Are you a Harry Potter fan or newcomer looking to experience the magic of the Wizarding World on the big screen but need help knowing where to start? Look no further; I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to Harry Potter movies in order.
Join me on a journey through the eight films of the beloved franchise, starting with “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and ending with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”.
Revisit iconic moments, unforgettable characters, and breathtaking visuals that have made the series a worldwide phenomenon.
This guide is about the perfect way to watch Harry Potter movies in order 1-8 and rediscover the series’ magic all over again.
| In Order | Movie | Release |
| 1 | Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone | 2001 |
| 2 | Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets | 2002 |
| 3 | Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban | 2004 |
| 4 | Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire | 2005 |
| 5 | Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix | 2007 |
| 6 | Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince | 2009 |
| 7 | Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 | 2010 |
| 8 | Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 | 2011 |
1. Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone
| Runtime | 152 Minutes |
| IMDb | 7.6 |
| Box Office | $1.007 Billion |
| Director | Chris Columbus |
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was the first film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series.
This film tells the story of an orphan boy Harry, who discovers that he is a wizard and receives an invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint(Ron), and Emma Watson (Hermione). The three lead actors formed a close bond during filming and went on to star in all eight Harry Potter films together. It also introduces several iconic characters, such as Professor Dumbledore (played by Richard Harris and later by Michael Gambon), Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), and Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith).
One of the ideal moments in the film is the revelation that Harry is a wizard and the disclosure of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The film takes audiences on a magical journey through the Hogwarts castle and grounds with breathtaking visuals, such as the Great Hall, the Quidditch field, and the Forbidden Forest.
Another critical moment is the thrilling climax of the film, in which Harry, Ron, and Hermione race against time to prevent Voldemort from obtaining the Philosopher’s Stone.
The special effects used in this scene were highly praised and helped establish the Harry Potter franchise as a visually stunning and beloved movie series.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was a huge commercial and critical success and set the stage for seven more films in the Harry Potter series.
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
| Runtime | 161 Minutes |
| IMDb | 7.4 |
| Box Office | $879.8 Million |
| Director | Chris Columbus |
The story occurs during Harry’s second year at Hogwarts when he discovers a mysterious chamber that has been opened, releasing a monster terrorizing the school.
One of the best moments in the film is the reveal of the Chamber of Secrets, which is filled with ancient artifacts and guarded by a giant basilisk.
This scene is filled with stunning visual effects and creates a sense of awe and wonder.
Additionally, the character of Dobby, the house elf, made his first appearance in this movie and is unforgettable as a comical and endearing character who later helps Harry in his quest.
Another unforgettable character is Gilderoy Lockhart, a Wizarding celebrity and author played by Kenneth Branagh, who is charismatic but ultimately a fraud. His character adds comedic relief to the film and plays an important part in the plot.
The film also features amazing visuals, such as the flying Ford Anglia car and the duels between wizards. The special effects used to bring Hogwarts and the magical creatures in the film to life are truly impressive and add to the overall hypnotic experience of the film.
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
| Runtime | 142 Minutes |
| IMDb | 7.9 |
| Box Office | $797.7 Million |
| Director | Alfonso Cuarón |
The movie follows Harry’s third year at Hogwarts, where he learns that a dangerous prisoner named Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban prison and is rumored to be after him.
The film is the introduction of the “Marauders Map,” a magical map of Hogwarts that shows the location of every person in the castle in real-time. This was a memorable scene that the audience loved, as it was the first time they saw Marauder’s Map, and it had a big impact on the movie’s plot.
The film also spotlighted several villains, including Sirius Black, played by Gary Oldman, a charismatic but dangerous character with a tragic backstory.
Another unforgettable character is the Dementors, which are soul-sucking creatures that guard the prison of Azkaban; their presence makes a significant impact on the story and is a high point in the movie’s visual effects.
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
| Runtime | 157 Minutes |
| IMDb | 7.7 |
| Box Office | $896.7 Million |
| Director | Mike Newell |
The Goblet of Fire is a significant turning point in the Harry Potter series as it marks the transition from the characters’ childhood to adolescence. The movie features several iconic moments, such as the Triwizard Tournament, the return of Lord Voldemort, and the Yule Ball.
