All 7 James Bond Actors, Ranked From Worst To Best

Among film characters, none are as eagerly anticipated or closely watched as that of James Bond. The iconic spy series, which began with 1962’s “Dr. No” featuring Sean Connery as the suave British agent, has been a significant part of cinema since then. Over the years, from that debut to “No Time to Die” in 2021, there have been 25 official franchise movies, along with two unofficial ones. A total of seven actors have portrayed Bond on the big screen. However, a 1954 TV movie based on Ian Fleming’s “Casino Royale,” starring American actor Barry Nelson, has a connection to the official narrative that is somewhat vague.

Each Bond fan has their preferred actor, but it can be challenging to arrange the seven actors who have embodied the character in order of preference. Two of these actors appeared as 007 in only one film, whereas others starred in anywhere from two to seven films. Moreover, selecting a favorite Bond actor is often straightforward for those who watched them most frequently during their formative years.

Regardless of your personal preferences, it’s essential to note that selecting the top James Bond isn’t just about picking the most successful films, as a talented 007 actor doesn’t necessarily ensure box-office success. For instance, the success of many Bond movies often lies in the compelling villains they present. To decide on the greatest Bond actor, we will consider three crucial aspects: the caliber of their films, the convincing portrayal of the character, and the level of fan appreciation for their performances.

7. David Niven

David Niven portrayed James Bond in the initial movie adaptation of Ian Fleming’s first 007 novel, “Casino Royale.” Earlier attempts to bring the story to life were made through a TV film that is not recognized as part of the official series, and this 1967 film version, which serves as a humorous spoof of the James Bond franchise, is also not considered canonical. However, in spite of its comedic nature, “Casino Royale” boasts some credibility, given that Fleming once envisioned Niven for the role.

Additionally, Fleming pondered over Richard Burton, Cary Grant, and James Mason for the role, but he found Niven to be a true gentleman among them. Upon encountering Sean Connery, however, Fleming is said to have remarked (through Variety), “I’m looking for an elegant man, not this rugged fellow.” Regrettably, Fleming lost his preference in that instance, but years later, Niven eventually got a shot at the character – albeit indirectly.

Casino Royale” is a film filled with humor, featuring actors like Peter Sellers, Woody Allen, Orson Welles, and many more comedic talents. In this version, Bond, portrayed by Niven, has retired but is coaxed back into action when M (John Huston) destroys his house. As the story progresses, it becomes increasingly surreal, culminating in a preposterous final showdown that sees every MI6 agent renamed “James Bond” to cause chaos. This offbeat adaptation of Fleming’s novel reflects its era and offers a delightful diversion for fans of the series. While Niven delivers a strong performance, his portrayal strays too far from the traditional character for many devoted Bond fans.

6. George Lazenby

Any actor taking over the James Bond role from Sean Connery was bound to encounter high expectations – even potential criticism – from fans of the franchise. Instead, they found George Lazenby, an Australian model with no acting experience whatsoever, having only made a few appearances in commercials. It was during a chance encounter at a barbershop that producer Albert R. Broccoli discovered him and invited Lazenby to audition for the role.

Following an incident where he assaulted a stuntman and fabricated his background, Lazenby took on the role of Bond and appeared in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” in 1969. Initially met with skepticism, this film is now widely regarded as one of the finest Bond movies. In the storyline, Bond confronts Ernst Blofeld (played by Telly Savalas), who aims to extort the world through biological warfare. During his mission, Bond also encounters Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo (portrayed by Diana Rigg), with whom he falls in love and ultimately marries.

The movie did well enough for George Lazenby to be given a six-picture, $1 million deal to keep playing James Bond. However, he turned down the offer. In an interview with The Guardian in 2019, Lazenby explained his decision by saying, “I was told that James Bond had run its course. It was Sean Connery’s role, and it was a time of love, not conflict – the hippie era. I believed the advice.” Despite ending his tenure as Bond, Lazenby continued to have a prosperous career in both entertainment and real estate before retiring in 2024.

5. Timothy Dalton

Timothy Dalton had a unique journey towards playing James Bond, as he was often considered for the role throughout his career. At 26 years old, he was initially offered the chance to portray Bond, but he chose not to accept it, feeling reluctant to follow in Sean Connery’s footsteps. Later on, when Roger Moore left the series, producers approached Dalton again, but his schedule conflicted at the time. Instead, they cast Pierce Brosnan, who was committed to his TV show “Remington Steele.” However, as fate would have it, by the time Brosnan’s contract ended, Dalton was available and eventually took on the iconic role.

Back in 1987, I witnessed the debut of Timothy Dalton as James Bond in “The Living Daylights.” This flick found our suave secret agent delving into a fresh KGB scheme to eliminate defectors. As he continued his exploration, he uncovered a darker plot involving an arms dealer and Russian assassins. The film was a hit, establishing Dalton firmly as the new 007, and he went on to star in “Licence to Kill” in 1989 – the first Bond movie not to derive its title from an Ian Fleming story or novel.

The movie is significantly more somber than its previous version, and it wasn’t very well-received within the series, despite Dalton being contracted for a third appearance as James Bond. Regrettably, due to legal disputes between Eon Productions and MGM, Dalton only portrayed James Bond on two occasions, paving the way for his successor to take over.

