Harry Potter is undeniably one of the most iconic franchises of all time in both the literary and film world. Not to mention a true staple of the 1990's and 2000's. It's a series that holds a special place in the hearts of millions, including myself. Not only were the film adaptations insanely financially successful, grossing nearly $8 billion in total, but they also remain acclaimed by both audience members and critics. Overall, I don't think there's a weak link when it comes to the movies, but today I will attempt to rank the films I grew up on, despite just how difficult it may be.
#8: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (2010)
This is probably a very controversial opinion, but the seventh film is by far the weakest of the series. If anything, that should be a testament to the sheer strength of the series. Two standout moments from The Deathly Hallows Part 1 are the scene where Harry and Hermione dance together and the animated origin story of the Deathly Hallows. Other than that, most of this book is just the main characters being miserable in the woods, hunting horcruxes and it goes by really slow. On top of that, Ron is so unlikable as a character. Overall, the film is a necessary bridge between the 6th film and the finale, but I wouldn't blame you if you skipped it.
#7: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Growing up watching these movies, Order of the Phoenix was always my least favorite. If you were to ask me about a scene from this movie, I probably couldn't tell you and I watched this last week. The entire film is dedicated to introducing the Order of the Phoenix as an organization but I feel like it could have been hinted at throughout the past couple films rather than appearing out of nowhere. The only consequential thing in this movie that comes to mind is the death of Sirius Black but in the movies, I don't think he was a fully fleshed-out character, and Harry's blind love for him seems almost forced when the audience barely knows who he is. By far the best part of this movie is Imelda Staunton's masterful performance as Dolores Umbridge, the villain we all love to hate. And of course, I appreciate the introduction of my favorite character, Luna Lovegood, but other than that, I only find myself watching this film when I'm doing a complete marathon of the series.
#6: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
The Chamber of Secrets is one of the staple movies of my childhood. I can vividly remember sitting in front of the TV, watching this with my brother, snacking on a bag of chocolate chips. For that reason, I definitely hold this movie in higher favor than most. It's easy to find people that consider this the worst movie but I disagree. I think there are plenty of high stakes, humor, and tension with a great ending, although the CGI hasn't aged too well. While a lot of people consider this a "filler" movie, but it will always hold a special place in my heart, especially since it has the last performance of Richard Harris as Dumbledore.
#5: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
While I don't like this film as much as Chamber of Secrets, it is an objectively better movie. It is one of the most consequential films when it comes to the main story as it ends with the death of Dumbledore and Voldemort rising to power. The Half Blood Prince also has a beautiful soundtrack by Nicholas Hooper, and the audience finally gets an in-depth look at Ron and Hermione's relationship, making them feel more like classic teenagers. The Half Blood Prince is also the first movie in a while to feature Draco Malfoy as an integral character and his journey from teenager to full-fledged Death Eater is fascinating to witness also one of the stronger aspects of this film, as well as Jim Broadbent's performance as Horace Slughorn.
#4: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
The film that started it all. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone not only kickstarted one of the most successful franchises of all time, but also does a fantastic job of capturing the magical feeling of the books. It's so satisfying to witness Harry's transition from a neglected child to a revered wizard and a hero. Throughout the movie we get to see the formation of a beautiful friendship and discover a new, magical world through the main character's eyes. For some people, this movie is the ultimate source of nostalgia and comfort, which I can understand. Aside from that, Sorcerer's Stone is a beautiful, heartfelt movie that still holds up twenty years later.
#3: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is the final installment of the series and provides an epic and satisfying finale to the characters so many of us grew up with. It has the best CGI by far and is jam-packed with exhilarating action sequences. It's a bittersweet film because we get to witness the ultimate success of good over evil while also having to watch some of our favorite characters sacrifice their lives for the cause. Speaking of bittersweet, the film also includes a heartfelt epilogue of the iconic trio sending their own children to their first year at Hogwarts. It also includes a fantastic soundtrack by the legendary, Alexandre Desplat. Overall, the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is a perfect end for the iconic series.
#2: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Growing up, I loved Prisoner of Azkaban but I didn't know what made it so good until years later when I found out it was directed by renowned director, Alfonso Cuarón. This ended the trend of Harry Potter films being directed by Chris Columbus, leading to a much grittier tone from then on. But that's not the only major change that happened, Michael Gambon gave his first performance as Dumbledore. Altogether, ushering in a new era and look for the series. So much detail is put into the story and it's the kind of movie that gets better with rewatches. I was so close to putting this at the number one spot considering how many people consider it to be the best movie. But to me, there's really only one other film that can top Prisoner of Azkaban...
#1: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
The Goblet of Fire has always been my favorite Harry Potter film because it exemplifies everything I love about the franchise. It's also the closest. thing the series has to a horror film, the black lake, the maze, and the graveyard scenes still send chills down my spine. I fully believe that Voldemort's return in the graveyard is the best singular scene that exists in the series, introducing Ralph Fiennes as the ultimate antagonist, a character that never fails to be intimidating on screen. The CGI has greatly improved from pervious films and the characters are tested more than ever. Like The Deathly Hallows - Part 1, Ron is an irritable, unlikable mess, but this time there is reason and motivation, contributing to the ever-growing feeling of isolation that Harry experiences throughout the film. This has always been my favorite installment in the Harry Potter franchise and I don't see that changing any time soon.
Harry Potter is a franchise that holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the globe, despite the ignorant statements made by author, JK Rowling years later. Make no mistake, we here at Cinemasters.net are and will continue to be allies to our transgender brothers and sisters in the film industry and beyond. We hope you enjoyed the list and as always, never stop watching!