Ranking All the Actors Who Portrayed James Bond, From Sean Connery to David Niven

      As we anticipate the next actor to portray James Bond, here is a ranking of all seven — oh, we mean 007 — actors who have taken on the iconic role, from Daniel Craig to Sean Connery and David Niven.

      Since his film debut in 1960 with Dr. No, Bond has become an unforgettable figure in cinema — a character who evolves with the times while maintaining a core identity. Therefore, the actors who embody him must possess a timeless quality, even as they reflect their respective eras.

      Thus, here are all the James Bond actors, ranked from least impressive to most exceptional.

      Barry Nelson (Honorable Mention)

      CBS. Public Domain.

      If you're asking “Barry who?” please give due credit to Barry Nelson, the first actor to portray Bond on screen.

      He appeared in a 1954 episode of the little-known series Climax titled “Casino Royale,” which was also the first 007 novel by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.

      Nelson was the first and only American to portray Bond, albeit not in films. However, he is included here because every time we mention James Bond, someone inevitably reminds us that Nelson, not Sean Connery, was technically the first Bond.

      So, here he is, receiving an honorable mention.

      Number 7: David Niven

      Barbara Bouchet and David Niven in Casino Royale. Columbia.

      Does David Niven truly belong on the list of James Bond actors? Many would disagree, which is why he takes the last position. The incredibly suave actor was Ian Fleming’s initial choice for the role before it was given to Sean Connery (or Barry Nelson, if you’re considering television).

      Niven played Bond only once, in the 1967 film Casino Royale, which is a spy spoof loosely based on Fleming's novel. If you don't consider a parody of Bond films as a legitimate Bond film, you probably wouldn’t regard Niven as a real 007.

      Casino Royale was released, rather confusingly, in the same year as the fifth Connery Bond film, You Only Live Twice. (That’s certainly true for Bond in 1967, a year when he was portrayed by two different actors.)

      But it gets even more complicated: One of the film’s features is that there are multiple Bonds. And further, the 1967 version of Casino Royale bears little resemblance to Daniel Craig's 2006 Casino Royale or the 1954 TV version featuring Barry Nelson.

      The film is also notable for featuring several actors who appeared in other Bond movies, most prominently Ursula Andress, who is seen in a series of behind-the-scenes photos from Dr. No.

      Niven is the only actor, aside from Connery, to portray Bond in a film not produced by EON Productions. More on that to come.

      Number 6: George Lazenby

      George Lazenby and Diana Rigg in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. United Artists.

      Lazenby played arguably the most tragic Bond — his lone performance as 007 in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service concludes with him marrying the captivating Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) — only to have her murdered in a drive-by by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas — who, as Blofeld, doesn’t really care about you, baby.)

      Lazenby presented himself honorably as the first EON Bond after Sean Connery, whom audiences found difficult to follow. Luckily for him, Niven had already prepared the audience for the acceptance of multiple actors in the role.

      Lazenby was also distinguished as the only Australian to play Bond, though another could emerge in the future if Jacob Elordi fans get their way.

      Number 5: Daniel Craig

      Daniel Craig and Léa Seydoux on the set of No Time to Die. MGM – Credit: United Artists.

      Indeed, we believe Craig — the most recent actor to take on the role — ranks only fifth. While he may be the most physically fit Bond, earning merit for that, the producers’ decision to adopt a darker and grittier tone in 2006’s Casino Royale led to the loss of some of the charm and, yes, campiness of earlier Bond films.

      As talented as Craig is — especially commendable in 2004’s Layer Cake, which likely contributed to his casting as Bond — he was the only actor in the role who appeared somewhat unhappy as James Bond.

      One thing we know about Bond is that he has learned to find humor in life and death. In our view, stripping this trait from Craig's interpretation was a misstep.

      Also Read: All 7 Batman Actors Ranked Worst to Best

      Number 4: Roger Moore

      (L-R) Barbara Bach, Curt Jürgens, and Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me. United Artists. – Credit: United Artists.

      Yes, Roger Moore is the campiest and silliest Bond, the 007