Welcome, Bond fans, to the ultimate ranking all of Sean Connery's James Bond movies! The iconic 007 franchise has captivated audiences for over half a century with its suave spy adventures, explosive action sequences, and unforgettable characters. From the classic theme songs to the sleek cars and gadgets, there's something about the world of James Bond that never fails to enthrall and excite us.
But what is it about Bond that has made it such a beloved cultural phenomenon? Perhaps it's the suave and sophisticated nature of the titular character, played to perfection by a revolving door of talented actors over the years. Maybe it's the exotic locales, from the glamorous casinos of Monte Carlo to the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean. Or it could be the high-stakes espionage plots, where Bond always seems to come out on top despite the odds.
Regardless of the specific appeal, there's no denying that the James Bond franchise has left an indelible mark on popular culture. With over two dozen films and counting, the series has seen a wide range of actors, directors, and styles over the years, each bringing their own unique spin to the iconic character and his world.
But when it comes to the definitive Bond, there's no denying that Sean Connery is the man who started it all. His portrayal of the suave and deadly spy in the 1960s helped establish the franchise as a cultural juggernaut, setting the standard for decades to come. Connery's Bond was the perfect combination of charm, wit, and toughness, making him a true icon of the silver screen.
In this list, we'll be taking a deep dive into all of Sean Connery's James Bond movies, ranking them from worst to best and exploring what makes each one a classic of the genre. From the iconic one-liners to the stunning set pieces, we'll be examining every aspect of these beloved films to determine which ones truly stand the test of time. So sit back, grab a shaken (not stirred) martini, and join us on a journey through the world of Sean Connery's Bond!
7 Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
In Diamonds Are Forever, Sean Connery returns as the suave and deadly spy James Bond for his sixth outing in the franchise. The movie sees Bond investigating a diamond smuggling operation that leads him to uncover a sinister plot involving a space laser capable of destroying entire cities. Along the way, he crosses paths with the beautiful and deadly Blofeld, who is once again played by Charles Gray.
One of the highlights of Diamonds Are Forever is its over-the-top action sequences, including a memorable car chase through the streets of Las Vegas and a thrilling finale set on an oil rig. While the plot may be a bit convoluted at times, Connery's performance as Bond is as charming and charismatic as ever, and he has great chemistry with his co-star Jill St. John. While it may not be the best entry in the franchise, Diamonds Are Forever is still a fun and entertaining ride that's sure to delight fans of the series.
6 Never Say Never Again (1983)
In Never Say Never Again, Sean Connery returns to the role of James Bond after a 12-year absence from the franchise. This time, Bond is tasked with foiling a plot by the villainous SPECTRE organization to blackmail the world's governments with stolen nuclear warheads. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters, including the seductive SPECTRE agent Fatima Blush and the charming CIA agent Felix Leiter.
While Never Say Never Again may not be an official Bond film (due to a legal dispute between the film's producers and the Bond rights holders), it still stands up as a solid entry in the franchise. Connery's return to the role is a major draw, and his performance as the aging but still lethal Bond is a highlight of the film. And while the film may not have the budget or spectacle of some of the other Bond films, it still manages to deliver plenty of thrilling action and memorable set pieces. Overall, Never Say Never Again may not be a classic Bond film, but it's still a fun and entertaining adventure that's well worth checking out.
5 You Only Live Twice (1967)
As the fifth installment in the James Bond franchise and the last to be directed by Lewis Gilbert, You Only Live Twice sees Sean Connery reprising his role as the iconic spy in a high-stakes adventure set against the backdrop of the Cold War. In this film, Bond is tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearance of a US spacecraft in orbit, leading him to Japan where he uncovers a sinister plot by the nefarious organization SPECTRE to start a global war.
Filled with action-packed set pieces and exotic locales, You Only Live Twice is a thrilling addition to the Bond canon that showcases Connery at his suave and deadly best. From the opening sequence that sees Bond faking his own death to the iconic showdown at SPECTRE's volcanic lair, this film is a non-stop thrill ride that never fails to entertain. While some critics have criticized the film for its more fantastical elements and lack of realism, it remains a fan favorite that captures the escapist appeal of the Bond franchise perfectly.
4 Thunderball (1965)
In Thunderball, Sean Connery's fourth outing as James Bond, the iconic spy is tasked with recovering two stolen nuclear warheads before they can be used to start a global conflict. Along the way, he faces off against the ruthless organization SPECTRE, as well as the sultry Domino Derval, whose allegiances remain unclear throughout the film.
Featuring some of the most iconic set pieces in Bond history, including an underwater battle and a high-speed chase through the streets of Nassau, Thunderball is a classic addition to the franchise that cemented Connery's status as the definitive Bond. The film's combination of suspense, action, and sex appeal make it a quintessential Bond experience, while its emphasis on gadgets and high-tech equipment foreshadows the direction the franchise would take in later years. While some have criticized the film for its bloated runtime and convoluted plot, it remains a beloved entry in the Bond canon that showcases the franchise at its most thrilling and entertaining.
3 Dr. No (1962)
Moving on to the next entry on our list - Dr. No! Released in 1962, this film was the very first James Bond movie, and it's safe to say that it set the tone for the entire franchise. In this film, Sean Connery plays the suave and deadly spy as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a fellow agent in Jamaica. Along the way, he crosses paths with the titular Dr. No, a diabolical villain with plans to sabotage a US rocket launch.
As the first film in the franchise, Dr. No introduced audiences to many of the hallmarks of the Bond series - the exotic locales, the over-the-top villains, and of course, the iconic theme song. But beyond the surface-level trappings, this film also established Connery's Bond as a force to be reckoned with, perfectly balancing charm and toughness as he takes on Dr. No and his minions. While some of the later films may have upped the ante in terms of action and spectacle, there's no denying that Dr. No remains a classic of the genre, and a worthy starting point for the Bond franchise.
2 From Russia With Love (1963)
Next up on our list is From Russia With Love, released in 1963. In this film, Sean Connery's Bond finds himself embroiled in a deadly game of espionage as he is sent to Istanbul to retrieve a top-secret Russian decoding device. Along the way, he encounters a beautiful Soviet agent who may or may not be on his side, as well as a host of other memorable characters, including the nefarious SPECTRE organization.
What sets From Russia With Love apart from some of the other Bond films is its emphasis on spy craft and intrigue, rather than over-the-top action sequences. The film's tense plot and complex characters make for a thrilling viewing experience, and Connery's Bond is at his best as he navigates this dangerous game of cat and mouse. With its gorgeous European locales, memorable set pieces, and standout performances from the cast, From Russia With Love is definitely a standout entry in the Bond franchise.
1 Goldfinger (1964)
And now we come to what is perhaps the most iconic of all the Connery-era Bond films - Goldfinger. Released in 1964, this film sees Bond investigating the titular villain's plans to rob Fort Knox, all while dodging a bevy of deadly henchmen and enjoying the company of the lovely Pussy Galore.
Goldfinger is the quintessential Bond film, featuring all of the series' signature elements in abundance - the exotic locales, the over-the-top villain, the gadgets, and of course, the Bond girls. But what sets this film apart is the sheer amount of style and panache on display - from the iconic opening credits sequence to the unforgettable laser scene, Goldfinger is a film that never fails to impress. And of course, Sean Connery is at the top of his game here, delivering one-liners with effortless charm and kicking butt with style and flair. All in all, Goldfinger is a classic of the genre, and a must-watch for any Bond fan.