Warwick Davis is one of Britain’s most recognizable character actors, known for bringing memorable fantasy, science-fiction, horror and family-film characters to life. Born in Epsom, Surrey, Davis made his feature-film debut as Wicket W. Warrick in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), a role that became an important part of his career. He later took the lead as Willow Ufgood in Ron Howard’s Willow (1988), establishing himself as a versatile performer capable of carrying a major fantasy adventure. His filmography also includes the Leprechaun series, the Harry Potter films, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and several Star Wars productions. Davis has frequently played characters hidden beneath elaborate costumes, prosthetics or makeup, sometimes portraying several characters within the same movie. Looking at Warwick Davis movies by year shows how his career has moved between major Hollywood franchises, independent productions and distinctive supporting roles across more than three decades.
1983 — Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Warwick Davis made his feature-film debut in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, directed by Richard Marquand and released in 1983. He played Wicket W. Warrick, the Ewok who encounters Princess Leia on the forest moon of Endor and helps the Rebel cause. Davis originally joined the production as an extra, but after Kenny Baker became ill, George Lucas selected the young actor to portray Wicket. The science-fiction adventure became a defining early credit and established Davis as a memorable presence in the Star Wars universe.
1986 — Labyrinth
In 1986, Davis appeared in Jim Henson’s fantasy musical Labyrinth, directed by Jim Henson and starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. Davis was part of the Goblin Corps, appearing among the many fantastical creatures populating the Goblin King’s world. The film follows teenager Sarah as she travels through a magical labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from Jareth, the Goblin King. Although Davis’s role was not a leading part, Labyrinth became an enduring cult fantasy film and an early example of his work in creature-driven productions.
1988 — Willow
Willow marked a major turning point in Davis’s career when he took the title role of Willow Ufgood in Ron Howard’s 1988 fantasy adventure. The story follows a reluctant Nelwyn farmer who becomes responsible for protecting an infant destined to challenge the evil Queen Bavmorda. Davis starred opposite Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley in a Lucasfilm production that combined practical effects, fantasy adventure and large-scale action. The role remains one of the most important performances in Warwick Davis movies by year because it gave him his first major starring role and demonstrated his ability to lead a feature film.
1993 — Leprechaun
Davis returned to feature filmmaking in 1993 with Leprechaun, a horror-comedy directed by Mark Jones. He played Lubdan, the murderous leprechaun who searches for his stolen pot of gold while terrorizing a group of people in North Dakota. The film mixed supernatural horror with dark comedy and became the beginning of a long-running cult franchise. Davis’s performance as the mischievous but violent creature became one of his signature genre roles and led to several sequels.
1994 — Leprechaun 2
In Leprechaun 2, released in 1994 and directed by Rodman Flender, Davis returned as Lubdan. The horror-comedy moves the action to Los Angeles and follows the leprechaun as he attempts to find a woman who can fulfill an ancient condition that would allow him to marry. Davis once again combined physical comedy with the character’s threatening supernatural personality. The sequel strengthened his association with the Leprechaun franchise and continued the series’ distinctive blend of horror and comedy.
1995 — Leprechaun 3
Released in 1995, Leprechaun 3 took the franchise into Las Vegas, where Lubdan causes chaos while searching for his gold. Brian Trenchard-Smith directed the horror-comedy, with Davis again playing the central leprechaun. The film expanded the series’ formula by placing the supernatural villain in a casino environment filled with eccentric characters. For Davis, it was another opportunity to make Lubdan the primary attraction of a genre sequel.
1996 — Leprechaun 4: In Space
Leprechaun 4: In Space pushed the series into science-fiction territory in 1996. Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, the film follows Lubdan as he becomes involved with soldiers and scientists in a futuristic setting. Davis again portrayed the titular leprechaun, bringing the same combination of menace and comic timing to the unusual space-horror concept. Its deliberately eccentric premise made it one of the most distinctive entries in the Leprechaun series.
1997 — Prince Valiant
Davis appeared as Pechet in Prince Valiant, a 1997 medieval adventure film directed by Anthony Hickox. The movie was based loosely on the famous Prince Valiant comic strip and featured Stephen Moyer, Katherine Heigl and Thomas Kretschmann among its cast. Davis’s role was supporting rather than central, placing him within another fantasy-oriented production after his earlier work in Willow and Leprechaun. The film added a medieval adventure title to a filmography increasingly associated with fantasy and genre storytelling.
