The Harry Potter books and films have profoundly impacted our culture, an understatement, to say the least. They transported us to a world brimming with magic, wonder, and secrets that left children and adults alike joyfully lost in its enchanting universe. Each book was transformed into a blockbuster film that reigned supreme at the box office.
Numerous British and Irish actors portrayed or voiced characters throughout the Harry Potter film franchise. The principal actors, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, brought to life Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. The Harry Potter series was helmed by four directors, Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates. Michael Goldenberg penned the screenplay for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, with Steve Kloves composing the scripts for the remaining films. Harry Potter isn’t just a series; it’s an emotion. And if you want to binge these movies repeatedly, Amazon Prime Video is where you should head to. Here are the Harry Potter movies ranked in order.
How To Watch Harry Potter Movies in Order: See All 8 Movies Chronologically
| Movie Name | Release Date | IMDb Rating |
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | November 16, 2001 | 7.6 |
| Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | November 15, 2002 | 7.4 |
| Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | June 4, 2004 | 7.5 |
| Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | November 18, 2005 | 6.1 |
| Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | July 11, 2007 | 7.5 |
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | July 15, 2009 | 7.6 |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 | November 19, 2010 | 8.1 |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 | July 15, 2011 | 8.2 |
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The inaugural film adaptation of the Harry Potter franchise was an incredible achievement that forever changed the landscape of the Potterverse. Released in 2001, this cinematic masterpiece was directed by Chris Columbus and written by Steve Kloves, based on the 1997 novel by the legendary J.K. Rowling.
The film depicts Harry’s first year at the illustrious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he discovers his innate magical abilities and begins his formal education in the ways of wizardry. As a famous wizard who was orphaned at a young age, Harry is beckoned to the wizarding world and is soon welcomed into Hogwarts as a student. There, he forges deep bonds with fellow students who ultimately become his staunchest allies, and together they embark on a quest to unravel the truth about his parents’ untimely demise.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
The succeeding installment in the saga of Harry Potter, this 2002 fantasy film was directed by Chris Columbus, scripted by Steve Kloves, and based on the 1998 novel penned by JK Rowling with the same title. David Heyman took on the role of producer for this film, which follows the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) in sequence. Daniel Radcliffe returns as Harry Potter.
The plot of this tale revolves around Harry’s sophomore year at Hogwarts, where the Chamber of Secrets, an underground lair created by Salazar Slytherin, is opened by its true heir, unleashing a wave of petrification upon the students of the school. As the dark force of the Chamber threatens the very foundation of the wizarding school, Harry and his friends find themselves faced with a host of new challenges and dangers.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
This is the 3rd installment in the Harry Potter series. A 2004 fantasy film, it was directed by Alfonso Cuaron and adapted from a screenplay by Steve Kloves, based on the 1999 novel of the same name by JK Rowling. David Heyman and Chris Columbus handled production.
This movie introduces us to Harry in his 3rd year at Hogwarts and his quest to blow the lid off the truth of his past, including the recent Azkaban escapee Sirius Black’s connection to Harry and his late parents. Harry’s third year at Hogwarts starts badly when he finds out that deranged killer Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban and is bent on murdering him. Hermione’s cat tortures Ron’s rat causing a rift in the trio, and in all this, a swarm of deadly Dementors gets sent to protect the school from black. A new teacher helps Harry learn how to defend himself, but this new teacher also has a secret tie to Sirius Black.
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
This 2005 fantasy film has been directed by Mike Newell, adapted from a screenplay by Steve Kloves, based on the 2000 novel of the same name written by JK Rowling. This movie is the fourth installment in the Harry Potter series.
This story follows Harry’s fourth year at Hogwarts when he gets chosen by the Goblet of Fire to participate in the Triwizard Tournament. This upcoming tournament between the three major schools of magic has one participant selected from each school by the Goblet of Fire. Harry’s name gets drawn even though he is not eligible, and he is a fourth player – once the Goblet spits your name out, you have to participate, come what may.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
This 2007 fantasy movie has been directed by David Yates, adapted from a screenplay by Michael Goldenberg, based on the 2003 novel of the same name by JK Rowling. It is the fifth installment in the Harry Potter film series.
In this story, we are introduced to Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts, as the Ministry of Magic remains in denial regarding Lord Voldemort’s return. Harry discovers that most in the wizarding community don’t know the truth of his encounter with Lord Voldemort. Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, appoints his pawn Dolores Umbridge as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, fearing that Dumbledore wants his job. However, Umbridge is a terrible teacher with cruel methods, and Harry prepares a group of students to defend the school against a rising spate of evil.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
This 2009 fantasy movie has been directed by David Yates, adapted from a screenplay by Steven Kloves, based on the 2005 novel of the same name written by JK Rowling. A sequel to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the sixth installment in the Harry Potter movie series.
The story introduces us to Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts, as he gets a mysterious textbook, falls in love, and tries to retrieve a memory that is key to the downfall of Lord Voldemort. Death Eaters have been wreaking havoc in Muggle and Wizard worlds, and Hogwarts isn’t safe for students. Harry suspects new dangers lurking within the castle walls, and Dumbledore is hell-bent on preparing him for the final battle with Voldemort. Also, teenage hormones are rising through Hogwarts, presenting a different kind of danger. Love is in the air, but so is tragedy, and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
This 2010 fantasy movie is the directorial venture of David Yates, adapted from a screenplay by Steve Kloves. This movie is the first of two cinematic parts based on the 2007 book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling. It is the seventh installment in the Harry Potter film series.
In this story, Harry has been asked by Dumbledore to find and destroy Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes, his secret to immortality. The three friends must rely on each other more than ever, and dark forces threaten to tear them apart. The Death Eaters have taken control of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts and are looking for Harry while he and his friends get ready for the ultimate showdown.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
This 2011 fantasy movie was directed by David Yates and adapted from a screenplay by Steve Kloves. It is the second cinematic part based on the 2007 novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling. In this story, we conclude with Harry’s quest to find and destroy Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes to stop him once and for all. Harry is determined to rid the world of evil. The friends must search for the Horcruxes that keep Voldemort immortal. And finally, Harry and Voldemort meet at Hogwarts Castle for an epic showdown.
Well, those are the Harry Potter movies in order. So which one is your favorite?
FAQs
- Should I watch Harry Potter movies in chronological or release order?
Harry Potter’s storyline is unlike some other grand movie franchises as it follows a sequential order. Hence, it is essential to watch the films in their correct sequence. This consistency is vital as there are crucial plot elements that interconnect from the first movie to the last. Any deviation from the recommended order would lead to confusion or ruin the story’s impact.
2. Is there a post-credit scene in Secrets of Dumbledore?
There is no post-credits scene in “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.” It’s not entirely unexpected since the Harry Potter series has never employed post-credit stingers.
3. How many Harry Potter movies are there in total?
Total (8 films)
4. Will there be any new Harry Potter movies released in the future?
If the main emphasis remains on Harry Potter and his companions, then another movie won’t be produced while the HBO Max series is being aired. However, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of spin-off movies. Currently, Warner appears to be more focused on the Harry Potter show on HBO.
