19 Best Daniel Craig performances that won our hearts 

Actor, Daniel Craig has become a well-acknowledged name in the sector of cinema. Especially popular for his role as James Bond, this English actor has won a lot of awards and is loved by the audience. In fact, his acting is not merely limited to the cinema screen but also expands to the realm of Broadway. Born and brought up in Chester, this actor started his career in the 1992 movie – The Power of One. Since then, he has added a great filmography to his name. Here is a list of 19 Best Daniel Craig performances that won our hearts.

19) Sylvia (2003)

The movie Sylvia, which was released in 2003, is a biographical drama about the life of the much-acclaimed American poet – Sylvia Plath. Actress, Gwyneth Paltrow portrays the role of Sylvia, while Daniel Craig plays her love interest – Ted, whom she met in Cambridge. This movie deals with themes of mental health and creativity, followed by ambition and jealousy. Daniel Craig has performed wonderfully in this movie and has managed to add a magnetic charisma to the character of Ted Hughes.

18) Enduring Love (2004)

Enduring Love is a psychological thriller about Joe, a college professor, and his girlfriend. They are out on a picnic having a perfectly peaceful day, but things take a tragic turn when a hot air balloon accident nearby turns their day upside down. This movie has themes of obsession and unrequited love, combined with the nature of fate and coincidence. Daniel Craig has elucidated a very complex emotional range in the movie. His portrayal of trauma is very realistic and his chemistry with the lead actress is highly appreciated.

17) The Golden Compass (2007)

The Golden Compass released in 2007 is based on a novel by Philip Pullman called Northern Lights. The movie is about an orphan who is living in Oxford and possesses a powerful device called the golden compass which can reveal truths. The movie works on the theme of free will versus control and also encapsulates elements about the innocence of children. Daniel Craig has a very gravitating screen presence in this movie as a rebellious scholar. Even though he has limited screen time in the movie, all his scenes have maximum impact on the audience.

16) Dream House (2011)

Dream House is another psychological thriller, where Daniel Craig plays the role of Will Atenton. Will is a successful publisher in New York, who moves to the countryside of New England with his family for some peace. But things don’t go as planned when soon it is found that a devastating murder took place in their house. This movie is a great take on Trauma and Memory Loss and creates an eerie environment with the fear of the unknown.

15) Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

Cowboys and Aliens is a sci-fi mystery about a man who wakes up in strange surroundings with no recollection of his past life. This movie takes one through a journey of redemption and self-discovery along with survival and the role of unity. Daniel Craig has given a striking performance in the movie as Jake Lonergan, the anti-hero. His action sequences are top notch and his screen presence is simply phenomenal.

14) Defiance (2008)

Defiance, released in 2008 is set during the events of World War II. This movie is about four brothers, trying to escape Nazi persecution of the Jews. Daniel Craig plays the role of one of the brothers - Tuvia Bielski. The movie is a great take on family and brotherhood and Daniel Craig’s performance is widely appreciated. He has a commanding screen presence and portrays moral complexity in a very nuanced manner.

13) The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

In the classic 2011 animated movie - The Adventures of Tintin, Daniel Craig voices the role of the villain - Ivanovitch Sakharine. His voiceover is remarkable and has managed to add a menacing quality to the character of Ivanovitch. Simply, with his vocal performance, he manages to generate an aura that feels threatening and intimidating. Alongside him, the film also features Jamie Bell in a lead voiceover role.

12) Munich (2005)

Munich, directed by Steven Spielberg is a historical thriller about the 1972 Munich Olympic Massacre. Along the themes of revenge of a Palestinian group, seeking revenge for the injustice done by Israelis on their people, this movie is about the murder of 11 Israeli Olympic team members. Daniel Craig’s performance in this film is very memorable even though he just plays a side character. He exudes a deterministic attitude combined with elements of dark humor quite well.

11) Road to Perdition (2002)

Road to Perdition is a 2002 crime movie set in the year 1931. This movie has an ensemble cast consisting not only of Daniel Craig, but also – Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, and Tyler Hoechlin. This is a movie about Michael Sullivan who works in an Irish mob. This movie explores themes of father-son relationship, loyalty, and betrayal along the cycle of violence. Daniel Craig plays the role of Connor Rooney in the movie. His role is that of a spoiled person and he very vividly displays his explosive temperament with subtle hints of an emotional subtext.

