Here we are at the number one action hero and this list would not be complete without the inclusion of James Bond who has become one of the most enduring action icons.And an icon he is with his appeal lasting almost sixty years. Created by Ian Fleming 007 has been portrayed in a series of novels, films, comics and video games.But it's perhaps his box office pilling power that has cemented his status as an all British action hero.Over the years the character of Bond has been portrayed by six different actors Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and most recently Daniel Craig.Sean Connery's James Bond was introduced in 1962 with Doctor No where Bond is sent to Jamaica to investigate the death of a British Agent.His investigation leads him to the house of reclusive Dr. Julius No where he discover that he plot to disrupt American rocket tests.

As well as an action hero Bond was suave and sophisticated with a keen interest in women and over the years a string of beautiful women have played the love interest for 007.

Bond was a huge hit, popularising the genre of the action movie, as audiences were taken in by elaborate car chases, guns, gadgets and girls.

With every film the stunts and action sequences became more daring as technology advanced and each actor brought different aspects of Bond's character to the screen as Ian Fleming's novels, which included Live and Let Die, Moonraker, From Russia With Love and Goldfinger were turned into a highly successful franchise.

But it's the recent incarnation of Bond, played by Daniel Craig, that has had the most success. released in 2006 Casino Royale went on to become the highest grossing Bond film of all time.

The film goes back to the very first Ian Fleming novel with Bond just receiving 00 status.

Opening in Madagascar, where Bond pursues a guerilla bomb-maker in one of the most breathtaking chase scenes ever--and it all takes place on foot.

Botching that assignment, Bond goes to Montenegro to square off against terrorist baddie Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelson), an international loan shark who gambles with the money of his equally dangerous clients.

Beautiful British Treasury representative Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) supplies Bond’s own funds, appearing on his arm in Montenegro, while M (Dame Judi Dench) keeps a close watch on the action from headquarters.

The extravagant poker game forms the center of the action, with Jeffrey Wright putting in an intense appearance at the table; interrupting the game are assassination attempts, poisoning, and other dramatic events that keep the adrenaline pumping.

It's perhaps Casino Royale that confirms Bond as the action her gone are the elaborate gadgets and in it's place it Bond's raw power and physical prowess, a side we have never seen before.

In November Craig returns in Quantum of Solace.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw