With the highly anticipated HBO adaptation of the Harry Potter series set to premiere this Christmas, fans of the wizarding world are eagerly counting down the days. But if you're looking for a way to pass the time until then, why not revisit one of Daniel Radcliffe's most unconventional roles? Starting September 1, 2026, Swiss Army Man will be available to stream for free on Plex, giving audiences a chance to see the former Boy Who Lived in a completely different light.
Directed by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan—the duo behind the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All At Once—Swiss Army Man is a bizarre, heartfelt, and utterly unique film. Radcliffe plays a corpse named Manny, who washes ashore on a deserted island and is discovered by Hank (Paul Dano), a hopeless castaway. What follows is an unlikely friendship as Hank uses Manny's extraordinary abilities—including flatulence-powered propulsion—to navigate the wilderness and find his way back to civilization.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 to a mix of shock and delight, quickly earning a reputation as one of the most polarizing and talked-about movies of the year. Despite its modest $3 million budget, Swiss Army Man managed to gross nearly $6 million worldwide, but it was with critics and cult audiences that it truly found its footing. It currently holds a 73% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising its originality and the performances of its leads.
For Radcliffe, Swiss Army Man was a bold departure from his Harry Potter fame, showcasing his willingness to take risks and embrace the weird. It's often cited as one of his best post-Potter projects, and its arrival on free streaming is a perfect opportunity for both longtime fans and newcomers to experience its strange magic.
If you're a fan of Radcliffe's eclectic filmography, you might also enjoy Kit Harington stepping into the wizarding world as Gilderoy Lockhart in the upcoming series. And for those who can't get enough of the magical universe, check out our ranking of the best Harry Potter video games to tide you over.
As the countdown to the new series continues, Swiss Army Man offers a refreshing, offbeat alternative to the magic of Hogwarts. Mark your calendars for September 1 and prepare for a cinematic experience unlike any other.
