Over a span of ten years, J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. brought the Harry Potter universe to life on the big screen through eight films adapted from the author’s bestselling novels.
The franchise has amassed nearly $8 billion at the global box office, while the three Fantastic Beasts spinoff films have contributed an additional $2 billion over the course of six years.
Rowling, while supportive of the film adaptations, has acknowledged the challenges of translating her books into movies, writing, “It is simply impossible to incorporate every one of my storylines into a film that has to be kept under four hours long.”
Upcoming Harry Potter TV Adaptation
Warner Bros. Discovery may have found a way to address that challenge with a large-scale television adaptation in the vein of The Lord of the Rings. According to recent reports, there may even be multiple series in development.
Where to Stream the Harry Potter Films
During October 2024, all eight original Harry Potter films are available to stream on both Max and Peacock.
The films typically rotate between these platforms, and their presence on Max aligns with the network’s plans for the new TV adaptation. Meanwhile, the Fantastic Beasts movies are available on Max.
For a chronological look at the Harry Potter films and their release order:
All Harry Potter Movies in Chronological Order: From Sorcerer’s Stone to Fantastic Beasts
‘Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone’ (2001)
Released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S., this film introduced audiences to a young Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, and Emma Watson as they embarked on their cinematic journey.
‘Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets’ (2002)
Tom Felton and Daniel Radcliffe return as their characters navigate their second year at Hogwarts.
‘Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban’ (2004)
Directed by Oscar-winner Alfonso Cuarón, this third installment continued the adventures of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.
‘Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire’ (2005)
Featuring performances by David Tennant, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, and Daniel Radcliffe, this film follows Harry’s fourth year at Hogwarts.
‘Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix’ (2007)
Robbie Coltrane, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint as their characters uncover the secrets of the titular Order.
‘Harry Potter And The Half-blood Prince’ (2009)
Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Matthew Lewis, Daniel Radcliffe, and Bonnie Wright star in this film, where the threat of Voldemort and his Death Eaters becomes more pronounced.
‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1’ (2010)
Robbie Coltrane and Daniel Radcliffe appear as Harry embarks on a quest to locate and destroy the Horcruxes.
‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ (2011)
Daniel Radcliffe and Ralph Fiennes face off in the epic conclusion to the series.
‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’ (2016)
Eddie Redmayne stars in J.K. Rowling’s screenwriting debut, expanding the Wizarding World beyond Harry Potter.
‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald’ (2018)
Johnny Depp portrays Gellert Grindelwald, a dark wizard second only to Voldemort in infamy.
‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore’ (2022)
Jude Law takes on the role of a young Albus Dumbledore, starring alongside Jessica Williams, Callum Turner, Fiona Glascott, Dan Fogler, and Eddie Redmayne.
