Harry Styles took the world by storm as a charismatic member of One Direction, but his ambitions were far bigger than the stage. Armed with undeniable charm and an ever-growing screen presence, he made a bold leap into the world of acting—proving he’s not just another musician dabbling in Hollywood. Each role he takes on showcases his dedication to storytelling and his determination to carve out a serious film career.
From gripping war dramas to mind-bending psychological thrillers and even the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Styles has stepped into a variety of complex roles that push his limits as an actor. Whether he’s portraying a conflicted husband, a battle-hardened soldier, or a cosmic anti-hero, one thing is clear—Harry Styles isn’t just trying out acting; he’s here to stay, and he’s making Hollywood take notice.
Here are some of the movies where he has delivered noteworthy performances:
1. ‘Dunkirk’ (2017): A Resounding Debut
When Harry Styles was cast in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, many were skeptical—could a pop star really hold his own in a gritty war epic? But Styles proved the doubters wrong. In this visually stunning and intensely immersive film, he played Alex, a young British soldier caught in the desperate evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II.
With minimal dialogue, the film relied heavily on body language and expressions, and Styles delivered a naturalistic and emotionally grounded performance. His portrayal of a frightened yet determined soldier felt raw and authentic, earning him praise from critics who were impressed by his ability to blend seamlessly into a cast of seasoned actors. ‘Dunkirk’ wasn’t just a solid debut for Styles—it was a statement that he was serious about acting.
2. ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ (2022): Venturing into Psychological Thriller
Don’t Worry Darling marked Styles’ first major leading role, where he played Jack Chambers, a devoted husband living in a seemingly utopian 1950s community. As the film unfolds, cracks appear in the picture-perfect world, and Jack’s true nature comes into question. Styles’ performance received mixed reviews—while some critics felt he struggled with the film’s more intense dramatic moments, others praised his ability to exude charm and vulnerability.
The film itself became just as famous for its behind-the-scenes controversies as for its story, with Styles’ involvement in the high-profile drama alongside director Olivia Wilde and co-star Florence Pugh. Regardless of the reception, ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ showcased Styles in a leading-man role, proving his willingness to take risks in complex narratives.
3. ‘My Policeman’ (2022): Exploring Forbidden Love
In My Policeman, Styles took on the emotionally challenging role of Tom Burgess, a closeted gay policeman in 1950s Britain who finds himself torn between his duty, societal expectations, and a forbidden love affair with Patrick (David Dawson). The film explores themes of repression, longing, and the devastating impact of living in a time when same-sex relationships were criminalized.
Styles’ performance was met with a mix of praise and critique—some viewers found his portrayal heartfelt and authentic, while others felt he lacked the emotional depth needed for such a deeply conflicted character. However, his chemistry with Dawson and co-star Emma Corrin added layers to the film’s exploration of love and sacrifice. While ‘My Policeman’ may not have been a critical darling, it was a bold and commendable choice for Styles, allowing him to step into a deeply dramatic and historically significant role.
4. ‘Eternals’ (2021): A Marvel-ous Cameo
In one of the most talked-about post-credits scenes in recent Marvel history, Styles made his MCU debut as Eros, also known as Starfox—the charming, mischievous, and powerful brother of Thanos. Though his screen time in ‘Eternals’ was brief, his presence set the stage for a potentially much larger role in the Marvel universe. Unlike Thanos, Eros is portrayed as a more benevolent and pleasure-seeking character, known for his ability to manipulate emotions.
His introduction generated significant excitement among Marvel fans, sparking speculation about how he will fit into the franchise’s future. While ‘Eternals’ itself received a divisive reception, Styles’ cameo was one of the highlights, leaving audiences eager to see more of his cosmic character in upcoming Marvel projects.
Harry Styles’ film career may still be in its early stages, but it’s clear that he is actively choosing diverse and challenging roles that push him beyond the confines of his pop star image. From war dramas to psychological thrillers, from historical romance to superhero blockbusters, Styles is carving out a unique space for himself in Hollywood. Whether or not he becomes a critically acclaimed actor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—he’s not afraid to take risks and explore different facets of storytelling. As he continues to grow in the industry, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see what his next move on the big screen will be.