The Harry Potter Franchise had given an outlet for actors to dabble in the world of magic outside their typically more realistic roles. These actors have embodied such adored characters in ways that have made them the perfect fit. From leading roles to supporting characters, even the Harry Potter fanbase has had few complaints when it came to casting their favorite Wizards and Witches.
Each film introduced new actors, some taking over as replacements. While some actors in the series were well-established before starring in the franchise or took on new roles afterward, a select handful has had roles outside The Wizarding World that are worthy of acknowledgment.
10 Daniel Radcliffe Plays An Undercover White Supremacist In Imperium
It's hard to imagine anyone besides Daniel Radcliffe as the titular character, Harry Potter. It's even more challenging to see Radcliffe taking on the plethora of darker roles after his long run as "the boy who lived." However, fans and casual viewers have learned of the Potter franchise's impact on Radcliffe. It's understandable that he subsequently chose to take on more serious roles.
Imperium details the story of a young FBI Agent, played by Daniel Radcliffe, going undercover to investigate White Supremacist terrorist groups involved in a case of stolen radioactive material called cesium-137. Radcliffe's performance as the complex agent is just as convincing as his role in the Harry Potter series.
9 Tom Felton Portrays A Vengeful Brother In Ophelia
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The Slytherin Prince, Draco Malfoy, was brought to life by Tom Felton for all eight films. While Draco is a complicated and unforgettable antagonist, he only appears on-screen for just a little over thirty minutes in total. However, Felton's talent for acting began when he was just a boy, even before Harry Potter. In one of his latest roles, Tom Felton takes on the position of the title character's brother, Laertes, in Ophelia.
The film sees a different version of Shakespeare's Hamlet, focusing on Ophelia's point of view. Felton portrays the minor but critical role of Laertes, who kills Hamlet with his poison-tipped sword to avenge his father and sister.
8 Maggie Smith Embodies A Strict Nun In Sister Act
Dame Maggie Smith was the perfect casting as the beloved Professor McGonagall. Her protective and motherly nature concreted her as a staple at the heart of Hogwarts. Maggie Smith's talent goes far beyond the scope of the Wizarding World.
From her career starting in the fifties to her latest role in Downton Abbey, Smith is no stranger to iconic characters.
Despite the film's comedic and lighter atmosphere, Smith's role as Mother Superior in Sister Act is no different. Smith's personification of the rigid and rule-abiding Reverend Mother becomes lovable as she loosens up and grows just as attached to Deloris as the Sisters.
7 Robert Pattinson Performs As A Lighthouse Keeper in The Lighthouse
While Cedric Diggory appeared in only one Harry Potter film, The Goblet of Fire, Robert Pattinson's portrayal of the martyred Hufflepuff is quite memorable. Though Pattinson may be more well known for his role as a sparkling vampire in Twilight, or the latest Batman, his performance as the newly contracted keeper in The Lighthouse earned him acknowledgment for his acting skills.
The dark A24 psychological thriller traps two men on a tiny island for what seems like months, if not years. The disorienting story spirals out of control, as do both characters, leaving impactful performances from Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson.
6 Harry Melling Plays A Delusional Preacher In The Devil All The Time
Harry Melling is well-known for his part in the Harry Potter franchise as Harry's dreadful plump cousin Dudley Dursley. While Melling's ability to play such a hated character is attributed to his talent, he succeeded in shedding the character through physical transformation and career choices.
Since his exit in Deathly Hallows, he's established himself as a prominent actor in recent years. The Devil May Cry, a psychological thriller about the interwoven lives of individual characters, featured Melling as a sick preacher. His role as Preacher Laferty takes a dark turn when he kills his wife, assuming he could resurrect her.
5 Alan Rickman Portrayed A Disturbed Predator In Sweeney Todd
The late and truly great actor Alan Rickman carried the role of Severus Snape from start to finish. The complex character will forever be remembered for his distinct voice and dark hair due to Alan Rickman's performance. Rickman's roles varied far and wide, but his performance as Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd is one of the most unforgettable.
Tim Burton's film adaptation of the stage musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street saw Alan Rickman portraying a vile and corrupt Judge who should be tried for his crimes against innocent people.
4 Emma Thompson Brings A Difficult Author To Life In Saving Mr. Banks
Professor Sybil Trelawney might not be the most respected or admired teacher at Hogwarts, but Emma Thompson made her a sympathetic character. The divination professor wasn't as helpful as the other professors, but she did provide a few laughs.
The fascinating woman gave Emma Thompson a chance to show her range.
In Saving Mr. Banks, Thompson plays P.L. Travers during her time at The Walt Disney Studios, supervising the pre-production process of Mary Poppins, which was based on her novel. While the film presents itself as a lighthearted biopic, the serious undertones become apparent when they cover the author's childhood.
3 Ralph Fiennes Plays A Nazi Commandant In Schindler's List
While Voldemort takes on several appearances and forms in the series, Ralph Fiennes' performance as the Dark Lord cemented the character within the realm of pop culture. His version of the snake-faced Wizard remains iconic for his visual appearance and his whispered tone.
In Schindler's List, Fiennes' portrayal of the sadistic Nazi Commandant Amon Goeth earned him an Oscar nomination. The film detailed the horrific events during the Holocaust, and Ralph Fiennes embodied such a dark and villainous character, which is unfortunately based on a real person.
2 Helena Bonham Carter Encapsulates Princess Margaret In The Crown
Bellatrix Lestrange, the devious witch who haunted Harry Potter until the end, wouldn't have been such a remarkable villain if not for Helena Bonham Carter. Though Bonham Carter plays an unforgettable antagonist, her ability to transform into characters like Princess Margaret in The Crown is evidence of her diverse talent.
Netflix's The Crown goes through the decades of Queen Elizabeth II's life before and as the Queen without excluding important events involving her family. The show's coverage of Elizabeth's younger sister, Princess Margaret, is later played by Bonham Carter in some darker years of her unhappy life.
1 Gary Oldman Performs As A Murderous Patient In Hannibal
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One of Harry Potter's greatest allies, and certainly his most cherished Godfather, Sirius Black was perfectly cast with Gary Oldman. His fun attitude paired with a softer paternal side made Sirius Black one of the most beloved characters in the universe. Gary Oldman had stamped his mark on several projects well before he took on the role of Padfoot.
While Hannibal follows Dr. Lecter during his run from the FBI, it also features a past victim and patient of the cannibalistic doctor, Mason Verger. Gary Oldman's portrayal of the scarred man hell-bent on revenge is one of his most overlooked but memorable performances.