How to watch the Harry Potter films in order
Adapted from the novels by JK Rowling, Harry Potter takes us on a journey from innocent childhood, through adolescence and finally into adulthood set against a backdrop of fantastical beasts, powerful magic, and wonderous adventure.
The recurring stars are Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. A supporting cast includes legendary stars such as Richard Harris, Michael Gambon (who took on the role of Dumbledore after Richard Harris’ death), Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Dame Maggie Smith and John Hurt.
If you want to want to watch the Harry Potter movies in order, here’s the definitive list of Harry Potter movies for the ultimate marvellous, magical marathon!
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 2001
The first film introduces us to orphan Harry who lives under the stairs. Imprisoned by cruel aunt and uncle Dursley, played by Richard Griffiths and Fiona Shaw, Harry is destined for greater things. When Harry’s invite to attend the Hogwarts School of Wizardry is delivered by an owl, he packs his bags, boards the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9¾ and sets off on the adventure of a lifetime.
The Philosopher’s Stone packs a fantastical journey into two and a half hours, introducing us to the marvels of Hogwarts, and recurring characters such as Hagrid, played by Robbie Coltrane, Professor Dumbledore, played by Richard Harris, and the sinister Professor Snape, played by Alan Rickman. We learn of a completely different magical world, hidden ‘just to the side’ of everyday life, where wizardry and spellcasting are as normal as eating your breakfast. We also see glimpses of the darker, more terrifying underside of magic, with the first mentions of Voldemort, and the bitter rivalry between true-bloods and ‘muggles’. Directed by Chris Columbus.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 2002
The second Harry Potter film sees Daniel Radcliffe return as the boy wizard. This time, something dark stalks the corridors of Hogwarts, and ancient prophecy seems to be coming back to haunt the young witches and wizards. Paralysed students keep turning up, and the staff are grimly battling against an ancient evil that lurks in the Chamber of Secrets. Ably assisted by Hermione and Ron, Harry comes face to face with the Basilisk and discovers the origins of He Who Shall Not Be Named. Also starring Toby Jones as the voice of Dobby the House Elf, and Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy. Directed by Chris Columbus.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, 2004
The unthinkable and supposedly impossible has happened – a deadly foe has escaped from Azkaban Prison, and Harry Potter is in their sights. Sirius Black, played by Gary Oldman, is one of Voldemort’s trusted aides and is on Harry’s trail. Hogwarts is placed on high alert, with the demonic Dementors guarding the school gates. But is all as it seems? Is Sirius who Harry thinks he is? The third in the series is a darker, more intense film that looks at the concepts of identity and betrayal, taking the story to new and ever-more complex places. Also starring Robert Hardy as Cornelius Fudge, Julie Walters as Mrs Weasley, and Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 2005
After the darkness and intensity of The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire starts off with a sunny and cheerful feel, as Harry and his friends enjoy the Quidditch World Cup final. However, the forces of darkness are never far away, and Death Eaters bring chaos and terror to the tournament’s revelry. Back at Hogwarts, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three great magical institutions in a series of difficult challenges. Behind the scenes, a sense of fear is rising as Voldemort’s symbol, ‘The Dark Mark’ appears everywhere. For Harry and his friends, everything is about to change. Also starring David Tennant, Brendan Gleeson, Eric Sykes, Timothy Spall and Frances de la Tour as Madam Olympe Maxime. Directed by Mike Newell.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 2007
Harry comes under the spotlight of the Ministry of Magic and watches in horror as the sinister Professor Dolores Umbridge replaces Dumbledore. Changes at Hogwarts are echoed by a new chapter in Harry's life, as he discovers the secrets of the Order of the Phoenix, and their battle against the forces of darkness within the Ministry. Harry finds some surprising allies in one of the most intense and powerful films of the franchise. Also starring Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort, Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge, Katie Leung as Harry's new love interest Cho Chang, and Emma Thompson as Sybil Trelawney. Directed by David Yates.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, 2009
It's Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts, and a mysterious book once the property of the 'Half-Blood Prince' finds its way into his hands. The new potions professor, Horace Slughorn, recognises it for what it is – an important clue into the background of Voldemort and the Dark Lord's own personal journey from good to evil. Harry not only has to contend with the growing menace of his nemesis, but a hidden enemy also waits in the shadows to thwart the young wizard’s plans. Although many of the films can be watched as ‘stand-alone’ adventures, it is wise to have watched the Harry Potter movies in order to understand the finer aspects of this complex film. Also starring Dave Legeno as Fenrir Greyback, Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy, Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange, Warwick Davis as Professor Filius Flitwick, and Jim Broadbent as Professor Horace Slughorn. Directed by David Yates.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 2010
And so the climax begins. In the first of this epic two-part finale, Harry and his friends race to find and destroy the evil Horcruxes, and he finds that there are some things that are even more terrifying than these mere wizardry trinkets – the Deathly Hallows. With Voldemort now controlling the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts, who can Harry turn to? Is there anyone he can truly trust? The final battle has begun. Also starring Bill Nighy as Minister Rufus Scrimgeour, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, John Hurt as Ollivander, and Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter. Directed by David Yates.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, 2011
If you’ve watched the Harry Potter movies in order of release date, you’ll find this final chapter all the more rewarding as so many of the threads that run through the series come together at the end. A dark, brutal and surprisingly sombre film, Deathly Hallows Part 2 sees our young hero come face to face with the Dark Lord one last time. Not everyone will survive the epic battle that rages around Hogwarts, and life will never be the same again for Harry, Hermione and Ron. An explosive end to the series, Deathly Hallows Part 2 is a grown-up film that explores the true nature of good and evil at its most basic level. Also starring Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort, Alan Rickman as Snape, Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood, Domhnall Gleeson as Bill Weasley, and Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. Directed by David Yates.
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