Harry Potter movies ranked – every film from worst to best

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HBO Max is creating a new TV series based on the Harry Potter books later this year, with a fresh cast and a reimagined story.

The new show faces a tough challenge to meet the high expectations set by the very popular movies released from 2001 to 2011.

The eight Harry Potter films, featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson alongside many of Britain’s most celebrated actors, were hugely successful at the box office and played a key role in making the Wizarding World a worldwide sensation.

With the TV show coming out, many are curious to see if it will be as successful as the original movies. To celebrate, we’re revisiting those films and sharing our favorite ones. We’ll include snippets from our initial reviews, but looking back after all this time changes things. Instead of relying on our original star ratings, we’ve re-evaluated the movies based on how they hold up today, as Albus Dumbledore wisely noted that time is a mysterious thing.

Get ready to relive the magic! We’ve ranked all the Harry Potter movies, from our least favorite to our absolute favorite. Let’s dive in!

Harry Potter films ranked

8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

We begin with the second film in the series, and the last directed by Chris Columbus. Released in 2002, it’s also the longest movie in the franchise, running for over two hours and forty minutes. This film introduced the fan-favorite character, Dobby. Even though computer-generated characters weren’t always well-received at the time, Dobby’s charm helped elevate the movie, even during its slower or more serious moments. While it’s a good film, Chamber of Secrets doesn’t quite reach the same level of excitement as the later installments.

  • What the cast said: “The action scenes for me were so much fun. In the scene when I’m hanging out of the car window, that was actually me, I was hanging 25-30ft up in the air, and it was just really cool. I do as many of the stunts as possible.” – Daniel Radcliffe

RT review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Fans of the original book will likely enjoy this second installment even more. It’s a bit spookier and more intense, but kids love a good adventure with some risk. The story features frightening creatures like screaming mandrake plants and dangerous spiders in the Forbidden Forest. Plus, Harry (played by Daniel Radcliffe) discovers he can talk to snakes, which makes his classmates and teachers suspicious.

Director Chris Columbus, once again working with a script by Steve Kloves, lets some scenes feel a little repetitive, but the film is generally clever and stays true to the original story. Kenneth Branagh is a standout as the self-absorbed teacher Gilderoy Lockhart, even overshadowing the visual effects. Unfortunately, Richard Harris’s portrayal of Dumbledore feels somewhat underdeveloped due to the complicated plot. – Tom Hutchinson

7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone / Sorcerer’s Stone

Chris Columbus faced a tough challenge: bringing J.K. Rowling’s popular books to the big screen. However, the director known for films like Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire successfully created a movie world that millions of people would grow to adore.

  • What the cast said: “They’d say a line and then they’d smile at the camera or they were just so happy to be in a ‘Harry Potter’ film that they couldn’t contain their excitement long enough to focus on an entire scene!” – Chris Columbus

RT review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

The Harry Potter books have sold millions of copies worldwide, and the movie adaptation is a huge event – it’s become a part of our culture. Daniel Radcliffe, as the eleven-year-old boy wizard Harry, is charming and believable as he’s taken to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to search for the mysterious Philosopher’s Stone.

Robbie Coltrane delivers a standout performance among a talented cast of well-known actors who bring J.K. Rowling’s beloved characters to life – though some, like John Hurt and John Cleese, have brief appearances. While it feels harsh to criticize, the film lacks a strong emotional center – Harry’s difficult childhood doesn’t quite resonate – and its runtime of over two and a half hours feels excessive for younger viewers who might get restless.

The successful adaptation of the first Harry Potter book proved the franchise was in good hands. Both writer Steve Kloves (known for The Fabulous Baker Boys) and director Chris Columbus (Home Alone) returned to work on the sequel, The Chamber of Secrets, the following year. – Andrew Collins

6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

The last Harry Potter book was divided into two films, a common practice then, but many now believe a single, longer movie would have been better. While the second film is highly praised, this first part feels overly focused on building up to the exciting finale.

  • What the cast said: “There’s a lot of tension in that scene [the famous dancing scene]. It’s nice because it’s sweet, but at the same time it’s strange. Hermione always tries to stop the boys from fighting and she knows how to react. She’s positive, but after Ron leaves she’s devastated. So Harry tries to make her snap out of it and cheer her up.” – Emma Watson

RT Review

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

The series, known for its consistently great family movies, stumbles with its seventh film, which is the first part of a large, two-part finale. While other characters have smaller roles, the story largely focuses on Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) as they embark on a long and eventful journey.