10) Logan Lucky (2017)

Logan Lucky is a heist comedy film. Along with Daniel Craig, the movie also features, Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and others. The film carries out a heist along with clever comedy and mind-blowing surprises. The movie also showcases class and social struggles prevailing in America and the revenge people harbor against the system. Daniel Craig as Joe Bang, an expert in conducting such heists is truly impeccable. His presence is almost scene-stealing and his comedy timing, is perfect. His quirky acting in the film showcases his versatility as an actor.

9) Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Glass Onion, released in 2022 is a sequel to the much-hit Knives Out mystery movie. In the movie, Daniel Craig plays the role of a world-renowned Detective – Benoit Blanc. The movie is about a murder taking place amidst a group of close friends and everyone despite being friends turns into suspects. This movie consists of an ensemble cast and is one of the first to show themes of the Covid pandemic in mainstream cinema.

8) Layer Cake (2004)

Layer Cake is a British crime thriller about a cocaine dealer who is called XXXX. The movie follows his life in the criminal underworld and his plans to retire. But his plans get disrupted as he is hired to locate the missing daughter of a powerful crime lord. Daniel Craig's role as XXXX is loved by the audience. He is charismatic, has a powerful physical presence and his demeanor is poised. He very well displays a variety of emotions in a balanced manner. He had moments of vulnerability but also moments of cold calculations.

7) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a dark psychological thriller. This movie is based on a book by Stieg Larsson. It is about a journalist who is hired by a wealthy businessman to investigate the disappearance of his niece. The movie is filled with secrets and lies and manages to capture the attention of the audience quite well. Daniel Craig’s performance in the movie is simply striking. His chemistry with Rooney Mara, who plays a hacker is widely appreciated, especially the clash of the contrasting personality. His performance is grounded in realism, and he very aptly manages to play the character of a hero who is flawed.

6) Quantum of Solace (2008)

Quantum of Solace features, Daniel, Craig in his internationally, acclaimed role as - James Bond. The movie is about James Bond on a Mission to uncover the workings of a secret criminal organization called – Quantum. The movie is about revenge and redemption along with corruption and the exploitation it brings. The movie is a play on trust and betrayal and the cost of loyalty people in high positions face. Daniel Craig's performance is really appreciated in this movie because he brings a darker edge to the character of James Bond.

5) Spectre (2015)

Spectre released in 2015 is another James Bond film. As Daniel Craig reprises his role as the MI6 agent, he finds himself on an unauthorized mission in Mexico City. This time he is about to bring menace to the criminal organisation called - Spectre. Daniel Craig has an absolutely commanding and confident screen presence in this movie. He is ruthless yet emotionally complex with hints of vulnerability. His action sequences are a highlight, especially his train fight with the villain – Hinx. Along with his action sequences, he also brings humor and charm to this role.

4) Knives Out (2019)

Knives Out, released in 2019 is a murder mystery with a very star-studded cast. It consists of actors – Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer, Chris Evans, Katherine Langford, and so many other famous names. The movie is about the famous detective Benoit Blanc who is hired to solve the murder of a famous murder mystery novelist. This movie was a success and Daniel Craig's performance was simply mind-blowing. His character is sharp, witty, as well as humorous. He works wonderfully as a detective.

3) No Time to Die (2021)

The 2021 movie – No Time To Die, is a masterpiece, considering it is the last James Bond movie, featuring Daniel Craig. This time the movie is about James Bond who is in retirement, living in Jamaica. But when his old friend contacts him about a kidnapping case, he finds himself dragged again, into the middle of the wrongdoings of the organization Spectre. He excellently reprises his role as James Bond and manages to provide the much-needed emotional vulnerability to his character. This time he was charismatic like always, but at a much more deeper and introspective level.

2) Casino Royale (2006)

Casino Royale is one of the most popular James Bond movies. This movie is about the early days of the 007 agent who is just promoted to this position and finds himself in a very dangerous and psychologically manipulated operation. Daniel Craig made a name for himself with his role as James Bond in this movie. He brought a polished persona to his character which made him much more rooted in realism. His action scenes were superb and his chemistry with Eva Green was considered a hit.

1) Skyfall (2012)

Skyfall movie features one of the best performances of actor, Daniel Craig. This is another movie featuring the iconic 007 agent, James Bond. This MI6 agent for this movie is undercover and on a Mission to save the MI6 headquarters which were about to be bombed by cyber terrorists. This movie is considered a legacy and features themes of technology versus tradition. Daniel Craig's performance was considered perfectly nuanced, especially because of the multi-dimensional depth, he added to the character of James Bond.