Let’s be real: ranking the Harry Potter films has become a pop culture pastime in its own right. Whether you’re proudly a Gryffindor, a scheming Slytherin, or just a fan of a good magical story, everyone has their hierarchy of favorites. Over the years, the franchise has delighted, frustrated, and grown alongside its audience—and yes, it has sparked more than a few heated debates at midnight screenings. So, grab your Butterbeer and join us on a journey through all 11 Harry Potter movies (yes, including the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs), from cringe to magical.
11. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
Directed by David Yates, this installment left fans wishing for a Time-Turner. The plot is convoluted, the magical creatures take a backseat, and Johnny Depp’s Grindelwald performance leaves a lot to be desired. If you’re looking for spellbinding storytelling, you won’t find it here—unless you count the disappearing coherence.
10. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
Yates is back in the director’s seat, but the magic is gone. Mads Mikkelsen stands taller as Grindelwald, but the film is mired in a muddled, overly complicated plot. Newt Scamander’s delightful creature shenanigans barely resonate, and the political allegories land with the subtlety of a Howler. Hopes of a franchise renaissance fizzle out in no time.
9. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
The original Fantastic Beasts film promised a clean slate: a new world, a new time, and a trunk full of magical beasts. Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander is clumsily charming, and Dan Fogler’s Jacob Kowalski steals every scene. But the film can’t quite reconcile its playful whimsy with more sinister political subtext. Compared to its sequels, however, it’s a gem.
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
The first chapter of the last film, under Yates’ direction, is light on payoff and heavy on setup. It’s a plodding drive through the English countryside, intercut with Horcrux angst. Necessary, perhaps, but hardly the most engrossing chapter to watch, giving audiences lots of time to refill their popcorn.
7. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Yates’ opening Potter movie gets the transition from school pranks to outright wizarding warfare just right. Dolores Umbridge shines with her wickedly nasty authority, and Dumbledore’s Army provides some standout scenes. But the film has a hard time keeping its sprawling plots straight, and the film is therefore a little lacking, but a good one nonetheless.
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
The epic finale to the saga. Yates provides high-octane battles, tearful goodbyes, and a satisfying showdown long in the making. It’s quick and eventful, tying up threads with varying degrees of satisfaction. Flawed but memorable, it’s a worthy ending to a ten-year ride.
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Mike Newell’s sole Potter contribution is a spectacle. The Triwizard Tournament glows, the Yule Ball produces ideal teen melodrama, and Voldemort’s return is chilling. Though the pacing is sometimes a mistake, it’s a serious turning point as the series moves from child’s play to darker, more sinister grounds.
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Yates finds his visual footing here, combining humor, heartbreak, and suspense. Cinematography is dark, character relationships are heightened, and Dumbledore’s tragic destiny falls with emotional force. It’s the peace before the last storm, balancing the light and darkness so nicely.
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Alfonso Cuarón’s direction makes all the difference. Gone is the earlier brightness, replaced by a darker, more mature style. The series is upgraded by time-traveling plot turns and Gary Oldman’s electric turn as Sirius Black. Dementors really are frightening, the students do look like teenagers, and the series starts to mature in tone and aesthetic.
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Chris Columbus keeps us in awe of the magic world, mixing ’90s fantasy allure with an actually spooky mystery. The makeup effects are quaint, the mythology gets richer, and the Basilisk battle is a mere nightmare fuel. Nostalgia and scares meet perfectly here.
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The movie that began it all. Columbus welcomes us to the Wizarding World with wonder and enchantment, bringing to life the thrill of the discovery of magic for the first time. Dazzling visuals to flawless casting, this first chapter is an unparalleled gateway to a world that fans never want to leave. For some, it’s pure escapism—a magical beginning to a legendary adventure.