My Favourite Harry Potter Films of All-Time

Few characters in English literature are as beloved as Harry Potter. Following creations in the 1990’s, Harry Potter has cast a magical spell on readers. A spellbinding icon in popular culture, the character has been seen in several movies. Given the sheer number of movies made about Harry Potter, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of a wizard that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter is a magical franchise that has shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. I recall heartwarming memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s book series during my childhood that shaped my identity. I immediately fell in love with a book series about wizards casting a powerful spell with timeless stories to tell. I adore all the films that have beautifully translated the books to the big-screen, but my favourite adaptation has always been “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. Ever since its release in 2004, Alfonso Cauron’s movie has stood the test of time as a fantasy classic. Cauron did an extraordinary job of adapting the most complex book in the fantasy series to the big-screen. Cauron brought an emotional maturity to the Harry Potter franchise which was missing from previous films in the series. Packed with breathtaking production-design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the greatest book adaptations ever made. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Gary Oldman, who embodied the complex personality of Sirius Black. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” the greatest Harry Potter film is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about finding identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after J.K. Rowling put pen to paper creating a timeless piece of literature, it’s a spellbinding reminder of a film series about magical wizards that changed the world forever.

2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Teachers are inspiring figures that have shaped my personality. I remember forming a bond with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. His inspirational words of wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring fond memories of teachers I have grown up to value, I adored “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. The final film in the Harry Potter franchise did an excellent job of bringing the spellbinding series to a satisfying conclusion. A long-running theme throughout the Harry Potter franchise has always been the roles that teachers play in guiding Harry, and it is clearly evident in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. With the final instalment in the magical franchise, David Yates captured the roles teachers have played in guiding Harry. For instance, the scene in which Harry witnesses Snape’s heartbreaking memories revealing his true identity following his death is one of the best moments in the franchise. Ultimately, what makes “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a great Harry Potter film is its message. It delivers a profound message about the important roles that teachers play guiding adolescents which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards a magical franchise with unforgettable stories to tell, it’s a remarkable reminder of a book series that cast a spell.

3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter is a franchise that my cousin has always loved dearly. During my childhood, I formed a friendship with a cousin that loved Harry Potter. I remember bonding with a cousin that was fond of Harry Potter. We always got along well having plenty of stories to tell about a franchise that cast a magical spell. He adored all the films but his favourite was always the first movie “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Released in 2001, Chris Columbus’ movie did an extraordinary job of introducing a magical franchise on the big-screen for the first time. It was the first ever Harry Potter film that had a huge responsibility of translating a book to the big-screen, but it pulled off the task successfully. What stands out about “The Philosopher’s Stone” is the pitch-perfect casting. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson were perfectly cast as children in the leading roles, creating an unforgettable trio. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” a classic is its magical message. The film delivers a meaningful message about friendships that would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking beginning of a spellbinding franchise, it’s an inspiring reminder of a book series that is definitely worth celebrating.

4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Competition can cause friendships to fall apart. I remember my friendship with a companion faced disaster when we competed in soccer tournaments. Born to be an athlete, he would always love to participate in tournaments where he would compete. His jealousy whenever I achieved success in a soccer game caused our relationship to fade. As someone reminiscing heartwarming memories of a competitive friend I used to admire, I adored “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”. Released in 2005, Mike Newell’s movie offered a dark interpretation of the beloved book series that audiences hadn’t seen before. Watching Harry drifting apart from friends after being chosen in the triwizard tournament brought back memories of how competition destroyed my friendships with companions I valued highly. Ultimately, what makes “The Goblet of Fire” one of the greatest Harry Potter films is maturity. The film delivers a profound message about competition which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the Goblet of Fire, it’s an inspiring reminder of a book series that hasn’t lost abilities to inspire that fans will always admire.

