---
name: "Neil Patrick Harris"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/neil-patrick-harris"
fi1m_id: "neil-patrick-harris"
imdb_id: "nm0000439"
tmdb_id: 41686
wikidata_id: "Q485310"
roles: ["Actor","Director"]
born: "15 June 1973"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 16
average_fi1m_score: 69
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 14
updated: "2026-10-23T04:11:13.161864+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Neil Patrick Harris

## Identity

Neil Patrick Harris

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/neil-patrick-harris
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** neil-patrick-harris
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000439
- **TMDB ID:** 41686
- **Wikidata ID:** Q485310
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Patrick_Harris, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q485310, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000439/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/41686

Actor and director. Born 15 June 1973 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Director
- **Born:** 15 June 1973, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- **Active:** 1997–present
- **Also known as:** Neil Harris, NPH, Neal Patrick Harris, Neal Harris
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 16: 14 acting, 1 directing, 1 other
- **Frequently works with:** [Greg Shapiro](https://film.one/person/greg-shapiro.md), [Hayden Schlossberg](https://film.one/person/hayden-schlossberg.md), [John Cho](https://film.one/person/john-cho.md), [Jon Hurwitz](https://film.one/person/jon-hurwitz.md), [Kal Penn](https://film.one/person/kal-penn.md), [Paula Garcés](https://film.one/person/paula-garces.md), [Phil Lord](https://film.one/person/phil-lord.md)
- **Primetime Emmy Awards:** 1 Emmy (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 69, as actor, over 14 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 79 (1), 2000s 74 (6), 2010s 62 (6), 2020s 71 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 69 to 70 across 14 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 8 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 2 of 10 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 10, Drama 6, Adventure 5, Family 4, Mystery 3, Science Fiction 3
- **Screen time:** 18 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,786m across 9 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Patrick_Harris, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q485310, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000439/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/41686

## Streaming the US now

- **Netflix:** [*Gone Girl*](https://film.one/film/gone-girl.md) (84), [*Starship Troopers*](https://film.one/film/starship-troopers.md) (79), [*A Series of Unfortunate Events*](https://film.one/tv/a-series-of-unfortunate-events.md) (74), [*The Smurfs*](https://film.one/film/the-smurfs.md) (37)
- **HBO Max:** [*It's a Sin*](https://film.one/tv/its-a-sin.md) (84)
- **Disney+:** [*How I Met Your Mother*](https://film.one/tv/how-i-met-your-mother.md) (74)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle*](https://film.one/film/harold-and-kumar-go-to-white-castle.md) (71)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Neil Patrick Harris

> Neil Patrick Harris has the comic timing to make broad characters work, though we prefer him when a director casts against his wholesome image. His darker supporting parts are a better starting point than the sitcom charm.

An actor associated with a child-prodigy doctor is a canny choice for an intelligence officer in *Starship Troopers* (1997). Neil Patrick Harris brings a wholesome screen image to Colonel Carl Jenkins, and Paul Verhoeven has a clear satirical use for it. We laughed at the shameless military publicity, then felt uneasy about how hard it was trying to win us over. Harris's casting suits that mixture of comedy and discomfort, though the teenage romance drags and some of the acting tests our patience.

*Doogie Howser, M.D.* (1989–1993) had made that reassuring image an obstacle as well as an asset. The move into satire offered a way out of typecasting; the later success of Barney Stinson in *How I Met Your Mother* (2005–2014) depended on his comic timing and willingness to commit to broad characterisation. We value that willingness, but Barney's dated attitudes towards women remain a problem. Delivering the material confidently does not make it less tiresome.

The physical and vocal demands of his stage performance in *Hedwig and the Angry Inch* (2014) make it difficult to dismiss him as only a television comic. In David Fincher's *Gone Girl* (2014), he takes the supporting dramatic role of Desi Collings. Our enthusiasm for that film rests chiefly on Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, who keep its far-fetched plotting credible. It is sharply funny and unsettling, though its cynicism sometimes needs questioning.

We would choose *Gone Girl* for a thriller evening, without expecting it to demonstrate everything Harris can do. It is the stronger of the two films, but *Starship Troopers* makes more pointed use of his screen image. That is the sort of casting we would like more of: a director recognising what audiences expect of Harris and finding a reason to question it. He need not have the largest part.

## Biography

Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor. Born on 15 June 1973 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he began his career as a child actor and rose to prominence playing the title role in the television series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989–1993).

Harris is known for his role as Barney Stinson in the series How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014). His film credits include Colonel Carl Jenkins in Starship Troopers (1997), as well as appearances in Gone Girl (2014) and A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014). He has also performed in stage musicals and hosted the Tony Awards on several occasions.

