Where to start
Thunderball
2 versions · originally a film, 1965
The race against time to recover stolen nuclear warheads from SPECTRE defines this high-stakes espionage thriller's enduring appeal.
✦ Most fans start here
Thunderball (1965)
The original movie
✦ Start hereThunderball
Terence Young · Film · 1965
Thunderball (1965) serves as the definitive cinematic blueprint, offering iconic underwater sequences and the classic Sean Connery performance that established the template for the high-budget global spy blockbuster.
Inspired by
Never Say Never Again
Film · 1983
Never Say Never Again (1983) provides a unique, alternative perspective on the familiar nuclear blackmail plot, featuring a more mature take on the character and a distinct stylistic departure from the franchise.
Common questions
Is Never Say Never Again a remake of Thunderball?
Yes, Never Say Never Again is a 1983 film that serves as an adaptation of the same source material as the 1965 movie Thunderball. Both films feature the same central plot elements and character arcs originating from the original story.
Should I watch Thunderball before Never Say Never Again?
You should watch the 1965 film Thunderball first to establish the original cinematic baseline. Viewing Thunderball before Never Say Never Again allows you to compare how the 1983 production interprets the same source material differently than the original version.
Are Thunderball and Never Say Never Again the same movie?
While they are not the same movie, Never Say Never Again is a distinct production that adapts the same narrative foundation as Thunderball. They are separate films released nearly two decades apart that utilize the same core story elements.
How do Thunderball and Never Say Never Again relate to each other?
Thunderball and Never Say Never Again relate to each other through their shared source material. The 1965 Thunderball established the primary cinematic interpretation, while the 1983 film Never Say Never Again provides an alternative adaptation of the same underlying story.