Sean Connery's six actors so far to take up 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 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 for Never 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.

7 Never Say Never Again (1983)

An Unofficial James Bond Film

Never Say Never Again is 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 that it wasn't even made by Eon Productions, which means it can be considered an unofficial entry into the James Bond franchise, not taking place within the official canon.

1967's Casino Royale was the other non-Eon Bond film, but that was a parody rather than a part of the franchise.

Despite that, Never Say Never is 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 irably, and Sean Connery's time as the iconic character had ed. It's not that great of a James Bond movie, but it is quite enjoyable.

6 Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Sean Connery's First Return To James Bond

After briefly retiring from the character following You Only Live Twice, Sean Connery returned to the role of James Bond just four years later, this time taking over for George Lazenby in Diamonds Are Forever in 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.

Diamonds Are Forever is 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.

5 You Only Live Twice (1967)

One Of James Bond's Wackiest Adventures

You Only Live Twice was the fifth Bond film that Sean Connery starred in, sinking into the role with familiar ease. Written by legendary children's author Roald Dahl (James and the Giant Peach, Matilda), You Only Live Twice is 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.

4 Dr. No (1962)

A Fantastic Beginning For James Bond On Film

Dr. No is 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 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. In Dr. 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 of how James Bond navigates the complexities of his missions.

3 Thunderball (1965)

The Massive Budget Increase Shows

After the James Bond franchise continued to rise in popularity, Thunderball got a significant boost in budget, costing more than the previous three movies in the series combined. The increase is on full display as well, as Thunderball was 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 in Thunderball, 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 alongside Goldfinger, 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.

2 From Russia With Love (1963)

An Incredible Sophomore Outing

If Dr. No was a great start for James Bond in film, From Russia with Love was 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.

Sean Connery comes back even better in From 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 in Dr. No, but much more reassured in his 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 Goldfinger the 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, but Goldfinger certainly wasn't that, building upon an already stellar movie that was From 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.

Like Thunderball a year later, Goldfinger is 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 reason Sean Connery is considered one of the best 007s of all time, and his seven James Bond films prove just how good he is as the iconic character.