Harry Potter is certainly one of the greatest fantasy film series of all time. The initial Harry Potter movie introduced us to Harry, Hermione, and Ron when they were just 11, 10, and 12 years old, respectively. In the concluding film, we saw them as teenagers, allowing us to witness their growth. Therefore, any film that has remained with us for so long always occupies a cherished spot in our hearts. This is why, after all these years, fans continue to enjoy binge-watching their beloved film series.
If you are one of those fans, or if you are considering watching the movies for the first time, here’s the recommended viewing order for the Harry Potter films. This article also features the three Fantastic Beasts movies, as they are part of the Harry Potter Universe.
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How Many Harry Potter Movies exist?
There are eleven (11) Harry Potter movies in totality, out of which eight of these follow the story of Harry from his birth to his time in Hogwarts and defeating Voldemort. The movies are directly inspired by JK Rowling’s books.
After these eight movies, three more Fantastic Beasts movies were released, set around 70 years before the birth of Harry Potter. In this article, we have listed all these chronologically to depict the watch order.
Harry Potter Movies in Order: Chronological & Release Date
Whenever a franchise delivers several movies, it becomes complicated to figure out the order of the films. However, in the case of Harry Potter, it is quite simple as all the movies follow a linear storyline, which means their release date order follows a linear chronology, and that makes it easy to follow for new viewers. Let us have a look at all the Harry Potter films in order.
1. Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
- Release Date-1 November 2001
- IMDb Rating-7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-80%
- Smartprix Rating-8/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 39 minutes
- Cast-Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint & others
- Director- Chris Columbus
About the movie– The movie opens up with Hagrid, Dumbledore, and Minerva McGonagall delivering an orphan Harry at the door of the boy’s relatives. He grows up being ill-treated by the family until Hagrid shows up, and Harry learns about his origins. He then embarks on a journey that was meant for him, and that’s when he meets Ron and Hermione.
Why Watch- This movie is where it all starts- the journey of Harry entering the wizarding world and seeing Hogwarts for the first time happens in this film. We get to see Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the first time, and despite the magic, it is the core story of friendship, identity, courage, and growing up. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are written fantastically, and so are Dumbledore, Snape, Hagrid, and Voldemort. The movie is perfect for family viewing and sets up the base for the next 7 films.
2. Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
- Release Date-15 November 2002
- IMDb Rating-7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-82%
- Smartprix Rating-8/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar & Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 41 minutes
- Cast-Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint & others
- Director- Chris Columbus
About the movie-Released a year after the first movie, this one sees a house-elf warn Harry against returning to Hogwarts, but he decides to ignore it. When students and creatures at the school begin to get petrified, Harry finds himself surrounded by mystery.
Why Watch- Watching the 2nd film in the series is like diving deeper into the darker, richer layers of the magical world introduced in the first film. The story gets mature with a more suspenseful and eerie atmosphere as there’s a monster on the loose, petrifying children. The movie touches upon the founders of Hogwarts, Chamber of Secrets, and the hidden history of Hogwarts, and characters like Dobby, Tom Riddle, and Gilderoy Lockhart are introduced. Harry begins to question his identity while Ron’s loyalty and Hermione’s bravery shine brighter. It also introduces Horcruxes, which are a part of the bigger puzzle.
3. Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Release Date-4 June 2004
- IMDb Rating-7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-91%
- Smartprix Rating-8/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar, & Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 22 minutes
- Cast-Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint & others
- Director- Alfonso Cuaron
About the movie-Harry Potter’s third year at Hogwarts turns out to be eventful as he gets tutored by Professor Lupin, a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, and tackles Sirius Black, a vengeful fugitive prisoner.
Why Watch- It is one of the most highly rated movies in the series, and there are various reasons behind it. The change of director meant a stylistic shift as Hogwarts got more realistic and offered a more grounded teenage experience. The movie feels more mature and emotionally complex, and dives deeper into Harry’s past as we get to know about his parents and his connection to Sirius Black. Two of the most loved characters, Sirius Black and Professor Lupin, are introduced, and the time travel sequence in the climax gives you goosebumps. This is where Harry grows up from a curious boy to a brave young man.
4. Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Release Date-18 November 2005
- IMDb Rating-7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-88%
- Smartprix Rating-8.2/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 46 minutes
- Cast-Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint & others
- Director- Mike Newell
About the movie-In the fourth year at Hogwarts, Harry must reluctantly compete in an ancient wizard tournament after someone mysteriously selects his name, while the Dark Lord secretly conspires at something sinister.
Why Watch- This movie is a turning point in the series, and it is where the magical world becomes darker, riskier, and more real. The film includes the Triwizard tournament that adds action, danger, and spectacle to the Dragon Challenge, the Underwater Task, and the Maze with unexpected twists. We get the first glimpse beyond Hogwarts, and the ending is the game-changer, as from here on stakes are life and death. The film is a magical whodunit, and this is where childhood ends for Harry.
5. Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
- Release Date-11 July 2007
- IMDb Rating-7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-78%
- Smartprix Rating-7.9/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 18 minutes
- Cast-Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint & others
- Director- David Yates
About the movie-Harry Potter and Dumbledore’s warning about the return of Lord Voldemort is not needed by the wizard authorities who, in turn, look to undermine Dumbledore’s authority at Hogwarts and discredit Harry.
