Harry Potter Cast's 10 Best Non-Wizarding World Movies

As well as the finest magical storyline, the cast of Harry Potter made the franchise captivating and unique. With a large number of characters, it would’ve been easy for a few of them to seem similar to each other had the performers not taken their roles seriously or not thought about the characteristics they needed to convey. But, every character was cast perfectly, with a clear definition of each role.

Therefore, it probably comes as no surprise that a lot of the cast have appeared in other successful movies, some of which have included more than one Harry Potter actor. Covering a wide range of genres, fans of the wizarding world will be able to choose from a variety of movies that showcase their favorite Harry Potter actors’ talents in a different context.

Beauty and the Beast Brings Another Kind of Magic

The Cast on the Live Action Beauty and the Beast Poster

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

A selfish Prince is cursed to become a monster for the rest of his life, unless he learns to fall in love with a beautiful young woman he keeps prisoner.

DirectorBill CondonRelease DateFebruary 23, 2017CastJosh Gad, Ian McKellen, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor, Emma Watson, Kevin Kline, Emma ThompsonRatingPGRuntime2 hours 9 minutesMain GenreFantasyGenresFamily, AdventureProduction Company Mandeville Films, The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Close

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

71%

7.1/10

Hermione Granger was a third of the most important trio in the Harry Potter franchise. She was grounded, straight-talking and so intelligent that some fans believe she should have been the chosen one. Emma Watson portrayed Hermione, whose career has gone from strength to strength since her childhood days in the world of Wizards and Witches.

For those that enjoyed seeing Watson in the leading role, the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast is sure to take them on another adventure. Playing Belle, Watson’s depiction of the beloved Disney character embodies all the magical elements that are found in the animation whilst also making the Princess her own. The film received two Academy Awards nominations, alongside a solid score of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Daniel Radcliffe Left Harry Potter Behind in The Woman in Black

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

66%

6.4/10

Daniel Radcliffe Roles

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The titular character, Harry Potter, has become a household name and a global success. Daniel Radcliffe brought the main Wizard to life, directing the narrative throughout the franchise. Audiences got to watch Radcliffe grow up with the character as his acting also evolved. The mystery solving that Harry Potter had to do is similar to that of Radcliffe’s character in The Woman in Black.

The film is based on a 1983 Gothic horror novel written by Susan Hill. Set in the Edwardian era, Lawyer Arthur Kipps is sent to a house that belonged to a woman who has passed away. His time there proves to be more than he thought when he discovers the woman’s spirit is very much present. In this role, Radcliffe was able to leave his wand and scar behind, and let viewers see what else he was capable of. The film itself is dark and haunting, complemented by Radcliffe’s mature acting.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is an Espionage Classic

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

7/10

84%

With such a vast cast spread across eight movies, it’s no surprise that some of the Harry Potter actors also worked on other projects together. In Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, fans can sit back and enjoy the mastery of Ciarán Hinds, Toby Jones, Gary Oldman and Roger Lloyd-Pack.

In Harry Potter, their respective roles were Aberforth Dumbledore, Dobby, Sirius Black and Barty Crouch Sr. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy was released just three months after the final Potter movie came out, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. The later film is a completely different genre, though, like Harry Potter, it was also based on a book of the same name. John le Carré penned the story of a retired spy who was called upon by the British Government to investigate another case.

The King’s Speech Gives an Insight Into the Royal Family

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

94%

8/10

In a true story about Britain’s King George VI, as he navigated leading the nation while dealing with a stammer, viewers will be able to spot Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange,) Michael Gambon (Dumbledore,) and Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew) in The King’s Speech.

Carter and Gambon played two members of the Royal Family, Queen Elizabeth and King George V, while Spall portrayed Winston Churchill. The three actors are a superb trio, and each contributed greatly to the Harry Potter franchise. Equally, they were all vital in the success of The King’s Speech. The film provides an interesting glimpse into British history, for which Carter received Best Supporting Actress nominations at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards.

Love Actually is a Christmas Staple

Love Actually Movie Poster

Love Actually

DirectorRichard CurtisRelease DateNovember 21, 2003CastBill Nighy, Keira Knightley, Laura Linney, Rowan Atkinson, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Hugh Grant, Andrew Lincoln, Emma Thompson, Alan RickmanWritersRichard CurtisRatingRRuntime136 minutesMain GenreComedyGenresHoliday, Drama, Romance, ComedyWebsitehttps://www.uphe.com/movies/love-actuallyCinematographerMichael CoulterProducerDuncan Kenworthy, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward, Liza ChasinProduction CompanyStudioCanal, Working Title Films, DNA FilmsSfx SupervisorRichard Conway Close

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

64%

7.6/10

As one of the best British romantic comedy movies, Love Actually has become a staple Christmas movie to watch each year. The crossover of different storylines gives the film an original twist and a chance for a range of characters to have their moment at the forefront of the narrative.

