The news out today is that Casino Royale (Filmstalker review) was the highest grossing film in the UK in 2006 with a grand total of GB£53,091,639 (US$103,97,602) to date, according to Variety.

That's a great success story, but what is it like compared to the other Bond films and with their figures adjusted for inflation? Well, I'm glad you asked as that's just been worked out and Royale is eigth on the list.

Here's what's before it with the date of release, takings and then inflation adjusted takings...

Thunderball (Dec 1965) /$63,595,658 /$401,070,986
Goldfinger (Dec 1964) /$51,081,062 /$326,334,617
You Only Live Twice (Jun 1967) / $43,084,787 / $259,901,418
Diamonds are Forever (Dec 1971) / $43,819,547 / $220,647,368
Moonraker (Jun 1979) / $70,308,099 / $210,734,788
Die Another Day (Nov 2002) / $160,942,139 / $177,601,042
Live and Let Die (Jun 1973) / $35,377,836 / $165,341,524
Casino Royale (Nov 2006) / $162,525,000 / $162,525,000

Now I don't think too much can be taken from this considering cinema attendances were much higher in the past, well that's what the studios keep telling us. However it is an interesting list.

For the full list and figures, with a lovely chart, head over to Serve with Chips.

Regardless of the figures, I do think it's one of the best Bond films ever, and by that I mean I rank it in my top three.