Today marks a legendary milestone: the 63rd anniversary of the first James Bond film, Dr. No, hitting theaters. It’s hard to believe now, but back then, no one could’ve predicted the cultural earthquake Sean Connery’s 007 would unleash. Here’s the surprising part: Dr. No was originally a low-budget affair, more B-movie than blockbuster, with modest expectations—especially in the U.S. Sure, Ian Fleming’s novels were UK bestsellers, but who thought a British spy could conquer Hollywood? And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t until President John F. Kennedy named From Russia with Love a favorite book, coupled with the British Invasion led by The Beatles, that Bond began to gain traction. Even then, Dr. No was initially released as part of a double feature in the U.S., while From Russia with Love stole the spotlight. It wasn’t until Goldfinger in 1964 that Bondmania truly exploded, fueled by United Artists’ clever re-release strategy and the 1965 arrival of Thunderball. Since then, Bond has reigned supreme in pop culture—a legacy now in the hands of Amazon/MGM and director Denis Villeneuve. But here’s where it gets controversial: Amazon/MGM’s decision to remove guns from digital posters has left fans scratching their heads. Is this a bold move or a misstep? Either way, it’s an exciting time to be a 007 enthusiast. So, we have to ask: What’s your favorite Bond film? Cast your vote in the poll below, and if you’re craving a deeper dive, check out our James Bond Revisited series HERE. But before you go, let’s debate: Was removing guns from Bond posters a necessary update or a betrayal of the franchise’s roots? Share your thoughts in the comments!
