The James Bond franchise is the longest-running continuous film series in cinematic history. Since 1962, 007 has defined the spy genre, blending high-stakes espionage with luxury, gadgets, and unforgettable villains.

The Verdict: Too dark for its time, but perfect for modern hindsight. Dalton is underrated, giving the character a dangerous edge that the Moore years had sanded away.

After a brief hiatus, Bond returned to the big screen with On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), starring George Lazenby as Bond. Although Lazenby only played Bond once, his performance remains one of the most underrated in the franchise.

The Living Daylights (1987) — Dir. John Glen — Bond: Timothy Dalton