1999 — Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Davis returned to the Star Wars universe in 1999 with George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Rather than playing a single principal character, he performed several parts, including Weazel, Wald and a Mos Espa citizen, while also performing Yoda in certain walk-in shots. His multiple appearances became a notable example of the franchise’s extensive use of performers beneath costumes and makeup. The Phantom Menace also marked the beginning of Davis’s recurring tradition of appearing as different characters throughout the Star Wars saga.
2000 — Leprechaun in the Hood
Davis returned as Lubdan in Leprechaun in the Hood, the fifth released film in the horror-comedy franchise. The story moves the supernatural character into an urban setting, where he becomes involved with three aspiring hip-hop artists after being accidentally released from captivity. The film was directed by Rob Spera and continued the series’ increasingly unconventional approach to the character. Davis remained the central attraction, once again balancing the leprechaun’s murderous behavior with comic performance.
2001 — Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Davis joined the Harry Potter film series in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, directed by Chris Columbus. He portrayed Professor Filius Flitwick, the Charms professor at Hogwarts, while also being associated with the goblin Griphook, including the character’s voice. The film introduced audiences to the magical world of Hogwarts and featured Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in the lead roles. Davis’s involvement gave him an important recurring place in one of the most successful fantasy film franchises of the 21st century.
2002 — Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, released in 2002, Davis reprised Professor Flitwick as Harry and his friends investigated the mysterious Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts. Chris Columbus returned as director, with Radcliffe, Grint and Watson again leading the cast. Flitwick remained a supporting Hogwarts professor, contributing to the film’s broader magical school environment. The sequel continued Davis’s regular presence in the Harry Potter franchise.
2002 — Al’s Lads
Davis also appeared in the 2002 British crime drama Al’s Lads, directed by Richard Standeven. He played Leo in a story about three British merchant sailors who become involved with Al Capone’s criminal organization during the Prohibition era. The film starred Marc Warren, Ralf Little and Al Sapienza, placing Davis in a very different genre from his fantasy and horror work. His appearance demonstrated the broader range of supporting roles within his film career.
2003 — Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood
In 2003, Davis returned to the role of Lubdan in Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood. Directed by Steven Ayromlooi, the horror-comedy follows a group of friends who discover a treasure chest containing gold and soon find themselves dealing with the protective leprechaun. Davis once again carried the supernatural comedy as the title character. It was his final Leprechaun feature-film appearance in the original run of the series.
2004 — Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Davis appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, directed by Alfonso Cuarón and released in 2004. His involvement centered on the Hogwarts choir master, a role that was visually connected with the later depiction of Professor Flitwick in the series. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint returned as Harry, Hermione and Ron while the story introduced the dangerous escaped prisoner Sirius Black. The film gave the series a darker visual and emotional style while retaining Davis as part of the Hogwarts ensemble.
2004 — Ray
Also released in 2004, Ray was a biographical musical drama directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Jamie Foxx as musician Ray Charles. Davis played Oberon, appearing in a supporting role within the story of Charles’s rise from childhood blindness to international musical fame. Foxx’s performance became the centerpiece of the film and earned major awards recognition, while Davis’s appearance added another character role to his increasingly varied filmography. Ray was a notable departure from Davis’s better-known fantasy and creature work.
2004 — Skinned Deep
Skinned Deep is a 2004 independent horror film directed by special-effects artist Gabriel Bartalos. Davis played Plates, one of the disturbing characters encountered by a family caught up in a violent and surreal nightmare. The movie leaned heavily into grotesque practical effects and exploitation-style horror rather than mainstream fantasy. Davis’s appearance showed his willingness to work in lower-budget genre productions alongside his major studio projects.
2005 — The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Davis appeared in the 2005 science-fiction comedy The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, directed by Garth Jennings. He played the physical body of Marvin the Paranoid Android, while Alan Rickman provided Marvin’s voice. Based on Douglas Adams’s influential novel, the film follows Arthur Dent after he discovers that Earth is about to be demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass. Davis’s performance was unusual because his physical acting was paired with Rickman’s distinctive vocal performance, creating one of the film’s most recognizable characters.
