Sean Connery’sJames Bondfilms have a significant place in movie history, kicking off the long-running franchise in the early 1960s that has spanned decades with atotal of 26 (1 being unofficial) Bond movies to date. Connery is arguably the most important actor in the franchise, being the first ofsix actors so far to take up the mantle of the iconic 007. His first appearance as the character was inDr. Noin 1962, which was also the first adaptation of the landmark novels by Ian Fleming.
Following his first film as James Bond, Connery starred in four more 007 films in the ’60s, retiring briefly from the character, only to return in 1971. He finally came back once more in 1983 forNever Say Never Again, which officially marked the end of his career as 007. Not only was Sean Connery one of the most important James Bond actors, but he was also one of the best, with his films being among the greatest in the entire franchise.
7Never Say Never Again (1983)
An Unofficial James Bond Film
Never Say Never Againis a strange entry into Sean Connery’s James Bond filmography. First, it was the return of Connery to the character after 12 years, despite Roger Moore playing 007 at the time. It also has a confusing place among the rest of the Bond movies, given thatit wasn’t even made by Eon Productions, which meansit can be considered an unofficial entry into the James Bond franchise,not taking place within the official canon.
1967’sCasino Royalewas the other non-Eon Bond film, but that was a parody rather than a part of the franchise.
Despite that,Never Say Neveris still an enjoyable time, and it is nice to see Connery back as James Bond after more than a decade. He proves that he still has the chops to pull off 007, but it is evident that Roger Moore stepped into the role admirably, and Sean Connery’s time as the iconic character had passed. It’s not that great of a James Bond movie, but it is quite enjoyable.
Never Say Never Again
Cast
Never Say Never Again features Sean Connery as James Bond in this 1983 spy thriller directed by Irvin Kershner. The film follows 007 as he is brought out of retirement to investigate the theft of two nuclear warheads by the nefarious organization SPECTRE. The star-studded cast includes Klaus Maria Brandauer as the villainous Maximilian Largo and Kim Basinger as Bond’s love interest, Domino Petachi.
6Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Sean Connery’s First Return To James Bond
After briefly retiring from the character followingYou Only Live Twice,Sean Connery returned to the role of James Bond just four years later, this time taking over for George Lazenby inDiamonds Are Foreverin 1971. Not only was the film Sean Connery’s return, it was the sixth and final Eon Bond film that Connery would star in, marking the end of a highly influential era for the character.
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Diamonds Are Foreveris a very entertaining Bond movie, but it is also quite silly, with campy humor and a somewhat goofy villain in Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Still, Sean Connery is quite good in the film, allowing his experience playing the character to take over, with all the charm that might be expected of his James Bond. There is a reason he is one of the best Bond actors, and a brief hiatus from the franchise didn’t slow him down at all.
Diamonds Are Forever
James Bond infiltrates a diamond smuggling ring, uncovering a plot by his arch-nemesis Blofeld to build a space-based laser weapon. From Amsterdam to Las Vegas, Bond faces off against Blofeld’s henchmen and foils the plan, ensuring the diamonds return to their rightful owners.
5You Only Live Twice (1967)
One Of James Bond’s Wackiest Adventures
You Only Live Twicewas the fifth Bond film that Sean Connery starred in, sinking into the role with familiar ease. Written bylegendary children’s author Roald Dahl(James and the Giant Peach,Matilda),You Only Live Twiceis one of the most surreal and wacky James Bond movies out there. The film sees James Bond make his way to Japan, where he must stop the true culprit behind a series of space hijackings.
Sean Connery takes the over-the-top nature of the plot in stride, basking in the increasing ridiculousness of the franchise that started out just five years prior. Connery commands nearly every scene that he is in, but is given a run for his money alongside Donald Pleasance as Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who is clearly having the time of his life as the recurring James Bond villain.
You Only Live Twice
James Bond fakes his death to investigate the hijacking of American and Soviet spacecraft. In Japan, he uncovers a plot by SPECTRE, led by Blofeld, to incite global war. Bond teams up with Japanese agents, infiltrates a volcanic lair, and prevents the outbreak of World War III.
