The 40+ Best Neil Patrick Harris Movies

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Updated April 29, 2024 21.6K views 46 items
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Latest additions: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Most divisive: The Smurfs
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 40+ Best Neil Patrick Harris Movies

List of the best Neil Patrick Harris movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. Neil Patrick Harris's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top Neil Patrick Harris movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated Neil Patrick Harris movies will be at the top of the list. Neil Patrick Harris has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest Neil Patrick Harris movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining Neil Patrick Harris films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best Neil Patrick Harris role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest Neil Patrick Harris performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

The list you're viewing has a variety of films in it, like Home Fires Burning and Snowbound: The Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best Neil Patrick Harris movies?" and "What are the greatest Neil Patrick Harris roles of all time?"

Notable directors that have worked with Neil Patrick Harris include names like Joss Whedon, Adam Shankman and Raja Gosnell. Neil Patrick Harris has been in some really popular films, and is right up there with stars like Jason Bateman and Jason Segel in terms of fame and success.

  • Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
    1
    John Cho, Kal Penn, Paula Garcés
    41 votes
    Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle is a comedy adventure film that follows the journey of Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn). The plot revolves around their quest for the perfect burger from White Castle, which turns into an unexpected night full of absurd encounters. Their simple craving transforms into an epic odyssey filled with bizarre obstacles and hilarious misadventures. Despite its comedic surface, the film subtly explores themes of racial stereotypes and societal expectations. Released in 2004, this movie has since spawned several sequels, establishing itself as a cult classic within the stoner comedy genre.
  • Starship Troopers
    2
    Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards
    48 votes
    The film Starship Troopers is an intriguing blend of science fiction and military action, directed by Paul Verhoeven. The plot revolves around Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien), a young soldier in the Mobile Infantry, a futuristic military unit tasked with fighting against giant alien bugs on distant planets. Dina Meyer plays Dizzy Flores, a fellow infantry member and love interest to Rico. Their lives intertwine with Carmen Ibanez (Denise Richards), a starship pilot whose path diverges from Rico's yet remains connected. This movie won the Saturn Award for Best Costumes and was nominated for Best Special Effects. The mix of thrilling combat scenes, unique extraterrestrial creatures, and complex relationships makes Starship Troopers a notable entry in the genre of science-fiction war films.
  • Batman: Under the Red Hood
    3
    Neil Patrick Harris, Jensen Ackles, Kelly Hu
    23 votes
    Batman: Under the Red Hood is a 2010 American superhero film produced by Warner Bros. Animation and released by Warner Home Video. It is the eighth animated feature in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series. It was released on July 27, 2010. The film stars Bruce Greenwood as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Jensen Ackles as the Red Hood/Jason Todd, John DiMaggio as the Joker, Neil Patrick Harris as Nightwing/Dick Grayson, Jason Isaacs as Ra's al Ghul, and Wade Williams as Black Mask. The screenplay was written by Judd Winick, who also wrote the "Under the Hood" run in the monthly Batman comic. The two-disc special edition and Blu-ray also includes an animated short featuring Jonah Hex.
  • Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
    4
    Kal Penn, John Cho, Rob Corddry
    43 votes
    After the high-flying stoners (Kal Penn, John Cho) try to smuggle a bong aboard a flight to Amsterdam, the two find themselves in jail on charges of terrorism. After making an amazing escape, Harold and Kumar flee to Texas by way of Florida, where they hope to convince Harold's well-connected friend (Eric Winter) to help them out of their predicament. The problem is, Harold's pal is about to marry Kumar's ex-sweetie (Danneel Harris).
  • The Muppets
    5
    Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper
    37 votes
    In The Muppets, a musical comedy, iconic puppet characters unite to save their old theater from a ruthless oil tycoon. Gary (Jason Segel), his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams), and his brother Walter (a Muppet fan) rally Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang for one big performance. Despite their individual pursuits and challenges, they come together once more for this grand endeavor. This 2011 film, directed by James Bobin, combines humor, music, and friendship in a heartwarming tale about preserving a cherished legacy.
  • A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
    6
    John Cho, Kal Penn, Danneel Ackles
    30 votes
    Six years after their last adventure, stoner pals Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) have grown apart and found new friends. As each is busy making holiday preparations, a mysterious package mistakenly arrives on Kumar's doorstep. Unfortunately, Kumar's attempt to redirect the package to Harold goes up in smoke -- along with a prize Christmas tree belonging to Harold's father-in-law. The pair's journey across New York City to find a replacement tree threatens to blow Christmas Eve sky-high.
  • Undercover Brother
    7
    Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, Denise Richards
    29 votes
    Blasted from the past and ready to take care of business, "Undercover Brother" is recruited to infiltrate a sinister underground movement headed by The Man. Partnered with the sassy, stunning Sistah Girl (Aunjanue Ellis), our hero must first undergo the ultimate attitude adjustment and trade in his 'fro and platforms for tennis sweaters and penny loafers. Once the transformation is complete, he's ready to take on the evil perpetrators of Operation Whitewash.
  • Beastly
    8
    Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, Neil Patrick Harris
    28 votes
    After a spurned classmate curses him, a teen will be forever ugly unless he finds love.
  • American Reunion
    9
    Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein
    20 votes
