Everybody would agree that the love for Daniel Radcliffe is universal at this point of his career. He has been acting for most of his life and his breakout role was the titular character in the Harry Potter franchise. TechTrends decided to make a list of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time.
The award-winning series Harry Potter brought Daniel Radcliffe’s dream true as he gained global fame at the age of 11 and went on to grow up in the public eye as titular character Harry Potter. Although Daniel Radcliff is most known for his role in the Harry Potter series which ended in 2011, the British actor has branched out during his remarkable career. He has gone on to star in movies such as Swiss Army Man and Imperium. He has most recently appeared in The Lost City alongside incredible actors Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum. Radcliffe did not want to be remembered for one good role and he worked hard to prove that he is a versatile actor, who is willing to take risks.
TechTrends decided to celebrate his incredible career by making a list of the best must-see Daniel Radcliffe performance. They are ranked based on their ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Here we go.
Best Daniel Radcliffe Movies of All Time
Since being graduated from Hogwarts, Daniel Radcliffe has taken that chance to prove himself as a versatile actor, playing in comedy, drama, horror, and many other genres. During the last decade, after his most famous role came to an end, the British actor has experimented with many creative projects and we made a list of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time. Without further ado, let’s get started.
10. Now You See Me 2 2016
- Genre: Crime/Adventure
- Director: Jon M. Chu
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan, Morgan Freeman
- Rating: IMDb 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes 34%
Although Now You See Me 2 is not a masterpiece, Daniel Radcliffe’s supporting turn makes it quite interesting. The British actor decided to have some fun in this big-budget movie as he plays the role of a tech mogul named Walter. His character in the movie is knowingly bad at magic, which makes him a clever casting in this movie. Despite the fact that the movie failed to stand out, Radcliffe’s performance is incredible.
Read more: Best Jesse Eisenberg Movies of All Time
9. Horns 2013
- Genre: Horror/Fantasy
- Director: Alexandre Aja
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Max Minghella, Sabrina Carpenter
- Rating: IMDb 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes 42%
Horns is the next one of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time, where he plays the role of a man who is coping with his girlfriend’s death and the fact that everyone thinks he killed her. One day, he finds demonic horns on his forehead, which have the power to make everyone confess their darkest desires and sins in front of him. The film incredibly described black comedy and gripping drama. His powers not only bring humor but also bleakness. Horns is a movie revolving around finding the truth.
8. The Lost City 2022
- Genre: Romance/Adventure
- Directors: Aaron Nee, Adam Nee
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Brad Pitt
- Rating: IMDb 6.1, Rotten Tomatoes 79%
The Lost City is the tale of Loretta, played by Sandra Bullock, who is an author who gets drifted apart from historical fictions as she ends up writing romance novels. Alan, portrayed by Channing Tatum, plays the role of the model on her books’ covers. Although the two have a rocky relationship, they should work together to get out of a tropical island after Loretta gets kidnapped by a crazy billionaire, played by Daniel Radcliffe. He is determined to use her archeological knowledge to find a treasure. Watching Radcliffe play a villain in the movie was quite odd but he showcased a memorable performance. The Lost City is one of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time.
Read more: Best Brad Pitt Movies of All Time
7. Kill Your Darlings 2013
- Genre: Drama/Romance
- Director: John Krokidas
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, Elizabeth Olsen, Michael C. Hall
- Rating: IMDb 6.4, Rotten Tomatoes 76%
Kill Your Darlings mostly focused on Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan, with Elizabeth Olsen having a supporting role. The movie and the amazing leading actors got nominations for several awards. The movie is set in 1944 and it revolves around the Beat Generation’s college years. They were a group of authors who had influential work after the World War II. Radcliffe performs the role of Allen Ginsburg, the poet, whose new lifestyle of drinking and drugs result in some troubles. This was indeed one of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time that we strongly recommend.
Read more: Best Elizabeth Olsen Movies of All Time
6. Imperium 2016
- Genre: Thriller/Crime
- Director: Daniel Ragussis
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Toni Collette, Tracy Letts, Pawel Szajda
- Rating: IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 84%
Another one on the list of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time is Imperium, where he plays the role of Nate Foster. He is an FBI agent who was tasked with a new mission. His assignment is to infiltrate a group that are neo-Nazis, believing in white supremacy. They plan to make a bomb, so Foster wants to put an end to their plans. However, he comes across many challenges along the way in keeping a balance between his principles and his new identity. The film is a true story of Michael German, the former FBI agent. Radcliffe features alongside Toni Collette, Tracy Letts, Sam Trammell and Nestor Carbonell.
5. Jungle 2017
- Genre: Adventure/Thriller
- Director: Greg McLean
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Alex Russell, Yasmin Kassim, Thomas Kretschmann
- Rating: IMDb 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes 61%
Although it is not as good as his Swiss Army Man visceral performance, Jungle does showcase Radcliffe’s talents. The movie is based on a true story of Yossi Ghinsberg, who was a Israeli adventurer and came across grave perils when he was on his journey through Amazon rainforest back in 1981. This is another one of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time as his display is bold and fearless, showing how committed he can be to his roles. His performance even outshined the movie, which demonstrates his dedications and acting talents.
