Daniel Craig’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked
Daniel Craig has become a household name, synonymous with suave sophistication and intense on-screen presence. While he’s perhaps most recognized for his portrayal of James Bond, Craig’s career spans a range of genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Here, we’ve compiled the definitive list of Daniel Craig’s 10 best movies, ranked from impressive to downright iconic.
10. Layer Cake (2004)
This British crime thriller marked a turning point in Craig’s career, where his role as a drug dealer trying to retire put him on the map as a leading man with a knack for portraying complex characters.
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Craig stepped into the shoes of journalist Mikael Blomkvist in this gripping adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s novel, proving his mettle outside action-centric roles.
8. Road to Perdition (2002)
Playing against type as the villainous son of a mob boss, Craig’s chilling performance in this period crime drama showed early signs of his range and depth.
7. Infamous (2006)
Portraying real-life writer Truman Capote, Craig demonstrated his ability to dissolve into character, earning high praise for his supporting role alongside Sandra Bullock and Toby Jones.
6. Logan Lucky (2017)
In this heist comedy directed by Steven Soderbergh, Craig breaks bad as the bleached-blonde explosives expert Joe Bang, revealing impeccable comedic timing and surprising audiences with his transformative abilities.
5. Munich (2005)
In Steven Spielberg’s historical drama about the aftermath of the 1972 Olympics massacre, Craig delivers a powerful performance as part of an ensemble cast, delving into the moral ambiguities of vengeance and justice.
4. A Knives Out Mystery (2019)
As the debonair detective Benoit Blanc in Rian Johnson’s modern whodunit, Craig won over audiences with his quirky southern accent and brilliant deduction skills — crystalizing him as a masterful actor capable of charm and wit.
3. Casino Royale (2006)
The movie that rebooted the Bond franchise and introduced Craig as the new face of 007. His gritty and vulnerable take on James Bond earned universal acclaim and is often cited as one of the best Bonds ever.
2. Skyfall (2012)
Arguably one of the greatest Bond films in history, ‘Skyfall’ presented a more personal story for 007 with stunning action sequences and emotional depth — plus a memorable performance by Craig who further elevated his Bond legacy.
1. No Time to Die (2021)
Daniel Craig’s final bow as James Bond concludes an era with epic fashion. Mixing raw emotion with thrilling action pieces, ‘No Time to Die’ cements Craig’s status in cinematic history — allowing him to leave on a high from arguably cinema’s most prestigious platform.
Each film presents a different facet of Daniel Craig’s talent, affirming that he is much more than just another actor to don the tuxedo. From murky underworlds to sparkling comedies and visceral dramas — these movies exemplify why Daniel Craig is considered one of his generation’s most compelling actors.