5 best Emma Watson films to watch other than Harry Potter to celebrate the actress's birthday 

For people who have grown up with the Potterverse, Emma Watson's Hermione Granger is the very heart and soul of the franchise. Starting off with Philosopher's Stone to sealing the series with the sequel of Deathly Hallows, Watson's charm, sass, and acting prowess is undoubtedly a notable one in the industry.

After the Harry Potter franchise ended, the actress went on to star in a handful of indie projects, mostly staying away from big projects and focusing more on her work as an activist and an advocate. Nonetheless, Watson proves less is more, as her limited acting credits have still stood out among the rest for her meticulous choices. As she turns 35, here are five of her best film projects apart from the Harry Potter series that reflect her mastery as an actress

Beauty and the Beast

The next and nearly as awesome thing Emma Watson did after the release of all the Harry Potter films was starring as Belle in Disney's live adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Singing her own songs in the film, Watson was a delight to watch as the headstrong French heroine finds herself in golden shackles and in love with a misunderstood beast. Stunning visuals, talking inanimate objects, and magic formed the premise of this one, all of which Watson already had quite a lot of experience in.

Surprisingly, the actress was initially offered the role of Cinderella, but she turned it down for not feeling connected enough with the character.

Belle is a brave, strong-willed, and intelligent character in the film, one of Disney's first feminist icons who defied the damsel-in-distress trope in fairytales. She is shown to desire a life outside the provincial small town of France as she yearns for greater things that she has read about in her books. With her charm, wit, and endless kindness, it's safe to say that Watson truly did justice to the iconic princess.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky's YA film explored the nuances and intensity of teenage life in a heartfelt, raw, and vulnerable way, and Emma Watson's character Sam, was at the very center of it. Starring as the protagonist Charlie's crush and senior, Watson rocked a pixie cut and stole hearts with her stunning performance.

Sam is used to portray the complexities of being a teenage girl in high school, as she opens up about her initial days of getting bullied and slutshamed in a vulnerable scene.

Throughout the film, Sam stands with Charlie in solidarity, being his muse and his biggest object of admiration as he continues to yearn for her. Although nothing romantic happens between the two of them because of their age gap and Sam's inclination toward other people, it still forms some sweet moments in the film.

Thanks to Watson's portrayal, you fall in love with, empathise with, grow with, and get to learn more about Sam's character. One of the most iconic scenes in the film is when Sam and her brother Patrick, along with Charlie, drive through a tunnel while listening to David Bowie's 'Heroes' She stands up on the back of the pickup truck and opens her arms, facing the wind.

This scene has been highly regarded as one of the best scenes in modern cinema, as the film has found its way to become a cult classic and one of the best modern-day book adaptations so far.

Little Women

Watson's last project on screen was also her most memorable as she starred as Meg March in Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel. As the eldest March sister, Watson plays the more feminine, graceful, and affectionate character in the film, who goes on to marry for love and live a homely life of quiet and peace.

Meg's character is initially shown as someone who desires luxury and a life of wealth, but an encounter with the elite and aristocrats changes her mind as she falls for the modest John Brooke and goes on to marry him.

One of the most powerful scenes in the film has Meg redefining the very core of feminism in the film. In this scene, she is questioned by one of her sisters as to why she wants to get married when she could live her life with her sisters happily, to which she replies,

"Just because my dreams are different than yours doesn't mean they're unimportant"

This scene has formed and initiated countless conversations on feminism being deeply personal and subjective. Meg’s words highlight how feminism isn’t a one-size-fits-all movement—it’s about choice, autonomy, and the freedom to live life on one’s own terms. In choosing marriage and domesticity, Meg reclaims a traditionally “feminine” role not as submission but as empowerment, making it one of the most powerful scenes in the film.

The Bling Ring

Sofia Coppola's crime film saw Emma Watson playing Nicolette "Nicki" Moore in the fictional adaptation of the infamous girl gang, the Bling Ring, who were responsible for multiple thefts in the country.

The film focused on seven teenagers who used technology to track down famous personalities so they could go ahead and steal their homes. Watson's character was the fictional version of Alexis Christine Haines, and the actress received praise for her performance, having explored a new genre after performing much of her characters as bold and valiant young characters.

Noah

Described by Watson herself as one of the most physically demanding roles of her career, Noah starred Russell Crowe as Noah, along with Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Anthony Hopkins.

Watson played the character of Ila, a survivor who is adopted by Noah and his wife Naameh. Her role is demanding and dense as she plays the role of a pregnant mother in a part of the movie that includes a scene where she is giving birth. Notably, it was one of Watson's hardest roles, along with a star ensemble and the film's difficult premise.

The biblical drama is inspired by Noah's Ark from the Book of Genesis and the Book of Enoch and centers on the plot surrounding God's order to create a large ark to help survive Noah's family and a pair of every living animal. The film, although it received positive reviews, was also criticised for its depiction of biblical figures.

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