James Bond. The most legendary, iconic fictional spy. Even if you haven’t seen a single one of the franchise’s 26 films, you know who James Bond is. But can you name every actor who has played him? If you’re a 007 fan, you absolutely can, and you can definitively and passionately rank them too. There’s much (heated) debate over which actor played Bond best, worst, and who rounds out the middle. Here’s our take.
Image Credit: MediaFeed; IMDB / Dr. No (1962); IMDB / Casino Royale (2006); IMDB / On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969).
Best: Sean Connery
You knew this was coming. Of all the back-and-forth Bond bickering, no one is disputing that the best 007 was and will forever be Sean Connery. First of all, he was the first actor to play James Bond, in the film series’ inaugural “Dr. No” in 1962. Connery captured the true essence of Bond’s impeccable charisma, sophistication, and rugged charm, and it’s a true shame we were only able to get six Bond classics out of him and his sideways smile.
Image Credit: IMDB / Dr. No (1962).
2. Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig might not have been the Bond to appear in the most movies, but the length of his tenure was the longest, ranging from 2006 until 2021. This modern-day Bond is beloved for being just that — a cunning, gritty, modernized version of the James Bond we first fell in love with during the ’60s. Craig’s bond films debuted amid dense action-packed competition and still managed to stand out and be widely considered some of the best Bond movies there are.
Image Credit: IMDB / Casino Royale (2006).
3. Roger Moore
Appearing in more 007 flicks than any other actor in the series, Roger Moore got the job done just fine. His performances were consistently quintessential to the character, even when the quality of the movies he starred in faltered during their 12-year span. Moore brought a unique and memorable interpretation to the role, distinguishing himself with a lighter, more humorous approach compared to his predecessors. Moore’s tenure as Bond also saw the series embrace more fantastical elements and inventive gadgets, which fit his suave and charismatic style like a glove.
Image Credit: IMDB / The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).
4. Pierce Brosnan
Widely regarded as the most debonaire Bond of them all, Pierce Brosnan revitalized the James Bond franchise with his dynamic and modern take on the character, blending the suave sophistication of earlier Bonds with a contemporary edge. Debuting in 1995’s “GoldenEye,” Brosnan’s portrayal struck a perfect balance between charm, intensity, and wit. His Bond was both a suave gentleman and a fierce action hero, capable of delivering sharp one-liners and handling high-octane action scenes as only 007 can.
Image Credit: IMDB / Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).
5. Timothy Dalton
Timothy Dalton brought a darker, grittier edge to James Bond, reintroducing the character’s serious and intense nature as originally depicted in Ian Fleming’s novels. This landed well for some and off-put others. Starring in “The Living Daylights” and “Licence to Kill,” Dalton’s portrayal emphasized Bond’s role as a dedicated and complex secret agent, focusing on his professional skill and moral conflicts. His Bond was more human and emotionally driven, often showing vulnerability and a deeper personal investment in his missions.
Image Credit: IMDB / The Living Daylights (1987).
Worst: George Lazenby
Listen, if you’re going to follow the O.J.B. (original James Bond, that is), you can’t fall flat and crank out only one measly movie. George Lazenby’s single outing as James Bond in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” is often considered the weakest portrayal of the iconic spy, largely due to his lack of acting experience and the formidable legacy left by Sean Connery. While Lazenby brought a certain physicality and charm to the role, his performance was criticized for lacking the charisma and depth that audiences had come to expect. Leaving after just one movie didn’t do him a single favor.
Image Credit: IMDB / On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969).
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