I recently rented a double-CD compilation of all James Bond theme songs from my local library here in Tokyo, and listening to the whole thing in one session felt like time well spent. While I am not a die-hard fan of the movies as such (although I enjoy watching them as time capsules of where special effects, sound and film editing were at during the time periods when they were made), I have always enjoyed the particular mood evoked by the theme songs.
So here is a countdown ranking of all theme songs, purely in order of my personal preference and enjoyment. At the time of writing (2026), there are 24 songs.
Notes:
I am excluding the instrumental James Bond Theme by the John Barry Orchestra, and focusing on vocal performances only.
I am including We Have All the Time in the World, even though it is a secondary vocal theme to the instrumental main theme of "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969).
The Countdown
- 24.
Another Way To Die, performed by Jack White and Alicia Keys
From "Quantum of Solace" (2008)
The song as a whole just feels like a misadventure to me. There doesn't seem to be any chemistry between Jack White and Alicia Keys, and the lyrics are downright laughable.
- 23.
Writing's On The Wall, performed by Sam Smith
From "Spectre" (2015)
Sorry to say, but I find Sam Smith in general, and on this song in particular, absolutely startling to listen to. A sensation that quite resembles fingernails scratching a chalkboard.
- 22.
Die Another Day, performed by Madonna
From "Die Another Day" (2002)
Madonna doing her accustomed "Look, I've re-invented my sound again" stuff results in a decent dance track, but it completely misses the mark as a Bond theme.
- 21.
From Russia With Love, performed by Matt Monro
From "From Russia With Love" (1963)
Easy to understand Mr. Monro's nickname of "British Sinatra" listening to this mellow, but ultimately somewhat bland and not particularly memorable offering.
- 20.
Moonraker, performed by Shirley Bassey
From "Moonraker" (1979)
Dame Shirley performed no less than three Bond movie themes. I find this one quite elegant, but slightly less impressive than the other two.
- 19.
The Man With the Golden Gun, performed by Lulu
From "The Man With the Golden Gun" (1974)
Classic mid-1970s period orchestration and arrangement, slightly raunchy lyrics, and a delightful performance by Lulu make for great entertainment.
- 18.
Thunderball, performed by Tom Jones
From "Thunderball" (1965)
Robust entry, delivered with accustomed vocal prowess by "The Tiger" (who allegedly fainted in the recording booth after singing the song's final, high note).
- 17.
Skyfall, performed by Adele
From "Skyfall" (2012)
I don't quite understand Adele's appeal, and find most of her recordings formulaic and repetitive. This one is not bad as a Bond theme, but it doesn't quite knock my socks off.
- 16.
All Time High, performed by Rita Coolidge
From "Octopussy" (1983)
This Bond theme seems to get very little love from a lot of fans. I have always found it to be a pleasant and relaxing mid-tempo song with beautiful vocals.
- 15.
Licence to Kill, performed by Gladys Knight
From "Licence to Kill" (1989)
Fine vocal performance by Gladys Knight. I always thought that melodically, the chorus somehow runs out of steam half-way through, but all in all it's a great theme to a rather dark movie.
- 14.
You Only Live Twice, performed by Nancy Sinatra
From "You Only Live Twice" (1967)
Very elegant song, with swooning orchestration and Nancy's beautifully understated vocals plus that distinctive phrasing talent she must have gotten from her dad.
- 13.
The Living Daylights, performed by A-ha
From "The Living Daylights" (1987)
An essential 80s time capsule (what with the synth bass line and all), the song IMHO makes for a much better Bond theme than many fans and critics give it credit for.
- 12.
We Have All the Time in the World, performed by Louis Armstrong
From "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969)
Lovely song. A man singing about the September of his years, made even more poignant when knowing that was exactly where Louis Armstrong was at when this recording took place.
- 11.
Tomorrow Never Dies, performed by Sheryl Crow
From "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997)
I think Sheryl Crow does a better job on this one than many critics and fans gave her credit for, and that it's a worthy entry into the Bond themes canon.
- 10.
Diamonds Are Forever, performed by Shirley Bassey
From "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971)
One of the classic songs in both Shirley Bassey's and the Bond Theme catalog, there is really nothing to fault. Fantastic musicianship all around.
- 9.
GoldenEye, performed by Tina Turner
From "GoldenEye" (1995)
Written by Bono and The Edge of U2, the song is gorgeously orchestrated, and Tina Turner's vocals are among her very best work.
- 8.
For Your Eyes Only, performed by Sheena Easton
From "For Your Eyes Only" (1981)
The song starts very subdued, and gradually progresses into Sheena Easton's soaring vocal performance during the chorus. Always liked this tune since it came out when I was age 14.
- 7.
The World is Not Enough, performed by Garbage
From "The World is Not Enough" (1999)
Brilliant sultry delivery by Shirley Manson in this uncanny cocktail of symphonic bombast and 90s existential angst.
- 6.
A View to a Kill, performed by Duran Duran
From "A View to a Kill" (1985)
Fantastic mid-80s period production, with delightfully over-the-top vocals, snazzy keyboards and stabs of brass. Not highly regarded by some fans but I love it.
- 5.
You Know My Name, performed by Chris Cornell
From "Casino Royale" (2006)
A banger of a song, and a welcome departure from the canon of balladesque or orchestra-heavy themes of the past. Chris Cornell's vocals are magnificent; what a shame we lost him so early.
- 4.
Goldfinger, performed by Shirley Bassey
From "Goldfinger" (1964)
The quintessential Shirley Bassey song, and perhaps the most famous of all James Bond theme songs that established the foundation of this entire catalog of music.
- 3.
Nobody Does It Better, performed by Carly Simon
From "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977)
What's not to love about Carly Simon's delivery of this classic tune? It has all the bearings of a classic Bond theme, while standing equally well as an independent song.
- 2.
No Time To Die, performed by Billie Eilish
From "No Time To Die" (2021)
I have to be honest and say I have no idea of Billie Eilish's usual work. But I think she knocked the assignment of delivering a Bond theme out of the park with this absolute banger of a performance.
- 1.
Live and Let Die, performed by Paul McCartney & Wings
From "Live and Let Die" (1973)
When I was born, the Beatles were just about to release "Sgt. Pepper's", so Sir Paul's music has been around for my entire life. This is one of his greatest accomplishments, and my favorite Bond movie theme.