James Bond 007
Year: 1962 - Present
Created by: Albert R. Broccoli & Harry Saltzman (Based on the novels by Ian Fleming)
Films: 27
Created by: Albert R. Broccoli & Harry Saltzman (Based on the novels by Ian Fleming)
Films: 27
"The name's Bond, James Bond" - James Bond
Created by author Ian Fleming in 1953 for his novel Casino Royale, Agent 007, James Bond, went on to become one of the most beloved fictional characters of all time. Brought to the big screen in 1962 by Eon Productions in Dr. No, the James Bond franchise has gone on to be the longest running film franchise in history. With twenty seven films as of 2021, Bond has been played by six different actors, each with their own unique charms and sensibilities, but all distinctly suave yet dangerous.
Collected here is every theatrically released Bond film excluding the 1967 Casino Royale (as this is commonly seen as not belonging to the long running 007 franchise), categorised by the leading actor and listed in release order (where possible).
Collected here is every theatrically released Bond film excluding the 1967 Casino Royale (as this is commonly seen as not belonging to the long running 007 franchise), categorised by the leading actor and listed in release order (where possible).
Sean Connery (1962-1967, 1971 & 1983):
The man who started it all, and my personal favourite Bond actor, Sean Connery. So popular they brought him back...twice! Connery set the bar for what to expect from Bond as a character, and even though his sensibilities are out of touch in a modern world there's no denying that Connery's performance is always a winner.
George Lazenby (1969):
Having the unfortunate task of following up Connery, George Lazenby only lasted for one film before he was replaced by his predecessor. Whilst On Her Majesty's Secret Service is a black sheep in the Bond franchise, for me its one of my all time favourites and Lazenby's performance goes a long way in cementing that.
Roger Moore (1973-1985):
The longest serving Bond actor, Roger Moore is unfortunately my least favourite. Bringing with him an entirely new style of Bond that's much more sexually charged and humorous. For some Moore is exactly what they always wanted Bond to be, for me though I prefer someone a bit more serious. But with a couple of knockout films including one of my all time favourites, Live and Let Die, there is definitely something to like in Moore's performance.
Timothy Dalton (1987 & 1989):
Another short-lived stint as Bond, Timothy Dalton may just be the most forgettable actor to play the character. That's not to say he's bad in the role, but he doesn't have the charisma of Connery, the humour of Moore, the sex appeal of Brosnan, or the grittiness of Craig. What he does have are two middle of the road Bond films, and that's about it.
Pierce Brosnan (1995-2002):
Bringing Bond kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century, Pierce Brosnan's Bond films are technology mad and showcase the first extensive use of CGI in any Bond film. Probably the Bond your mother loves the most, Brosnan is suave and sophisticated before anything else, and that charisma pays off in some of Bond's best adventures.
Daniel Craig (2006-2021):
A post-9/11 world required a different kind of Bond to remain relevant. A younger, gritter Bond with a dark and troubled past, Daniel Craig would prove to be as dividing as Marmite. Personally I love him, but that might be because he's the Bond I've grown up with. With significantly higher production values, massive action set-pieces, and considerably more character depth than has ever been afforded to Bond before, Craig's films are also the first to form a proper multi-film narrative for the character.