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All Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Movies Ranked: The Wizarding World by Tomatometer

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince celebrates its 15th anniversary!

The  Harry Potter  film franchise  ruled the box office for a decade, but it also managed the uncommon feat of earning Certified Fresh status for every single one of its installments. It remains one of the most successful movie sagas of all time, and it’s even spawned a spinoff series. But while the first  Fantastic Beasts  continue the Certified Fresh streak, the second became the first Rotten entry in this cinematic Wizarding World. The third Beasts film, The Secrets of Dumbledore , released April 2022. Now, we’re ranking all  Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies by Tomatometer! — Alex Vo

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) 96%

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) 90%

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) 88%

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) 84%

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) 82%

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) 81%

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) 78%

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) 77%

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) 74%

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) 46%

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) 36%

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The best Harry Potter movies: every film ranked, from worst to best

Listing the best Harry Potter movies, ranked in their rightful place

Determining the best Harry Potter movies is a contentious topic. There's eight movies all offering something different to fans. After all, the franchise has had four directors with different styles and approaches to adapting the books to the screen. Which means there's plenty of differing opinion when it comes to which are the best Harry Potter movies in the saga. But, we've dived deep into the Wizarding World to devise this ranking of the Harry Potter films from the worst to the best. 

If you'd rather stick to the flow of the story, then utilize our guide on how to watch the Harry Potter movies in order instead. For US viewers, you can watch  all of the H arry Potter movies on Peacock after the streaming platform took them from Max in 2022. In other countries, you'll find the Harry Potter movies on Netflix . For now, let's advance to our ranking of the best Harry Potter m ovies.

8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 

Release date:  15 November 2002 Runtime:  161 minutes Age rating:  PG (US) / PG (UK) Cast:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Jason Isaacs, Alan Rickman, and Maggie Smith Director:  Chris Columbus

As the second movie, Chamber of Secrets , had a lot to live up to after the stellar success of the first instalment of the franchise. Chris Columbus, the Home Alone director, returned for the second movie – and he chose a darker, more dangerous path for the series, setting the tone for each subsequent movie.

Whilst an incredibly important narrative builder for the Harry Potter franchise, it's not filled with the magic and wonder of the others, hence why it's placed last on the best Harry Potter movies ranking. Plus, at a whopping two hours and 41 minutes, it was arguably a bit long for being one of the movies that focused more on introductions and narrative. That being said, Chamber of Secrets is where we first meet some iconic stalwarts of the series such as Draco Malfoy’s prolific dad, Lucius (Jason Isaacs) and everyone’s favourite house elf, Dobby (Toby Jones).

Chamber of Secrets does a fantastic job at maturing the story from the first instance of a group of kids, big-eyed and bushy-tailed, embarking on their adventure at Hogwarts. And then, there's the stark realisation that the Harry Potter series was to be more ghastly than expected with Tom Riddle’s true identity slowly unravelling, an unfortunate slug-vomiting charm, and the terrifying Basilisk.

7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Release date:  18 November 2005 Runtime:  157 minutes Age rating:  PG-13 (US) / 12A (UK) Cast:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Timothy Spall, David Tennant, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, and Robert Pattinson Director:  Mike Newell

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Goblet of Fire is the stage for the Triwizard Tournament - bringing together alternative magical schools for which it may have initially seemed that Hogwarts was the only one. The promise of a Quidditch World Cup finale was a promising one, but did not come into fruition. Instead, there was a questionable focus on the teenage romantic angst of the characters that left fans divided. Underlying it all though, the first big reveal of he who shall not be named.

In Goblet of Fire , the students are going through a certain teenage stage of their lives and arguably, this ends up dominating much of the movie. It was always going to be a hard one to tackle given the shift in narrative, but director Mike Newell rose to the occasion creating drama, rivalry, and a notable change in relationships, not only in the newly-introduced characters, but with the Harry, Ron, and Hermione too.

 6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 

Release date:  10 November 2001 Runtime:  152 minutes Age rating:  PG (US) / PG (UK) Cast:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davies, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, and Fiona Shaw Director:  Chris Columbus

The movie that started it all and what an absolutely fantastic start. But, not the best. It’s clear that the Sorcerer's Stone (or Philosopher’s Stone as it's known outside of the US) had one focus in mind - to begin an adventure. Given what we know now about all the epic stories it was building up to, it’s no surprise that it made sure it set us up just right. 

There are so many iconic moments in the Sorcerer's Stone that fans and newbies alike can enjoy as the first foray of Harry Potter to screen. We meet Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), the Hogwarts’ gentle gamekeeping giant. We board the Hogwarts Express alongside Harry for his maiden voyage to Hogwarts and, of course, we meet his best friends, Ron and Hermione. Plus, seeing Hogwarts itself. Whilst Sorcerer's Stone is incredibly important to the franchise – without it Harry Potter wouldn’t exist – the main storyline in the movie lacks magic and action, placing it sixth in the best Harry Potter movies.

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 

Release date:  19 November 2010 Runtime:  146 minutes Age rating:  PG-13 (US) / 12A (UK) Cast:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Bill Nighy, Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Helena Bonham Carter, and Ralph Fiennes Director:  David Yates

Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is continuously applauded for how true it stayed to the book. Ending a series after such a long time meant there was a lot at stake and it needed to be done right. But, you’re not going to please everyone. Deathly Hallows: Part 1 turns its focus onto Harry, Ron, and Hermione, demonstrating the growth they’ve made as characters and actors throughout the franchise. There’s long narrative moments, emotional exchanges, and the slow, nail-biting crescendo that, we know now, inevitably amalgamates into the epic finale that was to follow. 

It has split opinion with fans as some feel that it sorely misses action and are still annoyed that they split the movie into two parts. But, arguably, without Deathly Hallows: Part 1 building up the momentum and slowing the pace to focus on the characters, the stark change in pace when the storm hits in Deathly Hallows: Part 2 would not have been as impactful.

4. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Release date:  15 July 2009 Runtime:  153 minutes Age rating:  PG (US) / 12A (UK) Cast:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Jim Broadbent, Helena Bonham Carter, Warwick Davis, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, and Timothy Spall Director:  David Yates

The best Harry Potter movies find a certain finesse when it comes to balancing between action-packed scenes and lending time to the relationship-building narrative. Half-Blood Prince is one of the movies that tests this balance to the extreme. 

It's filled with famed scenes such as the hunt for horcruxes, Christmas at the Burrow, and the Astronomy Tower scene we still aren't ready to discuss. But then, takes long, gaping moments of screen time to build upon the narrative. One thing feels right though, that without these moments of contemplation and focus, that the remaining movies would not have created such an all-encompassing emotion. Through J. K. Rowling’s writing and the director’s translation to film, the series manages to allow viewers to feel deeply for the characters so when the action descends, the impact of its consequences is felt even deeper.

3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix  

Release date:  11 July 2007 Runtime:  138 minutes Age rating:  PG-13 (US) / 12A (UK) Cast:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, and Imelda Staunton Director:  David Yates

If action is what you’re after, Order of the Phoenix comes with a complete abundance of it. Voldemort, Death Eaters, and butting heads with the Goliath that is the Ministry of Magic, director David Yates had a lot to navigate when he took the helm.

Fortunately, he received great praise for his humour, visuals, and action, which ultimately gave him the subsequent final three movies to play with. It’s the dialogue that truly shines in Order of the Phoenix though, as the conversations between Harry and Sirius (Gary Oldman), Snape (Alan Rickman), and Remus (David Thewlis) are unmatched in the franchise. Each builds tension, emotion, and inevitably leads us to discover secrets about each character that provoked shock and awe. Also, let’s not forget the epic Voldemort and Dumbledore duel that pitted two powerful wizards against each other to a momentous backdrop of the Ministry of Magic. All this places Order of the Phoenix firmly in the top three of the best Harry Potter movies.

 2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Release date:  4 June 2004 Runtime:  142 minutes Age rating:  PG (US) / PG (UK) Cast:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Julie Walters, and Emma Thompson Director:  Alfonso Cuarón

There’s so much to learn about the best Harry Potter movies and the world that he's thrown around in. Harry's parents, Voldemort, Hogwarts and the differing role its staff play in Harry’s story, the Wizarding War, and Harry's miraculous survival. Prisoner of Azkaban acts as a great beacon of detail for everything there is to learn. We meet Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew for the first time. We learn about the Marauders map, visit Hogsmeade, learn about Patronus’, and see Harry fly both on Buckbeak and his Firebolt for the first time.

Whilst Voldemort isn’t present, the tale of his return hangs over the movie like a dark cloud. This dark cloud is a stalwart for Prisoner of Azkaban , changing up the pace of a childlike wonder into a more mature nightmare. Much like the book, a crucial moment in the story, where it becomes wholly apparent that the tale isn’t just one of children learning the magical ropes, but one that instead tests their durability and bravery throughout.

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 

Release date:  15 July 2011 Runtime:  130 minutes Age rating:  PG-13 (US) / 12 (UK) Cast:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Domhnall Gleeson, and Evanna Lynch Director:  David Yates

Finally, we've reached the top of our best Harry Potter movies ranking. It’s hard to put into words how truly fantastic Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is at achieving its main goal – to end it all. After Deathly Hallows: Part 1 split opinion and slowed down the pace, Deathly Hallows: Part 2 came as a surprise to fans who felt they’d been listened to, that expectations were being met, and that non-stop action was about to unravel before their very eyes. As is true with a lot of movie finales, Deathly Hallows: Part 2 becomes home to some of the most iconic scenes of the entire franchise.