4Dr. No (1962)
A Fantastic Beginning For James Bond On Film
Dr. Nois perhaps the most significant James Bond movie ever made, given the fact that it was the first Bond film, setting the stage for what was to come in the historically important franchise. Thus, it was also Sean Connery’s first time playing the character, instantly taking on the role with an undeniable charm that would carry him through 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 more grounded entries in the series, until Daniel Craig’s version came along. InDr. No, James 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.
Dr. No
Dr. No is the first film in the James Bond series starring Sean Connery as the iconic British spy. Released in 1962, the film follows Agent 007 as he travels to Jamaica to confront Dr. No, a villainous scientist with a plan to disrupt the U.S. space program.
3Thunderball (1965)
The Massive Budget Increase Shows
After the James Bond franchise continued to rise in popularity,Thunderballgot a significant boost in budget, costing more than the previous three movies in the series combined. The increase is on full display as well, asThunderballwas a beautiful film with some incredible set pieces, including several underwater sequences that rank among the best in the franchise. It’s a spectacular film and definitely among the best in Sean Connery’s Bond filmography, feeling a lot more patient with its scenes compared to some other entries in the franchise.
Sean Connery shines as James Bond inThunderball, as the character must head to the Bahamas to recover a pair of stolen nuclear warheads.The film also might be Sean Connery’s best performance as the character alongsideGoldfinger, really understanding what makes James Bond so appealing, with all the charm that comes with his performance, but remaining a dangerous and formidable protagonist throughout.
Thunderball
James Bond is sent to recover two stolen nuclear warheads hidden in the Bahamas by the criminal organization SPECTRE. Bond clashes with Emilio Largo, the mastermind behind the plot, while forming an alliance with Largo’s mistress, Domino. The mission culminates in an underwater battle to prevent global nuclear catastrophe.
From Russia With Love
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 SPECTRE to avenge Dr. No’s death. Bond navigates through espionage, betrayal, and deadly encounters to secure the device and escape.
IfDr. Nowas a great start for James Bond in film,From Russia with Lovewas everything that made the first film good, but even better, resulting in an amazing follow-up that is highly regarded among all the James Bond films in the franchise. It heightened 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.
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Sean Connery comes back even better inFrom Russia With Love, really beginning to craft the iconic character of James Bond, and cementing himself early as one of the best Bond actors ever. Connery truly proved he had what it took to lead the James Bond franchise for the better part of a decade, building on what he did with the character inDr. No, but much more reassured in his performance. It’s a remarkable sophomore effort for the franchise, and especially for Sean Connery.
1Goldfinger (1964)
Some Of The Best Of James Bond
Not only isGoldfingerthe best Sean Connery Bond movie, but it is also one of the best James Bond movies period, routinely ranking towards the top of everyone’s lists. At some point, it feels like every movie series begins to have diminishing returns, even James Bond over the years, butGoldfingercertainly wasn’t that, building upon an already stellar movie that wasFrom Russia With Love. It might very well be the definitive James Bond film, acting as a blueprint for everything that would come for the next six decades.
LikeThunderballa year later,Goldfingeris right up there as Connery’s best performance of the character, and the movie that solidified him as a cinematic icon after two fantastic appearances as 007. Connery is a remarkable actor, and he is spectacular in this movie finally feeling 100% comfortable playing the character. There is a reasonSean Conneryis considered one of the best 007s of all time, and his sevenJames Bondfilms prove just how good he is as the iconic character.
Goldfinger
James Bond investigates gold magnate Auric Goldfinger, uncovering a plot to contaminate the U.S. gold supply at Fort Knox. Bond teams up with pilot Pussy Galore to thwart Goldfinger’s Operation Grand Slam. The mission involves daring escapes, high-stakes confrontations, and a climactic battle to save the world economy.
James Bond
The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond’s mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.
