Daniel Craig‘s tenure as a leading man has been defined by intensity, restraint, and a willingness to subvert expectations. While he’ll forever be associated with James Bond, his filmography stretches far beyond tuxedos and martinis, encompassing gritty indie dramas, sharp-edged thrillers, and playful ensemble pieces. Taken together, his body of work paints a picture of an actor consistently drawn to risk, complexity, and reinvention.
Letterboxd, with its vast community of passionate cinephiles, offers a unique lens through which to assess Craig’s career. Unlike traditional critic lists or box-office tallies, Letterboxd rankings reflect the collective taste of viewers who have many opinions. According to Letterboxd, Daniel Craig’s best movies showcase his star power and knack for choosing projects that spark conversation long after the credits roll.
10
‘Logan Lucky’ (2017)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.5/5
Logan Lucky is a comedic heist film about Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum), an unlucky West Virginia construction worker who loses his job and decides to pull off a daring robbery during a NASCAR race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Teaming up with his one-armed brother Clyde (Adam Driver), his sharp-witted sister Mellie (Riley Keough), and an eccentric safecracker named Joe Bang (Craig), Jimmy plans to steal millions by exploiting the speedway’s underground conveyor system.
It makes sense that Logan Lucky is one of Craig’s top-rated movies on Letterboxd, because, after years of playing James Bond, Craig’s turn as Joe Bang lets him fully break that suave, controlled persona. In this role, he’s able to show off his comedic timing, physical comedy, and willingness to look ridiculous. His exaggerated Southern accent, impulsive behavior, and oddly principled personality are memorable without dominating the story, making Joe Bang a scene-stealer rather than a distraction.
9
‘Elizabeth’ (1998)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.6/5
Elizabeth is a historical drama that chronicles the early reign of Queen Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett), focusing on her rise to power amid political intrigue, religious conflict, and personal sacrifice in 16th-century England. As Elizabeth navigates threats from rival claimants, foreign powers, and internal betrayal, she evolves from a vulnerable young woman into a shrewd, resolute monarch determined to secure England’s stability. Craig plays John Ballard, a Catholic priest involved in a plot against Elizabeth.
Letterboxd users highlight Elizabeth as one of Craig’s best movies because this is a critically acclaimed project and a showcase for Daniel Craig early in his career. The movie itself is highly regarded for its lavish production design and strong performances. Craig’s role, though relatively small, is intense and memorable. This is an early example of Craig showcasing his ability to stand out in a movie starring fellow screen legends.
8
‘The Adventures of Tintin’ (2011)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.6/5
The Adventures of Tintin is an animated adventure that brings Hergé‘s classic comic series to life. The story follows the intrepid young reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell), his loyal dog Snowy, and the gruff but lovable Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) as they uncover a mystery surrounding a ship called the Unicorn. Craig voices Sakharine, a wealthy, cunning art collector who becomes obsessed with finding the treasure of the Unicorn.
The Adventures of Tintin is widely appreciated on Letterboxd as a smart, energetic Steven Spielberg movie that blends classic adventure storytelling with impressive technical craft. For Craig specifically, the movie benefits from him being used against type in a way Letterboxd audiences enjoy. His performance as Sakharine leans into theatrical villainy and voice acting rather than star persona, showing off his versatility.
7
‘Road to Perdition’ (2002)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.8/5
Road to Perdition is a crime drama set during the Great Depression that follows Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), a loyal enforcer for an Irish-American mob boss, who goes on the run with his young son after a violent betrayal within the organization. As father and son travel through the Midwest, Michael seeks revenge against those who destroyed his family while also trying to protect his child from inheriting his own life of crime. Craig plays Connor Rooney, the volatile and entitled son of Irish mob boss John Rooney (Paul Newman).
Road to Perdition ranks so highly among Craig’s movies on Letterboxd because it showcases him in a role that subverts expectations and highlights his dramatic range. Craig sheds any hint of movie-star likability and fully commits to a volatile, entitled antagonist whose insecurity fuels the film’s tragedy. The performance is restrained yet simmering. For many viewers, Letterboxd users especially, this kind of against-type casting tends to be rewarding.
6
‘Munich’ (2005)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.8/5
Munich dramatizes the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, in which Israeli athletes were killed by the Palestinian group Black September. The film follows Avner Kaufman (Eric Bana), a Mossad agent tasked with leading a covert team to track down and assassinate those responsible. As the mission unfolds across Europe and the Middle East, the assassinations grow increasingly morally ambiguous, blurring the line between justice and revenge. Craig plays Steve, a tough, pragmatic South African explosives expert.
