Freddie Highmore, really, had a bit of everything going for him from the start—natural talent, great timing, and yes, even a mother who happened to be a talent agent. It all came together in a big way when he was just 12 years old, stepping into the spotlight as the lead in the hugely popular remake Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). But before Freddie Highmore captured hearts as the wide-eyed boy who finds a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s magical world, he’d already made a strong impression with his standout role in Finding Neverland (2004), a film that earned multiple Oscar nominations.
And it wasn’t just audiences who noticed—his co-stars were genuinely blown away by Freddie Highmore’s skill. Johnny Depp, for instance, was so impressed that he personally recommended Freddie Highmore to director Tim Burton for the Chocolate Factory role. Even Kate Winslet, no stranger to powerful performances, once said that Freddie Highmore was the finest child actor she’d ever worked with.
Now, despite this early wave of success, Freddie Highmore actually claimed he didn’t intend to make acting a long-term career. But, well, things have a way of changing—and thank goodness they did. Fans got to see him grow into more complex roles over time, like in Master Harold…and the Boys (2010), and especially in the critically acclaimed series Bates Motel (FX, 2013–2017), where Freddie Highmore delivered a haunting, layered performance as a young Norman Bates. So while he may have doubted his path at first, Freddie Highmore clearly found his place—one role at a time.
When it comes to Freddie Highmore’s filmography, one standout performance that really put him on the map was in Finding Neverland (2004), which remains his highest-rated movie to date. Critics and audiences alike praised Freddie Highmore’s portrayal in that film, highlighting his emotional depth and natural talent at such a young age. On the other end of the spectrum, Freddie Highmore also appeared in Arthur and the Great Adventure (2009), a film that didn’t quite resonate as well with viewers or critics—making it his lowest rated movie so far. While Freddie Highmore has taken on a wide range of roles throughout his career, these two films represent the high and low points in terms of critical reception. Still, Freddie Highmore continues to be recognized for his consistent performances, even as he explores both film and television projects.