James Bond is certainly one of the most iconic characters in celluloid history. While the face of the Secret Service agent keeps changing every few years, his wit and swagger remain the same.
Over the years, a number of actors have stepped into the shoes of the spy, each bringing their own distinct charm and personality to the character. So which of these actors has seen the most success at the box office? Here is a ranking of all the James Bond actors based on the global box office gross of their films.
6. George Lazenby
Box Office: $87 Million
George Lazenby appeared as the spy in only one film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, which came out in 1969. The Peter R. Hunt directorial made $22.8 million domestically and $64.6 million internationally, taking its global total to around $87 million and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. While Lazenby is not counted among the best 007 actors, the film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, is surely considered one of the most acclaimed Bond films. Lazenby’s Bond was less polished than Sean Connery’s, showcasing a more emotional side, especially in scenes with Diana Rigg’s character, Tracy.
5. Timothy Dalton
Box Office: $347 Million
Timothy Dalton is ranked low on the list, as he only got to play Bond in two films: The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989). His first outing as the spy grossed $191.2 million worldwide, while the sequel made $156.1 million, taking his box office total to about $347 million. Dalton’s version of Bond was more serious and intense compared to the lighter style of Roger Moore before him. Dalton wanted to bring Bond closer to how he was in Ian Fleming’s books, focusing on realism and showing the darker side of being a spy. His depiction of Bond was emotionally driven, showing vulnerability and struggling with moral choices, especially in Licence to Kill, where Bond went rogue to get revenge. At first, people had mixed feelings about Dalton’s Bond, but over time, his portrayal has been appreciated for its depth and for staying true to the original character.
4. Sean Connery
Box Office: $621 Million
Sean Connery was the OG James Bond, being the first actor to portray the spy onscreen in Dr. No in 1962. He played the character in 5 films between 1962 and 1967, and reprised the role in Diamonds Are Forever in 1971. Apart from the official Eon Productions, Connery also played the role in the unofficial Bond film, Never Say Never Again (1983). While his portrayal is considered iconic, the actor ranks low on the list due to inflation. Connery set the standard for the character by mixing charm, toughness, and wit. Connery’s Bond was smooth and sophisticated but could be ruthless when needed, showing both sides of the secret agent. His famous line, ‘Bond, James Bond,’ became a signature of the character. His impact on the Bond series is huge, and many fans and critics still see him as the ultimate James Bond.
3. Roger Moore
Box Office: $1.15 Billion
Roger appeared as James Bond in seven movies, starting with Live and Let Die in 1973 and finishing with A View to a Kill in 1985. Each of the films performed well at the box office, with Moonraker (1979) earning the most, and grossing $210 million worldwide. Moore’s version of Bond was more lighthearted and funny compared to the tougher style of earlier actors. Moore brought a lot of charm and class to the role, often using jokes and clever remarks even in dangerous situations. His Bond was less brutal and more suave, often relying on gadgets and clever tricks to outsmart his enemies. While some critics thought his Bond was too playful, many fans loved the fun and entertaining style he brought to the character.
2. Pierce Brosnan
Box Office: $1.48 Billion
Pierce Brosnan took up the code number 007 in 1995 with Golden Eye, and reprised the role in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002). While the first three movies grossed over $300 million each, the fourth installment was able to breach the $400 million mark. Brosnan’s portrayal of Bond combined the elegance of earlier versions with a sleek, modern edge. He brought a mix of sophistication and toughness to the role, making Bond both a smooth talker and a capable fighter. Brosnan’s Bond was known for handling high-tech gadgets and engaging in intense action scenes, all while maintaining his cool demeanor, which made him popular among the audience.
1. Daniel Craig
Box Office: $3.96 Billion
On the top of the list is the most recent James Bond, Daniel Craig. The actor starred in five Bond films, each of which became a blockbuster, despite some facing mixed reviews. His first outing as the secret agent was in Casino Royale (2006), which grossed over $616 million. He continued to see success with Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021), as the films made around $589 million, $1.1 billion, $880 million, and $774 million, respectively. Craig’s portrayal of Bond was more emotionally complex, showcasing vulnerability alongside his physical prowess. Unlike previous portrayals, Craig’s Bond starts as a less polished agent, making mistakes and learning from them, which adds depth to his character. His portrayal has been praised for bringing new life to the series, making Bond more relevant for modern audiences.
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