The 10 Must-See Kelvin Harrison Jr. Movies: From Indie Breakthroughs To His Blockbuster Future (2025 Update)

Kelvin Harrison Jr. has firmly established himself as one of Hollywood's most versatile and compelling young actors, renowned for his intense dramatic performances and ability to fully inhabit complex characters. As of December 2025, his career trajectory is soaring, moving from critically acclaimed indie darlings to major blockbuster franchises and historical biopics, cementing his status as a true "actor’s actor."

This comprehensive guide dives into the definitive list of Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s essential films, providing an up-to-the-minute look at the roles that defined his early career and the massive upcoming projects that are set to make him a household name. From his heart-wrenching turn in Waves to his monumental task of portraying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., explore the depth and range of this generational talent.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. Full Biography and Profile

Kelvin Harrison Jr. was born on July 23, 1994, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His upbringing was deeply rooted in the arts, as both of his parents, Kelvin Harrison Sr. and Shirlita Harrison, were accomplished musicians.

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His father is a classically trained jazz musician, and his mother is a former dancer and jazz vocalist, providing a rich, creative environment that would later inform his artistic pursuits.

Harrison Jr. initially pursued music, focusing on jazz and classical composition, before pivoting to acting. This musical foundation is a key element of his unique artistic approach.

His professional career began in earnest in the mid-2010s, quickly moving through smaller roles in major productions like 12 Years a Slave and Ender's Game before securing his breakthrough roles that garnered significant critical attention.

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• Full Name: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
• Born: July 23, 1994
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Parents: Kelvin Harrison Sr. and Shirlita Harrison (Musicians)
• Notable Awards: BAFTA Rising Star Award (Winner), Screen Actors Guild Award (Winner for The Trial of the Chicago 7), British Academy Film Award (Nomination).
• Education/Background: Studied music (jazz and classical composition) before acting.

The Breakthrough Era: High-Wire Dramatic Performances

Harrison Jr.'s reputation as a "breakthrough actor" was solidified by a series of challenging and emotionally demanding roles in independent cinema, where he demonstrated a remarkable capacity for nuance and intensity. These films established his topical authority in young Hollywood.

1. Waves (2019)

In Trey Edward Shults’ emotionally charged drama Waves, Harrison Jr. delivered a landmark performance as Tyler Williams, a popular high school wrestler whose life spirals out of control following a tragic accident.

Critics lauded his raw, visceral portrayal of a young man grappling with immense pressure, toxic masculinity, and grief. The film’s challenging style, which shifts perspectives and features a dynamic score, perfectly showcased his ability to convey deep emotional turmoil with minimal dialogue.

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2. Luce (2019)

Released in the same pivotal year, Luce saw Harrison Jr. take on the title role of a seemingly perfect, high-achieving student who was adopted from a war-torn country. His portrayal of Luce Edgar is a masterclass in ambiguity, forcing the audience to constantly question his true nature.

The performance was praised for its calculated "nonthreatening" facade that masked profound complexity, earning him a Gotham Award nomination for Best Actor.

3. It Comes at Night (2017)

This psychological horror film, also directed by Trey Edward Shults, marked one of Harrison Jr.'s earliest significant roles as Travis. The film’s claustrophobic tension and focus on the breakdown of trust allowed him to showcase his early dramatic chops, earning him his first Gotham Independent Film Award nomination for Breakthrough Actor.

4. Chevalier (2022)

In the biographical drama Chevalier, Harrison Jr. played the lead role of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a real-life 18th-century French-Caribbean composer, violinist, and fencer. This role required him to fully immerse himself in period drama, displaying his musical talents and commanding presence as a historical figure.

5. Cyrano (2021)

Harrison Jr. took on the role of Christian in Joe Wright’s musical adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac. His performance, alongside Peter Dinklage, demonstrated his versatility by combining dramatic acting with his inherent musicality, further broadening his appeal beyond intense indie dramas.

6. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

While a supporting role, his work as Fred Hampton, the deputy chairman of the Black Panther Party, in Aaron Sorkin's ensemble drama earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. This film highlighted his ability to stand out even in a star-studded cast.

The Blockbuster Future: Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s Massive Upcoming Movies (2024–2026)

The next few years are poised to be the most significant of Harrison Jr.’s career, with major roles in some of the most anticipated projects across film and television. His upcoming movies and TV shows demonstrate a clear move into the mainstream while maintaining the integrity of his dramatic performances.

7. Genius: MLK/X (2024)

One of his most challenging roles to date, Harrison Jr. stars as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the National Geographic series Genius: MLK/X. The series explores the parallel lives of Dr. King and Malcolm X. Stepping into the shoes of one of history’s most revered figures requires an immense level of method acting and historical respect, a challenge Harrison Jr. is uniquely equipped to handle.

8. Mufasa: The Lion King (2024/2025)

In a major Disney prequel to the 2019 film The Lion King, Harrison Jr. provides the voice for the young Taka, who is the original name of the villain Scar.

This role is a massive career milestone, introducing his vocal talent to a global, family-friendly audience. The film explores the origin story of the iconic rivalry between Mufasa and his younger brother, Taka, who eventually becomes Scar.

9. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026)

Kelvin Harrison Jr. is officially set to join the massive Hunger Games franchise, taking on the role of Beetee Latier in the prequel film Sunrise on the Reaping.

Beetee is the brilliant, technologically-minded victor from District 3, a character previously played by Jeffrey Wright. This casting decision shows the industry’s confidence in Harrison Jr.’s ability to handle high-profile, complex character roles in major studio productions.

10. O’Dessa (2025)

Further showcasing his musical roots, Harrison Jr. is set to star in the original rock opera musical film O’Dessa, set in a post-apocalyptic future. The project, which also features Sadie Sink and Regina Hall, is a highly anticipated addition to his filmography, confirming his status as a multi-hyphenate talent.

The Kelvin Harrison Jr. Effect: Topical Authority and Critical Acclaim

What sets Kelvin Harrison Jr. apart from his peers is his commitment to deep, transformative dramatic performances. His work is often characterized by a quiet intensity and a profound understanding of his characters’ internal struggles.

He frequently chooses roles that delve into complex themes of race, identity, and societal pressure, such as his work in Monsters and Men, Luce, and Waves. This dedication has earned him the respect of film critics and directors alike, positioning him as a leading voice among young Hollywood talent.

His upcoming portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is perhaps the ultimate testament to his critical standing. The sheer weight and historical significance of the role underscore the industry’s recognition of his dramatic range and intellectual approach to acting.

From indie film roles to voicing a Disney villain and playing a historical icon, Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s filmography is a masterclass in career versatility. Fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating his future projects, knowing that each one promises a fresh, unforgettable dramatic performance.

Key Kelvin Harrison Jr. Filmography Entities and Collaborations

• Directors: Trey Edward Shults (Waves, It Comes at Night), Joe Wright (Cyrano), Baz Luhrmann (Elvis), Aaron Sorkin (The Trial of the Chicago 7).
• Co-Stars: Sterling K. Brown (Waves), Naomi Watts (Luce), Peter Dinklage (Cyrano), Viola Davis (Troop Zero), Austin Butler (Elvis).
• Other Notable Films: Elvis (2022, as B.B. King), The High Note (2020), Godfather of Harlem (TV Series).
• Awards Recognition: British Academy of Film & Television Arts Rising Star Award, AAFCA Award for Breakout Performance, Hollywood Critics Association Film Awards.