Everyone entered the Wizarding World through the Harry Potter books and movies, which introduced us to a gifted 11-year-old, his friends Ron and Hermione, and their hallowed school of magic, Hogwarts.
I was watching the Harry Potter movies in order, seeing the story unfold chronologically in-universe, used to be as easy as finding the one where Daniel Radcliffe looks youngest and starting from there.
But the series has expanded now with the Fantastic Beasts movies, set some 70 years before The Sorcerer’s Stone. So to watch the Harry Potter movies in order, your journey begins with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, set in 1926 and starring Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scarmander.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is set in 1927. The third Fantastic Beasts intends to be released in July 2022, with two more movies to close out the Scarmander and Grindelwald saga.
All The Harry Potter Movies in Order
- Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
- Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets (2002)
- Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005)
- Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007)
- Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
- Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
1. Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Here’s a concise summary of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”:
In the mystical world of wizards, young Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard and receives an invitation to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Alongside his friends Ron and Hermione, Harry unravels secrets, faces challenges, and protects the Sorcerer’s Stone, a powerful artifact.
The stone grants immortality and attracts dark forces. Guided by wise mentors like Dumbledore, Harry learns about friendship, identity, and the eternal battle between good and evil. The film weaves magic, spells, and enchanting creatures into an unforgettable tale of bravery and wonder.
2. Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets (2002)
The film continues the magical journey of young wizard Harry Potter during his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Alongside loyal friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry faces new challenges and dark mysteries.
The plot unfolds as messages appear on Hogwarts’ walls, warning of the Chamber of Secrets being opened. Legend has it that the chamber houses a monster unleashed by the Heir of Salazar Slytherin. Petrified students, cryptic writings, and eerie occurrences grip the school.
Harry discovers the entrance to the chamber, aided by the ghostly Moaning Myrtle. The enigmatic Gilderoy Lockhart, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, reluctantly joins their quest. As secrets unravel, Harry confronts ancient magic, loyalty, and the legacy of Hogwarts’ founders.
The film’s darker tone, impressive sets, and stellar performances especially by Kenneth Branagh, Robbie Coltrane, and Jason Isaacscaptivated audiences worldwide. With a box office gross of $926 million, it became the second-highest-grossing film in 2002.
3. Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
The film follows Harry Potter during his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry unravels dark mysteries and confronts his past alongside loyal friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
On the night before his thirteenth birthday, Harry receives gifts from his friends via Owl Post. The next morning, he learns that the notorious Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, is on the loose. Black’s connection to Harry’s deceased parents and his mission to kill Harry creates an atmosphere of tension and danger.
To protect Hogwarts, hundreds of Dementors guard the school. As Harry delves into the truth about his past, he discovers secrets, faces ancient magic, and grapples with loyalty. The film marks a shift in tone and direction, introducing real-life locations and captivating audiences worldwide.
With its IMAX release and a box office gross of $798 million, “Prisoner of Azkaban” remains a fan favorite and a testament to the magic of the wizarding world.
4. Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005)
The film commences with Harry having a nightmare involving a Muggle caretaker’s murder and a mysterious plot by Lord Voldemort, Peter Pettigrew, and an unidentified man. As the school year begins, Hogwarts hosts the prestigious Triwizard Tournament, welcoming students from the Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy.
The magical Goblet of Fire unexpectedly selects Harry as the fourth champion, despite him not entering his name. The tournament involves perilous tasks, including battling dragons, navigating underwater mazes, and facing a bewitched maze. Amidst the competition, Harry uncovers dark secrets, encounters betrayal, and grapples with loyalty.
The film’s darker tone, impressive visuals, and stellar performances—especially by Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort—captivated audiences worldwide. With a box office gross of $896 million, it became the highest-grossing film in 2005.
5. Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007)
After a Dementor attack on Harry and his cousin Dudley, the Ministry of Magic detects Harry’s underage magic use and attempts to expel him from Hogwarts.
Fortunately, he is later exonerated. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Order of the Phoenix, founded by Albus Dumbledore, informs Harry that the Ministry is suppressing rumors about Lord Voldemort’s return. At the Order’s headquarters, Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black, reveals that Voldemort seeks an object he previously lacked—a weapon, perhaps.
As tensions rise, Harry grapples with visions, betrayal, and the weight of prophecy. The film masterfully balances teenage angst, political intrigue, and magical battles. With a worldwide gross of $942 million, it became the second-highest-grossing film in 2007.
Despite Warner Bros.’s claim of a $167 million loss, it remains a testament to the enduring magic of the wizarding world.
6. Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009)
The film’s plot revolves around Harry’s discovery of a mysterious potions textbook that once belonged to the enigmatic Half-Blood Prince. This book earns him the respect of his new Potions professor, Horace Slughorn.
Meanwhile, Albus Dumbledore prepares Harry for the ultimate final confrontation by uncovering the secret behind Voldemort’s power. As the wizarding world faces increasing danger, alliances shift, and the battle against darkness intensifies.
The film’s emotional depth, character development, and revelations about Voldemort’s past make it a pivotal chapter in the epic saga of Harry Potter and his friends.
7. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” (2010), directed by David Yates, is the seventh year of Harry Potter at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the first installment of a two-part series.
As Harry, Ron, and Hermione race against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, they uncover the existence of the three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows. With Voldemort’s power growing stronger, he now controls the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts.
The trio embarks on a dangerous mission, facing deadly curses, betrayal, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. The film beautifully captures themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and love, leaving fans with a sense of closure and nostalgia as they bid farewell to the wizarding world.
8. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
The film unfolds with the trio infiltrating Gringott Wizarding Bank to retrieve a Horcrux. Their journey leads them to the Battle of Hogwarts, where the fate of the wizarding world hangs in the balance.
The castle becomes a battleground, with beloved characters fighting alongside Harry. The climactic showdown between Harry and Voldemort takes place, revealing the true power of the Elder Wand and the prophecy that binds them.
Throughout the film, we witness moments of sacrifice, redemption, and love. The bravery of Neville Longbottom, the wisdom of Professor Snape, and the unwavering loyalty of Dobby leave lasting impressions. The film beautifully captures the essence of friendship, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Hogwarts.
In the heart-wrenching epilogue, set 19 years later, we see Harry, Ron, and Hermione sending their own children off to Hogwarts—a poignant reminder that magic lives on through the next generation.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is a fitting conclusion to an epic saga, leaving fans with a sense of closure and nostalgia. As the credits roll, we bid farewell to the wizarding world, grateful for the magic it brought into our lives.
