If you’re planning to dive back into the wizarding world, it’s easy to get lost between the main Harry Potter saga and the Fantastic Beasts prequels.
This guide breaks down all 11 Harry Potter movies in both chronological and release order, along with key details, plot summaries, and where each fits in the timeline.
How Many Harry Potter Movies Are There?
There are 11 movies set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World:
8 main Harry Potter films (2001–2011), following Harry, Hermione, and Ron at Hogwarts.
3 Fantastic Beasts films (2016–2022), which serve as prequels set decades before Harry’s birth.
To make things easy, let’s start with the chronological timeline, followed by the release order for those who prefer the original cinematic experience.
Harry Potter Movies in Chronological Order
The Fantastic Beasts trilogy comes first, as it takes place long before Harry Potter’s story begins.
| Order | Movie Title | Year of Events (In-Universe) | Release Year | Director | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them | 1926 | 2016 | David Yates | 7.2 |
| 2 | Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald | 1927 | 2018 | David Yates | 6.5 |
| 3 | Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore | 1932 | 2022 | David Yates | 6.2 |
| 4 | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | 1991–1992 | 2001 | Chris Columbus | 7.7 |
| 5 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | 1992–1993 | 2002 | Chris Columbus | 7.4 |
| 6 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | 1993–1994 | 2004 | Alfonso Cuarón | 7.9 |
| 7 | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | 1994–1995 | 2005 | Mike Newell | 7.7 |
| 8 | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | 1995–1996 | 2007 | David Yates | 7.5 |
| 9 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | 1996–1997 | 2009 | David Yates | 7.6 |
| 10 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 | 1997 | 2010 | David Yates | 7.7 |
| 11 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 | 1998 | 2011 | David Yates | 8.1 |
1. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
The story begins in 1926, long before Harry Potter’s birth. Newt Scamander, a shy magizoologist, arrives in New York with a case full of magical creatures.
When they escape, chaos unfolds among the Muggles (No-Majs in the U.S.), and Newt must retrieve them while uncovering a dark plot led by the rising dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.
Fun fact: This was the first Wizarding World movie to win an Oscar (Best Costume Design).
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 18, 2016 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.2 / 74% |
| Directed by | David Yates |
| Main Cast | Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Colin Farrell |
| Box Office | $814 million worldwide |
| Setting | New York City, 1926 |
| Highlights | Introduces Newt Scamander and the first glimpse of Grindelwald; Oscar winner for Best Costume Design |
2. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
Grindelwald escapes custody and begins rallying followers to establish a new order where wizards rule over non-magical people.
Albus Dumbledore, still a Hogwarts professor, secretly enlists Newt to help stop him.
The film deepens the connection between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, laying the groundwork for their legendary duel.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 16, 2018 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 6.5 / 36% |
| Directed by | David Yates |
| Main Cast | Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Ezra Miller |
| Box Office | $654 million worldwide |
| Setting | Paris, 1927 |
| Highlights | Expands Dumbledore’s past; first major conflict between Grindelwald and the wizarding world |
3. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
The final prequel dives into Dumbledore’s past and his blood pact with Grindelwald. Newt leads a team of witches and wizards to stop Grindelwald’s rise to power.
Though divisive among fans, it provides important context to Dumbledore’s moral struggles and the larger history of the Wizarding World.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 8, 2022 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 6.2 / 46% |
| Directed by | David Yates |
| Main Cast | Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen, Ezra Miller |
| Box Office | $407 million worldwide |
| Setting | Bhutan, Berlin, and Hogwarts |
| Highlights | Reveals Dumbledore’s blood pact; emotional closure to the Fantastic Beasts trilogy |
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The magic truly begins here. We meet young Harry Potter, who discovers he’s a wizard on his 11th birthday.
He joins Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, makes lifelong friends, and faces the dark shadow of Lord Voldemort for the first time.
This film captures pure childhood wonder — flying brooms, enchanted feasts, and a sense of awe that made millions fall in love with Hogwarts.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 16, 2001 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.7 / 80% |
| Directed by | Chris Columbus |
| Main Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint |
| Box Office | $974 million worldwide |
| Setting | Hogwarts, 1991–1992 |
| Highlights | Introduces the trio, Hogwarts, Quidditch, and the first confrontation with Voldemort |
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Harry returns for his second year at Hogwarts despite warnings from Dobby, the house-elf. Students start turning to stone, and rumors spread that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened again.
Harry must confront the heir of Slytherin and uncover the dark memory of Tom Riddle.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 15, 2002 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.4 / 82% |
| Directed by | Chris Columbus |
| Main Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint |
| Box Office | $879 million worldwide |
| Setting | Hogwarts, 1992–1993 |
| Highlights | Introduces Dobby and Tom Riddle’s diary; reveals the basilisk under Hogwarts |
6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
This third entry shifts the tone dramatically. A darker, more mature story introduces Sirius Black, a supposed traitor who escaped Azkaban.
