Before He Was a Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore Played This Iconic Serial Killer

Freddie Highmore is currently gaining critical acclaim for his starring role as Dr. Shaun Murphy on The Good Doctor, but this certainly isn't the first time he's blown audiences away with his performance. Since he got his start in acting at a young age, we have literally watched the 25-year-old grow up right before our eyes on the big screen. From a boy in a chocolate factory to a notorious movie villain, see some of Highmore's most notable roles to date.

01
Women Talking Dirty
Rocket Pictures

Women Talking Dirty

Highmore was only 7 when he scored his first role as Helena Bonham Carter's onscreen son in this 1999 film.

02
Two Brothers
Everett Collection

Two Brothers

One of Highmore's first starring roles was in this 2004 family drama about two tiger brothers who are separated at birth.

03
Finding Neverland
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Finding Neverland

This 2004 film starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet is widely considered Highmore's breakout role. He even took home a Critics' Choice Movie Award for best young performer for his role as Peter.

04
Five Children and It
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Five Children and It

Shortly after Finding Neverland, Highmore played Robert in this 2004 fantasy film.

05
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

In 2005, Highmore acted alongside Depp once again in this film based on Roald Dahl's children's novel.

06
A Good Year
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A Good Year

Highmore played a younger version of Russell Crowe in this 2006 drama.

07
Arthur and the Invisibles
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Arthur and the Invisibles

Highmore played the title character in this book-to-movie adaptation and its sequels, Arthur and the Great Adventure and Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds.

08
August Rush
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August Rush

In 2007, Highmore played a musical prodigy in this heartwarming drama.

09
The Spiderwick Chronicles
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The Spiderwick Chronicles

Highmore played twins Simon and Jared in this 2008 film based on the bestselling book series of the same name.

10
Toast
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Toast

After costarring in Women Talking Dirty in 1999, Highmore shared the screen with Carter once again in this 2010 TV movie.

11
The Art of Getting By
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The Art of Getting By

Highmore and Emma Roberts played love interests in this 2011 drama.

12
The Journey
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The Journey

Highmore starred in this 2016 British-Irish drama film about politicians Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness.

13
Close to the Enemy
BBC

Close to the Enemy

In 2016, Highmore starred on this BBC TV miniseries set in 1940s London.

14
Bates Motel
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Bates Motel

Highmore is best-known for his starring role as Norman Bates on this A&E show, which is a modern-day prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's iconic thriller, Psycho.

15
The Good Doctor
ABC

The Good Doctor

Shortly after the fifth and final season of Bates Motel wrapped, Highmore went from killing people to saving them on this hit ABC series about a surgical resident who has autism and savant syndrome.