Upon a recent rewatch of the Harry Potter films, I’ve decided. This is officially my favorite movie series of all time. So, in honor of this classic series, it’s time to rank these beloved films from worst to best!
All Harry Potter movies ranked worst to best:
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
IMDb rating: 7.7
The final installment of the Harry Potter series was broken from one book into two films. With that decision, one of the movies was given all of the payoff, and one was given the buildup.
While I’m typically somebody who loves slow-burn content, this movie just doesn’t reach the heights of the best of the series.
While most of this film is on the road, we definitely lose some of the “magic” that makes the series so special. We have our wizards in regular clothes engaging in sad drama between each other. The darker, more mature tone of these later films lends itself well to huge emotional payoffs. And there are some of those here, like the death of Dobby, or the dance between Harry and Hermione.
I also appreciate the more introspective, character-study aspect of this film. As there isn’t this sprawling plot to cover, we get deeper with our characters in a way we haven’t before.
Unfortunately though, the movie just isn’t quite as charming, magical, or epic as those around it. And we’ve definitely passed that magical sense of wonder from early in the series. Finally, the utilization of Polyjuice potion yet again has somewhat lost its charm.
So for however many great moments there are in this film, it’s just not quite as fantastic as the best of the series. Even if I do love the animated section of The Tale of Three Brothers. What a visual treat!
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
IMDb rating: 7.7
This movie is definitely one of the most divisive of the series. Goblet of Fire has some diehard fans that place it right at the top of the list. I’m unfortunately on the more negative side of things, mostly due to the melodramatic nature of the film.
What I love so much about the first 3 films is how majestic and beautiful and magical they are. As we enter the 4th film with Goblet of Fire, the teens have reached their dramatic, obnoxious phase. Seeing characters we love engage in petty bickering and relationship drama isn’t exactly what I’ve signed up to see Harry Potter for!
The inclusion of teen heartthrob Robert Pattinson to play Cedric Diggory was by no means a mistake. The Twilight star brings a brooding energy to the set, although he is certainly fun to watch.
But as much as I dislike specific aspects of this movie, it’s probably the movie that just has the most fun. The tournament games are a blast to watch, and it’s a fantastic set piece to play as a backdrop for the entire film.
I think the movie does a great job at balancing this light-hearted tone with the absolute terror that is the ending. Voldemort was realized in epic fashion by Ralph Fiennes, and his voice alone is enough to send chills down your spine.
It’s great fun to see the worldbuilding of the other schools, the Yule Ball setpiece, and many new magical powers. But I could have gone without some of the angsty overblown drama.
6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
IMDb rating: 7.5
If I had to guess, the Chamber of Secrets is probably the lowest rated by most fans. And there’s a few reasons for this.
Chamber of Secrets is directed by Chris Columbus – the same person who directed the first movie. Because of this, the first and second movie feel like outliers amongst the rest of the series. Unfortunately for the second film, Chamber doesn’t get the privilege of exploring a new world. Chamber re-explores a world that we already discovered.
So there is a bit of that sense of wonder that’s gone in this second film. But secondly, and most importantly, this is the shortest book, yet the longest movie. I’ve heard many say that this one drags for them, and I can see why.
However, this movie is probably the one that was my favorite when I was a little kid. There’s something about the dark mystery that’s so alluring to a young child. Each setpiece is really cool and intense, from Aragog to the amazing Basilisk. I’m amazed by the effects of this movie standing up so well for 2002, especially with how bad the troll looked in the first movie.
So while this movie can drag ever so slightly, there is such a nostalgic charm to it. And I love that the stakes feel so high. Perhaps even higher than the few films to follow it.
And with this movie, we’ve already reached a 9/10 for me. I think I might like these movies…
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
IMDb rating: 7.7
I know this movie as Sorcerer’s Stone, but I’ll make it Philosophers for you global audiences. Just this once!
As I mentioned in the previous ranking, this movie shares a lot of the same DNA as the second. We have the same directing style, the same Dumbledore, and the same young characters.
When I was younger, I would have rated this movie last, but that such a disservice to everything this movie does. First of all, without this movie, we don’t have the amazing set design that defines the entire franchise. The world created in this movie was so immersive and imaginative that it literally spawned entire theme parks. And yes, I’ve been to those as well. Maybe I should do a ranking of Harry Potter Rides!
And, without this first film, we wouldn’t have the astounding casting for our classic characters. Of course we have the main trio of Ron, Harry and Hermione. But don’t forget, this movie found us Alan Rickman as Snape, or Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid.
It delivered likely my favorite soundtrack of ALL TIME by legendary composer John Williams.
So this movie is chock full of foundational reasons to love it and rate it as one of the best. But the actual content of the movie isn’t quite to the level of the best of the best.
For example, the child actors, for however amazing they might be down the road, have some really corny line deliveries. There are silly side quests that definitely feel more like a detour in a child’s novel rather than a core piece of a bigger story. And there is some pretty dated CGI in any Quidditch scenes, or during the troll attack.
But for any of the hang-ups I might have about details of the movie, I can’t deny that this is a classic that will go down as one of the most foundational movies in film history. And I can’t ever pass up an opportunity to go back and see where it all started.
I just have to say, this movie is the reason my bedroom was themed to Harry Potter. Yes, I went all in.
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
IMDb rating: 7.6
This might just be the darkest movie of the entire franchise, but it also is the funniest. While I know some find this tonal shift to be jarring, I find it to be the perfect balance between emo-laden tragedy and good, magical fun.
