With just three iconic words—”Bond. James Bond”—audiences worldwide were instantly captivated. When Sean Connery first portrayed Ian Fleming’s fictional MI6 agent in 1962’s Dr. No, the film industry had no idea what a cultural phenomenon was about to unfold. Though Fleming’s literary creation had been adapted for television in 1954 with little fanfare, no one anticipated the seismic impact it would have on cinema. They were wrong.

James Bond became an unprecedented success, maintaining its allure over six decades, with eight different actors stepping into the shoes of Britain’s most famous secret agent. Each fan has their own favorite portrayal of 007, but if you need a reminder of the talented actors who have safeguarded “Queen (now King) and country,” this list is a comprehensive guide.

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Barry Nelson, an American television star, was the first actor to introduce James Bond to audiences in the 1954 TV adaptation of Casino Royale, aired as part of the series Climax! While Nelson wasn’t the only American to ever play Bond, his portrayal predated Sean Connery’s by eight years and was intended to spark a potential 007 television series—an endeavor that ultimately did not materialize.

Barry Nelson’s interpretation of James Bond left much to be desired. Most notably, he depicted Bond as an American agent, even referring to him colloquially as “Jimmy.” Unfamiliar with the character before taking on the role, Nelson’s performance didn’t resonate deeply with television audiences, and Bond faded from the limelight for nearly a decade. It wasn’t until President John F. Kennedy listed Fleming’s From Russia, With Love among his top ten favorite books in 1961 that Bond re-entered American consciousness.

David Niven brought a comedic twist to 007 in the 1967 parody adaptation of Casino Royale. Suave, debonair, and handsome in his heyday, Niven was approaching the twilight of his career when he finally played Bond—a character he was initially considered for by Ian Fleming himself. At 56, Niven portrayed a retired spy whose days were spent on leisurely pursuits while younger agents carried on the legacy under the Bond name and 007 designation.

George Lazenby’s single outing as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service remains one of the franchise’s most underrated performances. Unlike Sean Connery, Lazenby infused Bond with more emotional depth, rendering him dashing and sharp-witted. Despite being offered an extended contract, Lazenby walked away from the role, believing Bond wouldn’t adapt to the cultural shifts of the 1970s—a gross underestimation of the character’s enduring appeal.

Timothy Dalton brought a darker, more intense edge to James Bond in his two films, The Living Daylights and License to Kill. Dalton’s portrayal was icy and ruthless, leaving audiences genuinely unsure if Bond would survive each mission. While The Living Daylights adhered to a more traditional Bond formula, License to Kill embraced Dalton’s strengths with a grittier narrative—an approach ahead of its time.

Pierce Brosnan seemed born to play James Bond. Handsome, charming, and sophisticated, Brosnan’s debut in GoldenEye was a high point. Combining wit akin to Roger Moore and the dangerous allure of Sean Connery, Brosnan’s era started strong but waned as subsequent films failed to match GoldenEye’s success. Despite this, Brosnan remains one of the most likable Bonds.

Roger Moore holds the record for the most official Bond films, delivering seven entertaining performances. Known for his wit and charm, Moore’s portrayal was confident and consistently engaging. However, as each film grew increasingly outrageous, it complicated his legacy—not because of his performance but due to the films’ evolving tone.

Daniel Craig redefined James Bond for modern audiences. Initially met with skepticism, Craig’s portrayal introduced a complex, emotionally rich character starting with Casino Royale. His piercing blue eyes conveyed deep emotion with minimal effort. Craig’s Bond could bleed, lose, and even die—bringing humanity and vulnerability to a traditionally invincible character.

Sean Connery set the gold standard for James Bond. From his audition for Dr. No through his iconic performances, Connery exuded a blend of physical intimidation and effortless charm. His portrayal balanced deadly seriousness with a wry sense of humor, establishing a template for action heroes that endures today. Connery may not be everyone’s favorite Bond, but he remains the definitive version.

The James Bond franchise has captivated audiences since its inception. Created by Ian Fleming and first brought to film with Dr. No, it has featured stars like Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan, Sean Connery, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, David Niven, and George Lazenby—all adding unique dimensions to the character known by his legendary codename: 007.