James Bond Timothy Dalton movies in order James Bond Marathon
Page Last Modified:
15 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Licence to Kill - 1989
Total Runtime:
263 Minutes
Total Items:
2
Average User Score:
(6.5)Watching orders for James Bond
James Bond Timothy Dalton movies in order
If you've ever thought, "How should I watch the Timothy Dalton James Bond films in order?" then you've come to the right place. Dalton's time as 007 might not have been super long, but it definitely made an impression. It's great for a movie night with a nostalgic feel, full of Cold War espionage, intense action, and a Bond who feels more grittier than his predecessors. Picture the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, cello cases on skis, and a Bond who really takes his license to kill seriously. This marathon is perfect for those who want a darker Bond without losing the charm. Grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, and get ready for an evening of realistic action, '80s flair, and pure MI6 style.
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The Living Daylights Movie 130 min. 1987After a defecting Russian general reveals a plot to assassinate foreign spies, James Bond is assigned a secret mission to dispatch the new head of the KGB to prevent an escalation of tensions between the Soviet Union and the West.USER SCORE 7 -
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Licence to Kill Movie 133 min. 1989After capturing the notorious drug lord Franz Sanchez, Bond's close friend and former CIA agent Felix Leiter is left for dead and his wife is murdered. Bond goes rogue and seeks vengeance on those responsible, as he infiltrates Sanchez's organization from the inside.USER SCORE 6
Why Timothy Dalton is an Underrated Bond
Before diving into the films, you should know why you should binge the Timothy Dalton 007 movies. It's pretty straightforward. Dalton brought a fresh perspective to the iconic role. Under John Glenn's direction, his Bond felt raw, realistic, and emotional. He was the first actor to really play James Bond the way Ian Fleming wrote him, as a hardened MI6 agent with inner conflicts. There's no over-the-top gadget obsession or unrealistic invincibility, just a real person who makes mistakes and thinks carefully about his choices. He still looks stunning in a tux. With only two films, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill, this marathon is both manageable and impactful. This is perfect for staying up all night with friends or bingeing on your own with your favorite snacks and a martini in hand.
The Living Daylights (1987)
We're starting with The Living Daylights, where Dalton first stepped into the 007 role. And what a way to make an entrance! The opening scene on Gibraltar, with abseiling MI6 agents and an explosive introduction, sets the tone right away. This Bond is sharp, swift, and ready to redefine the Cold War. The story revolves around a complex double-cross involving Soviet defectors, arms dealers, and the mysterious Kara Milovy, played by Maryam d'Abo. Her chemistry with Dalton is subtle, believable, and refreshing compared to previous Bond girls. Add some classic scenes, like the chase in the snowy Austrian mountains with the cello case, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Bond car with built-in missiles, and the finale in Afghanistan with Art Malik as resistance fighter Kamran Shah, and you've got a film that mixes classic Bond with a modern, realistic tone. The cast is full of '80s icons: Jeroen Krabbé plays the smooth-talking General Georgi Koskov, Joe Don Baker is the over-the-top arms dealer Brad Whitaker, and of course, we've got the usual suspects like Desmond Llewelyn as Q, Caroline Bliss as Moneypenny, and Robert Brown as M. In short, this is classic Bond, with a raw edge.
License to Kill (1989)
If you thought Dalton was intense in The Living Daylights, wait until you watch Licence to Kill. This film flouts all the usual Bond rules. M's mission is personal, not world-ending. There aren't any superweapons involved. Bond goes rogue after a personal attack. What's coming up is a brutal showdown with a ruthless drug cartel led by the sinister Franz Sanchez, played by Robert Davi. The story feels like a pure revenge thriller, like a mix of John Wick and 007. Bond infiltrates the cartel, sabotages it from within, and receives help from CIA agent Pam Bouvier (a badass Carey Lowell) and the complex Lupe Lamora (Talisa Soto). The action is intense and personal, from the plane-on-water stunt to the famous shark-mauling villain scene. What makes this film stand out in the Bond timeline is its dark tone. This isn't the charming, flirtatious Bond of Connery or Moore. This is a guy who doesn't follow the rules, and it's working for him. The film was ahead of its time, and it's now becoming more and more clear that it paved the way for the darker, character-driven Bond that Daniel Craig would later make famous. And let's not forget the atmosphere: a sizzling '80s soundtrack, a killer 007 tune by Gladys Knight, and that classic EON Productions flair. It looks like a Bond film, but it feels more raw and emotional.
The Ultimate Dalton-Bond Marathon: Short, Powerful, Legendary
The beauty of the Bond watch order during the Dalton era is that you can complete this marathon in one evening. Two films, both directed by John Glenn, with consistent themes, styles, and a 007 who truly evolves. From the intrigue of the Cold War in Europe to the steamy jungles of South America, you follow a Bond who not only solves crimes but also examines himself.
For fans of classic espionage adventures with a realistic twist, these '80s James Bond films are exactly what you're looking for. You get the franchise's charm without the camp. A British secret agent who has to fight both physically and emotionally. So whether you're a new fan of James Bond or checking off the Timothy Dalton James Bond films on your list, they absolutely deserve a spot on your movie night. Pop some popcorn, grab a drink, and get ready for a rip-roaring spy action thriller. And for the true die-hards out there: keep an eye out for subtle Easter eggs like the cameo of Felix Leiter, Dalton's '80s fashion vibes, and how Q's gadgets are just a bit more functional than in earlier films. It's also worth noting that Bond finally lets his emotions show, which was rare in the earlier films. In short, these two films are far from filler in the Bond universe. They're a strong pair of films that show how adaptable and human 007 can be. And, to be honest? They're great for a binge where action, emotion, and style go hand in hand. You've got no excuse now. The James Bond Timothy Dalton movie marathon is short, intense, and unforgettable. Hey, are you ready to (re)discover Dalton's Bond?