It’s one of the most unique entries, full of brilliant and beautiful imagery, meaningful and powerful dialogue, and silly and hilarious comedy.
The climax of the film is probably the hardest moment to watch in the whole series, including the death of Dumbledore. And that’s the moment everyone is going to take away from this film for sure. But there are many more upsetting moments like Draco vs. Harry in the bathroom, where Harry uses Sectumsempra. Or, when Katie bell gets cursed – it’s like a scene out of Stranger Things.
But the reason that all of these moments hit so hard is that, well, we love these characters. I absolutely love Harry, Ron, and Hermione, so when stuff gets really messed up in this movie, it scares me more than most horror movies can. This movie feels very mature. I feel like I grew up with these characters. So watching them be subjected to such terrible things really hits at my emotional core.
So thank god for the moments of hysterical comedy in this one, because otherwise I’m not sure I would love rewatching it.
I know this will likely be my hottest take of this ranking, but I’m happy to go out on a limb. I will say, I do feel that the movie could have been slightly longer. I would have been happy to delve more into Voldemort or Snape’s backstory. That’s probably the only reason this one isn’t ranked higher. But for what we got, wow, I’m a happy fan!
3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
IMDb rating: 7.6
Every time I watch this series, I feel like I come out with a new top dog. And throughout my most recent rewatch, I was certain that Order of the Phoenix would make it to the top 2, but it just barely missed that 10/10 cut.
It’s amazing to see Harry finally come into his own as a leader in this movie. And, he has a worthy, hateable adversary in Professor Umbridge – likely the most detestable villain of all.
I know some can’t stand the angry and bitter attitude that Harry gets in this film, especially in the books. But have you seen what Harry has been through? Do you see how the people around him treat him just for telling the truth? As somebody who has been an angry teenager with mental health issues, I severely related to him. And It makes me emotional just writing about it now.
And in some ways, it’s cathartic to see him lash out. He’s being dragged around by forces he doesn’t even comprehend, and his key mentors are avoiding him or teasing him. I just want him to shout – ENOUGH! So when he yells look at me – I felt it with every ounce of my being.
Beyond that, we have him taking charge with Dumbledore’s Army. We have the magnificent setpiece at the Ministry of Magic. That’s complete with Sirius’s death, and Dumbledore’s epic showdown with Voldemort. The movie even introduces Luna Lovegood – a fan favorite.
The only minor drawback that I’d have to say about this one is the length. I wish, again, that we got just a little bit more out of the story. It feels as though they brushed past certain elements that I would have liked just a little more out of. For example, the entire Occlumency training arc.
And now what you’ve all been waiting for. The moment to see the best Harry Potter movies ranked. I give you, the top 2…
2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
IMDb rating: 7.9
Prisoner of Azkaban is directed by Alfonso Cuarón and sees a huge tonal shift. There are these strange establishing shots that indicate the passage of time, typically surrounding the Whomping Willow. This includes shaking off snow, or following a bird as it pops on one of the branches of the tree.
These tiny choices make all the difference, though. It injects much needed newness into a world that had 2 films with the same director. And that’s the biggest asset of this movie. The charm.
The movie still features the classic songs that you know and love, but it adds some new fantastic themes that are just as magical and mystical. Just listen to “Something Wicked…” to catch my point.
And when I think back on this movie, I tend to think back on these magical moments, the whimsical music, the fun time travel elements. But on my most recent watch I realized that the reason I love this movie so much are those little chats that Lupin has with Harry.
I’ve recently been through loss. Those conversations take on a whole new meaning when you can personally relate to losing somebody so important to you.
And on a more superficial level, I just love the indie sensibilities that Cuarón brings to the table. There are strange moments, like the zoom into Lupin’s face as he sees the full moon, that wouldn’t have hit the same way with traditional directions. The horrifying realization of the Dementors is brilliant. I can just feel the ice coming through the screen as the Dementors crooked hand slides open that train carriage door.
And, I think this is the most fun mystery of all of the movies. That looming threat of Sirius Black makes it feel like death itself is on the prowl. Then, it’s pulled right out from under us in the amazing showcase of acting in the Shrieking Shack.
So this just might be the movie with the most heart, the most character, the most charm, the most unique and awesome soundtrack. And while it was my favorite going into this ranking, one film topped it. Just barely.
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
IMDb rating: 8.1
The thing about the finale of the Harry Potter series is that it really is built on the foundation of the previous 7 movies. I don’t think this movie would be placed in first if the previous films didn’t do a fantastic job at setting up all of the payoff that this movie delivers.
But the fact is, this movie does deliver. The Battle of Hogwarts is a magnificent setpiece, creating a looming sense of urgency over the entire film. We get to return to the castle, and to iconic moments of the series. For example, re-entering the Chamber of Secrets with new context makes for a fantastic call back.
We get payoff to Snape’s multi-year arc with his memories. Harry walking to the forest to sacrifice himself. And a much-needed final conversation with Dumbledore.
Every moment you turn in this movie is fantastic. There isn’t a single dull moment, or wasted second. And It just makes you want to stare at the screen and scream “Hell Yeah!” when Harry finally defeats Voldemort.
As I did say for a couple others on this list though, I do wish it was longer. I know they have to cut things, but I really wish we got a more satisfying payoff to the Draco arc, or a bit more from Snape. Other than that, this is a perfect adaptation, and the best Harry Potter movie. According to me, at least.
If you want to see more posts, check out my other articles here.
Nightwalk 
Leave a comment