List of James Bond Films in Order of Release and Actor

If you're a James Bond fan or new to the series, this guide gives you a complete, accurate list of all the official James Bond films in order of release. You'll see which actor played Bond in each film and learn how to tell official films from unofficial ones. This will help you decide where to start watching based on your interests.

Which movies are considered official James Bond films?

Official James Bond films are those produced by EON Productions, the company behind the Bond franchise since the first movie. These films form the main series and share a consistent storyline and style. Films made outside EON, like early adaptations or parodies, are unofficial and not part of the main continuity. Knowing this helps you focus on the core series if you want the main James Bond experience.

What is the full list of James Bond films in order of release?

Here is the complete list of official James Bond films made by EON Productions, with their release years and the actors who played Bond:

1. Dr. No (1962) - Sean Connery
2. From Russia with Love (1963) - Sean Connery
3. Goldfinger (1964) - Sean Connery
4. Thunderball (1965) - Sean Connery
5. You Only Live Twice (1967) - Sean Connery
6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) - George Lazenby
7. Diamonds Are Forever (1971) - Sean Connery
8. Live and Let Die (1973) - Roger Moore
9. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) - Roger Moore
10. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) - Roger Moore
11. Moonraker (1979) - Roger Moore
12. For Your Eyes Only (1981) - Roger Moore
13. Octopussy (1983) - Roger Moore
14. A View to a Kill (1985) - Roger Moore
15. The Living Daylights (1987) - Timothy Dalton
16. Licence to Kill (1989) - Timothy Dalton
17. GoldenEye (1995) - Pierce Brosnan
18. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) - Pierce Brosnan
19. The World Is Not Enough (1999) - Pierce Brosnan
20. Die Another Day (2002) - Pierce Brosnan
21. Casino Royale (2006) - Daniel Craig
22. Quantum of Solace (2008) - Daniel Craig
23. Skyfall (2012) - Daniel Craig
24. Spectre (2015) - Daniel Craig
25. No Time to Die (2021) - Daniel Craig

Who played James Bond in each film and when did the actors change?

Sean Connery was the first Bond, starring in five films from 1962 and briefly returning for one more in 1971. George Lazenby played Bond once in 1969. Roger Moore took over in 1973 and played Bond in seven films until 1985, bringing a lighter, more humorous style.

Timothy Dalton followed with two films between 1987 and 1989, giving Bond a more serious, darker tone. After a six-year break, Pierce Brosnan played Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002, combining charm with grit.

Daniel Craig started in 2006, portraying Bond as more grounded and emotionally complex across five films, ending in 2021. Each actor’s era reflects changes in style and storytelling within the series.

Are there any notable unofficial James Bond films or spin-offs?

Yes. The 1954 television adaptation of "Casino Royale" is an early, unofficial Bond story unrelated to the official films. The 1967 "Casino Royale" is a spy comedy parody with multiple actors playing Bond; it is not part of the EON series.

"Never Say Never Again" (1983), starring Sean Connery, is also unofficial. Produced outside EON Productions, it retells the story of "Thunderball." These unofficial films differ in tone and continuity and are generally seen as separate from the official Bond saga.

How do I choose which James Bond films to watch first?

Your choice depends on what you want from the series. Watching all the official films in release order shows how Bond and the movies evolved over time.

If you prefer a certain style or actor, you can watch by era: Sean Connery’s films for classic espionage, Roger Moore’s for a lighter tone, or Daniel Craig’s for a modern, intense take.

Starting with popular films like "Goldfinger," the 2006 "Casino Royale," or "Skyfall" is also a good way in. For new viewers, Daniel Craig’s films offer a clear, accessible introduction. Ultimately, pick what fits your taste, whether it’s the series history or a particular Bond style.

Conclusion

This guide gives you a clear, complete list of official James Bond films and explains the role of each actor and the difference between official and unofficial movies. Whether you watch the entire series in order or focus on your favorite Bond, you now have a reliable roadmap to enjoy one of cinema’s longest-running franchises.