4. Escape from Pretoria 2020
- Genre: Drama/Thriller
- Director: Francis Annan
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Tim Jenkin, Mark Leonard Winter, Daniel Webber
- Rating: IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 73%
This movie is also based on a true story and has an amazing cast, with Daniel Radcliffe as the main actor. He features alongside Daniel Webber, Ian Hart and Mark Leonard. Escape from Pretoria is an adaptation of Tim Jenkin’s Escape Inside Out: From Pretoria Prison. Radcliffe performs the role of Timothy Peter Jenkin who is an activist. He was imprisoned for political reasons in Pretoria Central Prison. With the help of his inmates, they create a plan to escape and prove that it is doable despite the high security of the prison. Their plan requires time and patience as they should make wooden keys in order to open the cells and doors. They have to be careful as the guards only want an excuse to punish them terribly. This is also one of the best Daniel Radcliffe films ever.
3. What If 2013
- Genre: Romance/Comedy
- Director: Michael Dowse
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Adam Driver
- Rating: IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 74%
What If revolves around the tale of Wallace and Chantry, played by Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, respectively. Wallace is experiencing a lot of uncertainties in his life and wants to have structure. Chantry, on the other hand, has everything under control since she has her job, a good relationship and plans that seem to go the way she wants. Although they are in different circumstances, they feel for one another and start a casual relationship. They then become really good friends. However, there is an issue and that is the chemistry they share goes beyond a friendship. This is one of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time.
Read more: Best Adam Driver Movies of All Time
2. Swiss Army Man 2016
- Genre: Comedy/Adventure
- Directors: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Dano, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
- Rating: IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 72%
One of Daniel Radcliffe’s greatest roles came in the movie Swiss Army Man where he played a corpse that washed to the shore. He then helps Hank, played by Paul Dano, survive in the deserted island. He becomes friends with the corpse, calling him Manny. Hank uses the corpse as a great tool to survive as he finds out that he can use him like a Swiss Army knife. This movie is very unique in the actor’s filmography as it is the surrealist comedy he acted in. Hank aims to get home and he starts a journey with the dead man, who he imagines will come to life.
1. Harry Potter Series 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
- Director: Alfonso Cuarón, David Yates, Mike Newell, Chris Columbus
- Star: Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
One of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time was his first feature film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The film gave Radcliffe international fame and it is based on J.K. Rowling’s books. Harry finds out about his magical powers and discovers a new world where he is celebrated for surviving the attack of Voldemort. Radcliffe’s performance was quite compelling and he formed a great friendship with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson behind the scenes.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
This movie was the sequel to the 2001 film and follows the story of Harry’s second year at Hogwarts. He goes against a basilisk, becomes friends with a House-elf, and find the diary of Tom Riddle. Harry is obligated to save the day when the students find a bloody message on the school walls by finding Slytherin’s heir. Most of the film is carried by Radcliffe and he got along well with the older cast members such as Alan Rickman.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Another one of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies of all time and his best in the franchise is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The story happens when Harry is having his third year at Hogwarts and there is also time travel in the film, as well a dementors and werewolves. Harry finds out that there is a connection between his parents and Sirius Black. Therefore, he seeks help from his friends and Professor Remus Lupin. Sirius and Remus, who are fan favorites, become crucial characters in Harry’s life. The film got a lot of critical acclaims.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
The next one on the list of the franchise is yet another one of the best Daniel Radcliffe films of all time and it revolves around Harry getting involved in the Triwizard Tournament. Harry has to go against Cedric Diggory, Viktor Krum, and Fleur Delacour when his name comes out of the Goblet of Fire. While competing in the tournament, Harry has to deal with nightmares that warn Voldemort’s return. In this film, Robert Pattinson and David Tennant also make appearance, with the former sharing a great on-screen chemistry with Radcliffe.
Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix (2007)
The 2007 Harry Potter film continues to show Dumbledore’s Army creation and how Harry and his godfather’s relationship begin to blossom. After this movie, the tone of the series becomes darker and Harry starts to teach his classmates to fight against the dark arts. This is the next one on the list of the best Daniel Radcliffe films ever.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Harry comes across a mysterious potions textbook, falls for Ginny Weasley and finds out about Horcruxes in this film of the franchise. He then discovers that Voldemort has been dangerous ever since he was a kid. Much of the films focus is devoted to Draco Malfoy, the antagonist. Despite the efforts Harry make in the deadly mission he has in hand; he watches his mentor die.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
The final chapter’s first installment was released in 2010 and the story revolves around Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger as they start to hunt the remaining Horcruxes of Voldemort. They depart the school and go into the wilderness with the purpose of destroying Voldemort’s immortality. They all experience intense circumstances on their journey, with Ron becoming jealous, which upsets Hermione. However, she remains put to help them finish what they started. This is also one of the best Daniel Radcliffe movies ever.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Harry Potter film series ends with the 2011 Part 2 film and features the deadly battle of Hogwarts. In order to put an end to Voldemort once and for all, the main character sacrifices himself and it inspires others to go against the Death Eaters. The film also shows audience the future of the Golden Trio and other classmates such as Draco. Harry gets married with Ginny and has three kids, while Ron and Hermione take care of their two children.