With No Time To Die released in 2021, the legendary James Bond franchise celebrated its 27th film after over six decades of thrilling adventures. Sean Connery paved the way as the first actor to portray James Bond in a theatrical film, debuting in 1962’s Dr. No. This iconic performance ignited one of the most celebrated film franchises globally. Connery’s legacy is further solidified by his remarkable seven appearances in the franchise, featuring notable films such as Thunderball, From Russia With Love, and Goldfinger, culminating in his final outing with 1983’s Never Say Never Again.

While Connery’s tenure as Bond was remarkable, many other talented actors have successfully embodied the world’s most recognized fictional secret agent. Over the past sixty years, the franchise has evolved, introducing a lineup of new actors to take on the iconic spy role. Connery passed the torch to Roger Moore, succeeded by Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan, with George Lazenby featuring in just one Bond film in 1969. The franchise took a bold turn in 2006 when Daniel Craig ushered in a new era with Casino Royale, reinforcing the franchise’s stature in the action genre. As fans eagerly await the announcement of the next actor to step into the shoes of the British spy, it’s essential to explore these outstanding interpretations of this iconic role.

10 ‘Licence to Kill’ (1989)

Experience ‘Licence to Kill’ Directed by John Glen

After delivering an impressive performance in The Living Daylights, Dalton reprised his role as the MI6 agent in Licence to Kill, marking his second and final portrayal of this legendary character. In this gripping installment, Bond resigns from MI6 to embark on a personal revenge mission against drug lord Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi), who orchestrated a brutal attack on Bond’s close friend Felix Leiter (David Hedison). The film also features notable performances from Carey Lowell as Pam Bouvier, the Bond Girl, alongside Anthony Zerbe as a menacing henchman, Desmond Llewelyn as Q, Caroline Bliss as Miss Moneypenny, and Robert Brown as M.

Dalton’s interpretation of Bond received widespread critical acclaim and was considered an engaging addition to the franchise. However, its box office performance was lackluster, primarily due to stiff competition from major blockbusters like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Batman, and Lethal Weapon 2. Notably, Licence to Kill was the first film in the Bond series that did not carry the title of an Ian Fleming novel. Interestingly, Dalton was initially considered to succeed Connery, but he declined the offer multiple times before finally accepting the role.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO

9 ‘Live and Let Die’ (1973)

Discover ‘Live and Let Die’ Directed by Guy Hamilton

When Dalton declined the offer to play Bond for various reasons, Moore stepped in and perfectly embodied the role, becoming one of the best Bond actors with an impressive record of seven films in the franchise. In Moore’s inaugural appearance as 007, the legendary MI6 agent finds himself entangled in a world filled with gangsters, drug barons, and voodoo as he investigates the mysterious deaths of three British agents. While it may not be regarded as the best Bond film, Live and Let Die achieved considerable success both critically and commercially, scoring 67% on the Tomatometer and 6.7/10 on IMDb.

This entry of Moore’s 007 also marked a significant milestone as it featured the first African-American Bond girl, Rosie Carver, brilliantly portrayed by Gloria Hendry. Even decades after his last Bond film, Moore still holds the record as the actor with the most appearances as Bond in the Eon Productions entries. His record is only matched by Connery if you include the non-Eon entry – Never Say Never Again.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO

8 ‘Octopussy’ (1983)

Unraveling ‘Octopussy’ Directed by John Glen

The 13th entry in the James Bond film series produced by Eon Productions, Octopussy showcases Moore’s remarkable ability to tackle complex tasks with ease. The plot revolves around Bond’s mission to investigate a notorious jewel and art thief, resulting in a series of unforgettable events. Octopussy received critical acclaim for its stunning action sequences and the impressive performances of its cast.

In addition to Moore, the film features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Maud Adams as Octopussy, Louis Jourdan as Kamal Khan, Steven Berkoff as General Orlov, and Kabir Bedi as Gobinda. Released in the same year as the non-Eon-produced Never Say Never Again, which starred Connery in his final role as Bond, both films achieved commercial success, with Octopussy leading the box office with $187.5 million in earnings against its $27.5 million budget.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO

7 ‘Die Another Day’ (2002)

A Deep Dive into ‘Die Another Day’ Directed by Lee Tamahori

Pierce Brosnan delivered a memorable performance in his fourth and final outing as James Bond, with Halle Berry co-starring as the stunning Bond Girl. In this 20th installment of the Eon-produced James Bond film series, 007 is captured and tortured in a North Korean prison for over a year before being exchanged in a prisoner swap. Bond’s relentless quest to uncover a traitor within British intelligence unfolds into an exhilarating adventure filled with unexpected twists.

Die Another Day stands out with an array of innovative gadgets, including the infamous invisible car. The film is also filled with unforgettable moments, such as the riveting fencing scene and the thrilling car chase through an ice palace. Alongside Brosnan and Berry, the film features John Cleese in his only appearance as Q and Samantha Bond in her final role as Miss Moneypenny. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film grossed an impressive $431.9 million at the box office, showcasing its campy charm that resonates with audiences.

WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO

6 ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ (1977)

Explore ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ Directed by Lewis Gilbert