Following the massive success of the The Woman In Black, his first major foray into cinema beyond the Wizarding World. Though Radcliffe has not been in many horror films, they each represent a milestone in his overall filmography.
Daniel Radcliffe made his namesake as the protagonist of the popular magical Harry Potter saga for eight movies, up until 2011. He jumped into new genres and indie films after his final Potter film. In 2011, Radcliffe headlined a musical revival of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. It was beneficial marketing for The Woman In Black when the Harry Potter star took up the project. Radcliffe had not acted in horror yet, and especially not in a film so morbidly dark, despite the increasingly dark tone of the Harry Potter series. Shortly after the 2012 success of The Woman in Black, he starred in two less financially prosperous horrors.
A pressing question was raised in 2011 as to where Daniel Radcliffe would take his career after spending a significant chunk of his childhood Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Nonetheless, the horror genre remains foundational for Daniel Radcliffe. Here are all three of his horror movies, ranked below from worst to best.
3. Victor Frankenstein (2015)
brilliant Young Frankenstein. It was critically panned and also bombed at the box office despite the talented celebrities headlining the film. The horror film stays afloat by focusing on the endearing dynamic between Victor Frankenstein and Igor, played by James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe. The two share genuine chemistry that makes this adaptation a worthy enough entry into the macabre world of Mary Shelley, as Igor and Victor's relationship is rarely given a chance to be portrayed dynamically in other Frankenstein adaptations.
2. Horns (2013)
The comedy horror Daniel Radcliffe leading the movie with a sympathetic, yet realistically humorous performance. This daring movie seems to be the horror film that fully separated Radcliffe from his boy-next-door (or boy-under-the-staircase) persona established in the Harry Potter franchise. Critic response is mixed, and the black comedy in Horns has been undoubtedly polarizing to some viewers, which might take away from the uniquely creative qualities this supernatural flick has to offer.
1. The Woman In Black (2012)
The Woman In Black is a perfect example of how far Daniel Radcliffe's acting has come since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. While the horror film beautifully marinates in its morbid atmosphere, Radcliffe's performance is the glue that ties each clue in its mystery together. The story follows Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe) who visits a village convinced they are being haunted by a vicious spirit. It has slow-paced, but horrific scenes, such as one notable scene that involves diving into the muddy grave of a deceased child. However, The Woman In Black is much more than a supernatural fright fest in how it hinges on the engaging tragedy of the story. With a startling and bold ending, The Woman In Black should certainly be considered Radcliffe's best horror film.
The Harry Potter star has maintained a consistently prolific career in cinema, so there is still a possibility he might return to the horror genre. The failure of The Woman In Black's Radcliffe-free sequel proves he was one of the driving forces of the first, as well as an actor who can successfully elevate dark and eerie films. Every Daniel Radcliffe horror movie can be ranked from worst to best, but they all show genuine potential for his future in horror.