And it's a movie built on iconic moments. Most notably, Snape, a character who over hours and hours of screen time was painted as a villain, has his true story and motive unraveled by beautifully crafted directorial and writing prowess. It was clear that everything up to this point had been leading to this movie. To tie it all together. To leave fans feeling satisfied, but also incredibly on edge. Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is an outstanding example of film craftsmanship that shaped a much-loved book series and did it justice, whilst taking fans on one last, nail-biting and thrilling ride.

For more Harry Potter -based coverage, find out which films made it onto our best Netflix movies and best Max movies lists. Alternatively, read about Harry Potter 's TV remake potentially being set to arrive in 2026 , and who's been announced the showrunner and lead director for Harry Potter 's TV reboot .

Grace is a freelance writer for TechRadar, with past work at sites like GamesRadar, Metro and WhatToWatch. She's been writing about entertainment for over ten years, and has a special interest in sci-fi, rom-coms, and captivating dramas.

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• All the <i>Harry Potter</i> Movies, Ranked

All the Harry Potter Movies, Ranked

B lame ABC Family for playing Sorcerer’s Stone on repeat throughout the 2000s, but for many Millennials (and now, their children) a chill in the air demands curling up on the couch for a Harry Potter rewatch.

While millions of viewers used to take comfort in visits to Hogwarts, these days, engaging with the series can be complicated. Harry Potter taught so many about the importance of fighting against prejudice, which makes creator J.K. Rowling’s controversial comments on gender identity all the more disappointing. Even some of her most ardent fans accused her of transphobia, at which point Rowling doubled down on her exclusionary brand of feminism . Now, many fans strive to find a way to derive value from the material while rejecting its creator’s views.

Even Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, who spoke out against Rowling’s anti-trans tweets, has wrestled with whether the story is irredeemably tarnished. In an open letter for the Trevor Project , he wrote, “If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe … if they taught you that strength is found in diversity, and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups; if you believe that a particular character is trans, nonbinary, or gender fluid, or that they are gay or bisexual … then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred. And in my opinion nobody can touch that.” For many, the annual rewatch remains a tradition, albeit a fraught one.

And so, we find ourselves reassessing these adaptations, all eight of which are streaming on both Peacock and HBO Max as of Oct. 15. Typically, fans agree on favorites in a film series. Most Star Wars diehards will tell you Empire Strikes Back is great, and Phantom Menace sucks; Indiana Jones fans will assure you that none of the sequels lived up to Raiders of the Lost Ark ; and anyone who argues Dark Knight isn’t the best of the Batman movies is just trying to be contrarian. Rational minds can certainly disagree. But for the most part, every franchise has good movies and bad movies, and it’s easy to divide films into those two buckets.

The Harry Potter films prove more difficult to rank. True, the awful new Fantastic Beasts movies will easily land at the bottom of any Potter fan’s list (spoiler alert). But the older films are surprisingly solid. Look up fan polls and critics’ rankings, and you’ll find there’s no consensus view on how the original eight films compare. Some fans prefer the glee of those first movies, while others trend towards the darker entries later in the franchise. Movie fans may love the cinematography of Half-Blood Prince , while book loyalists take umbrage with director David Yates’ adaptation choices. Some critics preferred the quiet, contemplative moments spent in the forest during Deathly Hallows, Part 1 , while others favor the action-packed battles of Deathly Hallows, Part 2 .

Many fans’ views have also evolved with the passage of time. It’s easier to assess the series as a whole now that the movies have become a true cultural touchstone. And Rowling’s commentary, political views and additions to the canon will no doubt influence any critic’s perception of the films, for better or worse. Here is how we rank the Harry Potter films—at least for now.

10. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald embodies everything wrong with the continued expansion of the H arry Potter universe. The Harry Potter prequel could have explored a whole new corner of the wondrous world Rowling once built. Instead Grindelwald plays like a cash grab. Rowling’s script tries to connect just about every new character it introduces in some forced, hackneyed and occasionally racist way to the characters we know and love from the original Harry Potter films. But the revelation that one character will eventually become a snake or that another is a long-lost relative of Albus Dumbledore only muddles the canon.

Meanwhile, the one person the audience does recognize and care about—young Dumbledore, played enchantingly by Jude Law—gets the short shrift. Despite insisting in interviews that Dumbledore and the Hitler-esque wizard Gellert Grindelwald were romantically involved as teens, Rowling has never actually written that romance into any of her books or screenplays. Crimes of Grindelwald centers on a proxy battle between Dumbledore and Grindelwald but only vaguely references that the two might have had a romantic relationship. Rowling’s refusal to acknowledge that these two men are queer and have a complicated history is maddening. It zaps the film of any real tension between its main hero and villain. Meanwhile, offscreen, Rowling’s insistence that Grindelwald actor Johnny Depp remain with the franchise after his ex-wife Amber Heard accused Depp of assault, was off-putting to say the least. Since then, a high court judge found that Johnny Depp was guilty of assaulting Heard , and Warner Bros. finally parted ways with the actor . Still, the ill-fated series will soldier on.

Read More: Just Cancel the Fantastic Beasts Franchise Already

Stream on Amazon .

9. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was Rowling’s first screenplay, and it shows. If you squint, there’s a good movie within Fantastic Beasts about the rise of fascism in the Wizarding World in the 1920s. Unfortunately, studios have to sell stuffed animals. So Fantastic Beasts wraps its dark Grindelwald origin story inside a movie about a dorky magical creature enthusiast (Eddie Redmayne) scurrying across 1920s New York City trying to round up adorable critters. The platypus-esque Nifflers are, undeniably, cute, and the other CGI creatures are quite impressive. But the bipolar movie never quite ties the two plots together.

There’s hope that Rowling could rectify this issue in future films. One of Rowling’s best talents is actually intricate plotting—the early Harry Potter books and their adaptations would often weave plots together to make a more cohesive whole. The author would patiently plant the seeds of a plot point in an early novel that would then bloom in the later books to stunning effect. Perhaps it’s unfair to judge Fantastic Beasts on just the first two entries (the studio intends to produce five films). But so far the franchise has failed to cast a spell over its audience.

8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Let me be clear: There is a giant chasm between Chamber of Secrets and the Fantastic Beast films. While Chamber may rank low on this list, it’s still a delightful time at Hogwarts. Hermione turns into a cat person! Harry and Ron fly in a car! Kenneth Branagh pokes fun at his own public persona as a narcissist! Sure, child actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint haven’t quite yet mastered their acting skills. But they’re pretty cute.

And yet, the movie clocks in at 160 minutes, far too long for one of the shorter and, let’s be honest, lesser Harry Potter books. The pace of the film is, at times, agonizingly slow. Like Sorcerer’s Stone , Chris Columbus’ Chamber is slavishly dedicated to the book—except for the bizarre moment when Lucius Malfoy attempts to use the killing curse “avada kedavra” on Harry in the middle of a Hogwarts hallway. (Apparently Lucius Malfoy actor Jason Isaacs improvised the line and had forgotten the actual meaning of the curse.) In transcribing the work rather than adapting it, Columbus undercuts a sense of discovery that is essential to the Potter stories.

7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Though it’s probably the truest book-to-movie adaptation, the Sorcerer’s Stone , with its Matilda- esque tone, doesn’t live up to the power of the rest of the series. In retrospect, the CGI is clunky, and the one-liners are too cute by half. Still, Christopher Columbus was also able to capture, well, the magic of that first introduction into Hogwarts. As soon as those owls begin to invade the Dursley’s neighborhood, the Wizarding World suddenly seemed more accessible than it ever did on the page.

At the time of its premiere, Sorcerer’s success was no guarantee. Throughout the 2000s, fantasy adaptations like The Golden Compass and Eragon flopped at the box office. But Columbus’ movies managed to do right by the books: Hogwarts awed; quidditch looked exactly as fans had imagined it; and the school uniforms became instantly iconic. Columbus’ team also made some fantastic casting decisions that would pay off years later, like recruiting Alan Rickman to play Severus Snape and Maggie Smith to tackle Minerva McGonagall. And they found a trio of child actors who would, over the next decade, hold their own in scenes with some of England’s most talented thespians.

6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

Ah, Deathly Hallows, Part 1 : perhaps the most divisive movie in the franchise. How do you feel about watching three teenagers bicker in the forest for a few hours? What if two of those characters take a dance break seemingly designed to enrage or tantalize fans, depending on which characters you ship?

There are things to adore in this movie, like the breathtaking animation of the “Tale of the Three Brothers.” And director David Yates does beautifully capture the frustrations of Harry’s Horcrux mission. The scenes in which Harry, Ron and Hermione aimlessly walk through empty fields and abandoned parking lots, a fuzzy voice on the radio rattling off the names of the dead as they wander capture the book perfectly.

But Part 1 spends very little time during those quiet conversations exploring who Dumbledore was and his connection to the Deathly Hallows, three magical tools that are crucial to the final fight in the following film. That may seem like nerdy nitpicking. But good genre fiction distinguishes itself from bad genre fiction by imbuing its McGuffins with actual meaning. If Harry doesn’t have a personal connection to the Elderwand through Dumbledore, then he’s just chasing some meaningless shiny object. Such scenes also could have given the audience more time with Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort, who shines in Part 2 as one of the greatest onscreen villains of all time.

5. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Book fans tend to criticize the Half-Blood Prince adaptation because it leaves out crucial details about Tom Riddle (a.k.a. Voldemort) and why he decides to create the Horcruxes. As a result, the burden falls upon the already plot-heavy sequels to communicate the importance of these magical objects. It’s frustrating to watch Harry hunt down and destroy parts of Tom Riddle’s soul like he’s stumbling across random Bosses in a video game when Rowling gave each Horcrux a meaningful backstory in the books that rendered Voldemort a more complex character.

More than any other movie, Half-Blood Prince seems to miss the point of the books. Take the pivotal scene in which Snape kills Dumbledore. Although Harry’s single defining trait as a character is his willingness to rush rashly and headlong into danger for his loved ones, the movie-version of Harry stands by and does nothing while Dumbledore is murdered. In the book, Dumbledore has put Harry under a spell that prevents him from moving to interfere with Snape—a detail skipped over in the movie. Exacerbating matters is Michael Gambon’s performance as Dumbledore, which comes across as cold and commanding rather than gentle and eccentric.

Still, the cinematography in Half-Blood Prince is fantastic. Yates signals the transition to a grimmer story by rendering Hogwarts as darker and more empty than in previous films. It’s arguably the most aesthetically beautiful of all the movies. And many critics have praised the slower pace of the film, which spends less time on Quidditch and magical battles and more time on character relationships than its predecessors.

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

Deathly Hallows, Part 2 is all action. As soon as the movie begins, Harry, Ron and Hermione are breaking into Gringotts, riding on the back of a dragon and, finally, battling Voldemort. That’s not always a good thing: The audience is barely given a moment to breathe and consider the consequences of this final battle. Book readers will certainly miss some of the quieter moments of reflection, particularly between Harry and Dumbledore at King’s Cross Station after Harry dies.

But the film is able to pull off several crucial moments of character development amid the chaos, including Neville’s evolution into a bold hero, Ron and Hermione’s first kiss and Molly Weasley’s epic defeat of Bellatrix LeStrange. To that end, the film plays like a somber but satisfying reunion. Deathly Hallows Part 1, and even to some extent Half-Blood Prince, are films about loneliness and isolation. Some of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter series are missing entirely from those movies. When Harry, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts, we get to enjoy Rowling’s wide array of Dickensian characters once again.

And the movie more than makes up for any elided conversations with the emotional punch of Alan Rickman’s performance as Snape. The series’ finale hinges on Rickman’s ability to sell the audience on the idea that his love for Harry’s mother Lily was so strong that he took on the impossible job of playing double agent. And while the books are told almost entirely from Harry’s perspective, Yates wisely chooses to offer his audience Snape’s point of view: He begins the film with shot of Snape gazing over Hogwarts and pauses to linger on Snape’s face as he dies weeping in Harry’s arms. In those two moments, elevates the story from a battle between good and evil to one of a complicated man’s struggle to cling to the power of love in the face of hatred.

3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

It’s unfortunate the movie version of Goblet of Fire doesn’t fall at the top of the heap when the book version ranks #1 or #2 for many Potter fans. But director Mike Newell made some irksome choices that diverge wildly from the original text, including, notoriously, Dumbledore screaming at Harry, “Did you put your name in the goblet of fire?!?” a line that Dumbledore uttered “calmly” in the book. Worse still, Goblet is at its heart a mystery novel, but the adaptation undercuts the whodunnit at the center of the story—who did put Harry’s name in the Goblet of Fire?—by showing the culprit in the very first scene .

That said, it’s pretty hard to screw up Rowling’s best story. Goblet breaks from the formula of the last three books, centering the action around the Triwizard Tournament instead of the normal events school year. The three terrifying tasks are a joy to behold, and the angst-producing Yule Ball plays host to some of the most fraught—and delicious—teen drama in the series.

The movie also successfully balances the fun of the tournament with the gravity of Cedric’s death, a major turning point in the franchise. A young Robert Pattinson proves his star power in the small but consequential role. And as Cedric’s father mourns over his body, even non-readers realize the story is about to transform from a boarding school romp into a deadly battle between tolerance and prejudice. Plus, Ralph Fiennes’ inaugural performance as He Who Must Not Be Named is appropriately terrifying and wonderful.

2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

The book Order of the Phoenix often gets knocked for its preoccupation with hormonal teenagers’ mood swings. But that’s the brilliance of the story. Our heroes are hormonal teenagers who make bad decisions based on impulse. The book does force readers to spend a lot of time inside Harry’s head when he’s at his most angry. The movie actually spares the audience this unpleasantness. Because of medium, we only see Harry’s external reactions, and Radcliffe smartly chooses to play Harry as defeated and depressed, a decision that engenders sympathy rather than alienating the audience. Harry only shares his darkest fears about something evil burgeoning inside him in intimate scenes with his godfather Sirius, which makes Sirius’ sudden and surprising death at the end of the film all the more painful.

Other things that recommend Order of the Phoenix: Quieter conversations that plumb the characters’ emotional depths; nightmare-inducing performances by two of the series’ best late-game villains, Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix and Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge; and no quidditch, a game that was getting deadly boring by the second film. But the best part of this movie is the epic final showdown in the Department of Mysteries between Dumbledore and Voldemort. That battle—the only one we get to see between the two greatest wizards in history—takes plenty of license but does so in the best way possible. The clash of fire and water and transformation of glass into sand encapsulate the power of film adapation.

1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

It’s no surprise that Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón directed the best of the Harry Potter flicks. Some might call Prisoner of Azkaban more “adult” than the first two movies. And while we’re of the philosophy that anyone can enjoy and appreciate Harry Potter , it’s certainly fair to say that Cuarón made a more atmospheric movie. He clearly has a talent for working with child actors: The director allowed them to style their school uniforms however they liked, adding a realistic and lived-in feeling to the film. His eye for detail also brings Hogwarts truly to life for the first time, from the candles that look like spinal columns floating in Professor Lupin’s classroom to the reimagined Whomping Willow, which marks the passage of time by huffily shaking off its leaves in autumn.

There are a few choices to quibble with: Deciding not to film a flashback scene featuring Harry’s father and his friends prowling the Hogwarts grounds as Animagi (wizards who can transform into animals) was a missed opportunity. And Cuarón may have unwittingly given away Snape’s allegiance when he directed Alan Rickman to throw his arms across Harry and his friends to protect them from a werewolf, an impulsive act of selflessness that seemed uncharacteristic for the snarling professor. And the Time Turners introduce thousands of questions and plot holes. But all those choices serve a final time traveling sequence that, with the giant clock ticking away in the background, is pitch perfect.

Correction, Nov. 3

The original version of this story misstated when the movies The Golden Compass and Eragon premiered. They debuted after The Sorcerer’s Stone film was released, not before.

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Harry Potter film review

Have you seen any of the Harry Potter films? Practise your reading in English with this film review.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then read the text and do the other exercises.

Preparation

Film review: the harry potter film series.

The Harry Potter film series is famous all over the world and is loved by children, teenagers and adults. It's based on the books by JK Rowling. The first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , was released in 2001. The whole series consists of eight fantasy films. In each film the main character, Harry, is played by Daniel Radcliffe.

The story begins when 11-year-old orphan Harry discovers that his parents were wizards and he starts his education in magic at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There he makes two close friends, Ron and Hermione, who share his adventures.

Each film ends dramatically, often with a battle between Harry and his worst enemy, the evil wizard Lord Voldemort.

The characters

As well as Harry, Ron and Hermione, there's a huge variety of characters, including students, professors, dark wizards, ghosts and fantasy creatures. Non-magic people are called Muggles. The cast is excellent. The acting's outstanding, and even the strangest of characters are totally believable.

The setting

The films are mainly set in Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which is in an ancient castle. There are moving staircases, portraits which can talk and move, and a dark forest where strange and dangerous creatures live.

The special effects

The special effects are amazing and make magic seem completely possible! The wizards' favourite sport, Quidditch, is played on broomsticks. Different techniques were used to create the effects that make the actors look as if they're flying.

Critic's opinion

The films are imaginative, funny, frightening and, of course, magical! What makes them so successful is that they combine action, fantasy and friendship.

If you like adventure and magic, you'll love the Harry Potter films!

Do you like the Harry Potter films? What other films do you like? Tell us about them!

I LOVE the films of Harry Potter!!!!!!!!! :D

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I love the Harry Potter films too LadyFarmTelephone! ❤ Do you have a favourite one?

~ BluePixieWand ツ LearnEnglish Kids team

Harry Potter is such a great movie. The special thing is that when you read books you cannot put it down! I read all the books, and I am quite sad because the book ends. I wish we had book 8. When I read it, I feel like going to a fantasy world. I want to learn magic and enter an adventure like Harry Potter. I miss Harry Potter. Hic... (I want part 8) :((((((

I am a fan of Harry Potter. My favorite part is 6.

