With Fall officially in full swing, movie binging has begun and what better way to kick off your Halloween-themed event than with Harry Potter? Whether you’ve read the books, watched the movies, or both, here is my personal ranking of each film and the reasons why based on the movies themselves, not compared to the books!
- Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has many qualities that make it the best of the seven part movie series. Watchers learn more about Professor Snape’s upbringing and why he treats Harry like he does. This view of his past also allowed readers to relate to Snape because he was/is lonely. Snape being the Half-Blood Prince was a shocker since he vocally expressed his desire for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position in the books and movies. Another amusing scene is the use of Liquid Luck, also known as Felix Felicis, where Harry uses the potion to fool Ron into performing well in a quidditch tournament but also uses it to be successful in the task Dumbledore gave him. Sadly, Dumbledore dies in this movie at the hands of the Half-Blood Prince himself. Dumbledore’s death makes the Golden Trio stronger in their fight against Voldemort and is the key to the final battle at Hogwarts.
- Goblet of Fire
A fan favorite, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire follows three wizarding schools in their attempt to win the Triwizard Tournament. This movie introduces special characters such as Cedric Digory and Fleur Delecour. Cedric is the first Hufflepuff watcher to get to know and potentially connect with (until his premature death). He is charismatic and a true Hufflepuff. Fleur is also an important character as she goes on to marry into the quirky but loving family, the Weasleys. We see flying dragons, merpeople and moving mazes throughout the three challenges. There is action packed into this 150 minutes, which is why many people would claim this movie to be their favorite. Although we see great CGI and iconic scenes, the lack of character development and gained knowledge of the wizarding world is why Goblet of Fire is second on this list.
- Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is also a fan favorite as it showcases a lot of Hogwarts Grounds, and we start to see the bond between the Golden Trio form. The three best mates trauma bond in this entire film, as they are being ‘hunted’ by the notorious Sirius Black. We see them stand up for the little guy while also taking down bullies and proving themself as honorable. Draco Malfoy also demonstrates how annoying and comical his character is. Introducing Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather, allows watchers to expand their Wizarding World knowledge with a new generation, The Marauders. Many fans have created fiction, plays and even films showcasing their imagination of Wormtail, Moony, Padfoot and Prongs.
- Deathly Hallows pt 2
The finale fans waited 14 years to see was a showstopper. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt. 2 wrapped up the series into a tight bow and was the perfect end to a perfect series. The Battle of Hogwarts was thrilling and terrifying, apparent in the amount of work put into the film. From the giants falling from the castle and McGonagall whispering, “I’ve always wanted to use that spell,” to a terrifying Molly Weasly to Neville Longbottom pulling the sword of Gryffindor out of the sorting hat, every part was chilling. This film was a reunion of sorts as the filmmakers did a great job of showing everyone the audience has ever connected with. Just like the movie itself, the epilogue was also perfect and allowed creative watchers a chance to imagine what happened afterward and create their own story.
- Chamber of Secrets
One of the scariest films in the series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, is placed at number five. Despite major events happening where important secrets are revealed, nothing of substance happens that impacts the final outcome. Watchers broaden their knowledge of Voldemort and some of Hogwarts history. The origins of Moaning Myrtle are also discovered, a comical character who withholds knowledge and gossip and only spills when it is convenient for her. This is the only major event that takes place in the entirety of the film and thus rendering the movie primarily unimportant.
- Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix creates an initiative to fight against the Death Eaters and allows for the introduction of many new characters. The first film is where the main characters come of age and grow into their roles as a part of Dumbledore’s Army. Although, the explanation of these characters, such as Tonks, is little to none. Also, in this film, Sirius Black dies, which is heartbreaking. Voldemort and Dumbledore duel, and the whole wizarding world now knows that Lord Voldemort is back. Nothing good happens in this film. The main characters can not catch a break and are consistently threatened, especially by Dolorous Umbridge, the new Headmistress of Hogwarts.
- Deathly Hallows pt 1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt. 1 is the most boring of all the Harry Potter films, but it is one of the most essential. Deathly Hallows part one sets up all the scenes for the finale and is one of the reasons why Part two is so iconic. Similar to hide and seek, Horcrux hunting is no fun. When Harry, Ron, and Hermonie are given little to no direction, the three 17-year-olds get distracted and aggravated. This movie is also home to the SADDEST scene in cinematic history, Dobby’s death. The sweetest house elf, best friend, and hero did not deserve to die and will forever be heart-wrenching.
- Sorcerer’s Stone
“NO RON, YOU CAN’T” put Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone last…The Sorcerer’s Stone is last on this list, not because it isn’t a great movie, but because it’s later films were better. The first film was very introductory but necessary for the film’s progression, although they left important details and characters out of the movie. This movie is also very overplayed.
