The Harry Potter films are one of the most successful franchises in cinema history, with eight films released between 2001 and 2011. The same core cast grew up on screen alongside their characters, giving the series a continuity that few franchises achieve. An HBO series reboot was announced in 2023, planned to adapt each book as a full season.
Start with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, then follow the full reading order.Listen on AudibleHarry Potter books in order →Books like Harry Potter →J.K. Rowling reading guide →
| Book | Pub. | Adaptation | Released | Type | Score | Watch on | Get the book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone | 1997 | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone | 2001 | Film | 81% | Peacock | Read on Kindle→ |
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | 1998 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | 2002 | Film | 82% | Peacock | Read on Kindle→ |
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | 1999 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | 2004 | Film | 90% | Peacock | Read on Kindle→ |
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | 2000 | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | 2005 | Film | 88% | Peacock | Read on Kindle→ |
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | 2003 | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | 2007 | Film | 77% | Peacock | Read on Kindle→ |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | 2005 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | 2009 | Film | 84% | Peacock | Read on Kindle→ |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | 2007 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 | 2010 | Film | 77% | Peacock | Read on Kindle→ |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | 2007 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 | 2011 | Film | 96% | Peacock | Read on Kindle→ |
Watch in release order, which matches the book order. The series tells one continuous story and each film assumes you have seen the previous ones. Prisoner of Azkaban (directed by Alfonso Cuaron) is widely considered the best film. Deathly Hallows Part 2 is the highest rated.
See the full reading order →Streaming availability changes monthly. We re-check this table regularly.
Buy or rent on Amazon →Read the books first. The films are good adaptations but compress heavily, especially from Goblet of Fire onward. Readers who start with the books get more from both.
The first two films (directed by Chris Columbus) follow the books most closely. Starting with Prisoner of Azkaban, the films become more cinematic and take greater liberties with the source material.
HBO announced a series reboot in 2023, planning to adapt each book as a full season. This will allow much more detail than the films. Casting and production details are being released gradually.
The films are available on Peacock in the U.S. Availability changes by region and over time. They are also available for digital purchase on most major platforms.
Release order: Philosopher's Stone (2001) through Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011). This matches the book order.
Prisoner of Azkaban (90% RT) by critical consensus. Deathly Hallows Part 2 (96% RT) is the highest rated. Goblet of Fire (88% RT) is the fan favorite turning point.
Read the books first. The films compress heavily, especially from Goblet of Fire onward. Readers who start with books get more from both.
The films are on Peacock in the U.S. Availability varies by region. They are also available for digital purchase on most platforms.
Yes. HBO announced a series reboot planning to adapt each book as a full season, allowing much more detail than the films. Production is underway.
The first Fantastic Beasts film is a fun standalone. The sequels are more divisive and the series was left incomplete at three films. They are optional.
More to read and watch.
The other defining kids' fantasy series. A boy discovers he has special powers and enters a hidden magical world. Same energy, Greek mythology instead of wizards.
Children step through into a magical world. More allegorical and older, but the sense of wonder is the same.
A young mage attends a wizard school and must confront a darkness he unleashed. The literary ancestor of Harry Potter.
The full 7-book reading order. Read before watching for the deepest experience.
All 7 books ranked from best to weakest.
Start with Philosopher's Stone. The only correct starting point.
Set in the same Wizarding World, decades earlier. The first film is a fun adventure. The sequels are more divisive.
The gold standard for fantasy film adaptations. If the Potter films showed that book-to-screen fantasy works, Tolkien proved it at epic scale.
A faithful adaptation with the author directly involved. If you liked Harry Potter's blend of adventure and mythology, this delivers.
Start with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, then follow the full reading order when you are ready to keep going.