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Teamwork is one of those skills that has never come naturally to me. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always found group work to be a challenging endeavour. I recall memories of bad group projects in school. I’ll never forget a group project in which peers treated me without respect. As someone that has often been in a fix working in groups, I loved “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”. Released in 2007, David Yates’ movie did an exceptional job of adapting the most complex Harry Potter book to the big-screen. Yates managed to capture the beauty of the book by focusing on its strong themes of teamwork. Throughout the Harry Potter franchise, teamwork has always been an underlying theme. The fifth instalment found Harry forming an organization to rebel against Professor Umbridge. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” stand out is its message. The film delivers a strong message about teamwork resonating with everyone. As precious as Dumbledore’s Army, it’s a powerful reminder of a spellbinding book series that has been adapted into memorable movies audiences regard highly.

6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

One of the most common themes in the Harry Potter franchise is friendship. Ever since it was written years ago, the series has been driven the friendship between the central trio. This theme of friendship is evident in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1”. Released in 2011, David Yates’ movie did an excellent job of adapting the seventh Harry Potter book. Unlike any Harry Potter film, it took the series in a dark, intense and mature direction. It brought maturity that was missing from previous films in the series. For instance, the scene in which Harry has a tense argument with Ron that tears apart their friendship is one of the best moments of the franchise. As precious as the Deathly Hallows, it’s a powerful reminder of a franchise that has never lost abilities to inspire audiences through its depiction of magical heroes.

7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter has always been a book series that’s scary. Ever since it was published, J.K. Rowling’s series has established a reputation for being frightening. Each film in the series has progressively gotten scarier by raising the stakes against Harry. Out of all the films in the franchise, I’ve always found “The Chamber of Secrets” to be the scariest. Released in 2002, Chris Columbus’ movie took the franchise in a frightening direction that audiences hadn’t seen before. The second instalment offered a dark adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s famous book series. What makes “The Chamber of Secrets” stand out in the franchise is its bravery. It’s a courageous film that took the franchise in a dark direction through scary elements. As powerful as the diary of Tom Riddle, it’s a remarkable reminder of a series that audiences consider to be special.

8. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Few characters in the Harry Potter franchise have made readers gape in awe like Severus Snape. With his curled lips, intimidating presence and commanding voice, Snape has become one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. Snape has shined through the franchise but his most pivotal role came in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”. Released in 2009, David Yates’ film did an excellent job of capturing the enduring appeal of a character whose identity is a mystery. The sixth instalment in the series offered a spellbinding tribute to Snape and his magical legacy. Alan Rickman gave his greatest performance as the professor, bringing heartfelt emotions to the Dumbledore death scene. As precious as the Potions book written by Snape, it’s a powerful reminder of a series that has always offered a magical escape.

9. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

It isn’t easy to create a spin-off of a beloved fantasy franchise. When the news was first made that Harry Potter would be getting a prequel back in 2015, fans doubted whether it would be successful. I remember being unsure whether a prequel could truly live up to a magical franchise that’s unbeatable. Nevertheless, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” took me by surprise. Released in 2016, David Yates’ prequel pulled off the tricky task of celebrating a magical franchise. Eddie Redmayne was perfectly cast as Newt Scamander, creating a hero that’s compelling. While it can’t quite replicate the magic of Harry Potter, it’s still a worthy successor that honoured J.K. Rowling’s literature. As fantastic as the beasts that Newt is driven to find, it’s a fabulous reminder about a one-of-a-kind book series that has left a lasting legacy behind.

10. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Dumbledore is a legendary literary character that I have always regarded highly. The commemorated headmaster of Hogwarts has always held a special place in my heart. With his wisdom, intelligence and larger-than-life personality, Dumbledore achieved a huge following. In 2018, Jude Law did an excellent job of portraying the legendary character in his film “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”. David Yates’ movie was considered a disaster that destroyed the Harry Potter franchise for countless fans. While it’s definitely a problematic film that’s filled with several flaws, it still deserves to be appreciated for its celebration of Dumbledore. As powerful as spells cast by Dumbledore, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated book series I will forever adore for inspiring my lifelong love of writing that’s impossible to ignore.