Dr. No marked the cinematic debut of one of literature's most famous secret agents, James Bond, a character conceived by author Ian Fleming in his series of novels. Released in Britain, the film was directed by Terence Young and starred Sean Connery, whose portrayal of the suave, resourceful spy became emblematic of the character. The story revolves around Bond's mission to investigate the disappearance of British agent Strangeways in Jamaica. As he delves deeper, he confronts the titular villain, Dr. Julius No, who operates a secret base on a remote island and is developing a plot to disrupt the American space program.

The film is renowned for its production values, including location shooting in Jamaica and the introduction of memorable characters such as Honey Ryder, played by Ursula Andress. Dr. No was instrumental in establishing the conventions of the spy film genre, such as the use of high-tech gadgets, glamorous locations, and the iconic opening sequence featuring the gun barrel shot. It also introduced viewers to the unique combination of action, intrigue, and seduction that would come to define the Bond franchise.

Upon its release, Dr. No received a positive reception from audiences and critics alike, leading to a successful series of sequels. The film's success paved the way for Bond to become a cultural icon, influencing both cinema and popular culture. Dr. No established many themes and stylistic elements that would recur in later films, including the blend of humor and action, a focus on espionage, and the memorable use of music, specifically the iconic Bond theme composed by Monty Norman.