4. Pierce Brosnan

Following Timothy Dalton’s departure and the end of “Remington Steele,” Pierce Brosnan finally had his chance to portray James Bond. He made his debut as 007 in the 1995 film “GoldenEye,” which is known for producing one of the most successful video games based on a movie. In “GoldenEye,” Bond attempts to thwart a secretive Russian criminal organization from utilizing a space-based weapon against London. The movie was successful, and Brosnan became strongly associated with the character, allowing him to play Bond in three subsequent films.

In creating his portrayal of James Bond, Brosnan drew inspiration from the iconic performances of Sean Connery and Roger Moore. While there are definite traces of both actors in his interpretation, Brosnan managed to infuse it with a distinct personal flair. From 1995 to 2002, Brosnan starred as Bond, concluding his tenure in the series with the film “Die Another Day.” In terms of Bond movies, this one isn’t the strongest, and it’s notable for some particularly poor CGI during the scene where Bond parachutes onto waves and uses surfing to reach safety.

The movie didn’t receive exceptional reviews from critics, despite being the highest-earning Bond film at that time. Despite this, Pierce Brosnan had agreed to return for a fifth installment, which began development, but the producers chose to conclude Brosnan’s run as 007. It took four years for the franchise to be revived with Daniel Craig.

3. Roger Moore

After George Lazenby left the role, Sean Connery reprised his role as James Bond in “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971), which marked the end of his tenure in the Eon Productions-produced franchise. Following this, they chose Roger Moore to step into the shoes of 007 for “Live and Let Die” (1973). Notably, Moore was already known for his portrayal of Simon Templar in “The Saint.” Over a period from 1973 to 1985, Moore appeared in seven Bond films, making him the actor with the most Bond movies in his career.

Through a friendship with producer Albert R. Broccoli, Moore obtained the role of James Bond. To sculpt his physique for the secret agent part, he embarked on an intensive fitness journey. Although it wasn’t universally acclaimed, “Live and Let Die” was financially successful, setting the stage for blockbusters like 1977’s “The Spy Who Loved Me” and 1979’s “Moonraker.” Moore opted to depart from the series following the release of “A View to a Kill,” not because his performances were poor or the films underperformed, but rather due to feeling he had grown too old.

58 years ago, I found myself in good physical shape, but as time went on, I began to look a bit too old for my liking – especially when the leading ladies were young enough to be my granddaughter. It felt a tad uncomfortable, to say the least. You might recall that I played James Bond in some iconic movies. Unfortunately, like a few other 007 actors, I’ve moved on from this world, passing away from cancer at the age of 89 in May 2017.

2. Daniel Craig

Whenever a fresh actor is selected to portray James Bond, the fanbase often erupts with anticipation, debates, and a range of feelings. This was particularly evident with Daniel Craig, who, when initially cast, was noted for being the first blond Bond. This apparently stirred many fans because Craig deviated from the usual style of previous Bond actors. He didn’t fit the physical mold typically associated with the character; some were skeptical about his fitness to perform the role or his ability to convincingly handle action scenes.

Daniel Craig’s interpretation of Bond deviated significantly from previous actors, and it was this unique approach that made him exceptional in the role. Unlike his predecessors, Craig’s version of Bond was more brooding and intense, and he excelled at showcasing the physical demands of the character in a way that few others could match. Despite only appearing as Bond in five films, Craig spent the longest tenure, from 2006 to 2021. When he first joined the franchise, Craig was 38 years old, but by the time he concluded his run, he was 53.

Just like other actors who have portrayed James Bond, Daniel Craig has appeared in numerous films; however, it’s probable that he will be chiefly recognized for his portrayal of the famous character. Although there was no certainty at first that he would reprise the role for 2021’s “No Time to Die,” Craig felt compelled to finish his take on Bond’s narrative, which is why the film concludes so decisively.

1. Sean Connery

Initially, several actors were thought to embody James Bond in “Dr. No,” but it was eventually Scottish actor Sean Connery who secured the role. Dana Broccoli successfully convinced her husband, producer Albert R. Broccoli, to give Connery a chance during a lunch meeting with him, fellow producer Harry Saltzman, and herself. Remarkably, Connery didn’t perform a screen test before being cast for the part that would become synonymous with his career. As the inaugural actor to portray Bond on film, Connery set many of the character’s quirks that persisted in most subsequent portrayals.

The character of Bond catapulted Connery into sex symbol status and widespread fame. Connery portrayed Bond in five movies before departing, but he returned for a sixth in 1971. He reprised his role again in 1983 for “Never Say Never Again,” which was essentially a remake of “Thunderball” but wasn’t produced by Eon Productions. Remarkably, the film performed well despite Connery’s lengthy break from the role and its status as a remake of a movie he had already starred in. However, “Octopussy,” featuring Roger Moore in his sixth Bond performance, was released the same year and was more successful.

Following his portrayal of Bond, Connery continued acting in numerous films until his retirement from the industry after “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” in 2003. Despite starring in various successful movies, Connery is indelibly associated with James Bond and remains so. He was the original Bond, and although other talented actors took up the role afterward, none have surpassed him. Tragically, Connery passed away at the age of 90 in October 2020.

2025-04-16 14:31