Ranking All 007 James Bond Actors, From Most Forgettable to Top Tier

      As we wait to find out who will be the next James Bond, here’s a ranked list of all seven — or should we say 007 — actors who have portrayed Bond, from Daniel Craig to Sean Connery to David Niven.

      Since his cinematic introduction in 1960’s Dr. No, Bond has become a lasting presence on screen — a character who evolves with the times while retaining an essence that remains constant. Therefore, the actors who take on this role must possess a classic quality while also reflecting the style of their respective eras.

      With that in mind, here are all the actors who played 007 ranked from least impressive to best.

      Barry Nelson (Honorable Mention)

      CBS. Public Domain.

      If you’re wondering, “Who is Barry Nelson?” it’s time to appreciate Barry Nelson, the first actor to portray Bond on screen.

      He appeared in a 1954 episode of the lesser-known series Climax, in an installment titled “Casino Royale,” which was also the first 007 novel written by Ian Fleming.

      Nelson was the first and only American to take on the Bond role and never acted in a feature film version. However, we include him here because every time we write about James Bond, some superfan reminds us that Nelson, not Sean Connery, was technically the first Bond.

      So here he is, with 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 argue no, which is why he ranks last. The incredibly smooth actor was Ian Fleming’s initial pick to portray Bond onscreen before it ultimately went to Sean Connery (or Barry Nelson, if you consider television).

      Niven portrayed Bond just once, in the 1967 film Casino Royale, a spy satire loosely inspired by Ian Fleming’s book. If you don’t view a parody of Bond films as a legitimate Bond movie, you likely wouldn’t see Niven as a proper 007.

      Casino Royale was released in the same year as Connery’s fifth Bond film, You Only Live Twice. (That was definitely the case for Bond in 1967, as two different actors took on the role.)

      To add to the confusion, one of the gimmicks of Casino Royale is the existence of multiple Bonds. Moreover, the 1967 Casino Royale is quite different from the 2006 Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig or the 1954 television version with Barry Nelson.

      The film also features several actors who appeared in other Bond films, most notably Ursula Andress, who is seen in a series of behind-the-scenes images from Dr. No.

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

      Number 6: George Lazenby

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

      Lazenby played perhaps the most tragic Bond — his one outing as 007, in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, culminates in his marriage to the captivating Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) — only for her to be killed in a drive-by shooting by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas, who, as Blofeld, definitely doesn’t love ya, baby).

      Lazenby established himself quite commendably as the first EON Bond following Sean Connery, a challenging act to follow. Fortunately for him, Niven had made audiences more accepting of the idea that more than one actor could portray 007.

      Lazenby is also significant for being the only Australian to play Bond, although we might see another one soon if Jacob Elordi fans get their wish.

      Number 5: Daniel Craig

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

      Yes, we believe Craig — the latest actor to embody Bond — ranks as only the fifth best. While he was the most physically imposing Bond, earning some points for that, the decision by Bond producers to adopt a darker, grittier approach in 2006’s Casino Royale meant certain elements of charm and camp from previous Bond films were sacrificed.

      As talented an actor as Craig is — particularly outstanding in 2004’s Layer Cake, a role that likely contributed to his casting as Bond — he was the only James Bond actor who appeared somewhat unhappy portraying the character.

      If there’s one thing about Bond we know, it’s that he’s learned to have a sense of humor about life and death. In our view, taking that aspect away from Craig’s portrayal was a misstep.

      Number 4: Roger Moore

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

      Indeed, Roger