Evaluating Bond Girl Names
Few franchises embrace spectacle as boldly as James Bond. Across six decades, the women who shared the screen left impressions that ranged from audacious to unforgettable, and their names often carried deeper cultural echoes, balancing glamour and intrigue.
22. Stacey Sutton In A View To A Kill (1985)
Tanya Roberts portrayed Stacey Sutton in Roger Moore’s final Bond film. Sutton is a geologist whose family business is threatened by villain Max Zorin, played by Christopher Walken. Stacey is often remembered for being portrayed more as a damsel in distress than as an active participant in the plot.
MGM Studios, A View To A Kill (1985)
22. Stacey Sutton In A View To A Kill (1985) (Cont.)
Previously known for The Beastmaster and later That ’70s Show, Roberts struggled with the critical reception of her Bond role. Her career shifted toward television and cult film recognition afterward. The film itself is ranked among the weaker Bond entries, though its theme song by Duran Duran remains iconic.
MGM Studios, A View To A Kill (1985)
21. Rosie Carver In Live And Let Die (1973)
Gloria Hendry played Rosie Carver in Live and Let Die. She is a CIA agent working undercover in the Caribbean, though later revealed to be a double agent secretly serving the villain Kananga. As one of the first Black Bond girls, her role marked a moment of significance in representation.
MGM Studios, Live And Let Die (1973)
21. Rosie Carver In Live And Let Die (1973) (Cont.)
Despite the cultural impact, her role as a duplicitous CIA agent was controversial. Hendry later acted in several Blaxploitation films such as Black Caesar. Live and Let Die is remembered for its mix of voodoo themes and symbolizes the franchise’s slow adaptation to broader cultural shifts in the early 1970s.
MGM Studios, Live And Let Die (1973)
20. Giacinta “Jinx” Johnson In Die Another Day (2002)
After winning an Oscar for Monster’s Ball, Halle Berry played Giacinta “Jinx” Johnson in Die Another Day, the 20th Bond film and Pierce Brosnan’s final appearance. Jinx is an NSA agent who works alongside Bond, portrayed as both his equal and his partner in combat.
20th Century Studios, Die Another Day (2002)
20. Giacinta “Jinx” Johnson In Die Another Day (2002) (Cont.)
Berry’s performance was highly publicized, especially her homage to Ursula Andress’ bikini scene in Dr No. She represented a new era of capable, independent Bond women, although the movie was criticized for its overuse of CGI and excessive spectacle. Nevertheless, Berry’s Jinx was a highlight and even considered for a spinoff that never materialized.
20th Century Studios, Die Another Day (2002)
19. Lupe Lamora In Licence To Kill (1989)
As a successful model, Talisa Soto transitioned into acting and played Lupe Lamora in Licence to Kill, Timothy Dalton’s second and final Bond outing. Lupe is the mistress of drug lord Franz Sanchez, trapped in an abusive relationship until she aligns with Bond.
MGM Studios, Licence To Kill (1989)
19. Lupe Lamora In Licence To Kill (1989) (Cont.)
Soto’s portrayal captured both vulnerability and resilience, giving the character a sympathetic depth. Licence to Kill is often regarded as one of the darker, more violent Bond films, foreshadowing the grittier tone of the Daniel Craig era. After Bond, she gained recognition in films like Mortal Kombat and Don Juan DeMarco.
MGM Studios, Licence To Kill (1989)
18. Anya Amasova In The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Barbara Bach starred as Anya Amasova or Agent XXX in The Spy Who Loved Me. A Soviet KGB agent, she initially opposes Bond before they form an alliance against the villain Stromberg. Amasova is portrayed as Bond’s equal in skill and intelligence, which marks a progressive shift in the franchise.
MGM Studios, The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
18. Anya Amasova In The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) (Cont.)
The Spy Who Loved Me is considered one of Roger Moore’s finest Bond films, featuring iconic set pieces and the introduction of the villain Jaws. Already an actress in Italian cinema, Bach's poised performance helped cement Anya as one of the strongest Bond women. Post-Bond, she appeared in comedies such as Caveman alongside Ringo Starr, whom she later married.
