James Bond Actors Ranked By Their Take On 007
The music kicks in, the tux settles perfectly, and somewhere a villain mutters, “Oh no… not him.”
For more than 60 years, the Eon series has introduced itself with that famous two-word mic drop, handed the tux to six different men, and served the same distinctive drink order as if it were a constitutional requirement.
Six actors accepted the mission. When the music starts, which one still makes you hear it in your head: “Bond, James Bond.”
Disclaimer: This ranking reflects editorial interpretation of on-screen performances in the James Bond film series and is inherently subjective, drawing on tone, characterization, and overall impact rather than a single measurable criterion.
6. George Lazenby
George Lazenby stepped into Sean Connery’s shoes for a single film and never returned. A former Australian model, he brought natural charm and athletic presence but lacked the seasoned polish that experience can provide.
His interpretation of Bond felt slightly unrefined, as if still settling into the weight of the role. “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” has grown in reputation over the years and is now widely appreciated.
Even so, his turn remains the shortest tenure in franchise history.
One solitary outing barely registers as more than a brief stop in the long-running world of 007.
5. Timothy Dalton
Dalton brought Ian Fleming’s original vision to life with a harder edge and genuine menace. His Bond felt dangerous, haunted, more soldier than playboy.
The late eighties weren’t ready for that shift.
Critics and audiences wanted escapism, not existential dread in a dinner jacket. His two films now feel like a dress rehearsal for Craig’s era, proving sometimes you arrive at the party a decade too early.
4. Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan seemed destined for Bond long before his first screen test. Square jaw, immaculate hair, and easy charisma completed the picture.
Across four films, tone shifted between gadget-driven spectacle and darker storytelling, rarely committing fully to either direction.
“GoldenEye” stands as a clear high point, while later installments often appeared to follow industry trends rather than define them.
Even so, watching him order a martini carried the polished allure of a glossy magazine spread.
3. Roger Moore
Moore turned Bond into a winking gentleman who never broke a sweat.
His seven films leaned into camp, gadgets, and one-liners that landed like perfectly timed punchlines. Critics called it silly; audiences kept buying tickets for over a decade.
That raised eyebrow became as iconic as the Aston Martin, proof that charm and timing can carry you through even the wildest plot twists.
2. Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig reshaped the franchise by allowing Bond to bleed, grieve, and wrestle with his own decisions.
“Casino Royale” pared back the gadgetry and introduced a spy still finding his footing in a dangerous profession.
Across five films, audiences saw greater emotional depth, intense action sequences, and a portrayal that leaned toward human vulnerability rather than polished fantasy. Scaling cranes or locking eyes with an adversary carried a physical immediacy that rarely felt outsourced to a stunt performer.
1. Sean Connery
Connery invented the cinematic Bond and every actor since has lived in his shadow.
Cool without trying, dangerous without shouting, funny without winking at the camera. His early films defined the template: exotic locations, beautiful women, villains with grand plans, and a hero who never doubted he’d win.
“Goldfinger” and “From Russia with Love” remain the gold standard, proof that first impressions can last sixty years.
