October 5th is James Bond Day. On October 5, 1962, the first James Bond movie, Dr. No, was released by EON Productions.
Dr. No would be the first of 25 movies produced by EON Productions. The movie is adapted from the sixth book of the 14-book series written by Ian Fleming. Six different men have played the role of Fleming’s British secret agent, James Bond 007.
All Bond fans, whether they are devotees of the series or casual viewers, have their lists of favorites (as well as least favorites). I am no different. I’ve seen every James Bond movie produced by EON Productions more than once and can list my favorite Bond movies, favorite villains, favorite Bond girls, favorite stunts, favorite opening sequences, favorite theme songs, and of course, favorite actors to portray James Bond.
As a movie lover and Bond fan, here is my completely subjective ranking of the actors who have had the distinguished honor of playing Bond, James Bond on the big screen.
1. Sean Connery
Ian Fleming invented the character, but Sean Connery brought him to life on the big screen. He is the quintessential James Bond and always will be.
Everything that you know about 007 comes from Sean Connery’s performances. Connery played Bond with charisma, sophistication, and ruthlessness. His Bond was highly skilled and just as intelligent, making him extremely confident, if not arrogant. The first four movies starring Connery built the character and created the franchise that has endured these 64 years.
Ultimate Connery Bond Movie: Goldfinger
2. Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan brought Bond back to the big screen a decade after Roger Moore departed the role, following two Bond movies with Timothy Dalton that missed their mark.
Brosnan revitalized the role after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He was definitely his own Bond, while comfortably bringing aspects of Connery’s and Moore’s performances to his portrayal. If you’re looking for a suave, self-assured, and humorous James Bond, then Pierce Brosnan is the 007 for you.
Ultimate Brosnan Bond Movie: GoldenEye
3. Roger Moore
Roger Moore is the James Bond I grew up on. A few years ago, he would have been second on my list of best Bonds.
A truly professional actor, Roger Moore did not attempt to emulate Sean Connery. He made the role of Bond his own. His Bond wasn’t a cold-hearted killer, but rather a charming and witty playboy. The humor and gadgetry of Moore’s Bond movies were enjoyable and a product of their time. They also made the movies a bit campy, and Moore definitely aged out of the role. Still, he is absolutely entertaining as 007.
Ultimate Moore Bond Movie: The Spy Who Loved Me
4. Daniel Craig
I initially loved Daniel Craig as James Bond, and at one point would have ranked him as my third favorite. Unfortunately, as the Craig era dragged on, it dragged him down in my estimation.
Casino Royale rebooted the series, introducing Craig’s Bond just as he earns his license to kill as a Double-O. Craig’s Bond was physical and violent, vulnerable and tortured. While this initially worked, this Bond became too brooding, and the movies were less fun than they should have been. The blame for this lands more with the producers than with Craig, who truly had moments of greatness as James Bond.
Ultimate Craig Bond Movie: Casino Royale
5. Timothy Dalton
Timothy Dalton got a raw deal. His two Bond pictures were subpar adventures. The producers clearly didn’t know what to do with him or where to take Bond once Roger Moore departed the role. Dalton’s portrayal of the character is considered to be the closest to the literary Bond of Fleming’s novels.
Unfortunately, his Bond movies have connected with me, nor did they connect with audiences. It’s a shame as with the right script, Timothy Dalton could have done great things as Bond.
6. George Lazenby
George Lazenby had a thankless task. He had to fill Sean Connery’s shoes when Connery left the role. Lazenby’s problem, however, wasn’t that he followed the original James Bond. It’s that he was a model with no acting experience. It shows on screen in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, a movie that would have been one of Connery’s best.
That blame for all of this ultimately falls on the producers for picking Lazenby, or for failing to coax Connery back into the role, as they would do for the next feature before moving on to Roger Moore.
See James Bond 007 on the Big Screen
Every Monday, starting with October 5, 2026, Regal Entertainment will be screening a James Bond movie starring a different actor as 007. Tap this link for the details.