Harris has received a Tony Award and five Primetime Emmy Awards.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (16)

### Performed in (14) — the average rests on these

- *Dexter: Resurrection* (2025), Fi1m 64, as Lowell / The Tattoo Collector — [page](https://film.one/tv/dexter-resurrection.md)
- *It's a Sin* (2021), Fi1m 84, as Henry Coltrane — [page](https://film.one/tv/its-a-sin.md)
- *The Matrix Resurrections* (2021), Fi1m 66, as The Analyst — [page](https://film.one/film/the-matrix-resurrections.md)
- *A Series of Unfortunate Events* (2017), Fi1m 74, as Count Olaf — [page](https://film.one/tv/a-series-of-unfortunate-events.md)
- *Downsizing* (2017), Fi1m 60, as Jeff Lonowski — [page](https://film.one/film/downsizing.md)
- *A Million Ways to Die in the West* (2014), Fi1m 40, as Foy — [page](https://film.one/film/a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west.md)
- *Gone Girl* (2014), Fi1m 84, as Desi Collings — [page](https://film.one/film/gone-girl.md)
- *The Muppets* (2011), Fi1m 80, as Neil Patrick Harris — [page](https://film.one/film/the-muppets.md)
- *The Smurfs* (2011), Fi1m 37, as Patrick Winslow — [page](https://film.one/film/the-smurfs.md)
- *Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs* (2009), Fi1m 75, as Steve (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs.md)
- *Glee* (2009), Fi1m 68, as Bryan Ryan — [page](https://film.one/tv/glee.md)
- *Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog* (2008), Fi1m 81, as Dr. Horrible — [page](https://film.one/tv/dr-horribles-sing-along-blog.md)
- *Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle* (2004), Fi1m 71, as Neil Patrick Harris — [page](https://film.one/film/harold-and-kumar-go-to-white-castle.md)
- *Starship Troopers* (1997), Fi1m 79, as Colonel Carl Jenkins — [page](https://film.one/film/starship-troopers.md)

### Directed (1)

- *How I Met Your Mother* (2005), Fi1m 74, as Barney Stinson — [page](https://film.one/tv/how-i-met-your-mother.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *Serenity* (2005), Fi1m 77, as Screaming Reaver (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/serenity.md)

