12 Badass Action Movies You Need To See Before You Die

9. Casino Royale (2006)

If you€™re going to €œreboot€ a franchise, this is the way to do it €“ by excising the smirking one-liners in favour of action, dialogue and character. From the monochrome opening through the repartee between the leads to the introduction of Mads Mikkelsen€™s villain (who, in a nice touch, weeps blood), Casino Royale is that rare beast €“ a movie that stands out while simultaneously managing to satisfy the fan base. It also introduced Daniel Craig to a mass audience (because how many people remembered him from Lara Croft Tomb Raider?), giving him one of the best entries since Sean Connery€™s departure. His Bond isn€™t a tired punster in a tuxedo but a complex individual who flits between violence and charisma. The quality couldn€™t be maintained, though €“ Quantum Of Solace followed 2 years later.