    In the summer of 1999, four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity. In the ensuing years, Jim (Jason Biggs) has married Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), though Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) has left Vicky (Tara Reid). Oz (Chris Klein) has grown apart from Heather (Mena Suvari), but Finch still has the hots for Stiffler's (Seann William Scott) mom (Jennifer Coolidge). These lifelong friends have come home to reminisce about -- and become inspired by -- their former teen selves.
  • The Christmas Blessing
    10
    Neil Patrick Harris, Rob Lowe, Rebecca Gayheart
    18 votes
    The Christmas Blessing is a 2005 television film directed by Karen Arthur. It first aired on December 18, 2005 on the CBS networks. It also featured songs by country artist Blake Shelton, including the hit "Nobody But Me", and "The Christmas Blessing" by Newsong. It is the second part of a trilogy, preceded by The Christmas Shoes and followed by The Christmas Hope.
  • Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
    11
    Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan
    27 votes
    In the animated film, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Flint Lockwood (voiced by Bill Hader) is an eccentric inventor whose latest creation, a machine that converts water into food, accidentally launches into the sky. The device starts to malfunction and causes food to rain down on his small town, much to the delight and then dismay of its inhabitants. Alongside weather reporter Sam Sparks (Anna Faris), Flint must stop his invention before it wreaks global disaster. This wacky comedy-adventure won the Golden Trailer award for Best Animation/Family in 2009.
  • The Matrix Resurrections
    12
    Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen
    8 votes
    To find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, Mr. Anderson, aka Neo, will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more. If he's learned anything, it's that choice, while an illusion, is still the only way out of -- or into -- the Matrix. Neo already knows what he has to do, but what he doesn't yet know is that the Matrix is stronger, more secure and far more dangerous than ever before.
  • Justice League: The New Frontier
    13
    Jeremy Sisto, David Boreanaz, Neil Patrick Harris
    19 votes
    Superman, Batman (Jeremy Sisto), Wonder Woman, the Green Lantern (David Boreanaz), the Flash (Neil Patrick Harris) and others form an alliance to battle evil.
  • Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
    14
    James Marsden, Nick Nolte, Christina Applegate
    16 votes
    In the age-old battle between felines and canines, one rogue kitty is stepping up the fight. Kitty Galore, former operative for MEOWS, is executing a diabolical plan against her sworn enemies, the dogs, as well as her cat comrades. In order to save themselves and their humans, both species must unite in an unprecedented alliance to stop Kitty Galore from making the world her scratching post.
  • The Smurfs
    15
    Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays
    28 votes
    Evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) has plagued the happy, peaceful Smurfs for a very long time. Finally, he succeeds in chasing the little blue people from their village and through a magic portal -- which transports them to Manhattan and into the life of ad executive Patrick Winslow (Neil Patrick Harris). Only three apples high and lost in the Big Apple, the Smurfs (Jonathan Winters, Alan Cumming, Katy Perry) must find a way back to their world before Gargamel tracks them down.
  • The Christmas Wish
    16
    Neil Patrick Harris, Debbie Reynolds, Naomi Watts
    12 votes
    This made-for-TV movie is about Wall Street hotshot Will Martin (Neil Patrick Harris), who goes back to his hometown after his grandfather dies, despite feeling that he doesn't belong there any more. As everyone gets ready for the Christmas season, Martin is busy working in the family real estate business. While going through his grandfather's things, he and his grandmother (Debbie Reynolds) discover a diary that mentions an unknown woman named Lilian. Will decides to track her down.
  • The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
    17
    Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Tiffany Haddish
    7 votes
    Unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, actor Nick Cage accepts a $1 million offer to attend a wealthy fan's birthday party. Things take a wildly unexpected turn when a CIA operative recruits Cage for an unusual mission. Taking on the role of a lifetime, he soon finds himself channeling his most iconic and beloved characters to save himself and his loved ones.
  • 8-Bit Christmas
    18
    Neil Patrick Harris, Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael
    7 votes
    In 1980s Chicago, a 10-year-old embarks on a quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas.
  • Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
    19
    Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan
    14 votes
    His genius finally recognized by his idol Chester V, inventor Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader) gets to join Chester's company, where he can work full-time on technologies to help mankind. However, Flint soon discovers that his most-famous machine, which turns water into food, is still operating but now creates animal/vegetable hybrids. With the fate of humanity in Flint's hands, he and his friends set out to save the world from tacodiles, shrimpanzees and other deliciously dangerous creatures.
  • Purple People Eater
    20
    Neil Patrick Harris, Dustin Diamond, Nikki Cox
    12 votes
    Purple People Eater is a 1988 American sci-fi comedy family film that was produced and released theatrically on December 16, 1988. The film stars Neil Patrick Harris, Ned Beatty, Shelley Winters, and Thora Birch. The movie co-stars Dustin Diamond and Peggy Lipton, with musical guest appearances by Chubby Checker and Little Richard. Linda Shayne wrote, produced, and directed the film, inspired by the 1958 novelty song "Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley.
  • The Next Best Thing
    21
    Rupert Everett, Madonna, Benjamin Bratt
    10 votes
    Abbie (Madonna) and Robert (Rupert Everett) are best friends with so much in common and miserable luck in love. They would make the perfect couple, but one thing prevents them from looking to each other for romance -- Robert is gay. A day comes, however, when too many cocktails and a twist of fate takes them to a new level of intimacy... and turns them into parents. Theirs may not be the perfect family -- but it is the next best thing.
  • Snowbound: The Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story
    22
    Neil Patrick Harris, Kelli Williams, Michael Gross
    10 votes
    Snowbound: The Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story is a 1994 American television film.
  • Sweeney Todd in Concert
    23

