We’re Ranking the Harry Potter Movies from Worst to Best

Our love of Harry Potter is really quite riddikulus.

Riddikulus:" GIF | Gfycat
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There’s not much as lovely as settling into a Harry Potter Movie Marathon (except maybe a Harry Potter Reading Marathon). And while we love all eight films, there’s gotta be a best and a worst, right?

(Not right, we’re totally doing this to ourselves.)

After much (heated) debate, we’ve finally come to a conclusion. And keep in mind — we’re looking at them as movies alone. So we’re trying to ignore what we know from the books and just focus on the films (basically impossible).

Ranking the Harry Potter Movies from Worst to Best

8. Goblet of Fire

We get it — the Tri-Wizard tournament is REALLY fun. Who doesn’t love the dramatic Durmstrang entrance or the awkward teen romance centering around the Yule Ball?

Top 30 Durmstrang GIFs | Find the best GIF on Gfycat
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This movie is pivotal to the overarching plot with the whole “Voldemort comes back” thing as well. However, it also features bitter, whiny Ron and everyone needs a haircut. Plus…

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…it barely makes sense. Removing what you know from the book from your brain (almost impossible), there are some major plot points missing from the film. The Barty Crouch / Barty Crouch Jr. / Mad-Eye Moody subplot is hardly explained, and without the knowledge from the books, it’s pretty confusing and not very cohesive.

Also, don’t get us started on angry Dumbledore.

Goblet Of Fire GIFs | Tenor
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7. Chamber of Secrets

There’s nothing really wrong with Chamber of Secrets, but there’s not much right, either (except Kenneth Branagh’s excellent performance of Gilderoy Lockhart).

New Xbox Codename Anaconda And Lockhart In The Works | Geek Culture
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Chamber does the least to move the plot forward, and honestly, it’s a little, dare we say, boring (maybe because Hermione is outta commission for a big chunk of it?). We do love Dobby but…meh. This is a tough competition!

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6. Deathly Hallows Part 1

The Tale of the Three Brothers slaps, but beyond that, this movie is a lot of camping and set up for Part 2.

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We appreciate the cinematography, acting, and character development (except Ron is whiny again), but it’s just not as exciting or re-watchable as others.

Also — Dobby and Hedwig die in the same movie?! It’s too much for our hearts. (Maybe we’re just still upset?)

12 of the most emotional responses to the anniversary of Dobby the ...
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5. Sorcerer’s Stone

We LOVE the original — it started the whole adventure! “Yer a wizard, Harry”? ICONIC.

yer a wizard, Harry ! | Rubeus Hagrid on We Heart It
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But while Sorcerer’s Stone is the OG, it still lands just shy of the top half for us. We love the introduction to the magical world, but the story falls a little flatter than others, and Quirrell is the least exciting Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. (Seems impossible considering he’s literally got the dark lord growing out of his head, but here we are.)

Plus, the acting and chemistry isn’t quite up to par yet. (We realize these kids were babies, but, hey, this is tough.)

Harry Potter Sorcerers Stone Wand GIF | Gfycat
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4. Deathly Hallows Part 2 

NOW WE’RE COOKING. The finale of the epic saga ties the eight films up with a beautiful, tear-soaked bow.

Best Gringotts GIFs | Gfycat
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Unlike its much slower first half, Deathly Hallows Part 2 starts with a dragon escape and doesn’t slow down!

Plus it gets big points for all the dramatic (and sob-worthy) moments – when the Order of the Phoenix shows up to fight, when McGonagall says “I always wanted to use that spell!,” Fred, Snape, and Lupin’s deaths, Neville defeating Nagini… I could go on, but I’m already crying.

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Let’s just pretend the “aging” makeup in the epilogue didn’t happen ok?

3. Order of the Phoenix 

Can we start by saying that Umbridge is SUCH a good villain? There’s not another character in this series we love to hate so much. And she is portrayed perfectly by Imelda Staunton.

Umbridge Harrypotter GIFs | Tenor
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We also adore the Dumbledore’s Army moments, Fred and George’s epic exit from Hogwarts, and the introduction of Luna Lovegood.

The movie loses points for us with the awkward, crying Harry-Cho romance, but it balances out with the excellent sass of Dumbledore when he vanishes from his office.

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2. Prisoner of Azkaban

We LOVE Prisoner of Azkaban for two main reasons: Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 | draco malfoy [3] - 𝐗𝐗𝐕. SIRIUS BLACK - Wattpad
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These are two of our favorite characters for the rest of the series (well, kinda…), and we love the depth they bring to the story. They are the unlikely father figures Harry didn’t know existed, and you’ll never forget the first time you realized the big plot twist (spoiler: he’s an animagus!).