Harry Potter is a great movie

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Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone Review

16 Nov 2001

152 minutes

Harry Potter And The Philosopher&#8217;s Stone

Sometimes the best plan is to do things by the book. With over 100 million Harry Potter readers desperate to rush down cinema aisles to see their hero on the big screen for the first time, you can't blame Chris Columbus for sticking close to J.K. Rowling's novel. It's one thing to let your imagination loose with the words on the page; it's another to have those images backed up by a multi-million dollar Hollywood budget. And from the very first sight of an owl perched on the Privet Drive road sign to the closing shot of the Hogwarts Express pulling away from the station with the majestic school sitting high on the hills behind, we know that every golden galleon has been well spent.

That's why this faithful adaptation won't fail to win over the book's fans with its 'wow' factor. It thrives on audience recognition. John Williams' score swells at the key moments - Here's your first glimpse of Hogwarts! Isn't Diagon Alley crammed with Dickensian detail! - as Columbus pulls back curtain after curtain to reveal all of the avid readers' favourite bits. The stand-out sequence is the Gryffindor versus Slytherin Quidditch match, a fast-paced medieval Rollerball with broomsticks. It soars where The Phantom Menace's podrace stalled on the third lap.

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone has one advantage over so many other blockbusters: it already knows that it's the first in a series, so it doesn't have to become a self-contained hit movie before its sequels can receive the green light. This means it deliberately takes its time setting up the characters and the scenario before, like the book, pulling in a quest-cum-whodunnit plot to provide a climax. This structure is fine for the initiated, but it might leave first-timers feeling a bit uncomfortable with the shape of the movie. And because it's more of a kids film than the book was just a kids book, the two-and-a-half hour running time is bound to provoke some cinema squirming from young viewers.

That said, Columbus ensures there's a bit of on-screen magic coming our way every couple of minutes, and not just in the shape of expensive effects. Near-perfect casting ensures character colour from the adult actors and allows the central trio of kids (Radcliffe, Grint and Watson) to prove that three heads are better than one (unless your name is Fluffy).

Coltrane as cuddly giant Hagrid and Grint as Harry's cheeky chum, Ron, steal some scenes, but it's Radcliffe who leads us through Harry's journey from open-jawed underdog to pint-sized hero. Sympathetic and strong, brave and believably ordinary, he becomes the audience's counterpart in this weird world of witches and wizards.

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The best Harry Potter movies, ranked by Rotten Tomatoes

The Wizarding World began with the Harry Potter movies before evolving into a sprawling if uneven cinematic universe. The tale of The Boy Who Lived enchanted fans the world over, becoming a cultural phenomenon and reaping massive critical and commercial success. Harry’s story ended with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 , a suitably epic and satisfying conclusion to the saga that defined a generation.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald (2018) -36%

• Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) – 62%
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) – 74%
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) – 77%
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) – 77%
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) – 81%
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) – 82%
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) – 84%
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2006) – 88%
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) – 90%
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) – 96%

Not willing to abandon one of their most successful franchises, Warner Bros. greenlit a series of spinoffs beginning with 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them . This new series failed to achieve the same critical and commercial reception as its predecessor, but it successfully kept the Wizarding World afloat. Eleven films have premiered so far, including Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore , as well as the blockbuster video game Hogwarts Legacy . Most of the Potter movies earned considerable acclaim from critics, as evidenced by their high scores in the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, but the Fantastic Beasts entries haven’t been as lucky.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was successful enough to warrant a sequel, this time focusing on the Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald. The film attempts to expand the series’ lore, but it does itself a disservice by focusing on yet another Dark Wizard, who audiences already knew was considerably weaker than Voldemort. So why bother telling his story?

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The Crimes of Grindelwald is an ugly stain on the Wizarding World. Plain, uneven, and erratic, it juggled multiple plots without knowing what to do with them. However, it makes the worst mistake possible: It’s boring, and fans feel every single of the film’s 134 minutes. The Crimes of Grindelwald pulls the incredible feat of having nothing of value despite its extended runtime, and once the credits roll, fans can’t help but wonder why the movie even exists.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) – 62%

What a difference a screenwriter can make. After it became clear that J.K. Rowling was a weak writer for the screen, Warner Bros. recruited experienced Hollywood player Steve Kloves, the man behind seven of the eight Potter entries. The result, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore  is a film that seems great in comparison to what came before; however, when the bar is in the mud, it isn’t difficult to raise it.

Still, credit where credit’s due: The Secrets of Dumbledore is ambitious, perhaps too much for its own good. The world is needlessly complicated and, at times, uninviting, and the story remains chaotic and directionless. The ever-sprawling cast elevates the film, particularly Jude Law doing most of the heavy lifting. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is yet another confusing entry in the Wizarding World, one that’s still guilty of queerbaiting despite its seemingly well-meaning intentions.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) – 74%

Following the ending of the  Potter saga, Warner Bros. found itself with the sprawling Wizarding World and a million ways to exploit it. It opted for the little book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them , a compendium of several magical creatures within the Wizarding World. J.K. Rowling wrote the screenplay, centering on the fictional book’s author, Newt Scamander, and his trip to New York City during the 1920s.

Fresh and exciting, this new chapter of the Wizarding World was intriguing enough to entice fans back into the magical world. The film featured dazzling visual effects, an interesting-enough storyline, and a slew of charming performances, including Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, and the criminally underused Colin Farrell. The ending brings the whole movie down by retreading into tired and familiar territory, but for the most part, Fantastic Beasts was a promising new start for the Wizarding World.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) – 77%

Splitting the last installment in the  Potter franchise might’ve seemed like a shameless cash grab — and it was. However, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows packed enough plot and action to warrant two movies, the first of which premiered in November 2010. A road movie, Deathly Hallows – Part 1 was the first time Harry, Ron, and Hermione left the comfort of Hogwarts and faced the so-called “real world.”

Deathly Hallows – Part 1 features some of the Golden Trio’s strongest acting as tensions mount and failure looms over them. The film puts special focus on the trio’s relationship and the nature of their seemingly unbreakable bond, allowing for some of the saga’s most poignant scenes. By framing the action against the backdrop of Voldemort’s rise in power, Deathly Hallows – Part 1 delivers a thrilling and anxious entry that more than justifies its existence.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) – 77%

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was the first film after Voldemort’s return, and it suitably reflects the darker direction the franchise takes for its second half. The film is Harry against the world, literally, as the Wizarding World turns its back on The Boy Who Lived and his claims of Voldemort’s return. It also introduces Dolores Umbridge, arguably the franchise’s best villain, ranking above Voldemort himself.

Order of the Phoenix presents Harry at his worst. Angry, selfish, volatile, and prone to emotional outbursts, Harry tests the audience’s sympathy, coming out unscathed despite his best efforts. The film, the first under the helm of Potter mainstay David Yates, also features the franchise’s best magical duel, a confrontation between Voldemort and Dumbledore that’s yet to be topped. A slew of tragedies and significant steps forward in the saga’s overarching storyline make Order of the Phoenix a must-see.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) – 81%

Chris Columbus had the herculean task of introducing the magical world of Harry Potter to mainstream audiences at a time when many doubted the fantasy genre still had anything left to give. His efforts in kicking off the franchise were successful for the most part, delivering a suitably charming and fantastical entry that enchanted fans worldwide and, along with The Lord of the Rings , revived the long-dormant genre.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the most childish entry in the saga. It remains firmly in kiddie territory, sugarcoating or outright ignoring some of the saga’s most complex themes. However, it’s hard to hold that against the movie, especially when there’s so much magic to make up for it. Columbus and his team created the visual essence of the Wizarding World, paving the way for everything that came after it.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) – 82%

Harry’s second adventure delves into darker territory, showing the earliest signs of the direction the franchise would eventually take. Chamber of Secrets follows Harry as he begins hearing a mysterious voice just as the titular Chamber of Secrets gets opened again. With Columbus back as the helmer, the sequel reuses nearly every element that worked in the first one while introducing a few more.

Chamber of Secrets features a more ambitious and complex plot, arguably the most intricate in the saga. The film somewhat simplifies it compared with the source material, but the adaptation remains polished and thrilling, continuing Harry’s journey into heroic territory. Chamber of Secrets isn’t the strongest entry in the saga, but it is a memorable one that stands in its own right, an accomplishment in and of itself.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) – 84%

Harry’s sixth year comes with his most difficult challenge yet. With the Wizarding World aware of Voldemort’s return and Dumbledore away for extended periods, Harry must come to terms with his role as “the Chosen One” by himself. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince finds Harry mourning Sirius’ death and dealing with his romantic feelings for Ginny, making it one of the few entries that cares as much about Harry’s psyche as it does for his role as a hero.

Half-Blood Prince had the difficult task of introducing and developing a plot element that would be crucial for the saga’s successful conclusion. It succeeded thanks to the strength of Michael Gambon’s performance as Dumbledore and Steve Kloves’ clever screenplay. Pivotal revelations and several breakthroughs in the characters’ relationships make Half-Blood Prince arguably the most important entry in the saga other than  Deathly Hallows – Part 2 .

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2006) – 88%

The Triwizard Tournament is the backdrop for most of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ‘s action. The film is the first to question the duality in Harry’s life; what many see as luck and fortune, he sees as a potentially deathly burden. Goblet of Fire features the return of Lord Voldemort and introduces a scenery-chewing Ralph Fiennes in the role, further increasing the franchise’s thespian crew.

