Courtesy

For an outsider, it’s hard to imagine just how linear a cinematic universe can be when the lead role has been played by seven actors across six decades and counting. But don’t get it twisted, shaken, or stirred: Order matters in the 007 canon. You simply cannot skip to Judi Dench without first recognizing Bernard Lee’s presence before her. And if you’re not up to speed, now is the time to join the Bond bandwagon before No Time to Die is set to release this year. Not only will a Bond binge give you access to one of the greatest action franchises in history; it will also also earn you the cred to weigh in on fandom debates, like who the next Bond should be. (Fans have recently thrown Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page’s hat into the ring.)