If you’re diving into the Wizarding World for the first time, or returning for a nostalgic binge, it’s crucial to follow the correct Harry Potter watch order to get the full story arc. From Harry’s first steps into Hogwarts to the final battle against Voldemort, the journey is best experienced either by release date or chronological timeline. In this article, we break down both options, where to stream them, and tips for the ultimate magical marathon.
How Many Harry Potter Films Are There?
There are 8 main Harry Potter movies in the original series, adapted from J.K. Rowling’s bestselling novels. In addition to those, there are 3 Fantastic Beasts prequel films, making it 11 total movies in the Wizarding World franchise so far.
How to watch Harry Potter series in chronological order?
Want to experience the story from the beginning of the timeline? Here’s how it looks chronologically:
Watching the Harry Potter series in chronological order allows you to follow the story as it unfolds, creating an immersive experience of the Wizarding World and its history. This method resonates with first-time viewers aiming to piece together the magical tapestry from its historical beginnings to the epic battle that concludes the saga.
Harry Potter Series Chronological Order
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them [2016 | Movie | 2hr 13min. | ★7.3 (400, 000)]
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald [2018 | Movie | 2hr 14min. | ★6.6 (240, 000)]
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore [2022 | Movie | 2hr 22min. | Not rated]
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone [2001 | Movie | 2hr 32min. | ★7.6 (680, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets [2002 | Movie | 2hr 41min. | ★7.4 (560, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban [2004 | Movie | 2hr 22min. | ★7.9 (560, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire [2005 | Movie | 2hr 37min. | ★7.7 (550, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix [2007 | Movie | 2hr 18min. | ★7.5 (520, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince [2009 | Movie | 2hr 33min. | ★7.6 (490, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 [2010 | Movie | 2hr 26min. | ★7.7 (490, 000)]
- Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 [2011 | Movie | 2hr 10min. | ★8.1 (790, 000)]
How to Watch Harry Potter Series in Release Order
The release order of the Harry Potter series is quite straightforward and follows the sequence in which the films hit the cinema screens. Starting with “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” released in 2001, the series follows the lives of young wizards – Harry, Hermione, and Ron through their years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This order ensures first-time viewers experience the unfolding plot and character developments exactly as intended by the filmmakers.
Harry Potter Series Movies Release Order
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone [2001 | Movie | 2hrs 32min | ★7.6 (660, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets [2002 | Movie | 2hrs 41min | ★7.4 (580, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban [2004 | Movie | 2hrs 22min | ★7.9 (550, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire [2005 | Movie | 2hrs 37min | ★7.7 (560, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix [2007 | Movie | 2hrs 18min | ★7.5 (520, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince [2009 | Movie | 2hrs 33min | ★7.6 (490, 000)]
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 [2010 | Movie | 2hrs 26min | ★7.7 (490, 000)]
- Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 [2011 | Movie | 2hrs 10min | ★8.1 (800, 000)]
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them [2016 | Movie | 2hrs 13min | ★7.3 (400, 000)]
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald [2018 | Movie | 2hrs 14min | ★6.6 (220, 000)]
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore [2022 | Movie | 2hrs 22min | ★6.4 (70, 000)]
Recommended Harry Potter Series Watch Order for the Best Experience
The Harry Potter series presents a choice between the release order and the chronological order; however, the chronological order, especially for first-timers, promises an enriched journey beginning with the prequel series “Fantastic Beasts” and culminating with the original movies. For revisiting fans, this order rekindles memories of significant steps in the Wizarding World’s evolution.
Is the Harry Potter Series Finished?
Yes, the original Harry Potter movie series is finished. The story concluded with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , Part 2 in 2011. However, the Wizarding World continues through the Fantastic Beasts films and the newly announced Harry Potter TV reboot in development at Max, which plans to retell the series in episodic form.
What Is the Most Exciting Harry Potter Movie?
Fans often debate which movie is the most exciting, but Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire frequently tops the list. It includes:
- The intense Triwizard Tournament
- The return of Lord Voldemort
- One of the most shocking and emotional scenes in the series
Its darker tone and high-stakes action make it a fan favorite.
Overview of the Plot, Storyline, and Key Elements of the Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter series, an enigmatic blend of magic and morals, sets itself apart through its enthralling narrative and the intimate growth of its characters. Centered around the themes of friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil, the series portrays a magical world parallel to our own. Story progression is masterful, with each installment delving deeper into the complexities of its world and the overarching conflict. The rich lore, detailed setting, and memorable characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron are bound to leave a lasting impression. Much like other fantasy series such as “The Lord of the Rings” or “Narnia, ” Harry Potter invites viewers into a fully-realized world brimming with wonder.
How Much Time Will It Take to Complete the Harry Potter Series?
Watching the entire Harry Potter series from start to finish, including the Fantastic Beasts movies, would take around 28 hours and 15 minutes. This is without accounting for any breaks or marathons of the additional content.
Where to Watch the Harry Potter Movies Online (2025)
The Harry Potter films rotate between platforms, but as of now, here’s where to stream them:
- Peacock: All eight original Harry Potter films are available for streaming
- Max (formerly HBO Max): Often hosts the complete Wizarding World collection, including Fantastic Beasts
- Amazon Prime Video , Apple TV , Google Play: All movies available for rental or purchase
- DVD , Blu-ray Box Sets: Ideal for collectors and offline viewing
Tip: Check each platform before watching, as availability may change.
Conclusion
Whether you’re exploring Hogwarts for the first time or reliving the magic, the right Harry Potter watch order makes all the difference. Watching by release date keeps the plot reveals intact, while the chronological order offers a fresh take on the saga.
Whichever path you choose, one thing is certain, magic awaits at every turn.me popcorn, and enjoy the enchanted journey through the spellbinding world of the Harry Potter series.
TL;DR
The Harry Potter watch order includes 11 films, with Goblet of Fire as the most thrilling. The original series is complete, but spin-offs like Fantastic Beasts continue the magic.