"Quality and money making are two different affairs. The reasons why Thunderball and Moonraker grossed so much is because of the circumstances for each film:
-Thunderball: the film after "game-changer" Goldfinger, combined with epic underwater photography
-Moonraker: The "blockbuster" Bond film post-Star Wars, riding on "space mania" of the late 70s.

Just because of said circumstances really doesn't take into account the quality: Thunderball is for the most part good aside from it's flaws, Moonraker is the Moore era at it's strangest with a lot of interesting concepts combined with poor and silly execution."

"You know how you go through different phases with favorites, etc? Right now I must mention Thunderball. Great Connery Bond, always be in my top 5. :)"

"Patricia: "I'd have thought you were just the type for a widow."
Bond: "Oh, not this one. He didn't like me at all."

Largo: "You let him get the better of you."
So much in this film to enjoy; the finale is awesome, one of my favorite climaxes in the series. Love the fight in the shark pool, etc. at Largo's mansion as well. Definitely a classic in the 007 canon. :)
"

"I was just mentioning how much I like Thunderball, one of my fav Bond films. :)"

"good movie i like it"

"yea thats a good movie"

"Agreed. I luv in Thunderball how 007 and Largo recognize each other but play a mutual game of cat and mouse with each other, starting at the casino, then at Largo's mansion, etc. Great stuff. :)"