The best James Bond: Every actor who’s played 007, ranked

2. Sean Connery (1962–1967, 1971 and 1983)

Sean Connery is, for many, the quintessential James Bond. He was there to kickstart the franchise, and his efforts have greatly helped shape what the property has become today. The character’s signature charm, humor and intense action came from the Scottish actor’s take, and they have since become synonymous with 007. He is also known for giving Bond that cool factor that made him an instant hit. His titles from Dr. No to Never Say Never Again are arguably the most re-watchable of the old school classics, and it’s hard to argue his claim for the number one spot on the best of license to kill list.

For all the things Connery got right about the iconic cinematic hero, some aspects were a bit cheesy, keeping him from the honor of being memorialized as the best Bond there ever was. His ridiculous quips and nonsensical one-liners are fine in small doses, but throughout an entire film becomes difficult to stomach. Despite the less than stellar dialogue, which at times did play out well, the Academy Award winner did show off Bond’s detective abilities and proved there was some brain behind all the brawn. He does come closer than most to the top spot but just misses it ever so slightly. Despite receiving the silver medal, there is a reason that James Bond didn’t just become another generic action spy flick, and his name is Connery, Sean Connery.