Sean Connery James Bond Movies Ranked by Rewatchability
Sean Connery is undoubtedly the face most James Bond enthusiasts envision when they think of the iconic character. His unforgettable portrayal of Ian Fleming’s legendary MI6 agent has left a lasting impact on popular culture; it can be argued that the modern James Bond franchise owes much of its success to the groundwork laid by Connery’s performances. His unique blend of charm, sophistication, and action heroism has set the standard for all future portrayals of the character.
Bond is unquestionably the hallmark of Connery’s cinematic legacy, even though he delivered outstanding performances in other notable films such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Highlander, The Untouchables, Finding Forrester, The First Great Train Robbery, The Hunt For Red October, and The Rock. While the Bond franchise has experienced its share of ups and downs, Connery’s contributions remain significant, and many of his films continue to captivate audiences. Below, we present a comprehensive ranking of every Sean Connery James Bond movie based on their rewatchability.
7 ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ (1971)
Unforgettable Direction by Guy Hamilton
Diamonds Are Forever represents a notable regression within the Bond series, as it was Connery’s comeback after George Lazenby portrayed 007 in the critically undervalued On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Although Diamonds Are Forever sought to evoke nostalgia and revisit elements of earlier films, it ultimately comes across as disconnected from contemporary sensibilities.
Diamonds Are Forever suffers from a lack of engaging villains, compelling love interests, and thrilling action sequences, often leaning too heavily on Connery’s magnetic screen presence to compensate for its flawed narrative. Aside from a singularly entertaining scene featuring a moon rover that injects a touch of humor, Diamonds Are Forever stands out as one of the least memorable Bond films ever made, potentially ranking among the weakest entries in the entire series.
Diamonds Are Forever
In this thrilling adventure, James Bond infiltrates a diamond smuggling syndicate, uncovering a nefarious plan orchestrated by his arch-nemesis Blofeld to create a space-based laser weapon. From the vibrant streets of Amsterdam to the glamorous lights of Las Vegas, Bond confronts Blofeld’s henchmen, ultimately foiling their scheme and ensuring the diamonds are returned to their rightful owners.
- Release Date
- December 17, 1971
- Director
- Guy Hamilton
- Cast
- Sean Connery , Jill St. John , Charles Gray , Jimmy Dean , Bruce Cabot
- Runtime
- 120 Minutes
- Writers
- Richard Maibaum , Tom Mankiewicz , Ian Fleming
Watch on Prime Video
6 ‘Never Say Never Again’ (1983)
Insightful Direction by Irvin Kershner
Never Say Never Again emerged from a complex rights dispute, as Warner Brothers retained the rights to the Fleming story Thunderball, despite Connery having previously starred in an adaptation released in 1965. Although Roger Moore headlined the Bond film Octopussy that released in the same summer, Never Say Never Again marked Connery’s return as an older, more seasoned version of Bond, embarking on a covert mission filled with nostalgia and reflection.
Never Say Never Again introduces intriguing modifications to the Bond narrative, as Connery embodies an older character who grapples with vulnerability and the passage of time. However, the film’s lengthy runtime and reliance on special effects that feel outdated by modern standards make it challenging for viewers to appreciate it fully upon rewatch.
Never Say Never Again
- Release Date
- October 7, 1983
- Runtime
- 134 Minutes
- Writers
- Kevin McClory , Jack Wittingham , Ian Fleming , Lorenzo Semple Jr.
Rent on Amazon