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Azkaban is also the introduction of key sub-characters such as Buckbeak, Dementors, and Peter Pettigrew (ugh) — not to mention, it’s absolutely stunning. There’s also a huge jump in the caliber of acting from Chamber of Secrets.

Now, for most of the team, Prisoner of Azkaban sits in their top spot — but I couldn’t put it there for one reason and one reason only: the Marauders.

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When removing the (useless amount of) book knowledge I have, this is a big plothotle. The Maurader’s Map is presented by Messrs. Mooney, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, but it is NEVER explained who they are. That wouldn’t matter except — remember when Lupin saves Harry from Snape, then yells at him for using the map when Sirius Black is on the loose? Lupin knows alllll about the map without any explanation from Harry, but it’s also never explained that he’s one of the creators, along with James Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. (Along those same lines, it’s also not explained why James and Harry’s patronuses are a stag which is kinda iconic.)

Other movies cut out big book plot points (which is understandable or these movies would be 15 hours long each), but such a “half-cut” makes no sense, and thus, Azkaban cannot sit in the top spot in my eyes.

Which means, our movie Head Boy is…

1. Half-Blood Prince

Half-Blood Prince has great pacing, delightful music, an exciting plot, BIG highs and even LOWER lows, and somehow manages to be funny?!

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This is a big one for all the Snape and Draco fans out there too, as they finally get their moments in the sun (er, dark?) when they become full forces in the battle of good vs evil.

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One of the biggest moments in the entire series is in this one as well. Dumbledore’s death (11-year-old spoiler alert?), really sets up the finale, AND left us with one of the best cliffhangers ever: where does Snape’s allegiance lie?

CHILLS.

This one’s got it all — 10 points to Half-Blood Prince!

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Well, that’s it — our ranking of the Harry Potter films! It was harder than a Potions O.W.L., but we made it through. And, hey — this is just our list, one that we flip flopped on dozens of times. We thoroughly enjoy each of these movies, and any trip we get to take back to Hogwarts.

Mischief managed. 

What is your favorite Harry Potter film? Let us know in the comments!

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Molly is a lifelong Disney enthusiast, and former Walt Disney World Guest Relations Cast Member and tour guide. Her Walt Disney World favorites include Festival of the Lion King, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Fantasmic!, Mickey-shaped pretzels and rice krispie treats, and anything with Buzz Lightyear! She lives in Orlando with her husband (who she met in Guest Relations) and their two rescue dogs, Kronk and Cruella de Vil (Ella for short!)

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19 Replies to “We’re Ranking the Harry Potter Movies from Worst to Best”

  1. Half blood prince is by far my favorite one. I cannot stop thinking about it when i go to sleep! I repeat, I. CANNOT. STOP.

  2. Honestly, Half Blood Prince is pretty low on my list. The book is INCREDIBLE—all that set up for the Horcruxes! But the movie falls flat, leaves out a TON of Voldemort set up, particularly in concern to the horcruxes, and spends all its time mooning over the romances. If I hadn’t read the books, I would be pretty clueless going into The Deathly Hallows movies.

  3. How can you not mention Hermione punching Malfoy in Azkaban??? That scene had everyone in my theatre clapping. Still one of my favourite scenes!!

    1. The first time I saw it I literally cheered. And didn’t care who heard me. Of course the fact that many others were cheering too helped.

  4. My ranking would be:

    8. Deathly Hallows Part 1, this one is absolutely boring and the only parts I really enjoy about it are the beginning with the seven Harry’s and the end fight at Malfoy Manner( Emma’s acting in the torture scene was so good)

    7. Half Blood Prince, This one does have a lot of good moments, the tone is more dark than before, and Snape and Draco get more time in the spotlight, but I found this one less interesting than others, it’s not one that I would get excited to re-watch as much, the pacing just seems off and it gets boring. However great music, great action shots and many funny moments

    6. Goblet of Fire, I did thoroughly enjoy this movie for the most part. The beginning of it, the maze and the ressurection of Voldemort always gave me chills as a kid. The tri-wizard tournament was so exciting! But for me, this chapter in the series isn’t as re-watchable as others. Too much teenage anx maybe? Michael Gambon hasn’t nailed his performence as Dumbeldore quite yet? I can’t imagine Richard Harris getting angry if he were still alive to portray the old wizard by this film lol