The film’s most memorable moment is the Triwizard Tournament, in which Harry and other champions from other schools compete in dangerous tasks to win the coveted prize.
The tasks, which include dragons and mermaids, are brought to life with breathtaking special effects and visuals.
The film also introduces some new, such as Mad-Eye Moody, played by Brendan Gleeson, and the return of Ralph Fiennes as the villainous Lord Voldemort.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire delve deeper into friendship, love, and growing up as Harry and his friends experience romantic feelings for the first time.
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
| Runtime | 138 Minutes |
| IMDb | 7.5 |
| Box Office | $942.2 Million |
| Director | David Yates |
The film’s best moments are when Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts to find that the Ministry of Magic has taken control of the school and that Dolores Umbridge has.
A cruel and sadistic bureaucrat has been installed as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the return of Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather, who is falsely accused of a crime and hunted by the Ministry, and the introduction of Luna Lovegood, a quirky and likable student who becomes an invaluable ally for Harry.
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
| Runtime | 153 Minutes |
| IMDb | 7.6 |
| Box Office | $934.5 Million |
| Director | David Yates |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince reveal the true identity of the Half-Blood Prince, who turns out to be none other than the Potions Professor at Hogwarts, Severus Snape.
This revelation adds a new layer of twist to the character of Snape and furthers the series’ theme of the blurred lines between good and evil.
Another notable scene is Dumbledore and Harry using a spell to enter and journey through Snape’s memories. This is also a critical part of the story that reveals vital information about the series’ past, present, and future.
Besides others, some important characters of the film are Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent), the new potions master, Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter), the fierce Death Eater, and Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Harry’s longtime rival.
From the enchanted cave to the breathtaking effects of spells and charms, truly bring the wizarding world to life on screen. The movie also represents the British countryside in the background, which adds a lot of color to the film.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
| Runtime | 146 Minutes |
| IMDb | 7.7 |
| Box Office | $977.1 Million |
| Director | David Yates |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 continues the plot of the previous film, with Harry, Ron, and Hermione leaving Hogwarts to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, objects that contain pieces of Lord Voldemort’s soul.
As they search for the Horcruxes, they also uncover information about the powerful and mysterious Deathly Hallows, which are said to give the possessor the power of death.
The best part of the film is when Harry, Ron, and Hermione apparate in the Ministry of Magic, the secret underground office of the most powerful wizards in the country.
The scene is memorable for its impressive visual effects and was a real treat for the series’ fans.
Another standout scene is the depiction of the Battle of Seven Potters, where members of the Order of Phoenix, led by Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black, fought against the Death Eaters to protect Harry.
It was an intense and thrilling sequence that was expertly choreographed and executed.
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
| Runtime | 130 Minutes |
| IMDb | 8.1 |
| Box Office | $1.342 Billion |
| Director | David Yates |
In the final part of this masterpiece, the series begins with Harry, Ron, and Hermione continuing their quest to destroy the remaining Horcruxes, which are objects containing a piece of Lord Voldemort’s soul, to defeat him once and for all.
They face many obstacles and challenges throughout their journey, including the Battle of Hogwarts.
Most people like the destruction of the elder wand, which is one of the Deathly Hallows. This scene is breathtaking and emotional and also serves as a metaphor for the power of love over power itself.
Battle of Hogwarts, an all-out war between good and evil forces. The scenes are expertly choreographed and executed, making for one of the most memorable moments in the series.
The movie features an all-star cast, including Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort gives an impressive performance in terms of acting and visual effects.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is an emotional end to the beloved series.
Conclusion
Watching the Harry Potter movies in order, from Philosopher’s Stone to Deathly Hallows Part 2, is a must for any true fan of the series. Not only does it allow for a deeper understanding of the characters and the story as a whole, but it also allows for a more immersive viewing experience. The movies are a true cinematic masterpiece, filled with heart-pounding action, breathtaking visuals, and a compelling story that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the series, watching the Harry Potter movies in order is a magical journey that you will remember.
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