Ranking All 007 James Bond Actors, From Sean Connery to David Niven

      As we wait for an announcement on the next actor to portray James Bond, let's rank all seven — or should we say 007 — actors who have taken on the role, from Daniel Craig to Sean Connery and David Niven.

      Since his debut in 1960’s Dr. No, Bond has become an unforgettable figure on screen — a character who evolves with each decade but retains a core essence. Thus, the actors who play him must possess a timeless quality while also reflecting the spirit of their respective eras.

      Now, here are all the 007 actors ranked, from least impressive to most outstanding.

      Barry Nelson (Honorable Mention)

      CBS. Public Domain.

      If you're thinking “Barry who?” it's time to acknowledge Barry Nelson, the first actor to portray Bond on screen.

      He appeared in a 1954 episode of the obscure series Climax, titled “Casino Royale,” which, naturally, corresponds to the first 007 novel written by Ian Fleming.

      Nelson was the first and only American to play Bond and never appeared in a feature film. However, we’ve included him here because each time we discuss James Bond, someone invariably points out that Nelson, not Sean Connery, was technically the original Bond.

      So here's Barry Nelson, mentioned with honor.

      Number 7: David Niven

      Barbara Bouchet and David Niven in Casino Royale. Columbia.

      Should David Niven be considered among the James Bond actors? Many might argue against it, which is why he ranks last. The ultra-suave actor was Ian Fleming’s initial choice for the Bond role before it ultimately went to Sean Connery (or Barry Nelson, if you factor in television).

      Niven played Bond only once in the 1967 film Casino Royale, a comedic take on the spy genre that loosely adapts Fleming’s novel. If you don’t regard a film that parodies Bond films as an actual Bond film, then you likely wouldn’t see Niven as a genuine 007.

      Casino Royale was released in the same year as Connery’s fifth Bond installment, You Only Live Twice. (Indeed, 1967 became a unique year for Bond, with two actors bringing the character to life.)

      Complicating matters, Casino Royale features multiple portrayals of Bond. Additionally, the 1967 version has little in common with the 2006 adaptation featuring Daniel Craig or the 1954 television version with Barry Nelson.

      The film also stands out for including several actors who appeared in other Bond films, notably Ursula Andress, seen here in behind-the-scenes photos from Dr. No.

      Niven is one of only two actors, alongside Connery, to portray Bond in a non-EON Production film. More on that soon.

      Number 6: George Lazenby

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

      Lazenby portrayed perhaps the most tragic Bond — his lone appearance as 007, in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, concludes with his marriage to the captivating Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) — only for her to be murdered in a drive-by by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas, who clearly doesn’t show love).

      Lazenby established himself remarkably well as the first official EON Bond after Sean Connery, a tough act to follow. Fortunately, Niven’s portrayal had prepared audiences for the notion that multiple actors could assume the 007 mantle.

      Lazenby is also notable for being the only Australian to play Bond, though we may see another in the future if fans of Jacob Elordi get their wish.

      Number 5: Daniel Craig

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

      While we recognize Craig — the most recent actor to embody Bond — to be only the fifth best, he certainly earns points for being the most physically fit Bond. However, when the Bond producers opted for a darker, grittier approach in 2006’s Casino Royale, they lost some of the charm and campiness characteristic of earlier Bond films.

      As talented as Craig is — especially in 2004’s Layer Cake, a role likely influential in his casting as Bond — he was the sole James Bond actor who appeared somewhat unhappy in the role.

      One thing we know about Bond is that he has learned to find humor in both life and death. In our view, stripping this quality from Craig’s portrayal 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.

      Roger Moore might be seen as the campiest and silliest Bond, the 007 who strained believability by transitioning from Blaxploitation in Live and Let Die to sci-fi in Moonraker