The world is crazy about this British spy, and we see it time and again as each new film is released. Some are masterpieces, and a couple are so bad that they’re hard to watch (but we watch them anyway). The James Bond film series is one of the longest running and most popular in the world. James Bond, whom Ian Fleming actually named after an ornithologist, is the definition of a classy hero. There are many specific reasons why the world loves James Bond. Here are just a few of them.

1. Spy action.

Everybody wants to be a spy. Excitement, danger, travel, weapons, martinis, gadgets, corny jokes, tuxedos, fiery explosions and saving the world. It’s hard not to envy the job of the famous fictional MI6 spy.

2. Theme song.

It’s impossible not to get excited when you hear that classic 007 theme song. The guitar is stealthy, the brass is dramatic, the percussion is explosive, and the jazzy tune is just plain catchy. It epitomizes everything we love about James Bond.

3. Opening credits.

Whether the songs are good (“Live and Let Die” by Paul and Linda McCartney and Wings) or bad (“Die Another Day” by Madonna), the opening credits help define Bond films. These songs set the theme and soundtrack for the rest of the movie, and visually the credits are their own pieces of cinematic art.

4. Female characters.

Miss Moneypenny, Pussy Galore, May Day, Dr. Holly Goodhead, Honey Ryder, Electra King, Tatiana Romanova, Octopussy, Dr. Christmas Jones. Made iconic partly due to the silly (even stupid) names, a “Bond girl” is more than just a pretty face. Even though Bond is usually misogynistic, and he even physically assaults a couple of women earlier in his career, the women can hold their own against him and use his sexism against him. These characters often have their own agendas, and it can take a while for Bond to figure them out. Bond is often outsmarted (Moneypenny), and beaten up (May Day) by the women he underestimates. Bond is expected to, and does, save the “damsel in distress,” but he is just as often saved by these awesome women.

5. Cars.

Ian Fleming’s official 007 car in the novels was a ’33 Bentley convertible, and in the "Goldfinger" novel Bond drives a DB Mark III. However, the most iconic Bond car is the Aston Martin DB5 in the film "Goldfinger," starring Sir Sean Connery. Since that film, Bond’s cars, outfitted by Q with gadgets and weapons, have been one of the most important parts of the films.

6. Villains and henchmen.

Blofeld, Dr. No, Scaramanga, and Goldfinger. Jaws, Oddjob, Rosa Klebb, Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd, Baron Samedi, and Nick Nack. The Bond villains and their henchmen are almost as iconic as the British spy himself. Some, like Scaramanga, are frightening and put Bond to the test. Others, like Oddjob, are mostly funny but still pose a real threat. Some henchmen are more memorable than their bosses. Jaws, for example, is a towering living weapon (who turns out to have a cuddly side) that you can never forget.

7. Actors.

From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, every actor has defined an era of 007’s history. While it’s easy to criticize a couple of the less popular Bonds, you cannot deny the importance of each actor to the James Bond legacy.

James Bond stands the test of time as one of the most iconic fictional characters in the world. The films change with the times (technology, music, cars, weapons), but the essential themes remain the same.