Despite beautiful visuals and production quality, the movie suffers from a wandering plot, slow speed, and awkward scene changes, which may disappoint all but the most dedicated viewers. The film feels incomplete, ending with a minor conflict instead of a satisfying resolution – more like a long introduction to a larger story. However, impressive action sequences and a particularly lovely animated segment help to save it.

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

David Yates, who previously directed from 2007 onwards, finished the film series. He later continued working within the Wizarding World with the Fantastic Beasts movies, maintaining the more serious style established in the previous film. And when talking about Order of the Phoenix, you absolutely have to mention Imelda Staunton’s portrayal of the delightfully awful Dolores Umbridge – a character Staunton herself famously called a “bloody monster.”

  • What the cast said: “I love the last one, but I also really love the fifth, which is not a lot of people’s favourite, I kind of realise. I love it because of the relationship between Harry and Sirius [Black], and you get a lot of Gary Oldman in that movie. That was my favourite one. Probably to film as well. We had a really, really good time making that one.” – Daniel Radcliffe

RT Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

I’m still completely hooked by this series, but this fifth installment definitely has a much darker feel to it. Harry – Daniel Radcliffe, of course – isn’t getting any breaks this time around. Forget Quidditch or tournaments, he’s desperately trying to get everyone to believe Voldemort – Ralph Fiennes is terrifying as always – is back. And to make things even worse, someone is even questioning Dumbledore’s leadership at Hogwarts! It’s really gripping stuff.

Turning such a large book into a movie was difficult, so it’s somewhat unexpected that David Yates’s film is one of the shortest in the series. While brevity isn’t always a bad thing, the movie rushes through some characters and storylines, leaving them feeling underdeveloped.

Despite some flaws, the film captures a sense of magic, with Alan Rickman perfectly portraying the stern Snape and Rupert Grint’s Ron providing welcome comedic moments. Imelda Staunton is particularly memorable as the strict and unpleasant Dolores Umbridge. The film culminates in a thrilling battle between good and evil within the Ministry of Magic, making the entire experience worthwhile. – Jamie Healy

4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

This is the fourth film in the series and features a new director, Mike Newell (famous for films like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Donnie Brasco). Released in 2005, it marks a significant change for the students at Hogwarts.

Harry and his friends were getting older, and the latest installment reflected that with a more mature tone and less vibrant marketing. The sense of childlike wonder from previous books was replaced by a much darker and more realistic feel.

The death of Cedric Diggory, and his father’s heartbreaking reaction, was a pivotal moment in the series.

  • What the cast said: “[Mike Newell] brought out the best performances in all of us yet… he was very focused on the fact that you know you can pump huge quantities of money into special effects… but none of it would matter if we didn’t have good performances.” – Emma Watson

RT Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

I’m really enjoying how the Harry Potter series is growing up with me! This fourth movie, like the one before it, is definitely darker and spookier than the earlier films, and it genuinely gave me some chills alongside all the magic. Harry’s now fourteen, and things get seriously intense when he unexpectedly finds himself competing in the Triwizard Tournament – it’s a huge competition between three wizarding schools, and the challenges are unbelievably dangerous!

Even though Daniel Radcliffe’s acting feels a bit weak, the movie’s exciting tournament scenes are fantastic. Highlights include a stunning CGI dragon and unsettling merpeople. Director Mike Newell, similar to Alfonso Cuarón, brings a strong vision to the film, making Hogwarts feel like an incredibly magical place.

The movie might be too scary and long for younger children, as it includes a student’s death and features Ralph Fiennes as the villain, Lord Voldemort, making it quite intense. – Sloan Freer

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3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Okay, so let’s be real, this movie – also known as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – is a total coming-of-age story, but with magic! There’s a lot of teenage angst and, yeah, hormones flying around. And the romance? It’s definitely cranked up, especially with Harry and Ginny finally sharing a kiss. Honestly, it feels like a romantic comedy, but with wizards and witches instead of your usual characters. It’s a fun, flirty ride!

In the sixth Harry Potter film, Death Eaters caused significant chaos in London, and a beloved character tragically died in a surprising turn of events for those unfamiliar with the book. The movie’s visuals were stunning, and it rightfully received an Oscar nomination for its beautiful cinematography.

