In the early 21st century, no series captured the world’s imagination more than Harry Potter. The tale of the boy wizard sold millions of copies, caused lines outside of bookstores, and taught an entire generation that reading could be fun. Despite the complexity and grandeur of the stories, the Harry Potter books were translated well to the screen, resulting in one of the finest fantasy movie series of all time.
This list ranks every movie set in the Harry Potter universe, from Fantastic Beasts to Prisoner of Azkaban. Not all are great, but the best of them are modern classics. It’ll be interesting to see what the HBO series does with the material, but, regardless, the movies will always be there to welcome fans back to Hogwarts.
11
‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ (2022)
“Do what is right, not what is easy.” By the time the third Fantastic Beasts installment rolled around, even the most diehard Harry Potter fans were struggling to keep their enthusiasm alive. The Secrets of Dumbledore tried to right the ship after the chaotic Crimes of Grindelwald, shifting focus more onto Jude Law‘s Albus Dumbledore and his fraught relationship with Mads Mikkelsen‘s Grindelwald. While Mikkelsen delivered a far more nuanced villain than Johnny Depp, the movie still felt bloated, overly plotted, and lacking the magic of the HP movies.
The political subplots about wizarding elections never quite land the way the exploits of the Golden Trio did, and there’s something a little off about the tone. The sluggish pacing didn’t help either. That said, there are moments of warmth to be found if you squint. Eddie Redmayne‘s Newt Scamander remains endearing, and the visual design of the magical creatures continues to charm.
10
‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ (2018)
“Magic blooms only in rare souls. Still, we must skulk in shadows.” Where the first Fantastic Beasts was flawed but fun, its follow-up The Crimes of Grindelwald was simply convoluted. Overstuffed with characters, subplots, and retcons, it seemed more interested in setting up future movies than telling a coherent story of its own. Johnny Depp’s Grindelwald was especially divisive, his pale performance failing to generate the menace the character needed. Fans were also frustrated by the film’s controversial revelations, particularly surrounding Dumbledore’s family and Nagini.
Still, as with Secrets of Dumbledore, there are glimmers of beauty: Paris as a magical setting is richly atmospheric, and the darker tone does align with the tradition of Harry Potter films growing more mature over time. On the acting front, Jude Law’s young Dumbledore was a highlight, hinting at what the series could have been. Ultimately, though, this movie was a disappointment.
9
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ (2016)
“Worrying means you suffer twice.” By 2016, millions of fans were desperate to return to the Potterverse, and expectations for Fantastic Beasts were sky-high. By focusing on the quirky magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), the film offered a fresh perspective on the Wizarding World. Set in 1920s New York, it expanded the mythology beyond Hogwarts and Britain, giving us American magical culture, new creatures, and a different kind of tone. This was a bit of a gamble, as the ‘Britishness’ of Harry Potter is a key part of its identity.
The movie never quite recaptures the whimsical vibe of its predecessors, though the creature designs are delightful across the board, from the mischievous Niffler to the majestic Thunderbird. Newt’s bond with these critters gave the film a heart. Still, cracks were showing from the get-go. The villainous subplot with Grindelwald felt tacked on, and the tone struggled to balance charm with the darker undercurrents.
8
‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (2007)
“The world isn’t split into good people and Death Eaters.” Order of the Phoenix is a strange case. It’s the longest Harry Potter book (766 pages) but the shortest movie (2 hours 18 minutes). So much material never made it into the film: the visit to St. Mungo’s, the Quidditch matches, Blast-Ended Skrewts, and entire character arcs. Heck, in the movie, we never even hear the prophecy in full. This all means that Order of the Phoenix is one of the weaker entries in the film series, though it’s by no means bad.
The storylines we do see are mostly handled well. The formation of Dumbledore’s Army gives the younger characters space to grow as leaders, and Harry’s rage and frustration are explored well. Visually, the climactic battle at the Ministry of Magic is stunning, with Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and Dumbledore’s (Michael Gambon) duel being one of the series’ most electrifying moments. However, the highlight is the wonderfully venomous performance from Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge.
7
‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ (2005)
“Dark and difficult times lie ahead.” Goblet of Fire is often remembered for the characters’ haircuts and teenage awkwardness, but it’s also the moment where the series truly grew up. The Triwizard Tournament provides a thrilling structure, giving us three imaginative challenges: the dragon chase, the underwater rescue, and the eerie maze. But the real turning point is Voldemort’s return. The graveyard sequence is one of the scariest moments in the franchise, culminating in the first on-screen death of a major character, marking a shift from fantasy adventure to something much darker.
