Since the final chapter of the Harry Potter saga closed in 2011, its young cast has embarked on diverse cinematic journeys—some bold, some bizarre, and a few brilliant. But among all their post-Hogwarts endeavors, one 2019 period drama has risen above the rest. With a stellar 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a legacy of literary prestige, Little Women stands as the most critically lauded film any of the core trio—Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, or Emma Watson—has featured in since leaving the Wizarding World behind.
Emma Watson Shines in Greta Gerwig’s Masterful Adaptation
Greta Gerwig’s Little Women isn't just another retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel; it’s a heartfelt, inventive, and emotionally intelligent reimagining that manages to feel both timeless and startlingly modern. Emma Watson plays Meg March, the eldest of the four March sisters, and though the film boasts a powerhouse ensemble—Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, and Laura Dern—Watson’s grounded performance lends an understated elegance to the film’s emotional core.
Her portrayal of Meg, a young woman grappling with love, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, captures a complexity that audiences may not have anticipated from her earlier work. It’s a role that demands maturity, restraint, and sincerity—qualities Watson brings in full measure. In a film where every character has a richly drawn arc, Meg’s quieter storyline becomes one of the most touching, largely thanks to Watson’s nuanced performance.
From Witchcraft to Oscar-Worthy Drama
Emma Watson’s post-Harry Potter filmography is impressively varied. While some of her co-stars opted for unconventional or low-profile roles, Watson consistently balanced prestige dramas with mainstream appeal. Her starring turn as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast remake grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, making it her most financially successful film to date. Yet, it’s Little Women that showcases her artistic growth and cements her credibility as a serious dramatic actress.
This isn’t to say that Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint haven’t taken interesting paths. Radcliffe has become known for his eccentric and eclectic choices, appearing in offbeat indie hits like Swiss Army Man and Horns, and exploring darker terrain with films such as Kill Your Darlings. Rupert Grint, meanwhile, has leaned into TV with memorable performances in Servant and Cabinet of Curiosities, along with a noteworthy role in M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin.
But despite their individual successes, neither Radcliffe nor Grint has landed a project as widely acclaimed, culturally resonant, and awards-season-adjacent as Little Women
A Career Crafted with Care and Purpose
What sets Watson apart isn’t just her film choices but the deliberate, thoughtful way she’s curated her career. Since wrapping up her time as Hermione Granger, she has made bold decisions that reflect both personal passion and artistic integrity. From Sofia Coppola’s stylish crime satire The Bling Ring to the emotionally charged coming-of-age drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Watson has continually sought roles that challenge her and expand her range.
Even her participation in Noah, Darren Aronofsky’s polarizing biblical epic, demonstrated a willingness to take risks—even if it meant courting controversy. And her comedic cameo in This Is the End proved she’s not afraid to poke fun at her own public persona. Still, Little Women represents the high point of this trajectory: a film that showcases her dramatic chops in a project bursting with artistic ambition.
Watson’s Legacy Beyond Hogwarts
More than a decade after The Deathly Hallows Part 2, Emma Watson remains the brightest star to emerge from the halls of Hogwarts. Her journey reflects a rare combination of commercial success and critical recognition—a balance that has eluded many of her former co-stars. By taking on roles with emotional resonance and collaborating with auteurs like Gerwig, she’s carved a post-Potter path that is both impressive and inspiring.
While nostalgia for the Wizarding World will never fully fade, Watson’s career reminds us that great stories—and great performances—exist far beyond the borders of fantasy. Little Women is not just her best film since Harry Potter; it’s a landmark in her evolution as an artist.
And if this is any indication of what’s still to come, audiences can expect many more Oscar-worthy moments from Emma Watson in the years ahead.
