Harry Styles has always been a star. That much was evident when the 16-year-old boy who insisted he worked in a bakery walked into The X Factor studio for his audition and was catapulted into fame as a part of One Direction, becoming a teen sensation almost overnight.
From being featured in Wattpad fan fictions (if you remember the ones where the protagonist’s parents were selling them off to One Direction, or where the boys were secretly part of the mafia, then you’re an OG) to actually having an entire franchise inspired from what started as fan fiction (yes, I’m talking about the After series), it isn’t all that surprising that Harry Styles, while being a master musician, has ventured into acting, because the star quality he has was never meant to be confined to just one lane!
Harry’s acting career thus far has been..interesting. He’s chosen projects that can't be boxed into just one genre. Instead of starting with the safe rom-coms, he went straight for the war trauma and unsettling suburbia, and he’s only a couple of projects in.
If you’re interested in reading about one-fifth of one of the world’s most famous boy bands’ filmography, here it is, ranked—from someone who has been a Directioner since the Tumblr GIFs and the stairs (if you know you know)—and where you can watch them on Disney+, Prime Video, and more!
6. Eternals (2021)
Starting at the bottom of the list, we have Eternals—and it’s easy to guess why. The #6 ranking isn’t because the movie is terrible, but because Harry’s appearance as Thanos’ brother, Eros, is approximately the length of a TiKTok video. But, I will say this, he strolls in like he knows the internet will explode (because it did), delivering charisma and confidence with just a few dialogues before disappearing into the cosmic void.
Of course, fans of Harry Styles and Marvel (like me!) will appreciate Eros’ charming presence in the post-credits scene; however, it’s all set up and no payoff. If you liked other fun cameos, like Ed Sheeran randomly showing up in Games of Thrones, you’ll like Harry’s energy here. Though his debut in Eternals was a moment, to say the least, it’s been five years since the movie came out and we haven’t heard anything more about him reprising his role in any Marvel projects. But hey, never say never, right?
5. iCarly (2007-2012)
As a teen sitcom, the blueprint for iCarly episodes is that it’s loud, silly, and completely unbothered about subtlety (ah, the good old days). But if there’s one episode that takes that formula to the next level, it’s the second episode in the sixth season, iGo One Direction. The band shows up as themselves, so this isn’t acting in the traditional sense, it’s more of a montage of the boys doing what they do best: letting their personality and charm take the wheel.
Harry’s screen presence is effortless and playful, which is the complete opposite of his work in something like Dunkirk. He doesn’t have to try too hard to be likable in this episode, he’s just being himself, and that comfort translates onto the screen. Remember the time Justin Bieber was on CSI? Yep, this is exactly like that—ridiculous, unforgettable, and clearly designed with fans (and internet meltdowns) in mind. Just grab your butter socks first!
4. One Direction: This Is Us (2013)
This one’s from the archives (kind of), but what kind of a fan would I be if I didn't include it? While I agree it’s not a movie where Harry plays a character, isn't it harder to play yourself (I’m guessing)? This Is Us is for every fan who ever cried over a music video or memorized lyrics to “I Want” at 1 a.m (or filled their rooms with 1D memorabilia!)
Pure, unfiltered nostalgia wrapped in tour life and offstage chaos, This Is Us delivers the kind of joy no other entry on this list can match (maybe the iCarly episode is a close second.) Harry is just being Harry—goofy, magnetic, and occasionally vulnerable—and watching it now feels like stepping back into 2013. The camera obviously loves him, and so do we. It captures what it felt like to be a fan in the peak 1D era with loud crowds and inside jokes. If you enjoyed rocking along to This Is Us and want more, head right on over to the sequel concert film, One Direction: Where We Are — The Concert Film.
3. Don’t Worry Darling (2022)
When a director says their film is inspired by Inception and The Truman Show, you know you’re in for something that’s bound to be wild—and that’s exactly what Don’t Worry Darling is. Oh, it starts innocently enough, but slowly descends into a plot that had me shouting “Wait, what?!” at the screen (I watched it at home, don’t worry.)
Harry leans into the unsettling energy, and it occasionally works. However, the role asks for a certain level of emotional volatility he doesn’t always sell, making his performance a bit uneven. This becomes especially noticeable when Florence Pugh enters the picture and you can tell he’s acting opposite someone who’s locked in acting-wise. It’s not his strongest work, but he’s clearly trying (and I love that for him!) If you love psychological thrillers with a creepy sense that something isn’t right, à la The Stepford Wives, this is for you.
2. My Policeman (2022)
Fans of slow, emotional dramas will find another movie to feel quietly devastated by in My Policeman. In his second release of 2022, Harry plays Tom, a role that demands repression and vulnerability—and boy, does he deliver. The film allows him to explore longing and regret, through which he proves that he intends to be taken seriously as an actor. While the pacing does drag at times, Harry’s commitment to his performance is undeniable.
There are certain scenes where Harry’s raw and real emotions break through, and in others where he feels a bit closed off, but since this also mirrors his character’s internal conflict, it doesn't feel like a fatal mistake. Though My Policeman is not a joyful watch—it may very well leave you in tears—it's Harry’s most complex and emotionally mature performance, according to me. If you like slow-burn, understated romantic dramas like A Single Man, you’ll enjoy the emotional ache My Policeman carries.
1. Dunkirk (2017)
This is where it all began for Harry Styles the Actor, and in a Christopher Nolan movie, no less. His debut performance as Alex is grounded and unflashy, a perfect fixture in a movie that’s built on an anxiety-inducing atmosphere where the tension does most of the talking. Harry manages to do something impressive: he blends seamlessly into the ensemble without sticking out or demanding attention.
Being a war film, Dunkirk couldn’t be more different from the rest of his filmography, yet Harry holds his own in a prestige project without overly depending on his charisma. The only drawback is that we see Harry on screen for not more than 10 minutes, so I felt the role didn’t allow him to fully blossom (in fact, most casual viewers may miss him completely.) Regardless, this is his most natural performance, landing it the #1 spot. He makes an impact with what he was given, and that’s especially hard when you’re a first-time actor. If you enjoy historic, immersive war films like 1917, give Dunkirk a watch!