2005 — Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, released in 2005 and directed by Mike Newell, Davis returned as Professor Flitwick. The fourth installment follows Harry through the dangerous Triwizard Tournament while Voldemort’s return becomes an increasingly serious threat. Davis’s character remained part of the Hogwarts teaching staff alongside returning performers including Radcliffe, Grint, Watson and Alan Rickman. The film expanded the scale of the franchise and continued Davis’s recurring contribution to the series.
2005 — Small Town Folk
Davis appeared in the independent British comedy-horror film Small Town Folk as Knackerman #2. Directed by Peter Stanley-Ward, the movie centers on strange events surrounding a small rural community and features a mixture of comedy, fantasy and horror elements. Davis’s role was a supporting genre appearance rather than a conventional leading performance. The film is one of the lesser-known feature credits that is important when compiling Warwick Davis movies by year without omitting smaller productions.
2007 — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Davis reprised Professor Flitwick in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, released in 2007 and directed by David Yates. The film follows Harry’s struggle against the Ministry of Magic’s refusal to accept that Voldemort has returned, while Hogwarts comes under the control of Dolores Umbridge. Davis remained part of the Hogwarts staff alongside the franchise’s principal cast. The movie began Yates’s long run as director of the Harry Potter series and continued Davis’s eight-film association with the franchise.
2008 — Agent One-Half
Agent One-Half is a 2008 action-comedy in which Davis plays the title character, a diminutive secret agent involved in a scheme to prevent California from being sent to the bottom of the ocean. Brian Bero directed the film and co-wrote it with Davis and Ed Ferrara. Davis therefore had an unusually broad role in the production, serving as both star and co-writer. The independent project stands out because it gave him another opportunity to lead a comedy rather than simply appear as a supporting character.
2008 — The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Davis played the dwarf Nikabrik in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, directed by Andrew Adamson and released in 2008. Nikabrik is a suspicious and battle-hardened dwarf who supports Prince Caspian’s struggle against the invading forces in Narnia. The fantasy adventure starred Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley and Anna Popplewell. Davis’s performance added another distinctive fantasy character to his filmography, this time within a major adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s work.
2009 — Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
In 2009, Davis returned as Professor Flitwick in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, directed by David Yates. The sixth film explores Harry’s growing understanding of Voldemort’s past while the students at Hogwarts face an increasingly dangerous threat. Davis remained part of the ensemble alongside Radcliffe, Watson, Grint, Michael Gambon and Alan Rickman. The movie continued the increasingly darker tone of the series while maintaining Flitwick as one of Hogwarts’ familiar professors.
2010 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Davis took on another important role in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, playing Griphook as well as continuing his association with the Harry Potter production. The 2010 fantasy adventure, directed by David Yates, follows Harry, Ron and Hermione after they leave Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Griphook is the goblin who becomes involved in the trio’s plans to break into the Lestrange vault at Gringotts. The role was particularly notable because Davis had been associated with Griphook earlier in the franchise while also playing Professor Flitwick.
2011 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
The final Harry Potter movie arrived in 2011, with Davis portraying both Griphook and Professor Flitwick. Directed by David Yates, the film brings the story to its climactic Battle of Hogwarts as Harry and his allies make their final stand against Voldemort. Davis’s dual roles allowed him to participate in both the wizarding and goblin sides of the story. With this installment, his regular involvement in the eight-film Harry Potter series came to an end.
2013 — Jack the Giant Slayer
Davis appeared as Old Hamm in Jack the Giant Slayer, Bryan Singer’s 2013 fantasy adventure. The film stars Nicholas Hoult as Jack, a young farmhand who becomes involved in a conflict between humans and giants after an ancient gateway is reopened. Davis’s character is a supporting figure within the medieval fantasy setting, alongside performers including Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci and Ian McShane. The movie reunited Davis with the large-scale fantasy genre that had been a major part of his career since Willow.