## Complete filmography (131)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *The Last Temptation of Becky* (2026), as General Wilhelm Reuss · Executive Producer
- *Sunny Dancer* (2026), as Patrick
- *Jack Tucker: Comedy Standup Hour* (2026), as The Boss · Executive Producer
- *Dexter: Resurrection* (2025), series, as Lowell / The Tattoo Collector — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/tv/dexter-resurrection.md)
- *Doctor Who at the Proms* (2024), as The Toymaker (archive footage)
- *A House Is Not a Disco* (2024), Executive Producer
- *Dolly Parton's Pet Gala* (2024), Actor
- *Doctor Who: 60th Anniversary Specials* (2023), as The Toymaker (archive footage)
- *Billion Dollar Babies: The True Story of the Cabbage Patch Kids* (2023), as Narrator (voice) · Executive Producer
- *Uncoupled* (2022), series, as Michael Lawson · Executive Producer
- *The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent* (2022), as Richard Fink
- *How I Met Your Father* (2022), series, as Barney Stinson
- *The Matrix Resurrections* (2021), as The Analyst — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/the-matrix-resurrections.md)
- *8-Bit Christmas* (2021), as Adult Jake Doyle / Narrator
- *Coded: The Hidden Love of J.C. Leyendecker* (2021), as J.C. Leyendecker (voice)
- *It's a Sin* (2021), series, as Henry Coltrane — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/its-a-sin.md)
- *Home Movie: The Princess Bride* (2020), series, as Westley
- *Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – Candlelight Processional* (2019), as Narrator
- *Revolution Rent* (2019), Executive Producer
- *Wig* (2019), Producer
- *Genius Junior* (2018), series, as Host
- *Downsizing* (2017), as Jeff Lonowski — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/downsizing.md)
- *At Home with Amy Sedaris* (2017), series, as Neil Patrick Harris
- *Mystery Science Theater 3000* (2017), series, as Neville LaRoy
- *A Series of Unfortunate Events* (2017), series, as Count Olaf — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/a-series-of-unfortunate-events.md)
- *Neil Patrick Harris: Circus Awesomeus* (2016), as Host / Himself
- *The Power* (2015), Executive Producer
- *Gone Girl* (2014), as Desi Collings — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/gone-girl.md)
- *A Million Ways to Die in the West* (2014), as Foy — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west.md)
- *Steve's First Bath* (2014), as Steve (voice)
- *Attack of the 50-foot Gummi Bear* (2014), as Steve the Monkey (voice)
- *Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade* (2013), as Host
- *Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2* (2013), as Steve (voice)
- *The Smurfs 2* (2013), as Patrick Winslow
- *The Goodwin Games* (2013), series, Director
- *Cabaret: The Musical That Changed Musicals* (2013), as Narrator
- *Neil's Puppet Dreams* (2012), series, as Neil Patrick Harris · Executive Producer, Creator
- *A Snow White Christmas: Opening Night* (2012), as The Magic Mirror
- *Robot Chicken: DC Comics Special* (2012), as Two-Face / Black Manta (voice)
- *American Reunion* (2012), as Celebrity Dance-Off Host
- *The Penguins of Madagascar: Operation Blowhole* (2012), as Dr. Blowhole (voice)
- *The Muppets* (2011), as Neil Patrick Harris — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/the-muppets.md)
- *A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas* (2011), as Neil Patrick Harris
- *Test Your Brain* (2011), series, Creator
- *American Horror Story* (2011), series, as Chester Creb
- *The Smurfs* (2011), as Patrick Winslow — Fi1m 37, [page](https://film.one/film/the-smurfs.md)
- *Company* (2011), as Robert
- *Beastly* (2011), as Will Fratalli
- *The Best and the Brightest* (2010), as Jeff
- *Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore* (2010), as Lou (voice)
- *Batman: Under the Red Hood* (2010), as Nightwing (voice)
- *Through a Dog's Eyes* (2010), as Narrator
- *Adventure Time* (2010), series, as Prince Gumball (voice)
- *Dracula's Daughter vs. the Space Brains* (2010), as Dan
- *Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days* (2010), as The Shoe Fairy (uncredited) (archive footage)
- *Yes, Virginia* (2009), as Dr. Philip O'Hanlon (voice)
- *Beyond All Boundaries* (2009), as 1st Lt. David Hettema / Sgt. William Manchester
- *Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs* (2009), as Steve (voice) — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs.md)
- *Glee* (2009), series, as Bryan Ryan — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/glee.md)
- *Commentary! The Musical* (2008), Actor
- *Prop 8: The Musical* (2008), as A Very Smart Fellow
- *The Penguins of Madagascar* (2008), series, as Dr. Blowhole (voice)
- *Batman: The Brave and the Bold* (2008), series, as Music Meister (voice)
- *Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog* (2008), series, as Dr. Horrible — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/dr-horribles-sing-along-blog.md)
- *Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay* (2008), as Neil Patrick Harris
- *Justice League: The New Frontier* (2008), as Barry Allen / The Flash (voice)
- *Eloise Goes to School* (2007), Actor
- *Me, Eloise* (2006), series, as (voice), Philip (voice)
- *The Christmas Blessing* (2005), as Nathan Andrews
- *Serenity* (2005), as Screaming Reaver (uncredited) — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/serenity.md)
- *How I Met Your Mother* (2005), series, as Barney Stinson · Director — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/how-i-met-your-mother.md)
- *Disney Heroes Volume 1* (2005), as Moyo (voice)
- *The Golden Blaze* (2005), as The Comic Shop Owner (voice)
- *Robot Chicken* (2005), series, as Executive / Harvey Dent / Two-Face / Three-Face / Four-Face (voice)
- *Numb3rs* (2005), series, as Ethan Burdick
- *Jack & Bobby* (2004), series, Actor
- *Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle* (2004), as Neil Patrick Harris — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/harold-and-kumar-go-to-white-castle.md)
- *Assassins* (2004), as The Balladeer / Lee Harvey Oswald
- *Spike TV VGA Video Game Awards* (2003), series, Actor
- *Spider-Man: The New Animated Series* (2003), series, as Peter Parker / Spider-Man (voice)
- *Boomtown* (2002), series, as Peter Corman
- *Undercover Brother* (2002), as Lance
- *The Mesmerist* (2002), as Benjamin
- *Justice League* (2001), series, as Ray Thompson (voice)
- *Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Concert* (2001), as Tobias
- *The Wedding Dress* (2001), as Travis Cleveland
- *Law & Order: Criminal Intent* (2001), series, as John Tagman
- *The Legend of Tarzan* (2001), series, as Moyo (voice)
- *Summer of Camp Caprice* (2001), as Jed (voice)
- *Ed* (2000), series, as Joe Baxter
- *Static Shock* (2000), series, as Replay / Johnny Morrow (voice)
- *Son of the Beach* (2000), series, Actor
- *The Next Best Thing* (2000), as David
- *Stark Raving Mad* (1999), series, as Henry McNeeley
- *Joan of Arc* (1999), series, as The Dauphin
- *Family Guy* (1999), series, as Barney Stinson (voice) — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/family-guy.md)
- *The Christmas Wish* (1998), as Will Martin
- *Will & Grace* (1998), series, as Bill
- *The Proposition* (1998), as Roger Martin
- *Starship Troopers* (1997), as Colonel Carl Jenkins — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/starship-troopers.md)
- *Legacy of Sin: The William Coit Story* (1995), as William Coit
- *The Man in the Attic* (1995), as Edward Broder
- *My Antonia* (1995), as Jimmy Burden
- *The Outer Limits* (1995), series, as Howie Morrison
- *Not Our Son* (1995), as Paul Keller
- *Animal Room* (1995), as Arnold Mosk
- *Touched by an Angel* (1994), series, as Jonas
- *Snowbound: The Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story* (1994), as Jim Stolpa
- *Sudden Fury* (1993), as Brian Hannigan
- *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), series, as Alan Schack — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md)
- *Capitol Critters* (1992), series, as Max (voice)
- *Hot Country Nights* (1991), series, Actor
- *Stranger in the Family* (1991), as Steve Thompson
- *Captain Planet and the Planeteers* (1990), series, as Todd Andrews
- *Blossom* (1990), series, Actor
- *The Earth Day Special* (1990), as Doogie Howser
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Neil Patrick Harris (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Cold Sassy Tree* (1989), as Will Tweedy
- *Doogie Howser, M.D.* (1989), series, as Doogie Howser
- *Quantum Leap* (1989), series, as Mike Hammond
- *B.L. Stryker* (1989), series, as Buder
- *Home Fires Burning* (1989), as Lonnie Tibbettes
- *Purple People Eater* (1988), as Billy Johnson
- *Too Good to Be True* (1988), as Danny Harland
- *Clara's Heart* (1988), as David Hart
- *Murder, She Wrote* (1984), series, as Tommy Remsen
- *Sesame Street* (1969), series, Actor
- *The Oscars* (1953), series, as Host
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Lonnie
- *Aaron & Sara*, Director
- *Spider-Man: The Ultimate Face-Off*, as Peter Parker/Spider-Man(voice)

