To millions, Rupert Grint will forever be Ron Weasley—the awkward, lovable best friend who grew up alongside Harry Potter. But while Hogwarts gave him his big break, Grint’s career since then has shown just how versatile he really is. Over the past decade and a half, he’s stepped into indie dramas, dark comedies, horror thrillers, and even some wonderfully weird cult projects. If you believe you already know everything about Grint, reconsider—these are his 10 greatest non-Potter performances, listed in order by Rotten Tomatoes.
10. Snatch (2017–2018) – 39%
In this crime caper’s small-screen adaptation, Grint stars as Charlie Cavendish-Scott, an upper-class hustler who becomes embroiled in a life-threatening gold robbery. Aside from taking the lead, he also executive-produced the series, demonstrating that he wasn’t afraid to experiment creatively. Critics were divided, but his turn as a conning but strangely charming thief demonstrates he’s more than happy to ditch the Ron Weasley persona.
9. Into the White (2012) – 45%
A WWII survival drama that is set in the frozen wilderness where British and German soldiers are forced to survive together after a plane crash. Grint stars as Robert Smith, a British airman, who brings warmth and a great deal of humor to an otherwise tense drama. A less prominent role, but one that shows his skill at bringing big ideas down to a human level.
8. Driving Lessons (2006) – 48%
Reuniting with Julie Walters (his Potter “mum”), Grint plays Ben, a bashful teenager who discovers his voice under the guidance of the quirky actress he meets and befriends. The movie is an offbeat coming-of-age story, and although it didn’t knock critics out, it allowed Grint to fly beyond Hogwarts. Seeing him stumble, learn, and finally enter adulthood feels like the ideal transition from child star to serious actor.
7. Sick Note (2017–2018) – 50%
What happens when a man fakes having cancer—and then becomes stuck in his own lie? That’s the setup for this dark comedy, in which Grint stars as Daniel, whose bogus diagnosis takes a series of increasingly absurd turns. The comedy is keen, awkward, and slightly transgressive, but Grint immerses himself in it with abandon, turning Daniel’s collapse into both cringe-worthy and laugh-out-loud moments.
6. Thunderpants (2002) – 67%
Yes, the farting-kid film. But Thunderpants is a cult curiosity now, and Grint’s stint as a clever best mate to a lad whose, ahem, explosive abilities are his secret superpower is strangely charming. It’s goofy, dreamlike, and thoroughly British, but it also demonstrates that even as a child, Grint had impeccable comedic timing.
5. Underdogs (2013) – 67%
In this animated film (voiced in the UK by Grint as the lead), he is Amadeo, a foosball whiz kid taking on his boyhood nemesis. Though the movie fell beneath the radar, it’s a pleasant, family-friendly story of second chances, and Grint’s voice acting brings warmth and humor to the narrative.
4. Knock at the Cabin (2023) – 68%
Joining forces with M. Night Shyamalan, Grint plays dark as Redmond, one of four strangers who intimidate a family with a horrific demand. The character is menacing, complex, and utterly surprising. It’s evidence that Grint can carry darkness as comfortably as laughter—and it’s one of his most chilling performances to date.
3. The ABC Murders (2018) – 71%
In this BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie’s whodunit, Grint is Inspector Crome to John Malkovich’s Poirot. As the cynical young detective, he lends the tale its realistic grounding while complementing Poirot’s dotty genius. It’s not a large role, but one that confirms Grint can more than hold his own with acting greats.
2. Servant (2019–2023) – 91%
Apple TV+’s slow-burning horror drama provided Grint with one of his most mature characters to date. Playing Julian, the acerbic, off-the-rails brother-in-law, he provides a welcome dose of sarcasm and vulnerability to the show’s claustrophobic setting. Over four seasons, he plays humor, tragedy, and unadorned humanity in a tale of loss and the paranormal. It’s the part that made many fans—and pundits—believe Grint has some real dramatic mettle.
1. Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (2022) – 93%
Borrowing the first position is Grint’s chilling performance in the anthology’s “Dreams in the Witch House” segment. As Walter Gilman, a grief-stricken and supernatural-haunted man, Grint gives one of his most mature and complex performances to date. It’s chilling, moving, and unforgettable—a world away from his Hogwarts years.
From Wizard to Risk-Taker
Rupert Grint’s post-Potter career hasn’t always been a given—but that’s the beauty of it. Whether it’s outlandish comedy, dark horror, or sincere drama, he’s demonstrated he’s willing to take chances. And although Ron Weasley will always be his most famous character, these films show that Grint has established a career that is adventurous, surprising, and totally worth your time.