Daniel Radcliffe could have ridden Harry Potter out into perpetuity, coasting safely on his cinematic laurels. Instead, he’s developed a career of doing the exact opposite—embracing the strange, the bold, and the unconventional. With horror movies, romantic comedies, thrillers, and spoofs under his belt, Radcliffe has surprised and charmed us with each, proving he’s a whole lot more than “the boy who lived.” Here are ten of his best non-wizarding roles.
10. December Boys (2007)
Before he fully left Hogwarts behind, Radcliffe starred in this Australian coming-of-age story as Maps, who is one of four orphans sent on a beach vacation. It’s a low-key role that demonstrates his dramatic capabilities and presages the intensity he’d apply to future roles. A treasure for fans wanting to witness his initial forays beyond Potter.
9. Escape from Pretoria (2020)
In this underrated political thriller, Radcliffe plays Tim Jenkin, an anti-apartheid activist in a South African jail. The suspense is from his ingenious plan of escape, and Radcliffe conveys a combination of fear and resolve in the role. It didn’t get the buzz it deserved when it released during the pandemic—but it’s a taut, edge-of-your-seat viewing.
8. Imperium (2016)
Radcliffe goes undercover as an FBI agent infiltrating a neo-Nazi group in this gritty, unsettling drama. His vulnerable yet determined performance shows his willingness to tackle tough, relevant subject matter. Based on real events, it’s one of his most intense and socially resonant roles.
7. What If (2014)
Who would have thought Radcliffe had rom-com leading lady material? As Wallace, an idealistic romantic trapped in the friend zone with Zoe Kazan’s character, he demonstrates his charm and sense of humor. With great dialogue and good chemistry, the movie illustrates that Radcliffe can move into contemporary, earthy roles as easily as magical ones.
6. Kill Your Darlings (2014)
As poet Allen Ginsberg, Radcliffe enters the Beat Generation in this hip, brooding drama. It’s a risk-taking move—sensitive, risky, and built with depth. The role pushed boundaries and solidified his status as an actor who’d go beyond comfort zones.
5. The Woman in Black (2011)
Radcliffe’s first major challenge since Potter arrived with this spine-tingling Gothic horror. As Arthur Kipps, a widowed solicitor battling a ghost who’s out for revenge, he bore the movie on steady gravity. It was evidence that he could carry a film solo—and frighten viewers without the aid of magic spells.
4. Jungle (2017)
Radcliffe played Yossi Ghinsberg, a survivor in the Amazonian jungle, based on a true story. He underwent a severe physical transformation and delivered a spine-chilling performance full of raw survival instincts. It’s one of his physically demanding roles and a reflection of his commitment to realism.
3. The Lost City (2022)
Radcliffe loses his mind playing Abigail Fairfax, a zany billionaire villain with treasure in his sights. He’s co-starring in the movie with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, but Radcliffe is the scene-stealer with maniacal presence and comedic power. A delight to see him lose his mind and wreak havoc on villainy—and seem to relish it at that.
2. Swiss Army Man (2016)
Yes, this is the one where Radcliffe is a farting corpse. But underneath the surreal premise, his Manny performance is actually heartbreaking. With searing physical comedy and astonishing sensitivity, Radcliffe turns a dead body into a character with a heart. It’s odd, weird, and unforgettable.
1. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)
Radcliffe’s ultimate transformation: accordion at the ready, handlebar ‘stache firmly fixed, living each moment the role of “Weird Al” Yankovic. This over-the-top-as-per-intent spoof biopic is a massive undertaking for him to attempt, and he commits to it fully, the end result being one of his best and bravest performances. A role only he could pull off.
From eerie haunted mansions to offbeat comedies, Daniel Radcliffe has made a career that is defined by bold choices and constant reinvention. Where Harry Potter propelled him to fame, these performances prove he’s a performer who never surprises us.