TRENDING

If the start of the autumnal season makes you wish you were exploring Hogsmeade with the Golden Trio, you're not alone. Whether you're a new fan of the Harry Potter series or you're an OG wizard at heart, you can attest to the fact that these movies are whimsical watches for any time of year. From Harry's first trip to Diagon Alley to the spellbinding adventures of the Golden Trio—these movies never get old. If you heart HP as much as we do, keep reading to check out our unofficial ranking of all eight iconic Harry movies. 

1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Admit it—this is your fave Harry Potter movie too. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is easily a fan favorite, and for good reason. Being the third movie in the series, the plot begins to thicken with the threat of Voldemort's return. Filled with spectacular humor and mystery, this fast-paced movie includes Hermione's time-traveling adventures and an introduction to Voldemort's followers, the Deatheaters. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban also features the *best* Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin (who has our whole heart), and his well-kept ~furry~ secret.

We also can't talk about POA without mentioning Hermonie's ultimate girl boss moment where she gives Draco what he deserves. I mean, you go girl!

2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoeneix, the wicked Profesor Umbridge and the corrupt Ministry of Magic reigns terror over the corridors (or moving corridors) of Hogwarts. Between Fred and George Weasley's pranks on Umbridge, the angst between Harry and Cho Chang and the touching godfather-godson moments between Harry and Sirus, this movie is every bit as touching as it is thrilling. This movie also features the best montages—we are *obsessed* with the training montage of Harry and all the members of his secret army. 

3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

If you're a dedicated HP fan, then you know that Half-Blood Prince is both seriously emotional *and* jam-packed with teen angst. From Harry's undeniable feelings for Ginny (awww) to Ron and Hermione's will they/won't they relationship, the sixth movie is truly a coming-of-age film. Beyond the teenage drama, however, is Harry's growing understanding of his role in defeating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will give you all the feels, even if it's your second (or tenth) time watching it. 

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2

This epic finale gives us the best conclusion we could've asked for. Throughout the series, we've gotten to know these characters—we laughed at them, smiled for them and maybe shed a few tears here and there. If you can relate, you know having all the characters you've grown to love in the series's finale is so special. This movie is breathtaking, in it's cinema and action, as well as how it perfectly sums up the series. Seeing the whole gang gathering to fight at the epic battle of Hogwarts gives allll the feels.

5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Who doesn't love to revisit where the magic all began? Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the first movie of the eighth film adaptations, and it will *always* hold a place in the hearts of HP fans. Harry's introduction to the wizarding world, his new adventures at Hogwarts and his unlikely friendships make the first movie—how else can you describe it?—magical. The golden trio's first-ever defeat of Voldemort is just the beginning of their many victories, and their loyalty to one another is evident from the very beginning. For a walk down memory lane, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a perfect re-watch, even if it isn't your fave of the series. 

6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is one of the most visually stunning of the series, and its plot is driven by the new and exciting Tri-Wizard Tournament. Scenes like the Yule Ball are favorites of HP fans everywhere, but other cinematic moments don't quite live up to how they appear in the book—and some are left out altogether (Wheezy the House Elf? S.P.E.W.?). The absence of these parts are certainly felt by those who read the series, but it must be said that Goblet of Fire is still a truly fantastic adaptation of the series' fourth novel.

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1

Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1 simply cannot measure up to the heart-throbbing ending of the HP series. That being said, this movie hands-down has the best soundtrack of all of the movies (cue O Children). Pt. 1 is packed with action, angst and the amazing, yet heartbreaking, build-up to the series's finale. While this is definitely a tear-jerker for movie night, we love Harry's hunt for the Horcruxes, his close escapes from Voldemort's clutches and his thrilling ride down Gringots' cart shaft. 

8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

From Dobby's first-ever appearance to Ron driving (er—flying?) his dad's car into the infamous Whomping Willow, Chamber of Secrets is a defining movie in the HP series, especially with iconic scenes like Harry and Draco's infamous duel and the audience's first introduction to Tom Riddle himself. Although the film is full of memorable and beloved moments from the book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a lot more serious than Sorcerer's Stone, and it often feels a little too dark for a movie so early in the series. HP2 is, of course, a great watch, but it didn't quite measure up to some of the others in GL's unofficial ranking. 

What's your fave HP movie? Let us know on Twitter @girlslifemag!

All GIFs via GIPHY | Slider image via @breathgeorgieva on Instagram

by Cara Lamina and Lena Genovese | 10/14/2021