Top 10 Daniel Craig movies

Daniel Craig is very much a marmite actor; some people love him whilst some people simply loathe him. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, there’s no denying he’s had a prolific career. Join us as we take a look at our top 10 Daniel Craig movies…

10. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

2001 saw the first film adaptation of the Lara Croft game phenomenon grace the big screen. Starring Angelina Jolie in the title role it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing Croft now. In this film we see Daniel Craig play a fellow tomb raider Alex West. He has slightly different methods to the film’s heroine Croft and the two are frequently bumping heads, however the attraction between the two is there. The brooding look, the bright blue eyes – this definitely hit a few unexpected notes with some female fans.

9. The Golden Compass (2007)

A fantasy adventure taken from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, The Golden Compass tells the story of a young girl Lyra. Craig plays her uncle and guardian Lord Asriel, a man who very much believes that the end justifies the means, he would even sacrifice himself. Strong and powerful – a walk in the park for Craig.

8. Quantum of Solace (2008)

Craig returns in the second instalment of his portrayal of James Bond. Beaten down and bruised by his love and loss of Vesper Lynd, he sets out to seek revenge for her death. This time taking on an extreme environmentalist and aiming to prove himself as an agent due to doubts from his superiors.

7. The Trench (1999)

Craig plays Sergeant Telford Winter in this drama set during the First World War. The Trench depicts life in the trenches and the soldiers’ last days before the Battle of the Somme in 1916. A somewhat emotionless and strong willed character was needed for this role and Craig is very convincing and was ideal for the part.

6. Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

A film combining James Bond and Indiana Jones brought to us by the man who gave us Iron Man. A film not to be missed simply for its pairing of the two screen character legends. Quite a unique story, Cowboys and Aliens mixes western and sci-fi, seeing Craig as a lonesome gunslinger who can’t remember why he is suddenly in a small town with some space age technology strapped to his wrist. Quiet and full of anger, is this not Bond in cowboy boots?

5. Munich (2005)

Munich is based on the aftermath of when Israeli athletes were assassinated at the Munich Olympics in 1972. Craig is part of a team of five selected to hunt down and kill the people responsible for their deaths. The group are not exactly trained or prepared for what they soon face and Craig adds to the nervous disposition of the group with well-placed witty comments and remarks.

4. Layer Cake (2004)

Directed by Guy Ritchie and with an air of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (but just not as good) this movie puts Craig in the spotlight in a title role that doesn’t even have a name. A tough, brutal killer is all you need in this film.

3. Defiance (2008)

Three Jewish brothers are on the run and hiding in the Belarussian forests during World War II. They join the Russian resistance, build a village and swear to fight to protect it. Craig plays Tuvia, the eldest of the brothers and the most responsible. He takes the leadership role within the camp in this gritty and well-acted drama.

2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

The Hollywood version of the already successful Swedish The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Craig plays the journalist Mikael Blomkvist who works alongside Lisbeth Salander to solve a 40 year old missing persons case. Even though some might say it’s not as hard hitting as its predecessor, this version still enticed audiences and shocked many.

1. Casino Royale (2006)

The top spot has to go to Craig’s first outing as Bond. Completely redefining the character for the modern age, it’s almost as if he picked up straight from where Connery left off, with maybe a little bit more grit and solitude. Craig plays Bond with a hint of wounded soldier attitude who can fall in love and feel the heart break when it’s taken. A Bond for the next generation.