Many fans first came to know Daniel Craig thanks to his fresh new take on 007. Even without his James Bond films, Craig has worked on a number of well-known movies, from huge blockbusters like Cowboys & Aliens to smaller movies like Layer Cake to surprise hits like Knives Out.
With critics impressed with his movies both big and small, it is well worth taking a look at what Rotten Tomatoes ranks as Daniel Craig's best movies. These top-reviewed movies among critics highlight his amazing career thus far.
Updated on January 9th, 2023 by Colin McCormick: Though Daniel Craig's time as James Bond might be over, the finds himself with a new franchise already lined up. Craig returns as famed detective Benoit Blanc in the sequel Glass Onion which is already receiving rave reviews. And fans of the actor will find even more of Craig's best-reviewed movies are worth seeking out, from the big blockbusters to the ones that might have been overlooked. Seeing Daniel Craig's best movies on Rotten Tomatoes proves he was a successful 007 but is much more than just Bond.
The Adventures Of Tintin (2011): 74%
- Available on HBO Max and DIRECTV
Craig stepped into a rare villainous role to help bring another iconic hero to life. The Adventures of Tintin follows the adventures of young reporter Tintin as he teams up with Captain Haddock in search of a sunken ship with treasure. Craig plays the villainous treasure hunter racing against them.
As a collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson, it is a little surprising that the movie didn't strike a chord more with critics. But while the motion-capture animation still didn't impress everyone, it was seen as a thrilling adventure with a similar vibe to some of Spielberg's earlier and most beloved movies.
The Mother (2003): 78%
Shortly before becoming a household name as the latest Bond, Craig appeared in this small and intimate drama. The Mother follows a woman who loses her husband which highlights the strained relationship she has with her adult children. Things get worse when she begins having an affair with the man her daughter is dating, played by Craig.
Anne Reid received the majority of the praise from critics who applauded her brave and fearless performance in the complex lead role. Many noted the movie's honest way of addressing an older woman's sexuality as another reason for seeking out this small movie.
Munich (2005): 78%
- Available to rent on Apple TV
Another movie from legendary director Steven Spielberg, Munich is based on a true story of the aftermath of the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Eric Bana plays an agent tasked with leading a group of government assassins to track and kill those deemed responsible for the terrorist attack.
Even with a master filmmaker like Spielberg at the helm, some critics felt Munich falls short of its ambitions. However, many agreed it still makes for a thrilling, brutal, and thought-provoking story from one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
Layer Cake (2005): 80%
- Available on Hulu
Craig stepped into the gangster movie genre in Layer Cake. He plays a drug dealer looking to get out of the life of crime only to be dragged back in for a job that quickly spirals out of control. Craig is ed by several up-and-coming stars including Ben Whishaw and Tom Hardy.
Though the movie isn't ed as one of the classics of the gangster genre, critics found it to be a worthwhile entry. They called it a slick, stylish, and energetic crime movie that helped Craig's star rise.
Road To Perdition (2002): 81%
- Available on Prime Video, Paramount+, Epix and DIRECTV
Craig returned to the genre for Road to Perdition, seen by some as one of the great gangster movies of the 2000s. Set in the 1930s, Tom Hanks stars as a hitman for the Irish mob who is forced to go on the run with his young son when he is targeted by his boss' sadistic son, played by Craig.
Directed by Sam Mendes, critics found the movie's somber tone and beautiful look helped elevate it above other gangster movies. It was also seen as an effective mix of a mob tale and a story of a father and son.
No Time To Die (2021): 83%
- Available on Prime Video, Epix and DIRECTV
Craig finally bid farewell to the Bond franchise with No Time to Die. It finds Bond coming out of his retirement when a mysterious threat emerges with ties to someone he loves. Bond is forced to face his past and risk his future in a high-stakes battle.
While critics itted that No Time to Die was not among the franchise's greatest entries, it was still a thrilling action movie that delivers what fans have come to expect. It also makes for a fitting end to Craig's time in the iconic role.
Elizabeth (1998): 83%
- Available on Starz and DIRECTV
In one of his first major movies, Craig appeared in the Oscar-nominated Elizabeth. The movie stars Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I in the story of her early days on the throne and the many enemies conspiring against her. Craig takes on a villainous role of a priest and assassin who is part of the plot to dethrone the queen.
Critics insisted that Elizabeth goes beyond being a simple historical drama. Led by an outstanding performance by Blanchett, the movie was hailed as a suspenseful political thriller as well as a rich look at a fascinating figure.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011): 86%
- Available on Hulu
Craig stepped into the lead role of this English adaptation of the international best-selling novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Craig plays a disgraced journalist who is hired to investigate the decades-long disappearance of a member of an affluent family with the help of an eccentric hacker (Rooney Mara).
While fans lament director David Fincher's unrealized sequel projects to the movie, critics found the filmmaker created a brutal and captivating thriller here. They also had special mention of Mara's committed performance that steals the show.
Logan Lucky (2017): 92%
- Available on fuboTV, Showtime, Hoopla, Kanopy and DIRECTV
Though his role as Bond may have given Craig a reputation as playing intense characters, Logan Lucky was one movie where he attempted to break that reputation. The crime comedy stars Channing Tatum and Adam Driver as two brothers who plan to rob a racing event with the help of an incarcerated thief, played by Craig.
With Steven Soderbergh at the helm, critics found Logan Lucky to be a charming and light-hearted caper. Without taking itself too seriously, the movie delivers laughs, fun, and likable characters.
Skyfall (2012): 92%
- Available on Netflix and fuboTV
Following the somewhat disappointing follow-up of Quantum of Solace, Craig's Bond movies got back on track with Oscar-winner Sam Mendes stepping in to direct Skyfall. The movie finds Bond meeting a powerful enemy looking to take revenge on someone in his life.
Critics found that Mendes helped bring the franchise back with this slick and gorgeous looking Bond movie. With stunning action sequences, a terrific villain played by Javier Bardem, and Craig's more complex performance, critics called Skyfall one of the best Bond movies ever made.