The classroom scene describing the Unforgivable Curses is also memorable and hard-hitting, nicely expanding on ideas only hinted at before. The Yule Ball, meanwhile, injects a dose of teenage romance and social drama that feels relatable amidst the magic. Director Mike Newell sometimes struggles with pacing, but the film’s highs are towering. It’s the movie where childhood ends and war begins, cementing its place as one of the most pivotal chapters in the saga.
6
‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ (2009)
“Be brave, Professor. Be brave like my mother.” Half-Blood Prince is a strange but fascinating entry, simultaneously light and heavy. On one hand, it’s filled with comedy about teenage romance, with Harry and his friends awkwardly navigating crushes, jealousy, and potions gone wrong. On the other hand, it’s steeped in tragedy, as Dumbledore prepares Harry for the coming war and uncovers Voldemort’s secrets. Michael Gambon gives one of his best performances as Dumbledore, carrying the weight of foreknowledge while still guiding Harry with warmth.
It’s a film of contrasts: sweet and sad, romantic and terrifying, funny and devastating. It’s one of the more mature entries in the series, arguably more about character (particularly Snape, Malfoy, and Voldemort) than plot. Its climax, the cave sequence with the Inferi and the shocking betrayal at Hogwarts, remains one of the franchise’s most haunting moments. The film is gorgeously shot, too, with Bruno Delbonnel’s cinematography lending a golden, melancholy glow.
5
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” Directed by Chris Columbus, Sorcerer’s Stone introduces audiences to Hogwarts with wide-eyed wonder. The visual imagination on display here is simply breathtaking, and Columbus deserves credit for laying the foundation on which the entire film series would be based. From Diagon Alley to the Sorting Hat, every moment feels iconic. Plus, John Williams‘ score is nothing short of legendary, instantly transporting listeners to the magical world. That theme tune was pitch-perfect.
Overall, while Sorcerer’s Stone skews younger and lighter in tone, that innocence is part of this movie’s charm. Acting-wise, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson may have been inexperienced, but their chemistry was undeniable, laying the foundation for the series. Looking back, the effects are dated and the tone feels simple compared to later films, but that’s precisely why it works: it’s the perfect entry point into the saga.
4
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1’ (2010)
“We will be strong. We will fight. If we can fight, we will survive.” Deathly Hallows: Part 1 strips away the comfort of Hogwarts and throws Harry, Ron, and Hermione into the real world, hunted and alone. The wonder of the magical school is sorely missed, but that’s the point. Rather than the usual charms, this movie leans into atmosphere, capturing the bleakness of war and the toll it takes on friendships. Unfortunately, this means that certain stretches feel short on whimsy, and some sequences (like the Trio camping in the forest) feel way too slow.
Nevertheless, there’s a lot to like in this one. Yes, it’s more about setup than payoff, but that setup matters, it’s about loss, sacrifice, and the weight of responsibility. By the time Dobby dies in Harry’s arms, audiences are left gutted. The “Tale of the Three Brothers” animated sequence is another highlight, one of the most beautiful moments in the entire franchise.
3
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ (2011)
“I never wanted any of you to die for me.” Things improve dramatically with Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (though even this one has its missteps). The grand finale delivers what fans wanted (mostly): a thunderous, emotional, and cathartic conclusion. Part 2 doesn’t waste time, plunging straight into the Battle of Hogwarts. The action sequences are epic, from the defense of the castle to Harry’s final confrontation with Voldemort. But the real power lies in the emotion: the deaths of beloved characters, the revelations about Snape’s true loyalty, and Harry’s willingness to sacrifice himself.
Alan Rickman delivers the performance of his career here, turning Snape from enigmatic villain to tragic hero. He reveals himself to be perhaps the most complex character in the entire series, rightly a fan favorite. That said, some tweaks to the climax, including changes to the final showdown, are inferior to the book version. The epilogue was a little divisive, too, but it provides closure.
2
‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ (2002)
“Dobby is free.” Often underrated, Chamber of Secrets is a darker and more ambitious follow-up to the original. The mystery of the Chamber, the chilling whispers in the walls, and the monstrous basilisk all push the franchise into more sinister territory. Harry learns he can talk to snakes, his classmates become wary of him, giant spiders prowl the forest, and Dobby tries his best to maim the boy wizard (for his own good, of course). Kenneth Branagh steals scenes as the hilariously pompous Gilderoy Lockhart, while Tom Riddle’s diary adds an intriguing layer to Voldemort’s backstory.
The climax in the Chamber itself, Harry facing the basilisk with the help of Fawkes and the sword of Gryffindor, is pure cinematic magic. More than two decades later, that whole sequence still looks great. While the film is overlong and sometimes meandering, it deepens the mythology in crucial ways, foreshadowing plotlines that will pay off much later, most notably the Horcruxes.