Another three stellar performers crop up in both Harry Potter and Love Actually. Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman all display their versatility across the two movies. Thompson and Rickman’s plot line is arguably one of the most known from Love Actually, as Karen (Thompson) finds out that Harry (Rickman) has been cheating on her, and Thompson delivers her character’s emotion with believable sincerity. Nighy’s character is an eccentric pop star who adds comedy and also winds up throwing in a little emotion towards the end. The film is in stark contrast with Harry Potter, but worth a watch for fans of the three Wizarding actors.

In Bruges Combines Crime With Comedy

Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes in In Bruges

In Bruges

Guilt-stricken after a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be.

DirectorMartin McDonaghRelease DateFebruary 29, 2008CastElizabeth Berrington, Ralph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson, Colin FarrellRatingRRuntime1 hour 47 minutesMain GenreThriller

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

85%

7.9/10

A split image of Alex in A Clockwork Orange, Matthew McConaughey in The Gentlemen, and a character in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

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As Voldemort, Ralph Fiennes proved his aptitude for portraying a villain. It may be a completely different type of bad guy, but Fiennes was able to scare audiences just as much when he played Harry Walters in Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges. His Harry Potter co-star Brendan Gleeson acted closely with him as hit-man Ken.

Gleeson is known for his portrayal of Alastor Moody, a tough, stern Wizard but a good guy nonetheless. In Bruges is a dark comedy and allows for Gleeson to show his knack for comic timing. He went on to star in Banshees of Inisherin, which had a similar style and was also directed by Martin McDonagh.

Nanny McPhee is Fun for All the Family

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Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

74%

6.6/10

Emma Thompson revisited the magic and fantasy in Nanny McPhee as the titular character. Nanny McPhee comes to help a father and his children muddle through life with some structure and discipline. Thompson was accompanied by Harry Potter co-stars Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge,) Kelly Macdonald (Helena Ravenclaw,) and Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall.)

Thompson’s artistic skills know no bounds. Each film she is part of is given an extra element of credibility, and with supporting roles portrayed by Staunton, Macdonald and Smith, the film was only ever going to be a triumph. The four performers are committed to their parts and prove yet again how much they are suited to the world of fantasy.

The World is Not Enough is an Integral Part of the Bond Franchise

James Bond (Sean Connery) illustrated near Bond Girls on 007 Dr. No poster

James Bond

The James Bond franchise focuses on the titular British Secret Service agent, who has the codename 007.

Created byIan FlemingFirst FilmDr. NoLatest FilmNo Time to DieCastTimothy Dalton, George Lazenby, David Niven, Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan, Roger MooreCharacter(s)James Bond

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

51%

6.4/10

Custom image of Daniel Craig’s James Bond staring down Henry Cavill’s Superman

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There are a number of James Bond tropes that show up in every movie, but some of the characters and actors regularly change, while others stay for a few films in the franchise. Robbie Coltrane played Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky in The World is Not Enough alongside John Cleese, who played R and later returned as Q.

Coltrane played the iconic Potter character of Hagrid, the lovable, comforting half-giant who looks out for his friends. Cleese had a smaller role as Nearly Headless Nick, wandering the halls of Hogwarts. The two became huge stars before Harry Potter, and for those who enjoy seeing actors’ earlier work, The World is Not Enough would be a great place to start.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a Wholesome Watch

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

78%

7.2/10

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a heartwarming, joyous watch about a group of retirees, who decide to take a trip to India. The hotel wasn’t what they expected and was run by a manager out of his depth. The film rounds up a host of fantastic actors, two of whom starred in Harry Potter.

Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith stepped out of their magical gowns and into the regular clothes of their characters, Douglas and Muriel. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is easy to follow but gives audiences an insight into what two of their favorite Potter actors are capable of. The high-quality actors are able to make viewers forget what they’ve seen them in before, as they effortlessly embody their different characters.

Billy Elliott is an Inspirational Dance Movie

billy-elliot-2000-film-poster.jpg

Billy Elliot

DirectorStephen DaldryRelease DateNovember 10, 2000CastBilly Fane, Mike Elliot, Stuart Wells, Jamie Draven, Jean Heywood, Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Gary LewisWritersLee HallRatingRRuntime110 MinutesMain GenreDramaGenresDrama, Music Close

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

85%

7.7/10

Billy Elliot is a beautiful film about a young boy who aspires to be a ballet dancer. Set during the Northern England’s miners’ strike, Billy came upon dance classes when he was attending boxing sessions. Finding his groove in dance, his teacher, Mrs Wilkinson saw the potential that Billy had. Billy‘s teacher was played by none other than Julie Walters. Walters had a major role in Harry Potter, playing Molly Weasley.

In both roles, Walters was able to present both women with kindness and warmth while also making them strong female characters. Walters’ comic timing was an asset to both films and is certainly a reason for Potter fans to watch Billy Elliott.