James Bond Actors: Every 007 in Order, Ranked & More

Few film franchises command the kind of loyal, argument-ready fandom that James Bond does. Part of the fun is the endless debate: Who was the best 007? But before you pick a side, it helps to know the full lineup — from Sean Connery’s debut in 1962 all the way to Daniel Craig’s emotional exit in 2021. Here’s the complete guide to every Bond actor, ranked by tenure, fan opinion, and the lingering question of who’s next.

Official Bond actors: 7 ·
First Bond film: Dr. No (1962) ·
Longest-serving by years: Daniel Craig (2006–2021) ·
Most films as Bond: Roger Moore (7 films) ·
Next Bond status: Undecided

Who Played James Bond in Order?

The official actors in chronological order

• Sean Connery – first appeared in Dr. No (1962) (Wikipedia)
• George Lazenby – only film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) (Radio Times)
• Roger Moore – 7 films from 1973 to 1985 (Radio Times)
• Timothy Dalton – 2 films from 1987 to 1989 (Radio Times)
• Pierce Brosnan – 4 films from 1995 to 2002 (Radio Times)
• Daniel Craig – 5 films from 2006 to 2021 (Radio Times)

The pattern: each actor brought a distinct era and tone, from Connery’s cool confidence to Craig’s raw vulnerability.

Barry Nelson and David Niven: the unofficial Bond films

• Barry Nelson played Bond in a 1954 TV adaptation of Casino Royale — not an Eon production.
• David Niven played Bond in the 1967 spoof Casino Royale, also outside the official series (Wikipedia (a collaborative encyclopedia)).
• Sean Connery returned as Bond in the unofficial Never Say Never Again (1983), a remake of Thunderball (Radio Times).

The catch: these non-canonical portrayals are often excluded from official rankings, but they expand the Bond universe beyond the Eon series.

The complete filmography table

Seven actors, 25 films, one pattern: each actor’s tenure reflects the cultural moment they inhabited.

Who Is the Best James Bond Actor?

Fan rankings and critical consensus

There is no official best, but rankings vary widely. Surveys and polls show different favorites depending on the era and criteria. Connery often tops lists for establishing the archetype, while Craig is praised for bringing emotional depth (Radio Times).

The case for Sean Connery

• Connery is frequently cited as the original and most iconic Bond (Wikipedia).
• His portrayal set the template: sharp suits, dry wit, and a ruthless edge.
• Ian Fleming reportedly disliked Connery at first, later warming to him (Radio Times).

The case for Daniel Craig

• Craig’s gritty, physical Bond redefined the character for the 21st century (Entertainment Weekly).
• His tenure spanned 15 years, the longest by calendar time (Radio Times).
• He brought a raw vulnerability that previous actors avoided.

The case for Roger Moore

• Moore’s lighthearted, humorous style dominated the 1970s and early 80s (Radio Times).
• He appeared in seven films, the most of any actor.
• His Bond leaned into camp, winning over audiences who preferred fun over grit.

The trade-off: there is no single best — the answer depends on whether you value innovation, consistency, or entertainment.

Who Played 007 the Longest?

Longest tenure by years

Daniel Craig holds the record for longest tenure by calendar time: 15 years (2006–2021) (Radio Times).

Longest tenure by number of films

Roger Moore appeared in the most official Bond films: 7 (Radio Times).

Comparison table

Three actors, two metrics, one pattern: the longest-serving by years is not the one with the most films.

The catch: Moore made more films in fewer years, while Craig’s gaps between films — especially after Spectre — stretched his tenure.

Who Will Be the Next James Bond?

Current rumors and frontrunners

No official announcement has been made since Daniel Craig stepped down after No Time to Die (2021). Names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Idris Elba, and Tom Hardy have been rumored, but no decision has been confirmed (Radio Times).

Daniel Craig’s departure

Craig’s final film, No Time to Die, was released in 2021. He has stated he doesn’t care who takes over, moving on from the role (Wikipedia).

The producers’ criteria

• The next Bond must be male, likely in his 30s or early 40s, and able to commit to multiple films.
• Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have said the search is slow and careful.
• Betting odds currently favor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but no contract is signed.

The implication: the next Bond will define the franchise for the next decade. The pressure is enormous.

Who Turned Down the Role of James Bond?

Actors who declined the role

• Cary Grant declined due to age — he was 58 when the role was first offered (Wikipedia).
• Patrick McGoohan refused on moral grounds, objecting to Bond’s womanizing and violence.
• Clive Owen reportedly turned down the role in the early 2000s.
• Hugh Jackman was considered but never formally offered.

The pattern: many actors who said no later regretted it, while others simply didn’t fit the producers’ vision.

Timeline: The Evolution of James Bond

• 1962 – Sean Connery debuts as Bond in Dr. No (Wikipedia)
• 1969 – George Lazenby appears in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (Radio Times)
• 1973 – Roger Moore takes over with Live and Let Die (Radio Times)
• 1987 – Timothy Dalton stars in The Living Daylights (Radio Times)
• 1995 – Pierce Brosnan begins with GoldenEye (Radio Times)
• 2006 – Daniel Craig starts with Casino Royale (Radio Times)
• 2021 – No Time to Die – Craig’s final film; search for next Bond begins (Entertainment Weekly)

The pattern: each era of Bond mirrors the cultural anxieties and aspirations of its time, from Cold War confidence to post-9/11 uncertainty.

What We Know and What’s Still Unclear

Quotes on Bond

“I think he’s a DILF.”

Billie Eilish, on Daniel Craig, during an interview (Wikipedia)

“I don’t care who plays him next.”

Daniel Craig, when asked about the next Bond (Radio Times)

“He’s a bloody good actor.”

Ian Fleming, on Sean Connery, later in life (Wikipedia)

For the producers at Eon, the choice is between a safe reboot and a daring reinvention — and the clock is ticking. The next actor stepping into Bond’s shoes will inherit 60 years of history, and the world will be watching.

Related reading: Dave Bautista: Ethnicity, Career, Height · Michael Caine Health: Hand Loss, Wheelchair & Illness Rumors

For a detailed breakdown of every actor who brought the iconic character to life, check out this complete list of 007 actors.

Frequently asked questions

The choice of the next Bond will ultimately define whether the franchise leans into nostalgia or embraces reinvention. Daniel Craig’s era proved that a darker, more emotional Bond can thrive — and that alone raises the stakes.