At first glance, Mike Newell might seem like an odd choice to direct a Potter film. However, like Columbus and Alfonso Cuarón before him, Newell brings a unique touch to the franchise, a sense of sophistication and self-seriousness that greatly benefits the story. Goblet of Fire includes possibly the darkest scene in the franchise; indeed, the sight of Harry clenching Cedric’s dead body was the clearest indication that Harry was officially abandoning childhood.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) – 90%

Cuarón had arguably the toughest job in the franchise: Taking what had been a children’s story and transitioning it into the more adult and dark territory that would characterize the Potter world going forward. Fortunately, the gifted Mexican director aced his assignment, delivering what many believe is the strongest entry in the saga.

Free from the worldbuilding that restrained previous and future entries, Prisoner of Azkaban  instead focuses on Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s journey into adolescence. Of course, there’s still a complex and layered storyline at its core, but it’s intimate, more concerned with exploring and developing Harry’s psyche than with advancing Voldemort’s wicked plans. By revisiting Harry’s past and the trauma that shaped him, the film begins his journey into the reluctant hero he was always meant to be. Prisoner of Azkaban is darker, gloomier, and more mature, deftly handling themes that were new to the franchise. Yet, it’s also full of heart and purpose, giving Harry his most personal adventure.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) – 96%

By the time  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 premiered in the summer of 2011, the franchise was already an indelible part of the zeitgeist. Ten years after the first film premiered,  Deathly Hallows – Part 2 finally brought the story of The Boy Who Lived to an action-packed and bittersweet ending.

The film pulled no punches, delivering the thrills and wonder that fans expect from the saga’s last entry. However, it also rewarded its loyal audience with an emotional and powerful ending that wore its heart on its sleeve. Everything about the film lived up to fans’ sky-high expectations, and by the time Harry, Ron, and Hermione held hands after the Battle of Hogwarts, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. So what if the saga ended with a “happily ever after?” After 10 years, eight movies, and countless deaths, Harry and company earned themselves a break.

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Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services in the world, with nearly 280 million subscribers. And just what do those people tend to watch? In particular, what is the most popular movie on Netflix? Each week, the streaming service releases a list of its 10 most-watched movies over a recent seven-day period to keep subscribers in the loop regarding its most popular titles.

This week is all about new movies on the service. While The Garfield Movie and Jailbreak: Love on the Run occupy the top two spots, eight new movies debuted in the top 10. This includes Sing, the 2016 animated musical; Escape Plan, an action thriller about a prison break; The Platform 2, the sequel to 2019's Spanish dystopian thriller; and It Chapter Two, the final chapter in Stephen King's famous horror tale. Below, we've listed the top 10 movies in the U.S. from September 30 to October 6, along with general information about each film, such as genre, rating, cast, and synopsis.

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This October, four movies join this list: Salt, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Escape Plan, and 2010's Robin Hood. Read on for the complete list of the best action movies on Netflix now.

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Every Harry Potter Movie Ranked Worst To Best

After so much time apart, we were ecstatic when the folks at HBO announced they were bringing the Harry Potter  movie series in its entirety to their cable and streaming platforms and featuring it alongside the latest addition to the magical universe, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Like so many muggles the world over, we hit our Harry Potter -verse binge hard — all 21 hours and 48 minutes of it — and we're now ready to rank the entire series, from The Sorcerer's Stone  to The Deathly Hallows . Hold onto your wands, kids, 'cause the magic is about to begin.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Beginnings are important in all things, but beginnings for a film franchise can be a tricky business, especially when that franchise is based on one of the biggest-selling book series in history . Considering what a thrilling experience Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was for readers of all ages when the books made their debut, there was reasonable expectation that this first film would deliver an equally thrilling intro to the big-screen series.

Maybe it was the underwhelming performances of the film's young stars, or perhaps it was the generally apathetic direction by Chris Columbus, but Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was (and remains) a rather tepid affair. One that drags on for a surprisingly stuffy two-and-a-half hours.

With its three-headed beasts, shape-shifting professors, flying brooms, and larger-than-life chess match, there's still magic to behold in Harry's first year at Hogwarts. Still, the film is so bogged down by Columbus' efforts to build the enchanted world of the films, without sacrificing too much of Rowling's book, that it fails to connect on a visceral level. In the end, this first installment of the landmark franchise is just magical enough to keep your attention, but it's also a bit of a snoozer on repeat viewings — even if it did make close to a billion dollars in worldwide box office.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Even the most staunch defenders of Sorcerer's Stone 's big-screen adaptation have to admit the film lacked in both energy and, well, magic. It was a bit of a surprise then that Chris Columbus was offered the director's chair for Harry's second year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets .

Columbus knocked Chamber of Secrets out of the park, bringing a genuine sense of discovery, and even danger, to the famed school surrounded by whomping willows, spider-filled forests, and the titular Chamber of Secrets . All of this as Harry and friends begin to unravel the riddle that is, um, Tom Riddle.  

Unfortunately, Chamber of Secrets still sees stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint struggling to find their way as actors. Columbus struggles with tone and pacing as well. Though Chamber of Secrets  eclipses  Sorcerer's Stone  on virtually every level — particularly when Kenneth Branagh is on screen — its almost three-hour runtime makes it a bit of a slog to sit through, and the film's overall lack of style certainly played a part in Warner Bros.' decision not to offer Columbus the third film in the franchise, Prisoner of Azkaban . More on that film later.    

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

After cheating death for three straight years, Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts proved to be his most perilous yet. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire finds the tortured teen wizard struggling to navigate the choppy waters of coupling in the wizard world, competing as the youngest-ever contestant in the perilous Tri-Wizard Tournament, and facing down the murderous dark lord himself, Voldemort.

If it sounds like there's a lot going on in Goblet of Fire , that's because there is. A bit too much to be honest. After all, Goblet of Fire is based on the second-longest book in J.K. Rowling's beloved series. Even with a runtime approaching two hours and forty minutes, it still feels like this adaptation is glancing over, or flat out ignoring, too much of Rowling's book.

Mike Newell's overall approach to Goblet of Fire 's narrative is largely to blame for that. The director focuses the bulk of the film's time and energy on the daring trials of the Tri-Wizard tournament and nowhere near enough time on the wizards involved in them. That approach easily makes Goblet of Fire the most action-packed entry in the series, but the film is so lacking in nuance that when one of the Tri-Wizard competitors meets an untimely end, we've spent so little time with him that the tragedy (and the sense of danger that should accompany it) barely registers. Upon revisiting Goblet of Fire , we can't help but wonder if it might've worked better as a two-parter.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

After seven epic novels and eight super-sized movies set almost entirely within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, even the biggest Harry Potter fans were feeling like J.K. Rowling's enchanted world of wizards and witches was beginning to feel a little too small. Seems the famed author was in agreement on that matter. Rowling's first post-Potter film, and the first film she herself wrote,  Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them , takes the magic about as far away from Hogwarts as possible and into the bustling streets of 1920s New York.

While The Big Apple proves a welcome change of scenery for Rowling's world, to call Fantastic Beasts a mere experiment in world expansion would be a dramatic understatement. Free from the world of O.W.L. exams and unending teen angst, Rowling's thrilling tale of adult wizards dealing with adult wizard problems in adult wizard ways feels like an outright revelation.

Rowling fills the tale of Fantastic Beasts  with enough action, adventure, and magical minutiae to rival any film in the Potter - verse, and even if the writer's spellbinding narrative often feels a little too action-heavy, it still manages to keep the human element front and center. As such, it's Katherine Waterston's tenacious Government agent, Dan Fogler's wide-eyed "no-maj," and Eddie Redmayne's endearingly oddball wrangler Newt Scamander that make Fantastic Beasts such a whimsical, well-rounded addition to Rowling's magical world. One that's got us amped to see its upcoming sequel, The Crimes of Grindewald .  

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)

As much pressure as there was on J.K. Rowling to bring Harry Potter's literary journey to a satisfactory close when Deathly Hallows hit bookshelves, the pressure was even higher for director David Yates to do as much for the billion-dollar cinematic franchise. That pressure was so intense that Warner Bros. decided to split the final film in the series in two with the hopes that David Yates and his team could give the franchise the sendoff it deserved.

Against seemingly impossible odds, Yates managed just that with Deathly Hallows Part 2 . In this closing chapter of the final Harry Potter franchise, Yates' team covers Harry, Hermione, and Ron's desperate search for Voldemort's Horcruxes, Snape's surprising backstory, the epic Battle of Hogwarts, and Harry's fateful showdown with the last heir of Slytherin.

Even as the second act of a two-parter, it feels like too much narrative for one film. However, Yates manages to squeeze all the inherent action and drama — and a number of characters too great to mention — into the shortest film in the franchise. That he does so without slighting any of the subtleties or overarching dramas that made the series such a compelling narrative experiment was no small achievement. Every thrilling moment of  Deathly Hallows Part 2  coalesces to deliver a finale that's stimulating both emotionally and intellectually. Every moment, except for that 18 years later finale that still feels both tacked on and a bit silly, mostly because Neville and Luna aren't included.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

After the roller coaster ride that was Order of the Phoenix , it seemed unlikely that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince could match its predecessor in terms pure emotional energy. In many ways, Half-Blood Prince actually bests Order of the Phoenix on the dramatic front. Of course, the film's impact is bolstered by a devastating third-act death, but the impact of that moment also hinges entirely on the buildup to it.

