Movies

Here's How to Watch Every Harry Potter Movie Chronologically

Here's How to Watch Every Harry Potter Movie Chronologically
Image credit: Legion-Media

Harry Potter is slowly becoming a Christmas movie series, and there's a reason behind it.

Since the first Harry Potter movie was released in 2001, it has become a part of the holiday season for many people. It's become a tradition to watch at least one of the Harry Potter movies during the holidays, either with friends or family. Harry Potter has become a beloved holiday movie for many, and its themes of friendship, loyalty, and magical adventure are perfect for the season.

Here's how to watch every Harry Potter movie chronologically:

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) takes place in the fictitious world of Harry Potter. It follows the story of 11-year-old Harry Potter as he discovers he is a wizard and attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along the way, he makes friends, battles evil, and learns the secrets of his past. The movie was directed by Chris Columbus and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) follows Harry Potter in his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where strange things start to happen. He finds out that the chamber of secrets has been opened and an ancient monster has been set loose in the school. Harry and his friends must join forces to defeat the monster before it wreaks havoc throughout the school. Along the way, they uncover the truth about the mysterious chamber and an even greater secret that lies within.

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban follows Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The novel begins with Harry being warned by his godfather Sirius Black, an escaped convict, that the infamous wizard-killer Sirius is plotting to kill Harry. In response, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore appoints the new professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts, Remus Lupin, to protect Harry. During the course of the year, Harry and his friends confront the Dementors, a group of soul-sucking creatures, learn to ride thestrals, discover the truth behind Sirius Black's criminal past, and confront a dangerous time-traveling plot to rescue Sirius from his captivity in Azkaban prison. The novel culminates with a dramatic showdown between Harry, Sirius, and the Dementors.

4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005): it's year 4 at Hogwarts, and Harry finds himself chosen as an unexpected fourth champion in a thrilling competition that pits him against some of the most powerful wizards and witches in the school. As the tournament unfolds, Harry must confront a dangerous dragon, fierce water demons, and an enchanted maze only to find himself in the cruel grasp of He Who Must Not Be Named. In the end, Harry may have to risk his life to save more than just his school from the Dark Lord.

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

The film is the fifth installment in the Harry Potter film series and stars Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. In the film, Harry Potter and his friends must face a new danger as the Ministry of Magic attempts to take control of Hogwarts. Harry and his friends must form a secret society, the Order of the Phoenix, to protect themselves and the school. The film also features Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort and Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange. It was released in 2007 and was a box office success, earning over $940 million worldwide.

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

The film follows Harry Potter as he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind Lord Voldemort's power. Along the way, Harry and his friends must face many obstacles as they attempt to save both Hogwarts and the wizarding world. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $934 million and receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Cinematography.

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) is perhaps the darkest installment of the Harry Potter film series. It focuses on the trio's quest to find and destroy Voldemort's secret weapons, the Horcruxes. The film also shows Harry, Ron, and Hermione facing a number of difficult challenges as they battle Death Eaters and other dark forces.

8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) follows Harry Potter as he attempts to rally the wizarding world to unite and face the formidable forces of evil. The movie culminates in an epic battle between good and evil as Voldemort and his forces attempt to take over Hogwarts. The movie earned critical acclaim and became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.