Why Watch- The movie is an important one in the series, as this is where it takes a sharp turn towards war, rebellion, and emotional growth. It isn’t about magic anymore but about resistance, truth, and inner strength. One more villain, Dolores Umbridge, becomes the infuriating character, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione take matters into their own hands by forming a secret group to learn and teach real defensive magic. It is the movie where Harry feels angry, isolated, and misunderstood, and begins to struggle with his own darkness. The film also answers a key mystery that why is Voldemort obsessed with Harry Potter?
6. Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince
- Release Date-15 July 2009
- IMDb Rating-7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-83%
- Smartprix Rating-8/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 33 minutes
- Cast-Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint & others
- Director- David Yates
About the movie-Dumbledore and Harry Potter learn more about Voldemort’s past and his rise to power. Meanwhile, Harry stumbles upon an old potions textbook belonging to a person calling himself the Half-Blood Prince.
Why Watch- This film bridges the magical school life tone with the dark, looming finale of the wizarding war. The film asks who the half-blood prince is and why their potions book gives Harry an edge? It includes romantic subplots between Harry and Ginny and Ron and Hermione. The tone turns heavy as even Hogwarts is no longer safe, and you can feel the calm before the storm. The major turning point is Dumbledore’s death at Snape, and the mystery around Snape’s character deepens as well.
7. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
- Release Date-19 November 2010
- IMDb Rating-7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-76%
- Smartprix Rating-7.5/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 26 minutes
- Cast-Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint & others
- Director- David Yates
About the movie-Harry, Ron, and Hermione go into hiding as Voldemort takes over the Ministry of Magic. Later, the trio tries to decipher the clues left to them by Dumbledore to find and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes.
Why Watch- This movie marks the literal beginning of the end, the tone, stakes, and emotions reach new highs, and it is now about survival, sacrifice, and the fight against tyranny. The trio is on their own with no Hogwarts, no Dumbledore, and no adult protection, and it feels as if the wizarding world is falling apart. The explanation about Deathly Hallows is visually stunning, the bond between friends is tested as Harry and Ron separate, and Hermione stands by Harry. Dobby the elf sacrifices himself for Harry, and with Voldemort seizing the elder wand, the setup for an explosive finale is laid.
8. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
- Release Date-15 July 2011
- IMDb Rating-8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-96%
- Smartprix Rating-9/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 10 minutes
- Cast-Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint & others
- Director- David Yates
About the movie-Harry, Ron, and Hermione set out on a quest to eliminate the remaining horcruxes. On the other hand, the students and teachers must unite to defend Hogwarts against Lord Voldemort and his minions.
Why Watch- This one is the epic conclusion to a decade-long journey of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The final showdown between good and evil makes this one a cinematic event filled with heroism, heart, and loss. Hogwarts turns into a battlefield, and the prophecy gets fulfilled as Harry and Voldemort face off. Snape’s death and true loyalty are revealed while Harry walks into the forest to die, showing pure bravery. At the end, there is closure for the trio, peace returns to Hogwarts, and children start boarding the train again.
9. Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them (2016)
- Release Date-18 November 2016
- IMDb Rating-7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-74%
- Smartprix Rating-7/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 13 minutes
- Cast-Katherine Waterstone, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller & others
- Director- David Yates
About the movie- When Newt Scamander, a magizoologist, arrives in New York, several magical beasts escape from his magically expanded suitcase. Newt must find the missing creatures before they cause trouble.
Why Watch- This movie is a way to return to the Wizarding World but with new characters, a new era, and a fresh perspective. The story is set in jazz-age America, and Newt is not your typical action hero. He’s shy, kind, and deeply empathetic. If you love magical animals, this film will be a dream come true, and beyond the characters, there is a darker story. It also lays the plot for future films in the lineup.
10. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
- Release Date-16 November 2018
- IMDb Rating-6.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-36%
- Smartprix Rating-5/10
- Streaming on- JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
- Runtime- 2 hours 14 minutes
- Cast-Jude Law, Johnny Depp, Katherine Waterstone, & others
- Director- David Yates
About the movie-Gellert Grindelwald plans to raise an army of wizards to rule over non-magical beings, in response, Newt Scamander’s former professor, Albus Dumbledore, seeks his help to stop him.
Why Watch- If you are someone drawn to deeper wizarding world lore, political intrigue, and origins of the dark world, this one is for you. In this movie, we meet Gellert Grindelwald, and Johnny Depp’s portrayal is a quiet menace that is unsettling. The plot is dark, twisty, and complex, with Dumbledore making a return and Credence’s identity being revealed. The film lays the groundwork for the epic conflict between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, the future of the wizarding world, and the battle for Credence’s soul.
11. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
- Release Date-8 April 2022
- IMDb Rating-6.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating-46%
- Smartprix Rating-5/10
- Streaming on- Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+
- Runtime- 2 hours 23 minutes
- Cast-Mads Mikkelsen, Jude Law, and Katherine Waterston
- Director- David Yates
About the movie-Dumbledore assembles a team of wizards, witches, and a Muggle baker to oppose the rise of Gellert Grindelwald. They hatch a plan to confuse Grindelwald and stop him from attaining political power.
Why Watch- If you are invested in the larger history of the wizarding world, you will want to watch this movie. Dumbledore’s secrets get revealed, including his romantic and emotional past, blood pact, and internal guilt. Magical creatures become central to the story, and themes of truth, power, and integrity are explored. Initially, there were plans to have five films in the Fantastic Beasts series, but currently, no plans have been announced for a 4th or 5th film, so the franchise has been put on hold for now.
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