Top 10 Coolest Things About Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig’s career blends blockbuster milestones with smart, character-driven projects, and his filmography shows how a single actor can reshape a legacy role while thriving in original, modern franchises. Below are ten fact-packed highlights that focus first on his movies and shows, then one broader career note to round things out.

‘Casino Royale’ (2006) – the Bond reboot that redefined the character

Craig’s debut as James Bond relaunched the series with a grittier origin story drawn from Ian Fleming’s first 007 novel. The movie introduced a parkour-fueled chase, a grounded tone, and a more emotionally complex Bond. It became one of the franchise’s top earners at the time and revitalized audience interest worldwide. It also established the serialized through-line that would connect his subsequent Bond films.

‘Skyfall’ (2012) – the billion-dollar landmark with major awards

This entry became the first Bond film to pass the billion-dollar mark at the global box office. It earned Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Sound Editing (tied), and won Outstanding British Film at the BAFTAs. Cinematographer Roger Deakins’ work and the film’s focus on M’s past gave the series a prestige boost. It marked the franchise’s fiftieth anniversary with a story that balanced tradition and reinvention.

‘No Time to Die’ (2021) – the culmination of a five-film arc

Craig’s final Bond movie closed the narrative threads introduced at his debut, delivering a rare, continuous character arc across all his entries. The film featured IMAX-shot sequences, a score by Hans Zimmer, and a theme song that won the Academy Award. It introduced Lashana Lynch as a new 00 agent and returned key allies to resolve long-running relationships. Delays to its release shaped a major theatrical moment during the industry’s post-shutdown recovery.

‘Spectre’ (2015) – the return of Blofeld and a global set-piece showcase

Legal rights changes allowed the filmmakers to reintroduce SPECTRE and Ernst Stavro Blofeld to the screen. The production opened with a large-scale Day of the Dead sequence staged with an extended “oner” effect. Christoph Waltz’s Blofeld anchored the revived criminal organization’s link to Craig’s earlier outings. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Original Song with “Writing’s on the Wall.”

‘Quantum of Solace’ (2008) – the rare direct sequel in the Bond series

This film continues immediately after the ending of its predecessor, an uncommon structure in the franchise. The production navigated industry-wide disruptions from the Writers Guild of America strike, influencing on-set script work. Marc Forster directed, emphasizing fast, close-quarters action and a revenge-driven plot. It stands out for its brisk runtime and for deepening the serialized approach of Craig’s tenure.

‘Knives Out’ (2019) – launching Benoit Blanc and a modern mystery franchise

Craig introduced detective Benoit Blanc in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed whodunit. The movie paired him with an ensemble cast and became a breakout original hit for theatrical mystery storytelling. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and multiple major guild nods. Its success set up further installments centered on Blanc’s cases.

‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022) – the streaming-era event sequel

Netflix released the sequel after a high-profile rights deal for additional Benoit Blanc films. It had a limited theatrical run before streaming, an unusual rollout that drew strong turnout and headlines. The story’s island setting, tech-world themes, and puzzle-box structure expanded the franchise’s scope. Craig’s return cemented Blanc as a signature modern detective role.

‘Layer Cake’ (2004) – the breakout that put him on the 007 shortlist

Craig led Matthew Vaughn’s crime thriller as the cool-headed fixer referred to as XXXX. The film’s stylish plotting and performance buzz raised his profile with audiences and industry decision-makers. It is widely cited as a key factor in producers considering him for the Bond role. The movie also marked Vaughn’s transition from producing to directing.

‘Our Friends in the North’ (1996) – the prestige TV foundation

Craig co-starred as Geordie Peacock in this BBC drama serial that followed four friends across shifting British social and political landscapes. The series won major awards, including BAFTA recognition, and is often credited with elevating several cast members’ careers. Its long-form storytelling gave Craig an early showcase for range and resilience. The role helped establish him as a serious screen actor before his big-screen breakthroughs.

Longest-serving James Bond by years

Measured from his casting through his final film’s release, Craig’s tenure stands as the longest in years for any actor playing 007. Across five official entries, he carried a single, continuous character arc that connected allies, adversaries, and consequences from one chapter to the next. His stretch included multiple record-setting box-office milestones for the series and industry awards across music and craft categories. He also marked a visual shift as the first blond actor to hold the role, signaling the franchise’s willingness to rethink expectations.

Share your favorite Daniel Craig moment in the comments—what did we miss that absolutely belongs on this list?