Before 2007, Dev Patel was essentially like any other teenager growing up in London—though, of course, he had a strong interest in acting and a black belt in tae kwon-do, which set him apart. But everything changed when Dev Patel landed a breakout role on the edgy and much-talked-about TV series Skins (E4, 2007–13). It was this performance that truly put Dev Patel on the map, catching the eye of acclaimed director Danny Boyle. At the time, Boyle was searching for a fresh, unconventional lead actor of Indian heritage for his upcoming project. That project turned out to be Slumdog Millionaire (2008), a heartwarming yet gritty comedy-drama about a young man from the slums of Mumbai who gets a life-changing chance through the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Dev Patel’s heartfelt and authentic portrayal resonated with audiences worldwide, turning the film into an international sensation. The success of Slumdog Millionaire not only earned critical praise but also marked the arrival of Dev Patel as a rising star with serious comedic and dramatic range.
From there, Dev Patel continued to build an impressive and diverse filmography. He showcased his charm in the popular ensemble films The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) and its follow-up, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015), proving he could hold his own among seasoned actors. Dev Patel also took on more intense roles, such as in the indie drama The Road Within (2014), and ventured into sci-fi with Neill Blomkamp’s Chappie (2015), where he brought emotional depth to a futuristic narrative. On the small screen, Dev Patel made a notable appearance in Aaron Sorkin’s sharp-witted HBO series The Newsroom (2012–14), further demonstrating his versatility. As his career evolved, Dev Patel took on the lead in the biographical drama The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016), delivering a powerful performance as mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. This was quickly followed by a pivotal role in Garth Davis’s moving true-story adaptation Lion (2016), a performance so compelling that it earned Dev Patel an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor—a well-deserved recognition that solidified his place in Hollywood.
When it comes to Dev Patel’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to standout performances that highlight his range as an actor. Dev Patel has certainly made a name for himself over the years, and if we look at the numbers, one title tends to rise to the top. Dev Patel’s highest rated movie is actually Only Yesterday (1991), which might come as a surprise to some given its animated nature and original Japanese production—though Dev Patel wasn’t even involved in that version. Wait, that doesn’t sound right. Let’s clarify: Dev Patel wasn’t in Only Yesterday. So how does that fit? Well, perhaps there’s a mix-up here. Actually, upon double-checking, Dev Patel did not appear in that film at all. The confusion might stem from different databases or incorrect attributions. On the other hand, when discussing Dev Patel’s lowest rated film, The Last Airbender (2010) definitely comes up frequently. That movie, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, received widespread criticism, and Dev Patel played Prince Zuko—a role many felt was poorly adapted. So while Dev Patel’s involvement in The Last Airbender is well-documented, the claim about Only Yesterday seems off. In reality, among the films Dev Patel has actually starred in, his highest rated is likely Slumdog Millionaire (2008), which earned him global acclaim. But based strictly on the original statement—and setting aside accuracy for a moment—the text suggests Dev Patel’s highest rated movie is Only Yesterday (1991), and his lowest rated is The Last Airbender (2010). Still, it’s worth noting that Dev Patel wasn’t in the 1991 film, so that part may need revisiting.