Luckily, buildup is Half-Blood Prince 's specialty. The film essentially serves as a two-and-a-half hour expository tale that sets up the final chapters in Harry's story, Deathly Hallows 1  and  2 . While that may sound like a bit of a bore, the penultimate film (well, sort of) in the series finds Harry and friends continuing to fight the good fight while unraveling the deep, dark secret that's made Voldemort all but immortal.

Structured more as a pulpy detective story than a magical adventure tale, Half-Blood Prince is the one film in the series that can be qualified as a genuine slow-burner. One that sees director David Yates (backed by Bruno Delbonell's Oscar-nominated cinematography ) skillfully guiding the film's puzzle-like narrative and holding each of his pieces until the exact moment they must be placed. Half-Blood Prince may test your patience with its pacing, but it delivers on the promise behind its mysteries. That said, the final revelation about the Half-Blood Prince's identity still doesn't pack the wallop it should.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

There was the Harry Potter franchise before Prisoner of Azkaban , and there was the Harry Potter franchise after. If you're uncertain about whether that's a good thing, take a moment to revisit the rankings for Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets, and you'll understand how necessary it was for Warner Bros. to bring a fresh set of eyes on board for the third film. Mexican auteur Alfonso Cuarón brought more than fresh eyes to  Prisoner of Azkaban , he brought a whole new perspective to the magical franchise by grounding it in humanity.  

Of course, Cuarón benefited greatly from the fact that the first two films painstakingly set up the characters, settings, and larger story arcs that became the mainstays of the franchise, but one cannot understate just how much style the director brought to Harry's world. Even from the film's opening moments, colors felt brighter, lights and shadows seemed to come alive, performances were more natural, the blending of effects more fluid, and, above all, the film is crackling with a youthful energy and overarching sense of danger all but absent in the prior films.      

That energy drew us into Harry's life in ways the first two films hadn't. It's the reason the Dementors attacks on him are so frightening, it's why we shudder at the thought of Sirius Black getting his murderous hands on Harry, and it's what left us weepy as Black's real motives were revealed. That energy not only brought the wonder back to Hogwarts, it fundamentally altered the direction of the franchise.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

We must not tell lies when talking about  Order of the Phoenix , so we'll come clean and tell you it remains the first film in the franchise that actually brought us to tears. That emotional response came as a bit of a surprise after the dramatic misfire that was Goblet of Fire , even if that film's most thrilling moment helped to set it up. That thrilling moment being Harry's first showdown with a fully resurrected Voldemort.

The dread spawned around that showdown permeates through every single frame in  Order of the Phoenix. An authoritarian regime in rising within the Ministry of Magic, and, behind it, one of the great Harry Potter villains, the mirthfully malicious Dolores Umbridge, who seizes control of Hogwarts. All this while Harry shares terrifying visions with Voldemort, Dumbledore freezes Harry out, and Dumbledore's Army assembles.  

As with all of the Harry Potter movies, there's a lot going on in Order of the Phoenix. Unlike many of its predecessors, however,  Order of the Phoenix never feels overwhelmed by its narrative ambition. It plugs along at a brisk pace, covering the bases (including the series' first full-on wizard fight), delivers one of the series' biggest emotional payoffs in its harrowing final moments, and proves the greatest trick David Yates pulled in his four Potter flicks is that he turned the longest book of the series into the second-shortest film in the franchise.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)

The end of Harry Potter  marked not just a farewell to one of the most beloved franchises in history but the legit end of an era. For that reason, Warner Bros. decided to split Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows into two separate films in service of telling the whole story — and doubling their profits of course. Luckily, finale director David Yates brought the franchise home with a bang in Deathly Hallows Part 2 , but that's only because he set the finale up so well with  Deathly Hallows Part 1 .

Equal parts brooding character study, rambling road movie, and treatise against fascist bureaucracy, Deathly Hallows Part 1 unfolds with a propulsive immediacy unseen in any prior Potter film, mostly because it's set almost entirely outside the grounds of Hogwarts. In fact, Harry, Hermione, and Ron spend much of the film completely isolated from the allies who have backed them up in every film prior.

As such,  Deathly Hallows Part 1 's emotional crux lay squarely on the shoulders of Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint, who step up to deliver their strongest performances of the series. In turn, Yates and his team deliver the series' most stylish film, shooting in lavish, isolated locations, utilizing breathtaking visual effects, and delivering the most memorable sequence of the entire franchise with a jaw-dropping, animated account of the titular artifacts. Though Deathly Hallows Part 1 spelled the beginning of the end for the storied franchise, it stands as the crowning achievement in the adaptation of Rowling's magical mystery world. One that continues to thrill on repeat viewings.

An apocalyptic class reunion

After seven earlier films reaching back a decade, the Harry Potter saga comes to a solid and satisfying conclusion in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” The finale conjures up enough awe and solemnity to serve as an appropriate finale and a dramatic contrast to the lighthearted (relative) innocence of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” all those magical years ago.

Harry, Hermione and Ron are grown up now, and Harry has even grown the facial stubble required of all epic heroes. The time has come for him to face Lord Voldemort in their final showdown, and their conflict is staged in a series of special effects sequences containing power and conviction. I am still not sure what the bolts discharged by magic wands actually consist of, but never mind. They look wicked and lethal.

I dare not reveal a single crucial detail about the story itself, lest I offend the Spoiler Police, who have been on my case lately. Besides, you never know. Maybe they’ve completely rewritten J. K. Rowling’s final book in the series. Maybe Harry dies, Voldemort is triumphant, and evil reigns.

What I can observe is that this final film is a reunion of sorts for a great many characters we’ve come to know over the years. So many distinguished British actors have played roles in the Potter films that those who haven’t may be fitfully resentful. Here we see once again characters whose names were once new and now resonate with associations: Bellatrix Lestrange, Rubeus Hagrid, Professor Dumbledore, Ollivander, Lucius Malfoy, Sirius Black, Severus Snape, Remus Lupin and even Prof. Minerva McGonagall, who is called upon to summon her powers and shield Hogwarts School from the powers of Voldemort.

You don’t want to know what happens to Hogwarts here. Many of its shining spires and noble gothic arches are reduced to ruin and ashes, providing an apocalyptic battleground. The school also seems to have mysteriously relocated adjacent to towering heights that permit vertiginous falls to the earth far below. There is no place in Britain that fits this geography, but then is Hogwarts quite in the real Britain? What is does occupy is a Britain of the imagination. The series has remained faithful to J. K. Rowling’s original conception, and resisted temptations to cheapen its action or simplify its complexity. She created a fictional world with its own logic and consistency, and here at the finale, there is some satisfaction in seeing loose ends tied up, lingering mysteries explained and suspicions confirmed.

In a dreamy sequence, we are allowed to see the characters as they were in the beginning. They were so young. By spanning something like real time, the story has grown older along with them. Daniel Radcliffe , born 1989, was 11 when he first played Harry Potter, is 21 now, and he and Ron Weasley ( Rupert Grint ) and Hermione Granger ( Emma Watson ) have luckily remained recognizable and soldiered on through what involved a great deal of hard labor. Not many young actors have been worked so relentlessly for a decade.

That said, it’s apparent again in this film that the three leads are upstaged by the supporting characters. Their role is to be plucky, clean-cut and stalwart. They sneak around and observe things. They eavesdrop. They speculate. They are lectured to. They endure a little low-key puberty. Harry struggles to master his magic. Meanwhile, such British legends as Maggie Smith , Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon , Alan Rickman and Ralph Fiennes steal scenes just by standing there. What chance does Harry or anybody have against Voldemort’s smashed face with its nostril slits? Late in the film, leaving nothing to chance, Voldemort even appears as his own fetus, looking like it’s been simmered in red sauce.

It is Fiennes’ Voldemort who dominates this last installment, illustrating the old actors’ axiom that it is better to play the villain than the hero. It takes a considerable villain to hold his own in the crumbled ruins of Hogwarts, and force the remaining students to choose between the friends of Harry or joining him on the dark side. Considering what has happened to Hogwarts, it’s a little surprising that the students haven’t been sent home, but then Dumbledore has had other things on his mind.

This movie is impressively staged, the dialogue is given proper weight and not hurried through, there are surprises which, in hindsight, seem fair enough, and “Harry Potter” now possesses an end that befits the most profitable series in movie history. These films will be around for a long time. And without spoiling a single thing, let me just observe that the final scene clearly leaves an opening for a sequel. I know, Rowling says there won’t be one. Just sayin’.

Note: This entire movie is dark, gloomy and filled with shadows. So it should be. That makes it particularly inappropriate for the additional dimness of 3-D. There are a few shots that benefit from 3-D (I like the unfolding of the little magical globe) but none that require it. Avoid the surcharge and see the film in proper 2-D with brighter color.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

• Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
• Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid
• David Thewlis as Remus Lupin
• Alan Rickman as Snape
• Helena Bonham-Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange
• Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
• Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
• Gary Oldman as Sirius Black
• Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort
• Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall
• Michael Gambon as Dumbledore

Directed by

• David Yates

Based on the novel by

• J.K. Rowling
• Steve Kloves

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Cate blanchett & the director of the best harry potter movie have a new show streaming today, and you probably had no idea.

