James Phelps is an English actor best known for playing Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter film series alongside his identical twin brother, Oliver Phelps, who portrayed George Weasley. His career began with one of the most successful fantasy franchises in cinema history, introducing him to audiences around the world. Although the Harry Potter films remain his most recognisable work, Phelps has also appeared in independent films and other screen projects. His performances have allowed him to explore comedy, drama, and fantasy beyond the mischievous Hogwarts student who first made him famous. From blockbuster releases to smaller productions, his filmography reflects a career shaped by memorable ensemble roles. This James Phelps movies by year guide covers his released feature-film appearances in chronological order, highlighting his roles and the films that form his movie career.
2001 — Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
James Phelps made his feature-film debut as Fred Weasley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, directed by Chris Columbus. Alongside his twin brother Oliver Phelps as George Weasley, he plays one of the mischievous Weasley twins who bring humour and trouble to Hogwarts. The fantasy adventure introduces Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, as he discovers his magical heritage and begins his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The film launched Phelps’ career and established Fred as a beloved supporting character in the franchise.
2002 — Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Phelps returned as Fred Weasley in Chris Columbus’ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second instalment in the fantasy series. Fred and George continue their pranks and provide comic relief as mysterious attacks leave students at Hogwarts in danger. The film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, expanding the magical world with the legend of the Chamber of Secrets. It further developed the Weasley twins’ playful personalities and their close bond with Harry.
2004 — Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, Phelps reprises his role as Fred Weasley. The film follows Harry’s third year at Hogwarts as he learns about Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner believed to pose a threat to him. Fred and George remain part of the story’s lighter moments, with their mischievous spirit contributing to the film’s portrayal of Hogwarts student life. The instalment is notable for its darker atmosphere and shift in visual style.
2005 — Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Phelps appears as Fred Weasley in Mike Newell’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth film in the franchise. Fred and George attempt to enter the Triwizard Tournament despite its age restriction, leading to one of the film’s comic subplots. The fantasy adventure centres on Harry’s unexpected participation in the dangerous competition, alongside key characters played by Robert Pattinson, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes. The film marks a turning point in the series as Voldemort’s return brings a more serious threat to the wizarding world.
2007 — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Phelps reprises Fred Weasley in David Yates’ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. As Hogwarts comes under the strict control of Dolores Umbridge, Fred and George use their humour and magical ingenuity to resist the school’s oppressive atmosphere. The film follows Harry’s efforts to prepare fellow students for the growing danger posed by Voldemort. The twins’ dramatic departure from Hogwarts is one of the instalment’s most memorable sequences.
2009 — Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Phelps returns as Fred Weasley in the sixth instalment, directed by David Yates. Fred and George are now running their joke shop, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, reflecting their move toward independence and entrepreneurship. The film focuses on Harry’s growing understanding of Voldemort’s past while tensions rise across the wizarding world. The twins’ business also provides a welcome contrast to the increasingly dark events surrounding Hogwarts.
2010 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Phelps reprises Fred Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, directed by David Yates. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione search for Voldemort’s Horcruxes, Fred remains part of the resistance against the growing power of the Death Eaters. The film shifts much of its action away from Hogwarts, following the trio through a dangerous journey across Britain. It begins the two-part conclusion to the franchise, with the Weasley family playing an important role in the fight against Voldemort.
2011 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Phelps makes his final appearance as Fred Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. The film culminates in the Battle of Hogwarts, bringing the long-running conflict between Harry and Voldemort to its conclusion. Fred’s role in the final battle gives the character’s journey a deeply emotional place in the franchise’s ending. The film closes the eight-movie series that brought Phelps international recognition.
2015 — Patchwork
Phelps plays Garrett in Patchwork, a comedy-horror film directed by Tyler MacIntyre. The story follows three women who wake up mysteriously stitched together into a single body and set out to discover who is responsible. Starring Tory Stolper, Tracey Fairaway, and Maria Blasucci, the film combines dark humour, horror, and a Frankenstein-inspired premise. It stands out as one of Phelps’ few feature-film roles outside the Harry Potter franchise.
2019 — Cadia: The World Within
Phelps plays Tanion in Cadia: The World Within, an independent fantasy film directed by Cedric Gegel. The story follows three teenagers who, after the loss of their mother, discover a mystical realm where they encounter a struggle between good and evil. Featuring Corbin Bernsen alongside Phelps, the film explores themes of grief, discovery, and the supernatural. Released theatrically in 2019 and later made available for streaming, it represents a fantasy role beyond the world of Hogwarts.
2021 — Last Night in Soho
Phelps appears as a cloakroom attendant in Edgar Wright’s psychological horror film Last Night in Soho. The film stars Thomasin McKenzie as Eloise, a young fashion student who begins experiencing vivid visions of a singer named Sandie, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, in 1960s London. As the visions become increasingly disturbing, Eloise struggles to separate the past from reality. Though Phelps has a small supporting role, the film is a notable appearance in a critically discussed psychological thriller.
2026 — Jackie the Stripper
Phelps plays Father Lux in Jackie the Stripper, a British action-comedy thriller directed by Michael Head. The film follows Jackie and a group of female vigilantes as they plot against a secret organisation linked to Jack the Ripper. Blending grindhouse-style violence, comedy, and action, the film features Charlotte Kirk and Kimberly Wyatt. Released in the United Kingdom in July 2026, it adds a genre-driven role to Phelps’ post-Harry Potter filmography.
2015 — Danny and the Human Zoo (Television Film)
Phelps appears as Mr. Carter in Danny and the Human Zoo, a BBC television film directed by Destiny Ekaragha. Inspired by the early life of comedian Lenny Henry, the drama follows a young Black teenager growing up in 1970s Dudley as he pursues a career in entertainment. The film explores race, identity, ambition, and the challenges of breaking into British television. Although it was made for television rather than a theatrical release, it is a relevant screen credit in Phelps’ filmography.
Other Screen Appearances
In addition to his feature films, James Phelps has appeared in short-form productions, documentaries, and franchise-related specials. These credits are distinct from his conventional theatrical filmography but provide further context for his screen career.
- A Mind’s Eye (2009) — Short film appearance as Stanley Too.
- The Turn (2012) — Short film in which he plays Morris Talliver.
- 7 Days: The Story of Blind Dave Heeley (2019) — Short film appearance as Captain Williams.
- Bloody Fury (2023) — Short film appearance as Duke.
- Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts (2022) — Reunion special in which he appears as himself, reflecting on the franchise.
- The Hogwarts Express (2014) — Short-form Wizarding World experience featuring Phelps as Fred Weasley.
These non-standard appearances are not counted as conventional feature films in the main chronological list.
Conclusion
James Phelps’ movie career is closely associated with his portrayal of Fred Weasley across all eight Harry Potter films, a role that introduced him to audiences worldwide. Beyond Hogwarts, his appearances in Patchwork, Cadia: The World Within, and Last Night in Soho demonstrate his work in independent horror, fantasy, and psychological thriller productions. With further film roles following the conclusion of the franchise, Phelps continues to build a screen career that extends beyond his best-known character.
