Sean Connery James Bond The films have a significant place in cinema history, beginning the long-running franchise in the early 1960s that has now spanned decades, with a total of 26 (with 1 being unofficial) Bond films to date. Connery is arguably the most important actor in the franchise, being the first of six actors so far to take on the mantle of the iconic 007. His first appearance as the character was in Dr. No in 1962, which was also the first adaptation of Ian Fleming's landmark novels.
After his first film as James Bond, Connery starred in four more 007 films in the 1960s, briefly retiring from the character, only to return in 1971. He finally returned once more in 1983 for Never say never againwhich officially marked the end of his career as 007. Sean Connery was not only one of the most important James Bond actors, but also one of the best, with his films being among the greatest in the entire franchise.
7
Never Say Never Again (1983)
An unofficial James Bond film
Never say never again is a strange entry in Sean Connery's James Bond filmography. First was Connery's return to the character after 12 years, despite Roger Moore playing 007 at the time. It also occupies a confusing place among the other Bond films, as nor was it made by Eon Productions, which means can be considered an unofficial entry in the James Bond franchise, not occurring within the official canon.
Despite that, never say Never It's still an enjoyable moment and it's good to see Connery back as James Bond after more than a decade. He proves he still has the talent to play 007, but it's clear that Roger Moore took on the role admirably, and Sean Connery's time as the iconic character had passed. It's not a great James Bond film, but it's quite enjoyable.
6
Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Sean Connery's first return to James Bond
After briefly retiring from the following character You only live twice, Sean Connery returned to the role of James Bond just four years later, this time replacing George Lazenby in Diamonds are forever in 1971. The film was not only the return of Sean Connery, but also the sixth and final Eon Bond film that Connery would star in, marking the end of a highly influential era for the character.
Diamonds are forever It's a really fun Bond film, but it's also quite sillywith campy humor and a somewhat goofy villain in Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Still, Sean Connery is very good in the film, allowing his experience playing the character to take over, with all the charm one might expect from his James Bond. There's a reason he's one of the best Bond actors, and a brief hiatus from the franchise hasn't slowed him down at all.
5
You Only Live Twice (1967)
One of James Bond's craziest adventures
You only live twice was the fifth Bond film starring Sean Connery, taking on the role with familiar ease. Written by legendary children's author Roald Dahl (James and the Giant Peach, Matilde), You only live twice is one of the most surreal and crazy James Bond films out there. The film shows James Bond on his way to Japan, where he must stop the real culprit behind a series of space kidnappings.
Sean Connery takes the over-the-top nature of the plot seriously, capitalizing on the growing ridiculousness of the franchise that began just five years earlier. Connery commands almost every scene he's in, but he's given a run for his money alongside Donald Pleasance as Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who is clearly having fun as the recurring James Bond villain.
4
Doctor No (1962)
A fantastic start for James Bond on film
Dr. No is perhaps the most significant James Bond film ever madegiven the fact that it was the first Bond film, it set the stage for what was to come in the historically important franchise. Thus, it was also the first time that Sean Connery played the character, instantly assuming the role with an undeniable charm that would accompany him in each of his James Bond appearances.
Sean Connery has a lot to work with in terms of how James Bond navigates the complexities of his missions.
The film itself is actually quite good, as it is one of the most grounded entries in the series, until Daniel Craig's version appears. In Dr. NoJames Bond is investigating the disappearance of another agent as well as the disruption of the American space program, which means Sean Connery has a lot to work with in terms of how James Bond navigates the complexities of his missions.
3
Thunder (1965)
The huge budget increase shows
After the popularity of the James Bond franchise continued to grow, Thunder had a significant increase in budget, costing more than the previous three films in the series combined. The increase is also on full display, as is Thunder it was a beautiful film with some incredible sets, including several underwater sequences that are among the best in the franchise. It's a spectacular film and definitely one of the best in Sean Connery's Bond filmography, feeling much more patient with his scenes compared to some other entries in the franchise.
Sean Connery shines as James Bond in Thunderas the character must go to the Bahamas to recover a pair of stolen nuclear warheads. The film may also be Sean Connery's best performance as a character alongside gold fingerreally understanding what makes James Bond so compelling, with all the charm that comes with his performance, but remaining a dangerous and formidable protagonist from start to finish.
2
From Russia with Love (1963)
An amazing tour for the second year
James Bond is tasked with obtaining a Soviet decoding device, the Lektor, from a defecting Russian agent in Istanbul. Unbeknownst to him, it is a trap set by SPECTER to avenge Dr. Bond's death. Bond navigates espionage, betrayal and deadly encounters to secure the device and escape.
If Dr. No It was a great start for James Bond in cinema, From Russia with love It was everything that made the first film good, but even betterresulting in an incredible and highly regarded sequel among all the James Bond films in the franchise. It raised the stakes and nearly doubled the budget, allowing for incredible action set pieces that are still memorable six decades later. It's an incredible film.
Sean Connery returns even better in From Russia with lovetruly beginning to create the iconic character of James Bond and cementing himself early on as one of the best Bond actors of all time. Connery truly proved he had what it took to lead the James Bond franchise for nearly a decade, based on what he did with the character in Dr. Nobut much calmer in its performance. It's a remarkable sophomore effort for the franchise, and especially for Sean Connery.
1
Goldfinger (1964)
Some of the best of James Bond
Not only is it gold finger the best Sean Connery Bond film, but it is also one of the best James Bond films of the periodroutinely ranking at the top of everyone's lists. At some point it seems like every film series starts to have diminishing returns, even James Bond over the years, but gold finger it certainly wasn't that, based on an already stellar film that was From Russia with love. It could very well be the definitive James Bond film, serving as a blueprint for everything that would come over the next six decades.
As Thunder a year later, gold finger is up there as Connery's best character performance, and the film that solidified him as a cinematic icon after two fantastic appearances as 007. Connery is a remarkable actor, and he is spectacular in this film, finally feeling 100% comfortable playing the character. There's a reason Sean Connery is considered one of the best 007 of all time, and his seven James Bond the films prove how good he is as an iconic character.