The Most Famous Fictional Spy, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the fictional spy you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:07

In a world where intrigue and espionage capture our imaginations, fictional spies have always held a special place in the hearts of story lovers. Their daring missions, cool gadgets, and complex personalities make them compelling and memorable characters. By ranking these secretive agents, we can see which spy characters have made the most significant impact on their audience. It's a fun and engaging way to connect with others who share similar tastes in espionage entertainment. Voting for your favorite spy is not only a nod to their stealth and cunning but also a way to participate in a larger community of fans and enthusiasts. Through collective opinions, this list is shaped to reflect the broader preferences of readers and viewers around the world. Take part in deciding who the most cunning and charismatic fictional spy is. Your vote helps determine who stands out in the crowded world of spy fiction.

Who Is the Most Famous Fictional Spy?

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70
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Rameshng · CC BY-SA 3.0

James Bond

Ian Fleming

Created by Ian Fleming, James Bond is the most iconic fictional spy. He has been portrayed in 27 films, numerous books, and video games. Bond is known for his suave demeanor, gadgets, and ability to take down villains.
James Bond is a widely popular entertainment franchise centered around a fictional British secret agent known as James Bond, also known by his codename 007. The franchise primarily consists of spy novels written by Ian Fleming and a series of films based on these novels. James Bond is known for his charm, sophistication, and wit, as well as his action-packed missions.

First novel: Casino Royale (1953)

First film: Dr. No (1962)

Number of novels: 14 by Ian Fleming

Number of films: 26 official films

Longest-running Bond actor: Daniel Craig
James Bond in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular movie character
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous movie character
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous ornithologist
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular entertainment franchise
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20
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Jason Bourne

Created by Robert Ludlum, Jason Bourne is a former CIA assassin who suffers from amnesia. He has been portrayed in films by Matt Damon and is known for his intense fight scenes and espionage skills.
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20
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George Smiley

Created by John le Carré, George Smiley is a British intelligence officer who is known for his calm and methodical approach to espionage. He has been portrayed in films and television series, including the recent adaptation of "The Night Manager."
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24
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mwanasimba from La Réunion · CC BY-SA 2.0

Harry Palmer

Created by Len Deighton, Harry Palmer is a British spy who is known for his wit and charm. He has been portrayed in films by Michael Caine and is often associated with the 1960s spy genre.
5

21
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Ethan Hunt - Created for the "Mission

Impossible" film franchise, Ethan Hunt is a highly skilled agent who works for the Impossible Missions Force. He is known for his daring stunts and ability to outsmart his enemies.
6

9
votes

Napoleon Solo

Created for the television series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," Napoleon Solo is an American spy who works for a secret agency called U.N.C.L.E. He is known for his charm and use of gadgets.
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8
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Sydney Bristow

Created for the television series "Alias," Sydney Bristow is a CIA agent who also works as a double agent for a criminal organization known as SD-6. She is known for her martial arts skills and ability to take on multiple identities.
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11
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Kristin Dos Santos · CC BY-SA 2.0

Jack Bauer

Created for the television series "24," Jack Bauer is a counter-terrorism agent who works for the fictional Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). He is known for his willingness to use extreme measures to stop threats to national security.
Jack Bauer in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous police officer
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14
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Sam Fisher

Created for the "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell" video game series, Sam Fisher is a former Navy SEAL who works for the fictional Third Echelon agency. He is known for his stealthy approach to espionage and use of high-tech gadgets.
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4
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Modesty Blaise

Created by Peter O'Donnell, Modesty Blaise is a British spy who is known for her beauty and fighting skills. She has been portrayed in films and television series and is often associated with the 1960s spy genre.

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Ranking factors for famous fictional spy

Popularity

How well-known and beloved is the fictional spy character among audiences?
Cultural impact

How much impact has the character had on popular culture, movies, literature, and other forms of media?
Iconic status

Is the character iconic and recognizable, with distinctive traits and characteristics that set them apart from other fictional spies?
Competence

How intelligent, capable, and effective is the spy character in completing their missions?
Appeal

Does the character have a compelling backstory or personality that resonates with audiences?
Adaptability

Has the character endured and remained popular across multiple adaptations, reboots, and other mediums?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous fictional spy. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or spy is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2758 views
196 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each spy once every 24 hours. The rank of each spy is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous fictional spy

When it comes to fictional spies, there are countless characters to choose from. However, few have captured the imagination of audiences quite like James Bond. Created by British author Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond has appeared in countless novels, films, and other media over the past several decades. With his suave demeanor, gadgets, and legendary ability to get the job done, Bond has become an icon of popular culture and a beloved character around the world. However, he's far from the only fictional spy out there, and there are plenty of other characters who could give him a run for his money when it comes to fame and recognition. From classic literary figures to modern-day action heroes, there's no shortage of intriguing and memorable spies to explore.