MGM Studios, The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
17. Domino Derval In Thunderball (1965)
Formerly Miss France, Claudine Auger worked steadily in the French cinema before portraying Domino Derval, the mistress of villain Emilio Largo. Domino plays an essential role in the story, ultimately aiding Bond by turning against Largo and killing him. The actress later returned to European cinema with roles in thrillers and dramas.
MGM Studios, Thunderball (1965)
17. Domino Derval In Thunderball (1965) (Cont.)
Thunderball was a box-office success and remains one of the highest-grossing films of the 1960s, although critics are divided on its pacing. Auger brought elegance and strength to the part, which helped solidify Domino as one of the more developed Bond women of the Connery era.
MGM Studios, Thunderball (1965)
16. Bibi Dahl In For Your Eyes Only (1981)
As a young Olympic figure skater sponsored by the villain Kristatos, Lynn-Holly Johnson plays Bibi Dahl in For Your Eyes Only. The movie is generally well regarded for returning to a more grounded, Cold War–inspired storyline after the extravagance of Moonraker. However, Bibi is not central to the plot.
MGM Studios, For Your Eyes Only (1981)
16. Bibi Dahl In For Your Eyes Only (1981) (Cont.)
She develops a crush on Bond, which creates an uncomfortable dynamic that highlights the franchise’s sometimes problematic treatment of young women. Her character is remembered as one of the more awkward portrayals and emphasizes the franchise’s struggles with tone during this era.
MGM Studios, For Your Eyes Only (1981)
15. Plenty O’Toole In Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Lana Wood played Plenty O’Toole in Diamonds Are Forever, Sean Connery’s final official Bond film until Never Say Never Again. Her character is a Las Vegas opportunist who crosses paths with Bond at the casino tables. Although she appears briefly, her memorable name ensures her a lasting place in Bond history.
MGM Studios, Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
15. Plenty O’Toole In Diamonds Are Forever (1971) (Cont.)
Sister of Natalie Wood, Lana had roles in Peyton Place and later a guest spot on Fantasy Island. Diamonds Are Forever is often criticized for its campy tone and lighter atmosphere compared to earlier entries. Despite this, the film captured the glitz of Las Vegas in the early 1970s.
MGM Studios, Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
14. Kissy Suzuki In You Only Live Twice (1967)
Japanese actress Mie Hama played Kissy Suzuki in the fifth Bond film starring Sean Connery. Kissy is a Japanese agent who assists Bond in infiltrating Blofeld’s volcano lair, even posing as Bond’s wife. While her character name has often been criticized as exaggerated, Hama brought charm and cultural authenticity.
MGM Studios, You Only Live Twice (1967)
14. Kissy Suzuki In You Only Live Twice (1967) (Cont.)
You Only Live Twice is famous for its elaborate sets, particularly the massive volcano base designed by Ken Adam, and its heightened Cold War themes. Hama was a prominent actress in Japanese cinema, appearing in over 60 films, including King Kong vs Godzilla. After Bond, she transitioned to television and advocacy work.
MGM Studios, You Only Live Twice (1967)
13. Strawberry Fields In Quantum Of Solace (2008)
In 2008, Gemma Arterton played Strawberry Fields in Quantum of Solace, Daniel Craig’s second appearance as James Bond. Fields is a British consular agent tasked with sending Bond home, but becomes romantically entangled with him instead. Despite limited screen time, Arterton’s charisma made her character memorable.
Sony Pictures Releasing, Quantum Of Solace (2008)
13. Strawberry Fields In Quantum Of Solace (2008) (Cont.)
The film is often ranked lower among Craig’s films due to its fast-paced editing and complex narrative tied closely to Casino Royale. However, Fields’ tragic fate echoes Vesper Lynd’s impact and reinforces Bond’s dangerous lifestyle. Arterton’s later reflections on the role helped spark discussions about the evolution of female characters in Bond films.
Sony Pictures Releasing, Quantum Of Solace (2008)
12. Solitaire In Live And Let Die (1973)
For her breakout role, Jane Seymour played Solitaire in Live and Let Die. She turned out to be one of the franchise’s most unique Bond women, working as a psychic for the villain Kananga. Solitaire’s powers are ultimately compromised by Bond in a 1970s cliche theme.
MGM Studios, Live And Let Die (1973)
12. Solitaire In Live And Let Die (1973) (Cont.)
Seymour’s performance brought mystique that elevated the character beyond her narrative limitations. The movie is often ranked respectably, though not among the top entries, with memorable music by Paul McCartney. Seymour rose to stardom after Bond with acclaimed roles in Somewhere in Time and television’s Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman.