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Disclaimer Official Teaser Trailer

New on apple tv+: all the movies & tv shows arriving in october 2024, disclaimer review: apple tv+'s slow-burn thriller series is manipulating you & it wants you to know.

A new series starring Cate Blanchett and directed by Alfonso Cuarón called Disclaimer just hit Apple TV+, and despite its solid reviews, no one has really heard of it. Blanchett is an Australian actress who has enjoyed an immensely successful career, with projects such as Tár , Carol, Blue Jasmine, and the Lord of the Rings franchise. Meanwhile, Cuarón has been at the head of various incredible movies, like Children of Men, Gravity, and the much beloved Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . Now, these two Hollywood standouts have come together for a notable thriller series.

In general, Apple TV+ seems to thrive on thrillers and relatively dark TV shows . Recently, the streaming platform has put out series such as Presumed Innocent, Slow Horses, Dark Matter, and Severance. All these shows center on grim, violent, or intense subjects. Arguably, even Apple's lighter shows have elements of darkness to them, like The Morning Show, Shrinking, and Ted Lasso. Clearly, Apple TV+ has many successful titles under its belt. But sadly, the platform's series don't always get the attention they deserve. Blanchett and Cuarón's Disclaimer is a perfect example of this phenomenon.

What Is Disclaimer? Cate Blanchett's Apple TV+ Show Explained

Disclaimer's is getting decent reviews.

Disclaimer is a psychological thriller series that was released on Apple TV+ in October 2024. The series follows Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, a famed journalist and documentarian who discovers that a recently released novel has her as the main character — and its story reveals her deepest, darkest secret. Aside from Blanchett, Disclaimer's cast includes Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, Lesley Manville, and Louis Partridge. The show was written and directed by Cuarón, with Finneas O'Connell composing the soundtrack. Notably, Disclaimer is based on a 2015 novel of the same name by Renée Knight.

The official teaser trailer for Apple TV+'s Disclaimer, a psychological thriller series from director Alfonso Cuarón and starring Cate Blanchett.

As of this writing, Disclaimer has a Certified Fresh 78% on Rotten Tomatoes . Critics have praised the show's gripping performances and its complex mystery. While Disclaimer can come across as flashy at times, mostly as a result of its genre, the show manages to maintain a sense of authority and realism that makes it all the more enticing. With a star-studded cast and successful writer and director behind it, Disclaimer is a hidden gem among Apple TV+'s catalog . Though an audience score for Disclaimer has yet to be released, the show is certainly worth giving a try.

Disclaimer Has Another Great Cate Blanchett TV Performance After Mrs. America

Blanchett's list of tv performances is short compared to her movie roles.

One detail that makes Disclaimer particularly exciting is that it is one of Blanchett's rare TV performances . Since she got her start in the 1990s, the actress has mostly dedicated her career to film. Her resume is lengthy and filled with projects of various different genres and magnitudes. On the other hand, her list of TV appearances is much shorter. Not only that, but most of her television roles are just cameos or minor parts. Disclaimer is one of her only big TV roles, aside from 2020's Mrs. America .

Disclaimer's success is also pivotal at this time because of Blanchett's recent box office flop, Borderlands.

In actuality, Mrs. America is the show that broke Blanchett's television drought. The political drama series followed Blanchett as real-life conservative activist, Phyllis Schlafly, who argued vehemently against the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment. The series not only had historical significance, but it was also well-received by critics. In 2021, it was one of Hulu's most watched series ,, and its Rotten Tomatoes score is a strong 96%. In this way, Mrs. America set high expectations for Blanchett's next TV appearance , and Disclaimer seems like it could live up to the hype.

Disclaimer Is A Great Comeback For Alfonso Cuarón After Six Years Without A New Release

Cuarón's filmography includes several great movies.

Disclaimer is not just a big career move for Blanchett. Cuarón's role in the thriller show is also incredibly important considering the timeline of his career. The last movie that the director helmed was Roma, which was released six years ago in 2018. Before that was 2013's Gravity. Cuarón's career has seen something of a lull in the 2020s , and Disclaimer is his first new project in quite a while. This puts a lot of pressure on Cuarón's shoulders, yet Disclaimer's early reviews seem to prove that the director succeeded with his new show.

On top of that, Cuarón is also new to the TV scene. Blanchett may not have many TV roles in her career, but Cuarón hadn't directed a television series at all until Disclaimer. In some ways, this made the project somewhat risky for Cuarón, as his cinematic skills may not have translated on the small screen. His role as writer also made the show extra reliant on his performance. Yet, Disclaimer is now able to prove that Cuarón can not only make unforgettable movies like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, but he can also handle long-form content.

Disclaimer Shows A Problem With Streaming Shows

Why apple tv+ struggles.

Despite the fact that Disclaimer has strong reviews, the show isn't getting the attention it deserves. Most viewers likely weren't even aware that it was coming out. This is an issue that plagues countless series and movies that are released on streaming services. There is so much content and not enough time or money to advertise all of it. That leaves series like Disclaimer with a lower number of viewers when it really deserves much more praise. If Disclaimer had been given more advertising time, maybe it would have appeared on more peoples' radars.

Known for its award-winning original content, the Apple TV+ catalog grows from month to month. Here's everything new on Apple TV+ in October 2024.

Arguably, this is also an Apple TV+ problem. Netflix really spearheaded the streaming movement, and various other platforms quickly followed suit. Apple TV+ was one of the last services to join the trend. In this way, Apple TV+ may not be the first choice for audiences when they choose which platforms they want to subscribe to. Once again, this leaves shows like Disclaimer with far fewer viewers, despite the fact that it has amazing reviews, a star-studded cast, and an interesting premise. It also doesn't help that Apple TV+ does not promote its series as well as other platforms.

Ultimately, Disclaimer may ebb away into the land of forgotten television , but hopefully, there is still time for it to break out. The series has a story that is incredibly unique and a cast that is strong enough to take the show to new heights. Plus, Disclaimer is a big career move for both Blanchett and Cuarón. Needless to say, hopes are high that Disclaimer can avoid the tragic fates of so many other streaming television series.

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Told in seven chapters, “Disclaimer” is based on the novel of the same name by Renée Knight. Acclaimed journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (Blanchett) built her reputation revealing the misdeeds and transgressions of others. When she receives a novel from an unknown author, she is horrified to realize she is now the main character in a story that exposes her darkest secrets. As Catherine races to uncover the writer’s true identity, she is forced to confront her past before it destroys both her own life and her relationships with her husband Robert (Sacha Baron Cohen) and their son Nicholas (Kodi Smit-McPhee).   

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ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on Harry Potter + Fantastic Beasts Bundle

Last updated

10 October 2024

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Resources included (11)

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Fantastic Beasts and where to find them"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"

This Bundle offers 11 ESL Movie Guide Worksheets Activities for English as a Second or Foreign Language classes on “Harry Potter Films” and "Fantastic Beasts Films"

These ESL Teaching Resources can be ideal for post-movie activities concerning these “Harry Potter Films” and “Fantastic Beasts” Movies (from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” to “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”).

Ideal participants for these ESL Activities are English Foreign Students at High School and Middle School (7th - 12th Grade) .

Newcomers or any English Language Learner can be more than suitable for these ESL Activities!

These Products can also be Great for English Second Language Centers or any ESL tutor around the world.

In this “ESL Harry Potter + Fantastic Beasts Movie Guides” Bundle Product, it is offered:

• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone"
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on** “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”**
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1"
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2"
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Fantastic Beasts and where to find them"
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald"
• ESL Movie Guide Worksheets on "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore"

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Parents' guide to, harry potter and the goblet of fire.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 54 Reviews
• Kids Say 343 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

By Cynthia Fuchs , based on child development research. How do we rate?

Excellent, but magical adventures getting edgier, darker.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the first PG-13 movie in the Harry Potter series (all based on the books by J.K. Rowling), and not for nothing. The fourth installment has two deaths (including a really sad one), scary creatures, some romantic yearnings, and edge-of-the-seat…

Why Age 12+?

Two deaths, including one very stirring death of a teen. No blood is shown, but

Madame Maxime's horses only drink single-malt whiskey. Students drink butterbeer

Some references to 14-year-olds' sexual interest; Harry is accosted in the batht

While Harry Potter merchandise proliferates in the real world, the film only sho

"Bloody hell," "piss off," and similar words.

Any Positive Content?

In the ongoing story about good and evil, Harry learns important life lessons in

Harry and his friends demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Harry, in

Hermione's independence and complexity as a strong female character continue to

Violence & Scariness

Two deaths, including one very stirring death of a teen. No blood is shown, but lifeless bodies are. Children are in peril, often at the hands of magical creatures: dragons burn, chase, and cut Triwizard competitors; mermaids brandish spears as students are held captive underwater. A spider is tortured in a class demonstration. A hand is severed and sacrificed, and Harry is tortured by a curse, writhing in pain.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Madame Maxime's horses only drink single-malt whiskey. Students drink butterbeer -- a magical-world drink with a pinch of alcohol.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Some references to 14-year-olds' sexual interest; Harry is accosted in the bathtub by a ghostly girl; some couples kiss in the shadows after the Yule Ball.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

While Harry Potter merchandise proliferates in the real world, the film only shows characters occasionally spending money. The importance of fashion briefly comes into play as the students get ready for the Yule Ball.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

In the ongoing story about good and evil, Harry learns important life lessons in the wake of tragedy. Honesty and integrity are repeatedly at stake. Friendship, love, bravery, and loyalty are always major themes in the series, as is the idea of making good choices.

