Top 10 Daniel Radcliffe Performances

While today’s opener didn’t receive the fanfare given to some other Radcliffe parts, “A Young Doctor’s Notebook” pitches the actor into a dynamic dark comedy. Daniel plays a younger version of the show’s central character, a gifted doctor at a Russian hospital who struggles to manage his various flaws and vices. Jon Hamm plays Bomgard’s older self, a hopeful but helpless onlooker as Radcliffe makes all the mistakes Hamm now regrets. All in, it’s an inventive alternative to typical coming-of-age tales, and two series of must-see TV.

A Canadian rom-com originally released as “The F Word”, but retitled for British and American audiences, “What If?” sees Radcliffe as a trendy romantic lead. He plays Wallace, a reclusive and self-conscious chap until he meets Chantry, played by Zoe Kazan. While the movie is modelled on various genre clichés, it injects a fashionable freshness into proceedings, thanks in large part to its two main actors. Radcliffe and Kazan earned widespread praise for their roles, as their characters hope for a happily ever after.

Appearing in Ricky Gervais’ critically-acclaimed, celeb guest-star sitcom in 2006, Daniel’s outing on “Extras” came between the release of the fourth and fifth “Harry Potter” films. At the time, Radcliffe was reportedly concerned about being typecast, fearing that he might never shake his Harry persona. So, he smashes the stereotype with this. Radcliffe plays a wannabe Romeo, trying and failing to flirt with everyone on set. A far cry from what we were used to, it opened new avenues for the versatile star.

To a film which centres on the Beat Generation, one of America’s most celebrated literary circles, and the story behind one of its darkest episodes. Radcliffe takes a pivotal role as the aspiring Allen Ginsberg, with Dane DeHaan as Lucien Carr, who we see become embroiled in an infamous murder case. Playing the poet with style and poise, Daniel taps into Ginsberg’s outward insecurities but obvious potential. “Kill Your Darlings” offers Dan the opportunity to flex his dramatic range – and he doesn’t disappoint.

Radcliffe’s early roles could’ve been overshadowed by his world-famous exploits at Hogwarts, but performances like this prove he has always had something else to offer. “My Boy Jack” recounts the story of John Kipling, the only son of the celebrated British writer, Rudyard. Daniel plays John, a young man desperate to join up during World War One, but problems with his eyesight threaten to scupper his hopes. That is, until his well-connected father pulls some strings – leading John to fight on the frontline.

While “Horns” did divide critical opinion, Radcliffe received plaudits all round for his delivery of the demonic lead role. Ig Perrish posed a daring change in direction for the actor, but Daniel handles his hellish character with black humour and unwavering intensity. The story sees Perrish accused of raping and murdering his girlfriend, before he inexplicably develops some Satan-esque, supernatural skills – prompting people to confess their darkest secrets. Then, it’s anyone’s guess as to who the real villain is.

Staying within the realms of horror, “The Woman in Black” was Radcliffe’s first major post-Potter film role – released seven months after “The Deathly Hallows – Part 2”. The movie follows Arthur Kipps, a recently widowed lawyer who’s sent to organise the sale of a spooky-looking estate. But the job proves far from straightforward, not least because of the eerie, ethereal figure which seemingly haunts the house. Featuring ghostly visions and creepy jump scenes, it’s definitely one to watch with a cushion close by to hide behind.

As we’ve seen, Radcliffe boasts an eclectic back-catalogue, but “Swiss Army Man” is probably the most diverse and unpredictable project that he’s ever undertaken. Starring opposite Paul Dano, Radcliffe plays Manny, a corpse (yes, a corpse) with incredible powers. We meet him when he washes up on a desert island beach, before doubling up as a fart-fuelled speedboat to propel Dano’s Hank to safety. As one half of an unlikely friendship, Radcliffe brings his cadaver character to life, for one of the most original comedies you’re ever likely to see.

Playing an unconventional FBI agent who goes undercover to try and expose a suspected terrorist plot within a white supremacist group, “Imperium” has Radcliffe front an unflinching thriller. With tension continually rising as he gets closer to the truth, Daniel puts in a committed performance – sporting a shaved head and raging through his character’s fascist façade. But, can he finish the job before an attack is carried out? Either way, it’s Radcliffe’s hardest hitting film.

Could we ever pick anything else? This countdown proves that Radcliffe is way more than just his boy wizard beginnings, but Harry Potter is still his defining role. Daniel played the Boy Who Lived throughout the franchise phenomenon, taking Harry from his cupboard under the stairs to a life-or-death battle with the Dark Lord himself. It was way back in 2001 when the first film hit screens, and Hagrid arrived with a squashed birthday cake and these immortal lines. From there the saga erupted, and Radcliffe became a star.