How We Officially Ranked Every James Bond Actor Across Changing Eras

A role shaped by its era

Actors playing Bond have had to balance charisma, patriotism, danger and womanizing charm. Those competing qualities have helped produce markedly different versions of the character over time. The choice of a new Bond draws lasting attention: the films are screened for the Royal Family and examined as historical artifacts. Denis Villeneuve is casting the next actor, with Robert Pattinson, Nicholas Hoult, Josh O’Connor, Callum Turner and Jack Lowden named as possibilities.

David Niven in a parody

Before the 2006 Casino Royale, there were two earlier adaptations of Ian Fleming’s novel. One was a television episode in the 1950s; the first feature-length film was a Warner Bros. parody and one of two non-EON entries in the series.

David Niven is the parody’s main star, though the film also has multiple actors playing versions of Bond. Niven had been Fleming’s first choice during the casting of Dr. No.

His charisma suited Bond’s one-liners, but the account judges the parody unfunny and poorly aged. It also points to The Guns of Navarone, where Niven’s sharp, brave British commando offers a glimpse of a more convincing Bond-like role.

George Lazenby’s romantic turn

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is described as one of the strongest Bond films, alongside Skyfall and Goldfinger as a possible top choice. George Lazenby’s performance is presented as the main drawback.

Lazenby had almost no acting experience before taking the part. His Bond is more wholesome and romantic, with a wry sense of whimsy, but the performance is not entirely convincing as that of a secret agent.

He could seem stiff and lacked the physical presence of an action hero, while backlash and pressure from EON contributed to his decision not to return for Diamonds Are Forever. His chemistry with Diana Rigg, however, helps make the film a memorable love story.

Roger Moore’s knowing camp

Roger Moore’s Bond is divisive, and some contemporary viewers misunderstand the performance, according to the account. His version was intentionally campy and aware of its own jokes. Moore played an older Bond with a bemused outlook on world-threatening situations. His emotions rarely rose above mild concern, a quality described as part of the appeal of his films.