a mark of authenticity behind! She was the first true Bond girl, after all.
11. Jinx Johnson Played by: Halle Berry
In the thrilling Die Another Day, Halle Berry made history as the first major African-American Bond girl since May Day in A View to a Kill. Jinx is the epitome of the Bond girl triad, boasting toughness, fashion-forward flair, and undeniable capability. Yet, in a bold attempt to make her Bond's equal, some feel that the writers may have gone a tad overboard with the fun and flirty angle, potentially sidelining her individuality.
Could it be the dialogue or the challenging role of a woman in a vital role like a CIA agent that sparked the controversy? Either way, this groundbreaking portrayal sure ignited some passionate debates among fans!
10. Honey Ryder Played by: Ursula Andress
Ursula Andress, with some parts voiced by Nikki van der Zyl, set the standard for Bond Girls as Honey Ryder in Dr. No. When you think of iconic Bond Girls, her white bikini moment is likely the first image that comes to mind. Though her character lacks depth in the script, Honey does showcase a fierce side and a thirst for revenge. She may seem shy around Bond but don't be fooled, as she has more bite than meets the eye.
While she's a solid start for the franchise's women, it's her unforgettable bikini scene that remains etched in our memories.
9. Camille Montes Played by: Olga Kurylenko
Olga Kurylenko's portrayal of Camille in Quantum of Solace breaks the mold of typical Bond girls. Her quest for revenge intertwines with 007's mission, creating an unlikely alliance. Unlike her predecessors, Camille's vendetta receives proper attention in the film. She stands out as the first major Bond girl who doesn't succumb to Bond's charms and doesn't engage in any intimacy with him. In many ways, she shares similarities with Bond himself – independent, determined, and self-reliant.
Camille's journey isn't overshadowed by Bond's, and she proves to be more than just his sidekick. There is no doubt this film ranks high on our list.
8. Natalya Simonova Played by: Izabella Scorupco
Natalya Fyodorovna Simonova is the character best brought to life by Izabella Scorupco in GoldenEye. As a Level 2 programmer, she's the tech genius of the film, but she also possesses a charming naivete. Even with the sneaky Boris, brilliantly portrayed by Alan Cumming, Natalya sees the best in people, showcasing her trusting nature. She was a well-liked character because she helped Bond throughout his mission with her computer programming skills that Bond didn't know how to do.
She was a more realistic character and had good chemistry with Bond. In a franchise known for its Bond girls, she stands out as a standout heroine.
7. Pussy Galore Played by: Honor Blackman
Honor Blackman's portrayal of Pussy Galore in Goldfinger has earned her legendary status, and it's not just because of her eyebrow-raising name. Galore is a captivating character - she exudes both sensuality and strength, leading her own female pilot team, the flying circus. The movie is quite dated, and there are certain scenes regarding intimacy and consent that would not fly today. Nevertheless, she remains an iconic Bond girl that made waves for the franchise.
In the ever-evolving world of James Bond, Pussy Galore stands tall as a trailblazing and unforgettable character. But hold on tight because there are still more iconic Bond Girls to discover!
6. Octopussy Played by: Maud Adams
Maud Adams takes the spotlight as Octopussy in the film of the same name. She portrays a wealthy jewel smuggler with a curious nickname, owing to her father's fascination with octopi. Octopussy leads an alluring Octopus Cult of lethal women, initially aligned with the villains for monetary gain. However, when she discovers their sinister plans, she makes a last-minute switch to help Bond thwart their evil plot. Their flirtatious banter leads to a comically quirky ending.
Though Octopussy earned mixed reviews, Maud Adams' performance as the title character left a lasting impression, making her one of the rare Bond girl actors to appear in multiple roles.
5. Tatiana Romanova Played by: Daniela Bianchi
Tatiana Romanova is the iconic Bond girl who stole hearts in the 1963 classic From Russia with Love. A former ballerina stationed at the Soviet Embassy in Istanbul, Tatiana's involvement in a dangerous mission against 007 made her a memorable character. Little did she know she was a pawn in SPECTRE's devious scheme to discredit the British Secret Service. Daniela Bianchi's portrayal brought depth to Tatiana, making her a favorite among Bond girl enthusiasts.
Tatiana proved to be more than just a pretty face, becoming a cherished figure in the captivating world of James Bond and, of course, becoming his love interest also.
4. Tracy Bond Played by: Diana Rigg
In On Her Majesty's Secret Service, James Bond breaks his iconic character trait of being a bachelor and marries for the first and only time in the film series. His typical womanizing image takes a backseat as he falls deeply in love with Tracy. Their wedding day, however, takes a tragic turn when Blofeld and his henchwoman ambush them, leading to Tracy's death. Diana Rigg's portrayal of Tracy leaves a lasting impact on the franchise, redefining Bond's character and challenging his emotions.
While her time in Bond's world is tragically short-lived, she remains the benchmark for all Bond girls.
3. Xenia Onatopp Played by: Famke Janssen
Played by the striking Famke Janssen, Xenia is the Soviet assassin who makes quite the impression in GoldenEye. Her lethal signature move, suffocating men with her powerful thighs, leaves little doubt about her deadly capabilities. Beyond the screen, Janssen's portrayal catapulted her into the spotlight, attracting both praise and scrutiny from the media. This intense experience led her to take a step back from the limelight, avoiding high-profile relationships and steering clear of social media.
As one of the memorable secondary villains, Xenia Onatopp's over-the-top and bizarre persona added a much-needed touch to the world of Bond girls.
2. Wai Lin Played by: Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh's portrayal of Wai Lin in Tomorrow Never Dies was impressive, showing that she's no mere male fantasy but a fierce and independent espionage agent with her own agenda. As a smart and savvy Chinese spy, Wai Lin proves herself with jaw-dropping fight skills that even Bond could envy. While the franchise may still cling to the "damsel in distress" trope, Wai Lin spends most of the film proving she belongs at the wheel, not in the backseat.
As the first ethnic Chinese Bond girl, she received critical acclaim and is hailed as one of the series' best.
1. Vesper Lynd Played by: Eva Green
Eva Green's portrayal of Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale is a defining moment for Bond, leaving an unforgettable mark on his heart. From their first encounter, Vesper sizes him up, always one step ahead, until love takes them both by surprise. Green's performance brings Vesper to life with a perfect blend of wit, strength, and vulnerability. Her chemistry with Daniel Craig is off the charts, making her one of the best Bond girl actresses.
Vesper is the one who truly haunts Bond, and her betrayal is the most memorable, shaping him into the iconic 007 we know today. For James Bond, it all started with Vesper, making her an irreplaceable part of his story.