2013 — Ashens and the Quest for the GameChild
Davis appeared in the independent comedy-adventure Ashens and the Quest for the GameChild in 2013, playing himself as well as the Silver Skull Unmasked. The film stars internet personality Stuart Ashen and follows a deliberately absurd quest inspired by retro gaming culture. Davis’s involvement was a playful departure from his major studio fantasy roles and connected him with a cult independent production. His appearance is therefore best viewed as a comedy and guest-style feature role rather than a conventional dramatic performance.
2014 — Get Santa
In 2014, Davis appeared as Sally in the British Christmas comedy Get Santa, directed by Christopher Smith. The film stars Jim Broadbent as Santa Claus and follows a father and son who try to help Santa after his sleigh crashes in London. Davis appears alongside Rafe Spall, Ewen Bremner, Stephen Graham and Jodie Whittaker in the family-oriented story. The movie added a warm Christmas comedy to Davis’s otherwise diverse collection of fantasy, horror, science-fiction and franchise films.
2015 — Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Davis returned to Star Wars in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams. He played Wollivan, a mysterious alien seen at Maz Kanata’s castle, adding another creature character to his long association with the franchise. The film introduced a new generation of Star Wars heroes while bringing back original characters played by Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill. Davis’s appearance was brief but continued his tradition of portraying distinctive alien characters within the saga.
2016 — Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, released in 2016 and directed by Gareth Edwards, Davis played Weeteef Cyubee, a member of Saw Gerrera’s Partisans. The character is an alien fighter and explosives specialist who joins the resistance against the Galactic Empire. Davis performed the role beneath an elaborate animatronic headpiece, making the character difficult to identify as the actor himself. The appearance demonstrated his continuing importance to the practical creature work that has helped define many of his Star Wars performances.
2017 — Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Davis appeared in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson and released in 2017, although his involvement was relatively brief. He was credited as Wodibin, while another character, Kedpin Shoklop, was associated with a deleted scene. The film follows Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron and the surviving Resistance forces as they confront the First Order. Davis’s appearance continued his remarkable record of playing different characters across the Star Wars saga, even when some material did not make the final cut.
2018 — Solo: A Star Wars Story
Davis took on several parts in Solo: A Star Wars Story, the 2018 standalone Star Wars adventure directed by Ron Howard. His most recognizable role was Weazel, a character first seen in The Phantom Menace, while he also portrayed several droid characters. The film follows a young Han Solo, played by Alden Ehrenreich, before the events of the original trilogy and features Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian. Davis’s multiple performances made the movie another showcase for his ability to disappear completely into unusual Star Wars characters.
2019 — Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans
Davis appeared as the Gladiator Trainer in Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans, a 2019 British historical comedy directed by Dominic Brigstocke. The film uses the irreverent style of the Horrible Histories franchise to tell a comic story set during the Roman occupation of Britain. Davis’s supporting appearance fits naturally into the film’s exaggerated historical world and comedic tone. It is one of the lesser-known but officially released feature films in his later filmography.
2019 — Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
In Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, released in 2019 and directed by Joachim Rønning, Davis played Lickspittle. The fantasy sequel stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as Aurora as they become caught in a conflict involving the magical kingdom and Queen Ingrith. Davis’s character is a supporting figure within the film’s richly designed fantasy world. His appearance continued his long-running pattern of taking roles that rely heavily on makeup, costume and visual effects.
2019 — Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
Davis returned once more as Wicket W. Warrick in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, directed by J.J. Abrams and released in 2019. The film concludes the sequel trilogy and the nine-film Skywalker saga, bringing together characters from across the franchise’s history. Davis’s return as Wicket provided a direct link to his very first major film role in Return of the Jedi. The movie also made the appearance particularly meaningful within Warwick Davis movies by year because it brought his Star Wars career full circle.
Conclusion
Warwick Davis’s movie career stretches from his breakthrough as Wicket in Return of the Jedi to a wide range of fantasy, horror, science-fiction, comedy and family-film roles. He became a leading performer through Willow, a horror icon through the Leprechaun series and a familiar face in both the Harry Potter and Star Wars franchises. His ability to perform beneath elaborate costumes and makeup has allowed him to portray an unusually broad collection of characters, from goblins and leprechauns to aliens, wizards and droids. The complete record of Warwick Davis movies by year therefore reflects a career defined by versatility, franchise longevity and memorable character work across more than 35 years.
