Every James Bond Actor Ranked from Worst to Best, by 9000 Fans

The character of James Bond has been a cinematic icon for decades. Created by Ian Fleming, the British secret agent 007 has been brought to life by several actors. Each actor has given the role a unique spin, adding their own style and personality to the famous spy. From suave and serious to witty and charming, every portrayal has left a mark on the long-running film series. As a result, fans have strong opinions about who played the character best.

On the popular ranking platform, Ranker, over 9,000 fans have voted to rank the actors who have officially played James Bond. This ranking reflects a wide range of opinions on what makes the perfect 007. The list shows how each actor’s performance has been received by the public over the years. It covers every actor from the first film in the 1960s to the most recent. This ranking captures the enduring legacy of the actors who have stepped into the iconic role.

George Lazenby

George Lazenby played James Bond in only one film. He had the difficult task of taking over the role from Sean Connery. Lazenby’s portrayal showed a more vulnerable and emotional side of Bond. His film is unique in the series for its focus on a serious love story. Despite his short time in the role, his single performance has gained a dedicated following over the years.

Lazenby’s sole appearance as James Bond was in the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). The movie is now considered by many to be one of the best in the entire series.

Timothy Dalton

Timothy Dalton offered a darker and more serious take on James Bond. His portrayal was closer to the character in Ian Fleming’s original novels. Dalton’s Bond was a reluctant hero who was often intense and brooding. He brought a sense of realism and danger to the role that was different from the lighter tone of the previous films.

Dalton starred in two James Bond films. His first movie was The Living Daylights (1987). He followed that with Licence to Kill (1989), which was a much grittier and more violent film than audiences were used to at the time.

Roger Moore

Roger Moore brought a lighter and more humorous touch to the role of James Bond. His portrayal was known for its charm, wit, and raised-eyebrow jokes. Moore’s Bond was a smooth operator who always had a clever line ready. His films often featured more outlandish plots and gadgets, which became a hallmark of his era.

Moore played James Bond in seven films, the most of any actor in the Eon series. He started with Live and Let Die (1973) and followed it with The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). His other films include The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), and A View to a Kill (1985).

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig’s version of James Bond was a major departure from previous actors. He portrayed a more rugged and emotionally complex character. Craig’s Bond was a grittier, more intense agent who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. This grounded approach brought a new level of realism to the series. His performances showed a vulnerable side to the spy that had not been seen before.

Craig played James Bond in five films. His tenure began with Casino Royale (2006) and continued with Quantum of Solace (2008). He later starred in the critically acclaimed Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015). His final film as 007 was No Time to Die (2020).

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan took over the role of James Bond in the 1990s. He brought a modern and sophisticated style to the character. Brosnan’s Bond was charming, witty, and always well-dressed. He balanced the classic elements of the character with a fresh energy that appealed to a new generation of fans. His performance is remembered for its blend of action and humor.

Brosnan starred in four James Bond films. His first was GoldenEye (1995), which was a huge success. He continued with Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and his final film, Die Another Day (2002).

Sean Connery

Sean Connery was the first actor to play James Bond on the big screen. He set the standard for the character with his smooth and confident performance. Connery’s Bond was tough and cool, with a hint of danger. He brought a level of seriousness to the role that made the character believable. Fans often point to his classic portrayal as the definitive version of James Bond.

Connery played the secret agent in seven films over three decades. His first appearance was in Dr. No (1962), followed by From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), and You Only Live Twice (1967). He returned to the role in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and made a final appearance in the non-Eon production Never Say Never Again (1983).