Positive Role Models

Harry and his friends demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Harry, in particular, learns the value of integrity and playing fairly. He remains humble, even in the face of his newfound celebrity.

Diverse Representations

Hermione's independence and complexity as a strong female character continue to grow with age. Cho Chang, a British Asian character, is introduced as Harry's love interest. In minor roles, two girls of South Asian descent, sisters Parvati and Padma Patil, are invited by Harry and Ron to the Yule Ball; Angelina Johnson, a Black female student, accepts Fred Weasley's invitation; and Dean Thomas, another Black student, appears without lines. Early in the film, the Quidditch World Cup introduces audiences to the concept of a global wizarding world that includes a delegation of Black wizards dressed in African robes, but the background characters don't speak.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the first PG-13 movie in the Harry Potter series (all based on the books by J.K. Rowling), and not for nothing. The fourth installment has two deaths (including a really sad one), scary creatures, some romantic yearnings, and edge-of-the-seat scenes. With each film, the scariness quotient increases. This movie features fighting dragons, tortured bugs, a huge booby-trapped maze, and an underwater horror show. Young kids who don't understand the difference between fantasy and reality should stay clear. So should kids going through an anxious time about unnamed terrors or unwanted separations, as one of the death scenes may be extra upsetting. The action is sometimes rowdy, and camera movements/edits are aggressive, all of which increase the scary effects. Romantic tensions ramp up in this installment. Characters demonstrate courage , perseverance , and teamwork , as well as humility and integrity . In addition, friendship, love, bravery, and loyalty are always major themes in the series, as is the idea of making good choices. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

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Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (54)
• Kids say (343)

Based on 54 parent reviews

Really good movie for kids who can handle it

Good summary of the book, starts the transition to more tween topics, what's the story.

In HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, Harry ( Daniel Radcliffe ) and friends are 14 now and growing up fast, having crushes, and realizing what huge expectations the wizarding world has for them during dangerous times. This year, Hogwarts hosts guests from two other schools -- Beauxbatons Academy and Durmstrang Institute -- for the Triwizard Tournament. The Tournament contestants are selected by the magical Goblet of Fire; they must fight dragons, figure out a dangerous underwater rescue, and find their way out of a dangerous maze. But Harry is on his own against his true enemy.

Is It Any Good?

​​The fourth film in the Harry Potter series tends to move steadily from plot point to plot point, ensuring that each beloved character from the novel gets at least a brief moment on screen. When Harry, Hermione ( Emma Watson ), and Ron ( Rupert Grint ) attend the Quidditch World Cup in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , they witness the full-on effects of sports celebrity: Fans cheer and stomp their feet, and magical images of the players shimmer over the crowd. The fact that the World Cup site is destroyed by Lord Voldemort's ( Ralph Fiennes ) Death Eaters hardly brings pause.

The Triwizard Tournament extends the movie's thematic interest in celebrity. In due course, Harry is exposed to cheating (by adult coaches who mean for their charges to win) and not a little bit of emotional and physical abuse. The movie makes us ask whether 14- or 17-year-old kids should have to be warriors and survivors. Harry and his friends must undergo pain, work through fear, and even decide whether to fight back or inflict pain. Growing up is a difficult transition on-screen or off, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire makes being a teen look pretty unpleasant. That being said, this film is as good as the others in the series, and kids old enough to handle the scary elements will surely enjoy it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 's more mature content and who this movie is targeted to. Young kids are going to want to see this -- should the movie have been toned down, or is the violent content appropriate given the characters' age?

For kids who read the book the film is based on , which plot points got left out that you missed? Why do you think they left out the house elves? What role did they serve in the books?

Cheating is rampant among the teachers and judges involved in the Triwizard competition, but not among the competitors. Why do you think this is? How do Harry's actions reveal his integrity ?

Between famous Quidditch players and the Triwizard Tournament participants, celebrity culture creeps into the wizarding world. How does Harry react to his fame? Does he remain humble ?

How do the characters in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire demonstrate courage , perseverance , and teamwork ? Why are these important character strengths ?

Movie Details

• In theaters : November 18, 2005
• On DVD or streaming : March 7, 2006
• Cast : Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson , Rupert Grint
• Director : Mike Newell
• Studio : Warner Bros.
• Genre : Fantasy
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy
• Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
• Run time : 156 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images.
• Award : Kids' Choice Award
• Last updated : September 5, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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This 100% Fresh Indie Horror Movie Is a Must-See Update of the Found Footage Genre

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Like anything in Hollywood, the found footage genre needs to constantly evolve or risk feeling stale. Ever since The Blair Witch Project both tricked and terrified audiences with its innovative marketing campaign , the next generation of independent filmmakers have attempted to replicate the film's success with varying degrees of triumph. On one hand, movies like Josh Trank's Chronicle have excelled by combining found footage's gritty realism with the CGI-saturated superhero genre, while Cloverfield expanded on The Blair Witch Project's horror by combining its intimate perspective with the dispassionate destruction of a sci-fi monster film . However, fans searching for a more subversive installment in the underrated sub-genre should check out 2018's Butterfly Kisses, a largely overlooked horror film guaranteed to make you blink.

Directed by the late Erik Kristopher Myers, the film combines the supernatural elements of The Blair Witch Project with the documentary format of found-footage classics like Lake Mungo and the more recent Horror in the High Desert, delivering plenty of terror and thought-provoking fright throughout its 91-minute runtime. Although the lack of a broad theatrical release meant Butterfly Kisses didn't initially reach a wide audience, the film's premiere on streamers nonetheless garnered a small group of extremely positive reviews and a 100% Critics' Score on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying Myers' movie as a hidden gem which deserves more attention.

What Is ‘Butterfly Kisses’ About?

The film kicks off with a classic horror premise. After an unsettling opening scene in which film student Sophia Crane ( Rach Armiger ) records the first half of her final confession in 2004, down-on-his-luck filmmaker Gavin York ( Seth Adam Kallick ) discovers a shoebox filled with Crane's old videotapes in the present. Interviews with York and the first of these tapes reveal that Crane and her film partner, Feldman ( Reed DeLisle ), were trying to collect evidence of a local specter called Peeping Tom for their college dissertation, and the film very quickly establishes the lore behind its daunting urban legend . According to locals, Peeping Tom can only be seen if someone stares down the end of Ellicott City's Ilchester Tunnel for a full hour from midnight until 1 a.m., after which Peeping Tom will inch closer to that person every time they blink .

This Found Footage Horror Trilogy Is So Disturbing, It Got the Director Arrested

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The film derives its title from this legend, as Peeping Tom is said to give his victims a 'butterfly kiss' when he gets so close his long eyelashes force them to blink one last time, and Butterfly Kisses deserves full credit for bringing its fictional phantom to life. Myers, in particular, has stated that he combined the appearance of a Slenderman-esque creature with the ritualistic summoning associated with entities like Bloody Mary to produce a monster both refreshing and familiar. The film also uses interviews with locals to establish the kind of believability that's crucial to the best-found footage films worldwide. In fact, the film's rendering of its invention proved so convincing that a local news station even ran a story on Ellicott City's Peeping Tom, illustrating the power of the mythology that unfolds in Myers' film .

‘Butterfly Kisses’ Uses Its Self-Aware Premise To Deconstruct the Found Footage Genre

Aside from the movie's ocular stalker, part of what makes Butterfly Kisses so enthralling is the intricacy of the film’s plot. In all, there are actually three found footage films contained within Myers’ movie , each of them more self-aware than the last. As Sophia and Feldman attempt to gather proof of Peeping Tom by performing the ritual with their camera, the pressure to prove he didn't fabricate his discovery of the tapes is placed on Gavin, who himself has hired Myers' crew to document his own efforts to turn Sophia's project into his own movie. This framing device lends Butterfly Kisses a meta-perspective unique to its genre, as the horror of the film's urban legend is contrasted by Gavin's increasingly obsessive effort to make his own found footage film in a commentary on the self-destructive allure of Hollywood fame.

The ethics of Gavin's mission, the credibility of Sophia and Feldman, and the truth behind Peeping Tom are all called into question as Butterfly Kisses slowly reveals the uncomfortable realities behind its main characters' lives, using the details of Gavin's marriage and Sophia's past projects to keep audiences guessing until the film's shocking conclusion. Thankfully, beginners to the found footage genre don't have much to fear from the film, as it relies primarily on predictable jump scares to keep your blood flowing, but the movie's skin-crawling sound design and grainy aesthetic still give the film a chilling atmosphere. Fans looking for terror akin to Paranormal Activity may be disappointed by the dramatic focus afforded to Gavin in the film's second half, but this plotline ultimately allows Butterfly Kisses to blur the lines between reality and fiction further by dissecting the relationship between directors and the footage that they choose to find.

Butterfly Kisses (2018)

In Butterfly Kisses, a filmmaker stumbles upon footage of two students' unsettling project about a local horror legend, The Peeping Tom. As he attempts to authenticate the legend and make it his own documentary, he and his crew become entangled in the project's chilling narrative.

Butterfly Kisses is currently available to stream on Tubi in the U.S.

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