It’s been years since Daniel Radcliffe stepped into the spotlight as Harry Potter, and he’s spent nearly every one of them defying expectations. Rather than follow a safe path, he’s taken on some of the strangest and most intriguing roles in modern cinema.
Today, as fans around the world celebrate his birthday, it’s the perfect moment to look beyond the obvious highlights. These five lesser-known performances show just how fearless and versatile he’s become—far from the world of spells and wands, but just as captivating.
Horns
Source: IMDb
In this dark fantasy drama, Radcliffe plays a grieving young man accused of murdering his girlfriend—who mysteriously sprouts horns that compel others to reveal their darkest secrets. It’s a twisted, genre-blending performance that lets him explore rage, heartbreak, and gallows humor, all while rocking devilish prosthetics and emotional depth.
Guns Akimbo
Source: IMDb
As a mild-mannered coder forced into a deadly livestreamed death match with guns literally bolted to his hands, Radcliffe dives headfirst into chaos. The film is a wild ride, but it’s his sweaty, frantic commitment to the absurd premise that makes it work. It’s messy, loud, and completely unforgettable.
Miracle Workers
Source: IMDb
Across multiple seasons and radically different settings, Radcliffe proves his comedic chops as everything from a socially awkward angel to a clueless medieval prince. With impeccable timing and a willingness to look ridiculous, he turns every version of his character into a highlight, holding his own against a cast of seasoned comedians.
What If
Source: IMDb
This charming romantic comedy lets Radcliffe be something he rarely gets to be on screen: normal. As Wallace, a heartbroken med school dropout navigating a close friendship that could become something more, he brings warmth, wit, and an easy chemistry with Zoe Kazan. It’s a small, sincere film that quietly shows just how natural he can be.
A Young Doctor’s Notebook
Source: MUBI
In this darkly comic miniseries based on the writings of Mikhail Bulgakov, Radcliffe plays a newly graduated doctor sent to a remote Russian hospital in the early 20th century—constantly haunted by the older version of himself, played by Jon Hamm. It’s a sharp, bleak, and often hilarious look at addiction, isolation, and regret, with Radcliffe delivering one of his most mature and layered performances to date.