It makes sense that Munich is one of Craig’s highest-rated movies on Letterboxd because it aligns perfectly with both his strengths as an actor and the kind of cinema Letterboxd users tend to value. Craig excels in morally complex, restrained roles, and his character Steve showcases his intensity, physicality, and emotional minimalism without leaning on star charisma. This is exactly the kind of prestige, ethically ambiguous filmmaking that cinephile audiences often rate highly.
5
‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ (2011)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.9/5
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Craig) as he investigates decades-old murders within the wealthy and secretive Vanger family in Sweden. He is joined by Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), a brilliant but socially isolated hacker with a traumatic past. Together, they uncover a pattern of violence tied to misogyny, religious symbolism, and long-buried family crimes. The movie is both a procedural thriller and a character study, and emphasizes themes of power, vengeance, and survival.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is one of Craig’s most ambitious projects, and Letterboxd users typically respond to movies that take risks. Craig’s Mikael Blomkvist is restrained, intelligent, vulnerable, and far removed from blockbuster spectacle and closer to the kind of nuanced performance that cinephiles appreciate. Ultimately, this movie captures him at the intersection of prestige filmmaking and restrained character work.
4
‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2025)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.9/5
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is the third film in Rian Johnson‘s whodunit Knives Out series and follows master detective Benoit Blanc (Craig) as he takes on his most dangerous and somber case yet. Unlike the playful, sun-soaked mystery of Glass Onion, this installment is darker in tone, with Blanc drawn into a horrifying crime involving a new ensemble of eccentric suspects when a priest turns up dead in what first seems to be impossible circumstances.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has become one of Craig’s highest-rated movies on Letterboxd because it combines the beloved elements that fans already love about the Benoit Blanc character with fresh, ambitious storytelling. The movie’s deeper, darker tone, and rich thematic exploration of faith and morality makes it far more than a simple mystery to be solved by an endearing detective. Craig’s confident, charismatic return as Blanc clearly stands out to Letterboxd users.
3
‘Skyfall’ (2012)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.9/5
Skyfall is the 23rd James Bond movie and sees Craig return as 007 in a story that balances high-octane action with deeper character exploration. When MI6 is attacked and a list of undercover agents is stolen, Bond’s loyalty and skills are tested as he tracks the cyber-terrorist Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem), a former MI6 operative seeking revenge against M (Judi Dench). The film delves into Bond’s past, his vulnerabilities, and his complex relationship with M.
Since Craig is so often associated with his tenure as 007, Letterboxd users would naturally rate one of the most well-known chapters in the franchise so highly. Skyfall represents a perfect synthesis of blockbuster spectacle and character depth, something that sets it apart from typical James Bond movies. The Letterboxd audience consistently praises Craig’s performance for balancing the cold efficiency of 007 with glimpses of vulnerability and humanity.
2
‘Knives Out’ (2019)
Letterboxd Rating: 4.0/5
Knives Out is a modern mystery that follows the investigation into the death of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). When Harlan is found dead the morning after his 85th birthday party, renowned private detective Benoit Blanc (Craig) is called in to untangle a web of lies, family secrets, and hidden motives among the eccentric Thrombey family. The movie balances suspense, humor, and social commentary, keeping audiences guessing as each character’s potential culpability is revealed.
Knives Out earns its place as one of Craig’s highest-rated movies on Letterboxd because it showcases him in a role that’s both charismatic and delightfully quirky. Letterboxd users have highlighted how Craig’s nuanced performance and comedic timing are central to the success of Knives Out, making it a standout in his career. Craig’s ability to anchor the story while interacting seamlessly with a large, deeply talented cast evidently resonates strongly with viewers.
1
‘Casino Royale’ (2006)
Letterboxd Rating: 4.0/5
Casino Royale rebooted the James Bond franchise with Daniel Craig’s debut as 007, presenting a grittier, more emotionally grounded take on the iconic spy. The movie follows Bond on his first mission as a double-0 agent, tasked with bankrupting terrorist financier Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. Beyond the intense action sequences, the story explores Bond’s emerging romantic feelings for Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), and the personal costs of his profession.
Casino Royale holds the distinction of being Craig’s highest-rated movie on Letterboxd because it represents a bold reinvention of a beloved franchise, giving audiences a fresh take on the iconic spy. Craig plays 007 as both lethal and vulnerable, which is a combination that resonated strongly with fans. The movie’s high-stakes, intense action sequences, and authentic character development create a compelling narrative that goes beyond standard spy thrills, and offers viewers an unforgettable Bond experience.
