Harry Potter Movies In Order: Your Introduction To The Wizarding World

If you are thinking of getting into the world of witchcraft and wizardry, you should start with the Harry Potter series. And being a Potterhead myself, I would be obliged to introduce you to this world. 

The movie franchise holds a special place in the hearts of every Potterhead. This remains a classic, even 20 years after its release. Not just for a beginner, but for anyone who is planning a Harry Potter marathon, this article will be of immense help. 

Harry Potter Movies in Order

The stories of Harry Potter feature characters who are challenged with different mysteries that will keep you on edge. The eight films are adaptations from the fantasy novels, and the first book was released in 1997. 

Four years after the book’s launch, the first movie was made in 2001, and the public’s enthusiasm encouraged them to make more movies. Here is a list of Harry Potter movies in order of their release. 

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone/Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

Director: Chris Columbus 

IMDB rating: 7.6 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 81% 

If you are watching this in 2025, it will be like going back in time and seeing the stars Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe. This movie introduces the young Harry, Ron, and Hermione, laying the groundwork for their enduring friendship.  

This is where Harry himself learn about the wizarding world on his 11th birthday. Moreover, he discovers the truth about his parents and that he is a pureblood. He will learn about the good and bad of the magic world and hunt for the philosopher’s stone with his friends. 

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Director: Chris Columbus 

IMDB rating: 7.4 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 82% 

After the first encounter with Voldemort, everyone knows how powerful he is, and that is something that scares everyone. However, the second part, an ancient prophecy, is proving to be true.  

This film also introduces Dobby, the adorable elf, who tries to warn Harry of the coming dangers. However, the trip still comes together to investigate the mysteries behind the walls and closed doors.  

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Director: Alfonso Cuarón 

IMDB rating: 7.9 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 90% 

The trip returns to Hogwarts for their third year, where they are presented with a mystery about a dangerous prisoner who has escaped Azkaban. He is known to be a follower and sympathiser of Voldement. 

Meet this new character, Sirius Black, the prisoner who escaped. However, as the mystery unfolded, Harry learns a lot of new facts about his family. Also, you get to meet the amazing teacher of Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Lupin. 

4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Director: Mike Newell 

IMDB rating: 7.7 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 88% 

In this movie, Harry discovers that he has been enrolled in the Triwizard Tournament, where different schools of magic come together to compete against one another.  

However, there is something that constantly troubles him, and he gets recurrent nightmares. But soon he figures that it is not just other students that he is up against. Also, this movie features Robert Pattinson as a student at Hogwarts. 

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

Director: David Yates 

IMDB rating: 7.5 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 78% 

Disclaimer alert. There is one character in the movie that will frustrate you to your core. In this movie, Harry alerts everyone about the return of the Dark Lord, but the government ignores his warnings.  

After that, Harry begins training with a group of students to fight against the Dark Lord, and the Wizarding authorities target Harry and Professor Dumbledore. 

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

Director: David Yates 

IMDB rating: 7.6 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 84% 

This is Harry’s sixth year in Hogwarts, and he has come across a book named “The Property of the Half-Blood Prince” and learns more about the Dark Lord’s past and his time in the school.  

This is the movie where you will learn a lot about Severus Snape, and you will discover Malfoy’s fascination with the vanishing cupboard. Moreover, the trip also explores their love life in the movie.  

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)

Director: David Yates 

IMDB rating: 7.7 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 77% 

In the major part of the film, the trio hunts for the Horcruxes, and they learn that there are three most powerful objects in the magic world, which make up the Deathly Hallows. This is the final part of the book, but it is divided into two movies. 

8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)

Director: David Yates 

IMDB rating: 8.1 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96% 

It is time to end the fight between good and evil. Harry, Hermione, and Ron look for the remaining Horcruxes to end the Dark Lord for good, and this turns Hogwarts into a complete battlefield. 

When Are You Watching It?

If this is your first time watching the Harry Potter movies in order, you should start immediately. You are missing out on something wonderful. And if you are already a Potterhead, it is time to rewatch it – perhaps even go for a marathon. 

You will see how the character grows through the movies and becomes wiser. They face numerous challenges and deal with them gallantly. The world of Harry Potter has made a place for it, and you will have a complete experience.

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