10 Movies and Shows Like ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ (1969)

Description: Dr. No, the first Bond film, shares with On Her Majesty's Secret Service a focus on Bond's character and his interactions with a strong female lead. Both films have a more straightforward espionage plot compared to later, more extravagant entries. The tropical settings of Dr. No contrast with the snowy Alps of OHMSS, but both films use their environments effectively to create tension and atmosphere. The films also establish Bond's charm and resourcefulness.

Fact: Dr. No was the first film to feature the iconic James Bond theme. Ursula Andress' emergence from the sea in a white bikini became one of the most famous scenes in cinema history. The film was made on a relatively modest budget of $1 million.

Description: From Russia with Love, like On Her Majesty's Secret Service, is a more grounded and realistic Bond film, focusing on espionage and Cold War tensions. Both films feature intricate plots and a sense of personal stakes for Bond. The train sequence in From Russia with Love is reminiscent of the tense and claustrophobic moments in OHMSS. The films also share a more serious tone compared to the more fantastical entries in the series.

Fact: From Russia with Love was the first Bond film to feature SPECTRE as the main antagonist. The film's fight scene on the Orient Express is considered one of the best in the series. It was the last Bond film to be released during President John F. Kennedy's lifetime, who was a known fan of the novels.

Description: Thunderball shares with On Her Majesty's Secret Service a focus on underwater sequences and exotic locations. Both films feature Bond in a race against time to prevent a global catastrophe. The underwater battles in Thunderball are as visually striking as the ski chases in OHMSS. The films also balance action with moments of romance and intrigue.

Fact: Thunderball was the highest-grossing Bond film until Skyfall in 201The film's underwater sequences were groundbreaking for their time. The title song, performed by Tom Jones, is one of the most memorable in the series.

Description: You Only Live Twice, like On Her Majesty's Secret Service, features Bond in a more personal and emotional journey, particularly in his fake death and subsequent undercover mission. Both films explore Bond's adaptability and resilience. The Japanese settings in You Only Live Twice provide a unique cultural backdrop, similar to the Swiss Alps in OHMSS. The films also feature some of the most iconic Bond villains and lairs.

Fact: You Only Live Twice was the first Bond film to feature Blofeld's iconic white cat. The film's volcano lair was one of the most elaborate sets in Bond history. The title song, performed by Nancy Sinatra, is one of the most haunting in the series.

Description: The Man with the Golden Gun shares with On Her Majesty's Secret Service a focus on a personal vendetta and a formidable assassin as the main antagonist. Both films explore Bond's mortality and the psychological games played between him and his enemies. The exotic locations, from Thailand to Macau, echo the international flair of OHMSS. The films also feature some of the most memorable henchmen in the series.

Fact: The Man with the Golden Gun was the first Bond film to feature a golden gun as the villain's weapon. The film's car jump stunt, performed by a single take, is one of the most impressive in the series. Christopher Lee, who played Scaramanga, was Ian Fleming's step-cousin.

Description: The Spy Who Loved Me shares with On Her Majesty's Secret Service a blend of high-stakes espionage and personal drama. Both films feature Bond forming a deep connection with a female counterpart, though OHMSS's relationship is more tragic. The snowy and mountainous settings in The Spy Who Loved Me, particularly the climax in Egypt, evoke the Alpine scenes of OHMSS. The film also maintains a balance between action and emotional depth.

Fact: The Spy Who Loved Me introduced the character of Jaws, one of Bond's most iconic villains. The film's opening ski jump stunt, performed by Rick Sylvester, is one of the most famous in Bond history. The Lotus Esprit car that transforms into a submarine became one of the most memorable Bond vehicles.

Description: Moonraker, like On Her Majesty's Secret Service, features Bond in a race against time to prevent a global catastrophe, though Moonraker's plot is more fantastical. Both films balance action with moments of humor and romance. The space sequences in Moonraker are as visually stunning as the Alpine chases in OHMSS. The films also feature some of the most iconic Bond girls and villains.

Fact: Moonraker was the first Bond film to be set in space. The film's production was rushed to capitalize on the success of Star Wars. The villain's plan to create a master race in space was inspired by Nazi ideology.

Description: For Your Eyes Only shares with On Her Majesty's Secret Service a return to a more grounded and realistic tone after the more fantastical entries. Both films focus on Bond's personal stakes and emotional depth. The underwater and mountain sequences in For Your Eyes Only are reminiscent of the Alpine settings in OHMSS. The films also feature strong female characters who challenge Bond in unique ways.

Fact: For Your Eyes Only was the first Bond film to feature a title song performed by Sheena Easton, who also appeared in the opening credits. The film's climax on a mountain monastery was inspired by real-life locations. The film was dedicated to producer Albert R. Broccoli's wife, who had passed away during production.

Description: GoldenEye, like On Her Majesty's Secret Service, features a Bond who is more emotionally complex and vulnerable. Both films explore themes of betrayal and trust, with Bond facing adversaries who were once allies. The action sequences in GoldenEye, particularly the bobsled chase, are reminiscent of the thrilling ski chases in OHMSS. The film also balances intense action with moments of introspection, much like OHMSS.

Fact: GoldenEye was Pierce Brosnan's first appearance as James Bond. The film's tank chase scene through St. Petersburg was one of the most expensive stunts in Bond history at the time. The video game adaptation of GoldenEye for the Nintendo 64 is considered one of the greatest video games of all time.

Description: Skyfall shares similarities with On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) in its emotional depth and exploration of Bond's personal history. Both films delve into Bond's vulnerabilities and past, with Skyfall focusing on his relationship with M and his childhood, while OHMSS explores his love for Tracy. The visual aesthetics in Skyfall, particularly the snowy landscapes, echo the Alpine settings of OHMSS. Additionally, both films feature a more introspective and darker tone compared to other Bond films.

Fact: Skyfall was the first James Bond film to be shot in IMAX. The film's title song, performed by Adele, won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Skyfall marked the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film series.