Everyone knows, has seen, or at least heard of the Harry Potter movies. They stem from the iconic and award-winning fantasy novels by J.K. Rowling. Each book was adapted into a film, though the last novel received two pieces. With so many flicks, it’s challenging to determine which are considered the best or worst. A list from Parade from the previous week has seemingly solved this dilemma. Are you ready to discover which rank each movie receives and why?
1. Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Claiming this Harry Potter movies list’s Number One placement is Deathly Hallows: Part 2. It’s considered the best for bringing an action-packed and emotionally charged end to the film series. The filmmakers knew what they needed to do and pulled it off spectacularly. Moviegoers especially loved Snape’s unveiled backstory, Neville’s speech, and Harry in the spirit realm. Deathly Hallows: Part 2 achieved universal acclaim and obtained numerous nominations while winning various awards. It also earned over $1 billion, becoming the ninth feature flick to do so.
2. 2004’s Prisoner of Azkaban
Next in the overall second place is the franchise’s third movie, Prisoner of Azkaban. This film, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, signified Harry stepping into a larger world and story. It also marks the atmosphere shifting from somewhat child-friendly to slightly edgy and sober. Much of the movie is told from Harry’s perspective to emphasize his new journey. Cuarón also constantly moved his camera to create a sense of risk and motion. Despite only earning $800 million worldwide, fans adored the film’s direction and the actors’ performances.
3. The Half-Blood Prince of 2009
The Half-Blood Prince acquires the third place spot on this list of Harry Potter movies. It possesses an interesting balance of humorous and serious tones. The eccentric Professor Horace Slughorn, played by Jim Broadbent, reflects this arrangement. Speaking of acting, Tom Felton’s performance as Draco Malfoy is one of this film’s strengths. The same goes for its remarkable Oscar-worthy photography courtesy of French cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel. Half-Blood Prince‘s only real downside is the severely reduced climactic battle scene.
4. The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
Some people would consider splitting the final Harry Potter book a marketing gimmick. However, it was the right choice because much happened in the Deathly Hallows book. Deathly Hallows: Part 1 uses intriguing horror aspects to emphasize its overall heavy atmosphere. To this day, the suspense-filled confrontation at Malfoy Manor keeps people glued to their seats. And Dobby the house-elf’s death moves them to tears, like in the book. It became the tenth highest-grossing film in history by earning $960 million.
5. The Movie That Started It All
People must find it shocking to see the first Harry Potter movie in this placement. The pacing and adventure theming christened Sorcerer’s Stone an instant classic. Alan Rickman’s debut performance as Severus Snape was a key highlight throughout the film. He also embodied the aspect of never judging a book by its cover. The only thing holding the flick back is its somewhat messy CGI effects. Nevertheless, Sorcerer’s Stone earned $974.8 million and became the second highest-earning feature of 2001.
6. Chris Columbus’ Second Harry Potter Movie
The second entry to the Harry Potter movies takes this list’s sixth place. Chamber of Secrets is considered the weakest entry due to being too kid-friendly and faithful. But it was still a hit with kids and grossed $879 million. Roger Ebert even bestowed it with a high rating of four stars. Thanks to the ideal and entertaining performance of Kenneth Branagh, the movie achieved success. The practical sets and creature effects during the climactic battle also wowed viewers.
7. The Goblet of Fire (2005)
Coming up on this ranking list for Harry Potter movies is the fourth theatrical installment. Viewers experience life-threatening situations and hormonal teenage drama in Goblet of Fire. It’s also the first Harry Potter film to receive a rating higher than PG. Naturally, the biggest highlight is the appearance of Lord Voldemort, played by Ralph Fiennes. But an out-of-character moment with Dumbledore worked against its success and left fans disappointed. In addition, it excluded many key moments and characters from the book.
8. Worst Ranked But Hardly Terrible
The lowest-ranked spot for the Harry Potter movies goes to Order of the Phoenix. Despite the original book being the longest in Rowling’s series, this film is the shortest. The massive alteration led to the flick suffering from poor pacing and rushed scenes. Luckily, the movie is still fun and contains numerous redeeming moments and qualities. People adored the climactic showdown and casting of Helena Bonham Carter and Imelda Staunton.
Final Thoughts About Harry Potter Movies
I’ve been a fan of the Harry Potter movies since my junior high school days. Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite, though each film has entertained me. You might notice that I didn’t include the Fantastic Beast prequel flicks. They’re not Harry Potter movies, in my opinion, because they occur before he’s even born. But I still like them since they showcase the magical world before his arrival. If you disagree with this ranking, watch the Harry Potter movies and form your own.