  • What the cast said: “[At the time,] we weren’t privy to where our characters were going so all I did really was just focus on who [Draco] was in that particular film. Which is why shooting Half-Blood Prince was probably the most enjoyable.” – Tom Felton

RT Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

The sixth movie in the fantasy series is a standout installment. Dumbledore brings potions master Horace Slughorn out of retirement and back to Hogwarts. Harry is tasked with getting Slughorn to reveal information about a former student – the future Lord Voldemort – but the teacher is reluctant to share his memories.

Adapting this book was challenging since it primarily focuses on building towards the story’s conclusion. However, the screenwriter, Steve Kloves, did a great job of streamlining the plot while still preserving the emotional impact of its surprisingly mature themes.

Despite the increasingly dark and menacing atmosphere as the villains gain power, the film offers moments of levity through romance and playful humor. Director David Yates delivers a visually stunning and atmospheric experience, significantly improving the storytelling and special effects compared to previous installments. – Alan Jones

2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Harry Potter fans worldwide were saddened as the story of Hogwarts and its heroes concluded. Warner Bros. likely felt the loss too, as the hugely profitable film series—this installment earned $1.34 billion—reached its end. While the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films followed, they weren’t as successful, and a new television series is also in development.

The epic final showdown was incredibly satisfying, especially for fans who had been rooting for the couple all along. After years of anticipation, the ending delivered and kept the excitement alive for those who followed the story from the beginning.

  • What the cast said: “I hardly ever know my lines in the film. But my favourite is when I appear as a ghost on the station platform in the final film, “I say, ‘Harry…’ And I felt like crying.” – Michael Gambon

RT Review

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

The epic fantasy series reaches a deeply emotional and fulfilling end with a final showdown between Harry and Voldemort. Picking up right after the previous film, Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest to find and destroy the magical objects that keep Voldemort alive. At the same time, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is surrounded by dark forces, and the brave students prepare for a major battle.

The film gives every important character a chance to shine, and the stories behind Snape (Alan Rickman) and the hero’s fate are particularly moving. Compared to earlier installments, this one has a wonderfully dark and intense atmosphere, making the final battle feel truly epic. Director David Yates expertly brings it all to life with impressive visual effects. – Alan Jones

1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

I have to admit, when Alfonso Cuarón – the guy who’d made films like Y tu mamá también and a really interesting take on Great Expectations back in ’98 – was announced as the director, I was surprised. It felt like a bit of an unusual pick. But honestly, looking at the finished product, it’s clear it was the right one. The results completely justify the choice.

In Harry Potter’s third year, Hogwarts faces a perceived threat with the arrival of Sirius Black, who is initially believed to be a dangerous villain. However, it’s soon revealed that he’s not the threat everyone thinks. Featuring a standout performance by Gary Oldman, clever use of time travel, and the introduction of the majestic Buckbeak, Prisoner of Azkaban significantly elevated the series and is often considered a fan favorite.

Even though fans and viewers loved the movie, it made less money at the box office than any other film in the series, falling short of $800 million. Many people have often wondered what might have happened if director Alfonso Cuarón had continued to direct more installments.

  • What the cast said: “It is a very grown-up movie, so full of daring that it made me smile and smile. Every frame of it is the work of an artist and storyteller. Stunning effects that are somehow part of the life of the film, not show-off stunts.” – Alan Rickman

RT Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Choosing a Mexican director for the third Harry Potter film was a gamble for the studio. At the time, he was primarily known for his clever and stylish, but relatively inexpensive, film Y Tu Mamá También. He’s since become a highly acclaimed director, winning Oscars for Gravity and Roma.

The creative choice has proven successful. Alfonso Cuarón delivers a more intense and frightening tone in this film, as young wizard Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) faces challenges both from the escaped prisoner Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) and the struggles of adolescence.

Despite the series nearing its end, this installment is still full of excitement, spooky creatures, and clever inventions. A standout is a magical, transforming three-story bus that could instantly fix London’s traffic problems! The film also features appearances by David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, and Timothy Spall, and the young actors are really coming into their own. Fans of the Harry Potter series are sure to enjoy it. – Dave Aldridge

Authors

Cameron K McEwan

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2026-04-23 09:53