MGM Studios, Live And Let Die (1973)
11. Dr Molly Warmflash In The World Is Not Enough (1999)
Serena Scott Thomas played Dr Molly Warmflash, a medical examiner who briefly appears to assess Bond’s injuries in The World Is Not Enough. Her role is minor, but her name represents the innuendo-driven humor that defined the series during Pierce Brosnan’s tenure.
MGM Studios, The World Is Not Enough (1999)
11. Dr Molly Warmflash In The World Is Not Enough (1999) (Cont.)
The film itself is notable for Sophie Marceau’s Elektra King, one of the most complex Bond villains, and Denise Richards’ Christmas Jones. While it received a mixed reception, the film is remembered for its blend of intrigue and over-the-top elements. Sister of actress Kristin Scott Thomas, Serena worked in television and films like Hostage and Inherent Vice.
MGM Studios, The World Is Not Enough (1999)
10. Madeleine Swann In Spectre (2015), No Time To Die (2021)
Dr Madeleine Swann was introduced in Spectre as the daughter of assassin Mr White and returned in No Time To Die. Unlike most Bond women, Swann, played by Lea Seydoux, appears in two films and becomes central to Bond’s emotional journey. Intelligent, independent, and layered with personal trauma, she provides romance and narrative weight.
Sony Pictures Releasing, Spectre (2015)
10. Madeleine Swann In Spectre (2015), No Time To Die (2021) (Cont.)
Already acclaimed for Blue Is the Warmest Color, Seydoux continued in blockbuster cinema, including Crimes of the Future and Dune. Her nuanced performance distinguished Swann as more than a love interest, as she symbolized Bond’s chance at family and redemption. No Time To Die gave her historic significance as the mother of Bond’s child.
Universal Pictures, No Time To Die (2021)
9. Tiffany Case In Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
A former child star, Jill St John, portrayed Tiffany Case, the main Bond girl in Diamonds Are Forever. A diamond smuggler drawn into Bond’s mission against Blofeld, Tiffany begins as an independent character but eventually becomes more traditional in her role as a romantic interest. St John’s performance marked the first time an American actress played a lead Bond girl.
MGM Studios, Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
9. Tiffany Case In Diamonds Are Forever (1971) (Cont.)
The film holds a mixed reputation, with some praising its entertainment value while others criticize its campiness and uneven tone. Tiffany Case endures as a classic example of early 1970s Bond women—glamorous, slightly exaggerated, yet undeniably tied to the film’s glittering Las Vegas setting.
MGM Studios, Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
8. Honey Ryder In Dr No (1962)
Emerging from the sea in a white bikini, Swiss actress Ursula Andress brought Honey Ryder to life in Dr No, the first James Bond film. She set the standard for Bond girl introductions and remains one of the most iconic figures in film history. Honey is a shell diver who becomes entangled in Bond’s mission against the villainous Dr No.
8. Honey Ryder In Dr No (1962) (Cont.)
Her character is not deeply developed; however, her independence and striking screen presence made a lasting impression. Dr No launched the Bond franchise and, though modestly budgeted, it became a cultural landmark, with Ryder’s entrance symbolizing charm and cinematic legacy.
7. Xenia Onatopp In GoldenEye (1995)
Before Bond, Famke Janssen was a model and tried acting in Fathers & Sons. She portrayed Xenia Onatopp in GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan’s first Bond film. A sadistic assassin working for the Janus crime syndicate, Xenia is infamous for killing her victims during intimate encounters by crushing them with her legs.
United International Pictures, GoldenEye (1995)
7. Xenia Onatopp In GoldenEye (1995) (Cont.)
Janssen’s charismatic and intense performance turned Xenia into one of the most iconic femme fatales of the franchise. GoldenEye revitalized Bond in the 1990s, introducing him to a post-Cold War world and garnering critical acclaim for its modern tone. Xenia remains a standout character, blending campy wordplay with deadly menace.
United International Pictures, GoldenEye (1995)
6. Melina Havelock In For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Carole Bouquet brought depth to the role of Melina Havelock in For Your Eyes Only. Motivated by revenge after her parents’ assassination, Melina joins forces with Bond to track down those responsible. Known for wielding a crossbow, she stood out as a resourceful and determined ally rather than a mere love interest.
