The Complete Guide to James Bond Movies by Actor: From Connery to Craig

August 9, 2024

James Bond, the quintessential British spy, has graced the silver screen for over five decades, becoming one of the most iconic characters in cinema history. From Sean Connery’s suave portrayal to Daniel Craig’s gritty realism, each actor brought their unique style to the role. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look through all the James Bond movies, categorized by actor.

1. Sean Connery

Sean Connery was the original James Bond, setting the standard for all future actors in the role. His portrayal combined suave charm with a rugged toughness, making him an instant hit with audiences. Connery’s tenure as Bond defined the character as a sophisticated yet deadly secret agent. His success in the role made him a global star, but after “You Only Live Twice”, he initially stepped away from the series, feeling typecast. He later returned for “Diamonds Are Forever” and the unofficial Bond film “Never Say Never Again” in 1983, cementing his legacy as the quintessential Bond for many fans.

Dr. No (1962)

Plot: James Bond is sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of a British agent and uncovers a plot by Dr. No to disrupt the American space program.
IMDb Rating: 7.2

From Russia with Love (1963)

Plot: Bond is tasked with retrieving a Soviet encryption device while avoiding SPECTRE agents.
IMDb Rating: 7.3

Goldfinger (1964)

Plot: Bond investigates gold smuggler Auric Goldfinger and uncovers a plot to contaminate the U.S. gold supply at Fort Knox.
IMDb Rating: 7.7

Thunderball (1965)

Plot: Bond goes to the Bahamas to recover two nuclear warheads stolen by SPECTRE.
IMDb Rating: 6.9

You Only Live Twice (1967)

Plot: Bond fakes his own death and travels to Japan to investigate the hijacking of American and Soviet spacecraft.
IMDb Rating: 6.8

Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Plot: Bond investigates a diamond smuggling operation which leads him to Blofeld and a plot to use a satellite laser weapon.
IMDb Rating: 6.5

2. George Lazenby

George Lazenby’s story as James Bond is one of the most intriguing. As a model with no prior acting experience, Lazenby managed to land the role of 007 for “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. His portrayal brought a unique blend of vulnerability and toughness, notably in the film’s more emotional scenes. Despite delivering a strong performance, Lazenby famously turned down a long-term contract for the role, believing that the Bond series would soon become outdated. This decision left him as the only actor to play Bond in just one official film, adding an element of what-if intrigue to his brief tenure.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

Plot: Bond goes undercover to uncover Blofeld’s plot involving biological warfare while falling in love with Tracy di Vicenzo.
IMDb Rating: 6.7

3. Roger Moore

Roger Moore brought a different flavor to James Bond, infusing the character with a lighter, more humorous touch. His Bond was known for his wit and charm, making the films more family-friendly and accessible. Moore’s tenure included some of the most iconic and outlandish entries in the series, such as “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “Moonraker”. Despite initial skepticism about his ability to fill Connery’s shoes, Moore made the role his own over seven films. His portrayal helped maintain the series’ popularity through the 1970s and into the mid-1980s.

Live and Let Die (1973)

Plot: Bond investigates the deaths of three British agents which lead him to a Harlem drug lord and a Caribbean dictator.
IMDb Rating: 6.7

The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

Plot: Bond is targeted by the world’s most expensive assassin, Francisco Scaramanga.
IMDb Rating: 6.7

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Plot: Bond teams up with a Soviet agent to stop a madman from using stolen submarines to trigger a nuclear war.
IMDb Rating: 7.0

Moonraker (1979)

Plot: Bond investigates the theft of a space shuttle, uncovering a plot to wipe out the human race and create a master race in space.
IMDb Rating: 6.2

For Your Eyes Only (1981)

Plot: Bond is tasked with retrieving a communication device before it falls into the hands of the Soviets.
IMDb Rating: 6.7

Octopussy (1983)

Plot: Bond uncovers a plot involving stolen Soviet jewels and a nuclear bomb.
IMDb Rating: 6.5

A View to a Kill (1985)

Plot: Bond investigates a horse-racing scam that leads him to an industrialist planning to destroy Silicon Valley.
IMDb Rating: 6.3

4. Timothy Dalton

Timothy Dalton‘s approach to Bond was a return to the character’s darker, more serious roots as envisioned by creator Ian Fleming. His portrayal was intense and brooding, focusing more on Bond’s inner conflicts and professional dedication. Dalton’s Bond was a departure from Moore’s lighter take, bringing a grittier and more realistic tone to the series. Though his tenure was brief, with only two films, Dalton’s performance was critically acclaimed and laid the groundwork for the more serious portrayal of Bond seen in later films.

The Living Daylights (1987)

Plot: Bond helps a KGB agent defect and uncovers an arms smuggling plot.
IMDb Rating: 6.7

Licence to Kill (1989)

Plot: Bond goes rogue to seek vengeance against a drug lord who attacked his friend.
IMDb Rating: 6.7

5. Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan combined elements of all his predecessors, bringing Connery’s charisma, Moore’s wit, and Dalton’s intensity. His Bond was a suave, sophisticated gentleman spy, capable of handling both high-stakes action and emotional depth. Brosnan revitalized the franchise with “GoldenEye”, introducing Bond to a new generation of fans. His tenure featured some of the highest-grossing films in the series at the time. However, by the end of “Die Another Day”, there was a sense that the series needed another reinvention, which paved the way for Daniel Craig’s era.

GoldenEye (1995)

Plot: Bond must prevent a former MI6 agent from using a satellite weapon against London.
IMDb Rating: 7.2

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

Plot: Bond investigates a media mogul’s plan to start a war between the UK and China.
IMDb Rating: 6.5

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Plot: Bond protects an oil heiress from a former KGB agent turned terrorist.
IMDb Rating: 6.4

Die Another Day (2002)

Plot: Bond uncovers a North Korean plot involving a satellite laser weapon.
IMDb Rating: 6.1

6. Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig’s casting as James Bond initially sparked controversy, with some fans skeptical of his suitability for the role. However, Craig’s debut in “Casino Royale” silenced critics and revitalized the franchise with a gritty, grounded take on the character. His Bond was more human, showing vulnerability and depth, while still being a formidable spy. Craig’s portrayal brought a new emotional intensity and complexity to 007, and his era included some of the most acclaimed films in the series, such as “Skyfall”. His commitment to the role over five films culminated in “No Time to Die”, where his Bond arc came to a dramatic conclusion, cementing his place as one of the best Bonds in the franchise’s history.

Casino Royale (2006)

Plot: Bond earns his 00 status and thwarts a banker to terrorists in a high-stakes poker game.
IMDb Rating: 8.0

Quantum of Solace (2008)

Plot: Bond seeks revenge for Vesper’s death and uncovers a plot to control Bolivia’s water supply.
IMDb Rating: 6.5

Skyfall (2012)

Plot: Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.
IMDb Rating: 7.8

Spectre (2015)

Plot: Bond uncovers the existence of the sinister organization SPECTRE and its connection to his past.
IMDb Rating: 6.8

No Time to Die (2021)

Plot: Bond is pulled out of retirement to rescue a kidnapped scientist, leading to a showdown with a new villain.
IMDb Rating: 7.3

From Sean Connery’s original portrayal to Daniel Craig’s intense performances, each James Bond actor has brought something unique to the role. The series has evolved with the times, reflecting changes in society, technology, and filmmaking. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, the world of James Bond offers thrilling adventures, memorable villains, and timeless elegance.

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