Every Harry Potter Movie Ranked Worst to Best
Note: I will not be including the Fantastic Beasts Movies due to every movie in the Harry Potter series surpassing their installments.
8. ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
I just want to preface one thing before it seems like I’m bashing on this movie: every Harry Potter movie is good. Order of the Phoenix is just the worst of the best. It is probably the least memorable one of the series. Even though it has the love-to-hate villain in Doloris Umbridge and the introduction of Luna Lovegood, that isn’t enough. I just don’t really feel like they push the story much further rather than the crushing death of Sirius Black. Lastly, the tone is a little somber which is something Harry Potter shouldn’t feel like.
7. DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1
My favorite part of the first part of the last book is everything to do with the horcruxes. They are such an original idea by J.K. Rowling that translate pretty well to the big screen. Harry and Hermione’s developing relationship is very sweet during their search even if Ron becomes a jealous and whiny presence. However, their hunt for these pieces feels a little sluggish. Things don't pick up until the devastating death of Dobby but by then it’s too little, too late.
6. SORCERER’S STONE
The sorcerers stone is all about introducing us to the wizard world of Harry Potter and all its lore. Chris Columbus magically brings the universe to life despite how much content he had to fit into it. It’s a kid movie at heart but can be enjoyable for all ages. They also absolutely nail the main trio’s casting regardless of their somewhat wooden work here. Finally, the life-sized chess scene is a hoot before the movie ends in a whimper afterwards.
5. HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
The debate between the Half-Blood Prince and the Chamber of Secrets was the only one I really had trouble with. They’re very different movies so if you prefer something more light then the latter is for you but if you want something darker then you can go with the former. I eventually decided to go with #2 over #6 here for nostalgic reasons which I’ll get more into in a sec. The two big things to come out of the Half-Blood Prince are Voldemort’s backstory and Dumbledore’s death. I actually find his backstory to be important but generally uninteresting in the way they reveal it. Dumbledore’s death is really well done and crazy to think that someone so unstoppable was beaten. Then, there’s also the Ron and Hermione subplot that doesn’t do much for me either. A mixed bag to say the least but still a nice showcase for Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore.
4. CHAMBER OF SECRETS
I tried to explain why I have this placed here up there but will do my best to rest my case. Admittedly, there is some personal bias as I love the Chamber of Secrets and have since my youth. There’s just a lot to like. Dobby makes his presence throughout for the first time and is a hilarious yet tragic character that is beloved by many. Everything that happens in Harry’s quest to get to Hogwarts from the Dursley’s diner scene is also iconic stuff. Chamber of Secrets keep things light and lively even with the spooky chamber mystery. The Battle against the Basilisk is just awesome too.
3. DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2
Rounding out the top 3 is the big finale to Harry Potter. They were the first franchise to start the trend of releasing two parts for their endings (for better and for worse) and in this instance it really works. Part 2 is what we had been waiting for. The Battle for Hogwarts lives up to expectations rich of emotion and visuals. It’s a satisfying conclusion even if you read the books and a great popcorn movie.
2. GOBLET OF FIRE
“Harry, did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?” That one line uttered by Dumbledore keeps this out of the #1 spot for arguably the most entertaining one here. I don’t even know how to describe how cringey it comes across from someone as wise as he is. So bad. Everything else the fourth movie has to offer is a riot. Whether it’s the Triwizard tournament or the many twists and turns throughout, the Goblet of Fire is an intense and unpredictable affair. We also get the true arrival of Voldemort is all of his glory and he lives up to the hype
PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is both this writer’s favorite and most of its fans. It’s an easy pick for the top spot although I would understand almost any other movie on this list being your preferred watch. time-travel movies can be finicky with how the rules work but #3 makes logical, easy to follow, and incredibly detailed (shout out director Alfonso Cuaron). I mean this plot is so tightly written that you’d be hard pressed to find any flaws. Seriously, the reveal that Harry saves himself is gasp-inducing. This is the first film to go PG-13 coinciding with the ages of the leads allowing the tone to take a more edgy tone rather than the campy one in the previous two. It’s refreshing and allows the young actors to grow while the world they live in becomes as dangerous as it’s been with the Dementors. Those things are still terrifying to this day and complete my case for placing this at #1.
