James Bond film writers react as "most personal 007 story" tops fan poll to crown best entry in franchise

If you ask five different James Bond fans what their favourite 007 film is, it's very possible (even probable) you could wind up getting five different answers – such are the strong opinions that continue to be held about the well-loved franchise.

But what if you asked over 1,000 Bond fans their favourite? Well, that's precisely what we did in an exclusive Radio Times poll, and we can now reveal the results.

While for many fans of the franchise, the glory days of the Sean Connery era have still never been surpassed, in the end it was one of the most recent films that came out top of our poll.

Skyfall – the 23rd film in the franchise and third starring Daniel Craig – was voted as the winner, quite fitting for a film that was intended to honour 50 years of the secret agent on the silver screen when it was released back in 2012.

Interestingly, it was another Craig outing – his debut Casino Royale – that finished second, while Connery classics Goldfinger and From Russia with Love came in third and fifth place respectively.

In fourth place was the sole George Lazenby offering, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, a film whose reputation has grown more than any other in the franchise over the years – and which we previously named our favourite of the lot.

You can read the full ranked list now.

Speaking about Skyfall's victory, long-term 007 scriptwriters Neil Purvis and Robert Wade – who wrote the screenplay alongside John Logan – said they were "thrilled" by the outcome.

"It’s fantastic to see Skyfall voted the number one James Bond film," they said in an exclusive statement to Radio Times, with the pair adding: "Perhaps it was the way the film delved into Bond’s background that really touched people, making it arguably the most personal 007 story."

They continued: "Sam Mendes brought a distinct vision to the film that was low on international travel and more a celebration of Britain.

"Javier Bardem was one of the very best villains, a great foil to Daniel Craig’s fallible but tenacious Bond, and Judi Dench effectively became the Bond girl as they drove up to Scotland. It also didn’t hurt that it had such a great song from Adele.

"We’re sure everyone will be thrilled the film continues to be held in such high regard. We are."

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