    Sweeney Todd in Concert

    Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, George Hearn
    8 votes
    Sweeney Todd in Concert is a 2001 TV movie.
  • Clara's Heart
    24
    Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Ontkean, Kathleen Quinlan
    13 votes
    After her baby daughter dies, Leona Hart (Kathleen Quinlan) goes to Jamaica to mourn. She meets no-nonsense housekeeper Clara (Whoopi Goldberg) and brings her back to Baltimore to look after her son, David (Neil Patrick Harris). As Leona and husband, Bill (Michael Ontkean), grow apart and divorce, Clara and David become closer. Clara helps draw troubled David out of his shell, bringing him into the local reggae scene. As they bond, Clara gains the courage to confront her troubled past.
  • A Family Torn Apart
    25
    Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Galecki, Gregory Harrison
    13 votes
    A Family Torn Apart is a 1993 American television film directed by Craig R. Baxley, based on the novel Sudden Fury: A True Story of Adoption and Murder by Leslie Walker, which itself is based on a true story.
  • The Smurfs 2
    26
    Neil Patrick Harris, Brendan Gleeson, Jayma Mays
    19 votes
    Hoping to harness the magical Smurf-essence, evil wizard Gargamel creates a pair of Smurflike creatures, called Naughties. However, only a real Smurf can give Gargamel what he wants, so he kidnaps Smurfette to force her to cast a spell that will transform the Naughties into Smurfs. Papa, Clumsy and the rest of the Smurfs reunite with their human friends Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris) and Grace (Jayma Mays) to rescue Smurfette from the wizard's clutches.
  • The Best and the Brightest
    27

    The Best and the Brightest

    Neil Patrick Harris, Amy Sedaris, Bridget Regan
    9 votes
    The Best and the Brightest is a film directed by Josh Shelov.
  • Animal Room
    28

    Animal Room

    Neil Patrick Harris, Amanda Peet, Catherine Hicks
    9 votes
    Animal Room is a 1995 American drama/thriller film directed, produced, and written by Craig Singer and starring Neil Patrick Harris as a bullied drug-using teenager and Matthew Lillard as the bully who loves to torment Harris's character. The film is referred to as a modernized version of A Clockwork Orange and features an appearance from punk rock band The Misfits.
  • Company
    29
    Christina Hendricks, Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert
    9 votes
    Company is a 2011 musical film directed by Lonny Price.
  • The Golden Blaze
    30
    Neil Patrick Harris, Sanaa Lathan, Michael Clarke Duncan
    9 votes
    The Golden Blaze is an animated film released in 2005 written by Archie Gips and directed by Bryon E. Carson. The feature, starring the voices of Blair Underwood and Michael Clarke Duncan, had a limited theatrical run making it the second flash animation ever to be theatrically released, after Mexico's Magos y Gigantes in 2003, and the first in the United States. The film is animated and stylized like a comic book. It also took top honors at the prestigious 2005 Giffoni International Film Festival.