## Gallery

- ![Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Janice Grenci of the Prints and Photographs Division in the Whittall Pavilion (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-c7289a90a7ab.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Janice Grenci of the Prints and Photographs Division in the Whittall Pavilion (2019) — Library of Congress Life, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/20190911SM027_%2848722581612%29.jpg/1280px-20190911SM027_%2848722581612%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Janice Grenci of the Prints and Photographs Division in the Whittall Pavilion (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-474c8073395d.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Janice Grenci of the Prints and Photographs Division in the Whittall Pavilion (2019) — Library of Congress Life, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/20190911SM036_%2848722073643%29.jpg/1280px-20190911SM036_%2848722073643%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Rare Book and Special Collections Division Chief Mark Dimunation in the Whitt (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-6d9d58db0fc9.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Rare Book and Special Collections Division Chief Mark Dimunation in the Whitt (2019) — Library of Congress Life, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/33/20190911SM051_%2848722073938%29.jpg/1280px-20190911SM051_%2848722073938%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Rare Book and Special Collections Division Chief Mark Dimunation in the Whitt (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-c3d59815b83f.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Rare Book and Special Collections Division Chief Mark Dimunation in the Whitt (2019) — Library of Congress Life, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/20190911SM057_%2848722582702%29.jpg/1280px-20190911SM057_%2848722582702%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Neil Patrick Harris](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-7f448aaf73ca.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris — Image via TMDB
- ![Neil Patrick Harris](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-369631bea5aa.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris — Image via TMDB
- ![Neil Patrick Harris](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-169084dd17a1.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris — Image via TMDB
- ![Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Rare Book and Special Collections Division Chief Mark Dimunation in the Whitt (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-788cfd8ce4fe.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items with Rare Book and Special Collections Division Chief Mark Dimunation in the Whitt (2019) — Library of Congress Life, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/20190911SM073_%2848722582877%29.jpg/1280px-20190911SM073_%2848722582877%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items in the Whittall Pavilion prior to the "National Book Festival Presents" series ope (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-3bd14489b5ce.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris looks through a display of Harry Houdini Collection items in the Whittall Pavilion prior to the "National Book Festival Presents" series ope (2019) — Library of Congress Life, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/20190911SM083_%2848722407876%29.jpg/1280px-20190911SM083_%2848722407876%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Neil Patrick Harris](https://film.one/media/person/87277/gallery-70313a2b9f5c.jpg) Neil Patrick Harris — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won

- 2010: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (won), for *Glee*

### Other awards — 1 won

- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical 2014: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/neil-patrick-harris