5 Highest-Grossing Bond Movies Adjusted For Inflation

The world's most famous spy is back. James Bond is once again gracing the movie screens with his high-tech gadgets and charming persona. With the latest Bond motion picture, "Skyfall," already grossing more than $650 million worldwide, one wonders if it will be able to match or top some of the most successful films in the franchise's history. James Bond has been around for a long time, and because of the difference in the value of the dollar, a movie now is sure to earn more than a movie from the 1980s. That is why the films in this slideshow have been adjusted for inflation. 

The most successful film in the franchise's history is "Thunderball." "Thunderball" premiered back in 1965 and is regarded as one of the best James Bond movies ever. It was a trendsetter in many areas and was the first Bond film to have a two-hour run time. "Thunderball" made just over $141 million at the box office worldwide. When adjusted for inflation that amounts to more than $1 billion in today's dollars.

The second most profitable film in the series was the 1964 Bond movie "Goldfinger." "Goldfinger" was the third film in the series and the third to star one of the most iconic James Bonds ever: Sean Connery. The film was both a critical and financial success. It was the first film in the series to win an academy award. Costing only $3 million to make, the film raked in just under $125 million at the box office. That amounts to $22.4 million in costs and $933 million in profit in today's dollars.

"Live and Let Die" was the first film to try and take a more realistic approach to James Bond. The film abandoned the super villain concept that the series was founded on and went for a more relatable conflict: drug trafficking. It was also the first film to star Roger Moore, who took the place of Sean Connery when he decided not to return to the big screen as Bond. The film cost $7 million to produce and brought home $162 million at the box office. When adjusted for inflation, the numbers are just as staggering. In today's dollars the film cost $36.5 million to make and brought in $844 million.

Once again Sean Connery graces the list with his role in one of the more peculiarly titled 007 films: "You Only Live Twice." The film was released in 1965 and was the first film to have a large impact in the United States. This movie is referred to as the quintessential James Bond film and was the inspiration for the successful parody franchise: "Austin Powers." With $9.5 million dollars in production costs, "You Only Live Twice" was one of the most expensive movies of that era, but it more than made up for its hefty price tag by raking in $112 million in the box office. That amounts to $822 million in today's dollars.

The only modern James Bond film to make it into the top five is 2006's "Casino Royale." This film marked the start of a reboot of the franchise. It was also the first film to star Daniel Craig. With the advances in cinema technology, its no surprise that this film was very expensive to produce. It cost $150 million dollars, which puts it towards the top of the list of most expensive Bond films along with the two most recent films: "Quantum of Solace" and "Skyfall." James Bond's return to the big screen was very anticipated and well-received. "Casino Royale" brought in $600 Million dollars at the box office worldwide, which amounts to over $690 million in 2012 dollars.