With new allies like Professor Lupin and chilling Dementors haunting Hogwarts, this film became a fan favorite for its emotion and artistry.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 4, 2004 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.9 / 90% |
| Directed by | Alfonso Cuarón |
| Main Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Gary Oldman, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint |
| Box Office | $797 million worldwide |
| Setting | Hogwarts, 1993–1994 |
| Highlights | Introduces Sirius Black and the Dementors; explores Harry’s family history; darker tone shift in the series |
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
The Triwizard Tournament brings together students from across Europe, but when Harry’s name is mysteriously chosen, he must compete in deadly challenges.
The film marks Voldemort’s terrifying return, changing the tone of the entire series.
The final act, where Cedric Diggory meets his fate, is one of the franchise’s most haunting moments.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 18, 2005 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.7 / 88% |
| Directed by | Mike Newell |
| Main Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Robert Pattinson |
| Box Office | $896 million worldwide |
| Setting | Hogwarts, 1994–1995 |
| Highlights | Triwizard Tournament, return of Voldemort, and tragic death of Cedric Diggory |
8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
The wizarding world refuses to believe Voldemort is back, so Harry and his friends form Dumbledore’s Army to fight back.
The oppressive Dolores Umbridge makes life miserable at Hogwarts, while Harry struggles with visions linking him to Voldemort.
This is where the rebellion truly begins.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 11, 2007 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.5 / 78% |
| Directed by | David Yates |
| Main Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Imelda Staunton |
| Box Office | $942 million worldwide |
| Setting | Hogwarts, 1995–1996 |
| Highlights | Dumbledore’s Army forms; Dolores Umbridge introduced; prophecy about Harry and Voldemort revealed |
9. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Voldemort’s power grows, and Dumbledore prepares Harry for the inevitable final battle.
We explore Tom Riddle’s origins, learn about Horcruxes, and face one of the series’ most emotional moments, the death of Dumbledore at Snape’s hand.
It’s both a heartbreak and a turning point for the story.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 15, 2009 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.6 / 83% |
| Directed by | David Yates |
| Main Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Emma Watson |
| Box Office | $934 million worldwide |
| Setting | Hogwarts, 1996–1997 |
| Highlights | Explores Horcruxes and Voldemort’s backstory; ends with Dumbledore’s death |
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
The trio leaves Hogwarts to hunt Horcruxes. Their friendship is tested as danger closes in from every side.
The first part of the finale focuses on survival, sacrifice, and the emotional weight of war.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 19, 2010 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.7 / 77% |
| Directed by | David Yates |
| Main Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint |
| Box Office | $977 million worldwide |
| Setting | Across Britain, 1997 |
| Highlights | Begins the hunt for Horcruxes; emotional tone and deep character focus; sets stage for final battle |
11. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
Everything comes to an end. The Battle of Hogwarts erupts as Harry faces Voldemort one final time.
Heroes fall, secrets are revealed, and the prophecy is fulfilled. It’s a cinematic farewell that still brings goosebumps more than a decade later.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 15, 2011 |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 8.1 / 96% |
| Directed by | David Yates |
| Main Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes |
| Box Office | $1.34 billion worldwide |
| Setting | Hogwarts, 1998 |
| Highlights | Final battle between Harry and Voldemort; Snape’s true loyalty revealed; emotional conclusion of the saga |
Harry Potter Movies in Release Order
If you prefer to experience the franchise as audiences originally did, here’s the release date order:
| Order | Movie Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | 2001 |
| 2 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | 2002 |
| 3 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | 2004 |
| 4 | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | 2005 |
| 5 | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | 2007 |
| 6 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | 2009 |
| 7 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 | 2010 |
| 8 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 | 2011 |
| 9 | Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them | 2016 |
| 10 | Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald | 2018 |
| 11 | Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore | 2022 |
Which Order Should You Watch?
Newcomers: Start with The Sorcerer’s Stone and follow the release order. It mirrors how the world learned about Harry and Hogwarts.
Hardcore fans: Watch chronologically to see the Wizarding World unfold from Dumbledore’s youth to Harry’s destiny.
Timeline Summary of the Wizarding World
| Era | Years Covered | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Harry Potter (Fantastic Beasts Trilogy) | 1920s–1930s | Dumbledore vs. Grindelwald, Wizarding Wars |
| The Hogwarts Years | 1991–1998 | Harry’s journey, rise and fall of Voldemort |
| Post-Voldemort | 2017 (Epilogue) | “19 years later” scene with Harry and Ginny’s children |
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Final Thoughts
Whether you grew up waiting for each movie or just discovered them today, the Harry Potter saga remains a rare example of consistent world-building across a decade of cinema.
Every rewatch brings new details — from subtle foreshadowing to emotional connections that only get deeper with time.
If you’re watching for the first time, start your journey with a butterbeer, settle in, and let the magic unfold — in any order you prefer.
Engineering edified me dreams’ propelling. And being an Otaku, a superlative dream of mine engulfs experiencing anime to its deepest quintessence and inditing my perspective towards it. Ultimately, anime blogging carved a path towards my desire and made me stand up to you.