For more than two decades, the Wizarding World has pulled us into a universe of magic, friendship, and epic battles between good and evil. But let’s be honest—while some of these films truly captured the magic, others left us wondering where the spell went wrong. From Hogwarts beginnings through to Newt Scamander’s globetrotting adventures, this is how all of the Wizarding World movies compare—from the ones that fell short to the ones that reminded us why we loved this world so much in the first place.
11. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
This is the worst of the bunch and occupies the lowest rung without much argument. Coming in with a Rotten Tomatoes rating lingering around 36%, it’s seemingly the weakest link in the franchise. Fans were overwhelmed by the complex web of subplots, and even seasoned fans could not keep up. It’s the type of film that attempted to do everything and ended up having nothing to say; its charm and cohesion are lost on the loyal followers of the Wizarding World.
10. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
A step up, but not yet magical. Critics were divided, with a mixed bag of reviews from 51% up to just above 60%. Though Mads Mikkelsen’s performance as Grindelwald was well-received, overall, the film couldn’t shake the feeling of exhaustion that has come to rest over the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The plot was muddled, the stakes vague, and even the return of one of the original Potter screenwriters couldn’t quite recapture the magic.
9. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
The initial movie in the prequel series got off to a good start, scoring a 74% and suggesting that the fans had hope for a new direction. Visually stunning, the creatures were a treat. But as lovable as Eddie Redmayne’s Newt was, many believed that the characters lacked the same emotional connection as Harry, Ron, and Hermione. It was fun, certainly, but the deeper magic just wasn’t quite there.
8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
This one tends to split fans. With a 77% rating, it’s no worse film by any means, but it was certainly a darker film. The addition of Dolores Umbridge provided a decidedly despicable villain, and the climactic duel was a highlight. But shrinking the series’ longest book into a reasonably brief running time had some bits of the story feeling truncated, and Harry’s moping phase didn’t resonate with all.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Others complained when it was decided to divide the last book in half, but Part 1 dispelled those doubts. Though action sits on the bench in this one, the emotional payload carries the movie. The tension between the trio and the feeling of isolation are to the forefront here, and it sets up the suspense for the final chapter. It might not be the most thrilling installment, but it’s necessary to the journey as a whole.
6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
The first film to welcome us to the Wizarding World remains close to audiences’ hearts. Scoring 81%, it’s a cozy, enchanting beginning that weaved the magic for what came next. Some complain it’s a touch too family-friendly in comparison with subsequent films, but that magic—arriving at Hogwarts for the very first time—is priceless.
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Rising to 82% with a minor bump, the second installment darkened and dug further into the magical mystery. It remained true to the source and injected some much-needed depth into the story. Although it rarely makes fan-favorite lists, it did an excellent job of laying the groundwork for what was to be.
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
This is all about tone—balancing teen romance, dark secrets, and the crushing weight of the war to come. At 84%, critics loved its emotional complexity and storytelling skill. Michael Gambon’s Dumbledore is as commanding here as ever, and the film sets up crucial groundwork for the end, making it a vital part of Harry’s transformation.
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
At 88%, this one raises the stakes with the suspenseful Triwizard Tournament and the terrifying return of Voldemort. The movie was a turning point in the series, transitioning from school drama to full-fledged life-and-death peril. Cedric’s death stung, and Harry’s life was never the same afterward. It’s compelling, emotional, and a fan favorite for a reason.
2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Most artistic among them, Alfonso Cuarón’s moodier, darker interpretation had a 90% rating. This chapter delved deep into Harry’s history and mind and gave a more adult eye view of the Wizarding World. The imagery, the eerie music, and the time-travel surprise made it a gem in storytelling as well as direction.
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
And at the very top—no surprise here—is the epic conclusion. With a near-perfect 96%, this film delivers everything you’d want in a finale: heartbreak, heroism, closure, and that final duel between Harry and Voldemort. It’s a powerful send-off that honors the characters, the fans, and the decade-long journey. Few endings hit as hard or as satisfyingly as this one.