Sir Sean Connery, the iconic Scottish actor, left an indelible mark on cinema, captivating audiences worldwide with his charisma and undeniable screen presence. While his filmography boasts a diverse range of roles, his box office triumphs are undeniable, particularly in action-packed thrillers and adventure films.
Bond, James Bond
Connery’s portrayal of James Bond in the early years of the franchise solidified his status as a global icon.
Dr. No (1962): The film that launched a thousand imitations, Dr. No introduced the world to 007 and his suave charm. Co-starring Ursula Andress and Jack Lord, the film grossed $59.7 million worldwide.
From Russia with Love (1963): This sequel refined the Bond formula, delivering thrilling action and a captivating storyline. Co-starring Robert Shaw and Daniela Bianchi, the film grossed $78.9 million worldwide.
Goldfinger (1964): Arguably the most iconic Bond film, Goldfinger cemented the franchise’s popularity with its memorable villains, gadgets, and one-liners. Co-starring Gert Frobe and Honor Blackman, the film grossed $124.9 million worldwide.
Thunderball (1965): This underwater-themed adventure continued the series’ box office success, grossing $141.2 million worldwide. Co-starring Claudine Auger and Luciana Paluzzi.
You Only Live Twice (1967): Connery’s final official Bond outing (at the time) showcased his versatility and continued to entertain audiences. Co-starring Akiko Wakabayahsi and Mie Hama, the film grossed $111.6 million worldwide.
Diamonds Are Forever (1971): A return to the role, this film further solidified Bond’s enduring popularity. Co-starring Jill St. John and Lana Wood, the film grossed $116 million worldwide.
Never Say Never Again (1983): A non-Eon production, based on Ian Fleming’s novel Thunderball saw Connery reprise the iconic role of James Bond one last time. Though not as critically acclaimed as some of his earlier Bond outings, the film still proved to be a box office success grossing $160 million worldwide and a fitting (if unofficial) send-off for the actor as 007. The film co-starred Kim Basinger, Barbara Carrera, Max von Sydow and Klaus Maria Brandauer.
Beyond Bond
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989): As Henry Jones Sr., Connery delivered a memorable performance alongside Harrison Ford. The film was a critical and commercial triumph, grossing over $474 million worldwide and solidifying its place as one of the most beloved entries in the Indiana Jones series.
The Hunt for Red October (1990): In this gripping Cold War thriller, Connery portrayed Captain Marko Ramius, the commander of a Soviet nuclear submarine who defects to the United States. The film co-starred Alec Baldwin and Scott Glenn and directed by John McTiernan following his success with Predator and the original Die Hard, was a critical and commercial success, grossing $200.5 million worldwide.
The Rock (1996): In this Michael Bay action blockbuster, Connery played a retired Irish intelligence agent assisting a chemical weapons expert (Nicolas Cage) in stopping a group of rogue U.S. Marines led by Ed Harris from launching a biological attack on San Francisco from Alcatraz. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing $336.1 million worldwide.
Entrapment (1999): This stylish heist thriller, co-starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, capitalized on Connery’s enduring charisma and proved a box office success, grossing $211.7 million worldwide.
Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones in Entrapment (Photo/FOX)
First Knight (1995): This medieval action-romance film, while not a critical darling, proved a box office success, grossing $127.4 million worldwide. Connery played King Arthur, offering a more mature and nuanced portrayal of the legendary monarch than previous iterations. Richard Gere and Julia Ormond co-starred.
The Untouchables (1987): Brian De Palma’s crime drama, set during Prohibition, saw Kevin Costner deliver a powerful performance as Eliot Ness, an incorruptible federal agent battling Al Capone’s gang with the help of Connery as veteran Irish-American officer James Malone. The film became a critical and commercial success, grossing over $106 million worldwide. Connery won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture. Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia and Robert De Niro co-starred.
Lasting Legacy for Sean Connery
Connery’s box office triumphs are a testament to his enduring appeal as an actor. His iconic performances, from the suave sophistication of James Bond to the rugged charm of Indiana Jones Sr., continue to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide.
