All 8 of the Harry Potter Movies, Ranked
The entire Harry Potter cinematic universe can be streamed on Peacock. Here's the order we put them in.
First, let's get this out the way: Every single one of the Harry Potter movies are brilliant. (And available to stream each on Peacock).
Across 10 years, the billion dollar franchise saw four directors — Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates — taking turns at the helm of an eight-film series that was a generational triumph. Each installment enthralled audiences, furthering a mega-plot that was years in the making and starring an exceptional cast led by The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley).
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But... if you ask any one Harry Potter fan which movie is their favorite, let alone to list them in order of preference, you're unlikely to get the same answer. Let that be a testament to the passion of the viewers and the brilliance of all the artists involved. With that being said, take the below Harry Potter movie ranking as a mere guide to the universe from one fan to the another.
A ranking of all the Harry Potter films
8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Clocking in at 2 hours and 41 minutes, the second movie packs in a ton of delightful wizarding world lore, but is also the longest film of the eight. Harry and Ron arrive at Hogwarts by crashing their car into the Whomping Willow, Ron throws up slugs, we're introduced to the beloved Dobby the House Elf, Moaning Myrtle, and we meet the Weasley family at The Burrow. However, the unsettling mystery of why muggle-born children are being petrified at Hogwarts looms over the film. At the same time, it took some fans years to realize that Chamber of Secrets holds one of the series' biggest easter eggs with the destruction of Tom Riddle's diary.
7. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
With themes of corruption in power and government, and the tragic death of fan favorite Sirius Black, Order of the Phoenix is the darkest Harry Potter film by far. Throughout, Harry fights to keep Voldemort out of his head, all while trying to convince the Wizarding World that The Dark Lord has returned. Ironically, the highlight is the pink-clad Dolores Umbridge — arguably one of the greatest movie villains of all time — brilliantly played by Imelda Staunton. The cinematography also deserves a shoutout, particularly the stunning Ministry of Magic battle scene at the end of the movie.
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
The calm before the storm, the universe's penultimate film often gets flagged for its slower pace. It follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a meandering journey throughout the countryside, in search of the Horcruxes that are supposed to bring down Voldemort once and for all. What the film lacks in action, it makes up for in tender moments and gorgeous scenic views, following the trio as they come into their own while attempting to save the world. And we can't forget Harry and Hermione's heartwarming dance to "O Children" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
5. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
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The Half-Blood Prince gifts fans welcome moments of levity before the unavoidable gravity of the final two installments. Romance is in the air as Ginny and Harry share their first kiss, while Ron gets himself a girlfriend, if only to avoid his feelings for Hermione who's fighting off the advances of an odious Cormac McLaggen. What boosts this film, though, are the shocking Snape (Alan Rickman) reveals and the death of Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), all of which are pivotal series moments that's importance is only revealed in the finale.
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
The closest Harry Potter gets to your stereotypical fun coming of age teen movie, Goblet of Fire has hot jocks, bad haircuts, embarrassing crushes, and a school dance. The film expands the wizarding world as the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang descend on Hogwarts to compete in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament, complete with dragons and mermaids. Of course, Robert Pattinson is unforgettable in his role as the tragic Cedric Diggory, leading to Ralph Fiennes' skin-crawling debut as Lord Voldemort.
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
The film that started it all, the magic of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is undeniable. Nostalgia makes up for the adorably novice young actors that were Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson, who shine as our Golden Trio. In what is perhaps the truest book to big screen adaptation out of all the films, fans learn about the wonders of witchcraft along with Harry. We're treated to the Sorting Hat, Quidditch, moving staircases, talking portraits, Hogwarts ghosts, and a giant three-headed dog. Rewatching this one will enchant you all over again.
2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
From the lore of The Marauders, to a werewolf and rabid escaped prisoner Sirius Black (Harry's beloved godfather played by Gary Oldman), there was a lot to cover in the series' third installment. However, director Alfonso Cuarón masterfully packaged it all, managing to merge multiple timelines at once as Harry learned even more about his past. The series officially grows up with the Prisoner of Azkaban, taking on more mature themes and tone, forcing The Boy Who Lived to push his magical abilities with the performance of the Patronus Charm. The height of horror, adventure, and mystery, many fans sight the Prisoner of Azkaban as their favorite film in the franchise.
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
If there's a perfect example of how to wrap up an epic years-long blockbuster film series, Part 2 of The Deathly Hallows might be it. Combining everything Potterheads loved about the franchise into just over two-hours of thrilling adventure, the final movie perfectly spelled out how the complex storylines of the previous seven films all led to this moment. Despite having to endure the deaths of cherished characters, the defeat of Voldemort and his Death Eaters was all worth it in the end. And it all went down at Hogwarts, obviously.
All Harry Potter movies are available to watch now on Peacock.