    5. Sorcerer’s Stone, The great entry into an incredible and awe-inspiring series for me. There is so much to love in thie movie. The kids in their new roles are adorable, the acting choices for Albus Dumbeldore, Snape, Hagrid and McGonnagal were spot on. The giant chess board, Harry’s first time in Diagon Alley, Gringotts and Hogwarts are awesome to watch again and again. The golden trio also meets for the first time. The only things that don’t make this film higher on the list for me would be the sudden change in plot halfway through, it goes from Harry’s introduction to the wizarding world to suddenly there is a great mystery involving the Sorcerer’s Stone. That’s about it honestly. Other than that I love this movie

    4. Prisoner of Azkaban, I loveee this movie! The Director took the first 2 films and brought Harry Potter and the Wizarding World into a whole new, strange and menacing vibe. From the spooky cinematography with the Grim to the creepy as hell Dementors to the beautiful scenes with Harry riding Buckbeak through the Hogwarts Grounds and on the waters. This movie is a cinematic masterpiece. I love the chemistry between Harry and Lupin, and eventually Sirius. The arguing between Ron and Hermionie is always adorable. I felt so much justice when Hermionie punched Draco straight in the face. This film has so much gold and I thought they nailed it, however it doesn’t come first place because well… I just like other ones more than this one

    3. Deathly Hallows Part 2, It all ends here! The series and the characters I fell in love with growing up comes to an exciting and emotional conclusion. From the very beginning, the action is intense! Police with wands in Gringotts, the trio riding a dragon out of Gringotts, McGonnagal casting out Snape and restoring Hogwarts. I love how courageous Neville has become by now, and I love the humour between the characters and the revelation of Snape’s true loyalty and how he knew Harry’s mom. Harry finalls defeats Voldemort and we get to see Harry, Ron, Hermionie and their kids 19 years later and it features the beautiful score by John Williams fromt the first 2 films to end it off. I love this movie!

    2. Order of the Phoenix, The stakes are high in this film! The action is great! Harry casting off some Dementors, the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbeldore’s Army! There is so much action in here! The speculation of Lord Voldemort having returned keeps a menacing spirit throughout the whole movie. Umbridge is a better villain than Voldemort dare I say, I love to hate her. Lucius Malfoy is damn charismatic as always. The final showdown between Dumbeldore and Voldemort was awesome! I love everything about this movie but it doesn’t hold up as number 1 for me, that honor goes to…

    1. Chamber of Secrets, Now I know, most people will think I am full of chocolate frogs for putting this movie as my number 1. I have always enjoyed this one the most though. Chris Columbus builds in his masterpiece which was the first film, with a lot more confidence, humor and action than the first. The mystery involving the Chamber is compelling, the Flying car is always a blast and Harry’s courage in defeating Tom Riddle is inspiring. Also Fawkes the Phoenix is sooo beaitiful to hear every time. I love Chamber! Best Harry potter movie ever! Fight me

  5. Most of this list is a no for me lol
    Worst to Best:
    8. Order of the Phoenix
    7. Goblet of Fire
    6. Half-Blood Prince
    5. Chamber of Secrets
    4. Deathly Hallows Pt. 2
    3. Deathly Hallows Pt. 1
    2. Sorcerer’s Stone
    1. Prisoner of Azkaban

  6. I disagree with half blood prince. That is my favorite book because Snape is my favorite character and you get so much back story in the book that is missing from the movie almost entirely except for about 1.5 minutes.

  7. I just finished watching all of these!!! So much nostalgia 😍 I’ve always had a soft spot for Goblet of Fire. It was the only movie I saw before reading the book. It got me back into reading the series. Perhaps that’s why I forgive it it’s faults.

  8. Oh boy I disagree on some of these.
    Order from best to worst
    1. Prisoner os Azkaban
    2. Halfblood prince
    3. Deathly hallows part 2.
    4. Order of the Phoenix
    5. Deathly hallows part 1.
    6. Goblet of Fire
    7. Sorcerer Stone
    8. Chamber of secrets

    Still love you though ❤️

  9. This is a hot take! I disagree with Goblet being last but highly agree with Half-Blood being first! Love all the Harry Potter content coming to AllEars. -From a fellow Slytherin! 🙂

  10. You’ll move Azkaban down a step for not talking more about the mauraders when Half Blood Prince cuts out most of the horcruxes and Voldemort’s backstory? Please.

    1. HBP. IS. THE. WORSTTTTTTT. MOVIE. Ugh!!

      We shall agree to disagree on many of these. But agree on emphatic love of the series in general 😀

  11. Totally disagree! Prisoner of Azkaban is by far the worst. Important book stuff left out…foolish non-book stuff shoved in!!! Where was the quidditch match???? Worst movie, best book.