MGM Studios, For Your Eyes Only (1981)
6. Melina Havelock In For Your Eyes Only (1981) (Cont.)
The film deliberately stripped back extravagance after Moonraker, returning to espionage grounded in Cold War intrigue. For Your Eyes Only is often ranked positively for its realism, and Melina’s character exemplifies this tonal shift. Bouquet’s restrained, intelligent performance ensured Melina’s place among the franchise’s most respected women.
MGM Studios, For Your Eyes Only (1981)
5. Vesper Lynd In Casino Royale (2006)
Eva Green portrayed Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond. Vesper is a British Treasury agent who assists Bond during a high-stakes poker game against Le Chiffre. Unlike many predecessors, her character was layered with complexity and moral conflict.
Sony Pictures Releasing, Casino Royale (2006)
5. Vesper Lynd In Casino Royale (2006) (Cont.)
Her betrayal and subsequent tragic end marked one of the most emotional moments and shaped Bond’s character arc for multiple films. Casino Royale is often ranked among the greatest Bond films, revitalizing the franchise with a grittier realism. Vesper Lynd remains iconic, remembered as both Bond’s great love and his most devastating loss.
Sony Pictures Releasing, Casino Royale (2006)
4. Mary Goodnight In The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)
Mary Goodnight, portrayed by Britt Ekland, appears in The Man with the Golden Gun. She is a British Secret Service agent stationed in Hong Kong who assists Bond during his confrontation with the assassin Francisco Scaramanga. Though presented as an operative, Goodnight is often remembered for being somewhat clumsy, contrasting with the more capable Bond women of the era.
MGM Studios, The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)
4. Mary Goodnight In The Man With The Golden Gun (1974) (Cont.)
Within the Bond series, the film ranks in the mid-to-lower tier, often criticized for tonal inconsistency. Nevertheless, Ekland’s performance contributed a lighthearted presence. Her character reflects the 1970s shift toward balancing glamour with humor, though sometimes at the expense of depth or realism.
MGM Studios, The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)
3. Sylvia Trench In Dr No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963)
As one of the first Bond women introduced on screen, Eunice Gayson portrayed Sylvia Trench in Dr No during a casino game, where Bond delivers his now-iconic line, “Bond, James Bond”. Sylvia also reappears briefly in From Russia With Love, marking her as the only recurring Bond love interest in the early series outside of Miss Moneypenny.
3. Sylvia Trench In Dr No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963) (Cont.)
In both films, her role is relatively small, but she represents the glamorous, sophisticated lifestyle Bond followed. Though often overshadowed by later characters, Sylvia Trench’s cultural importance lies in her role as an early Bond girl, who set the tone for decades to follow.
MGM Studios, From Russia With Love (1963)
2. Holly Goodhead In Moonraker (1979)
After starring in The Way We Were and Death on the Nile, Lois Chiles appears in Moonraker, the eleventh James Bond film. Holly Goodhead, played by the American actress, is a CIA agent and astronaut, notable for being one of the few Bond women depicted with scientific expertise and intelligence equal to Bond’s.
2. Holly Goodhead In Moonraker (1979) (Cont.)
Moonraker took the franchise into space, reflecting the late 1970s fascination with science fiction after Star Wars. While critics often rank the movie lower due to its exaggerated plot, Chiles’ character stands out as a rare example of a competent ally. The film’s cultural legacy lies in its spectacle and ambition, even though its critical reception was divided.
1. Chew Mee In The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)
The Man With The Golden Gun featured Roger Moore, facing the assassin Francisco Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee. The movie featured Chew Mee, a minor character portrayed by actress Francoise Therry. Though her role is brief and played mostly for innuendo, the name has remained a notorious example of the series’s more campy tendencies.
MGM Studios, The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)
1. Chew Mee In The Man With The Golden Gun (1974) (Cont.)
Although it’s not ranked among the strongest Bond films, it is remembered for Lee’s performance and the duel between Bond and Scaramanga. Chew Mee symbolizes the 1970s era when humor and suggestive names dominated Bond’s tone, often overshadowing more nuanced storytelling.
MGM Studios, The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)
