Chris Rankin is a New Zealand-born British actor best known for playing Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter film series. Born in Auckland in 1983, Rankin moved to England with his family as a child and developed an interest in acting through school theatre. His professional on-screen career began with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001, introducing him to international audiences as one of the Weasley siblings. He went on to reprise the role of Percy in several installments of the fantasy franchise, including the two-part finale. Beyond Harry Potter, Rankin has also appeared in films such as The Mysteries of Pittsburgh and Gracie, taking on smaller supporting and uncredited roles. Looking at Chris Rankin movies by year shows a film career strongly associated with one of the most successful fantasy franchises in cinema, alongside occasional appearances in independent productions.
2001 — Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone marked Chris Rankin’s professional film debut, with the actor playing Percy Weasley, the ambitious third-oldest Weasley sibling. Directed by Chris Columbus, the fantasy adventure stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith and Robbie Coltrane. Percy is portrayed as a responsible Hogwarts prefect who takes school rules and his position within the Weasley family seriously. The film became a major worldwide success and established Rankin as part of the ensemble cast of the Harry Potter franchise.
2002 — Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Chris Rankin returned as Percy Weasley in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second movie in the Harry Potter series. Once again directed by Chris Columbus, the fantasy adventure follows Harry as Hogwarts becomes threatened by the mysterious opening of the Chamber of Secrets. Rankin’s Percy remains closely connected to Hogwarts authority, while the character’s relationships with his younger siblings provide additional glimpses into the Weasley family dynamic. The movie expanded the world introduced in the first film and became another major chapter in Rankin’s early film career.
2004 — Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Rankin reprised his role as Percy Weasley for the third time. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the film takes a darker and more mature approach as Harry, Ron and Hermione encounter Sirius Black and learn more about events surrounding Harry’s parents. Percy has a smaller role than in the earlier films, reflecting the character’s increasing independence within the Weasley family. The movie is notable for marking a significant stylistic shift in the franchise while continuing Rankin’s association with the series.
2007 — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Rankin returned as Percy Weasley in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, directed by David Yates. The fifth film follows Harry’s struggle against the Ministry of Magic’s refusal to accept that Lord Voldemort has returned, while Dolores Umbridge takes control of Hogwarts. Percy is increasingly separated from his family because of his loyalty to the Ministry and his ambitions for his career. Rankin’s performance contributes to the film’s broader depiction of divisions within the wizarding world and the Weasley family’s changing circumstances.
2008 — The Mysteries of Pittsburgh
In 2008, Chris Rankin made a small, uncredited appearance in The Mysteries of Pittsburgh as a bartender. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and based on Michael Chabon’s novel, the independent drama stars Jon Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Sienna Miller and Mena Suvari. The story follows a recent college graduate whose relationships and experiences unfold during a complicated summer in Pittsburgh. Rankin’s brief appearance is considerably smaller than his work in the Harry Potter films, but it remains part of his feature-film credits.
2010 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Chris Rankin appeared again as Percy Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, although his appearance is uncredited. Directed by David Yates, the first half of the finale follows Harry, Ron and Hermione as they leave Hogwarts and attempt to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Percy is seen briefly as the wizarding conflict reaches a critical stage, with the Weasley family becoming increasingly involved in the fight against Voldemort. The film is notable as the first part of the franchise’s two-film conclusion and brought Rankin back to the story after his absence from the previous installment.
2011 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Rankin made his final Harry Potter film appearance in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, again playing Percy Weasley. David Yates directed the concluding chapter, which brings the battle between Harry and Voldemort to its climactic confrontation at Hogwarts. Percy plays a more significant role during the final battle, including his reconciliation with his family and his involvement in the fight against Voldemort’s forces. The movie concluded Rankin’s decade-long connection with the franchise and remains the most substantial endpoint of his movie career.
2018 — Gracie
In 2018, Rankin appeared in the British independent film Gracie, directed and written by Jane A. Foster. The drama-fantasy mystery follows Gracie and Ellie through a dangerous and surreal night as they attempt to escape pursuing threats. Rankin is credited as the Young Man, making this a small supporting appearance rather than a leading role. Although Gracie is far less widely known than the Harry Potter films, its release represents one of Rankin’s later feature-film appearances.
Conclusion
Chris Rankin’s movie career is closely linked with his portrayal of Percy Weasley, a role he played across six Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2011. His filmography also includes smaller appearances in The Mysteries of Pittsburgh and the independent film Gracie. While his screen work outside Harry Potter has been relatively selective, the Percy Weasley role gave Rankin a lasting place in one of cinema’s most recognizable fantasy franchises. Looking at Chris Rankin movies by year therefore reveals a career defined primarily by his long-running contribution to the Harry Potter series, complemented by occasional independent film appearances.
