Ranking Every Harry Potter Franchise Movie from Best to Worst

The Harry Potter franchise is very special to me. It consists of films I always watched when I was sick, my father and I would pick while channel surfing on the weekends, my family thoroughly enjoys around the holidays each year and have continued to evoke feelings of comfort and wonder within me not many other films manage to do these days.

I refuse to give away any spoilers in this list. I encourage anyone who has not seen these films yet to give them a watch!

#1 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 2004 (9/10)

This film is incredibly heartfelt and really captures the spirit of the Harry Potter franchise.

New characters are introduced, both protagonists and antagonists, whose backstories and relationships between each other help reveal the truly dark and twisted history of Hogwarts and Harry’s past. Two of these characters are some of my favorites in the whole franchise: Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.

I remember not being able to watch this film in full at first. When I was a kid, the Dementer encounter on the train was terrifying to me, so much so, I had to hide behind the couch till it was over. I'm glad I worked up the courage to come back to it though. This is a shoo-in for the best film of the franchise.

#2 - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 2005 (8.5/10)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a wild ride. Raging hormones, long hairstyles on every character, constant danger and deception, and a devastating ending that will bring tears to your eyes.

This film is the first of the franchise rated PG-13 rather than PG, and for good reason. The story forces Harry into situations any adult would have trouble navigating, let alone a young teenager.

With danger around every corner, Harry must grow up fast and face deadly challenges head-on. In the previous films, his professors and friends did their best to guide him and lend help where and when they could. In this film, Harry is often isolated, even rejected by some of his peers.

This film sets the tone for the rest of the franchise: Harry's incredible, tragic story is far from over, and the search for answers regarding his past and the wizarding world's future grows evermore treacherous.

#3 - Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix 2007 (8.5/10)

This one being placed at #3 is a bit of a hot take, I know. But it was always my Dad's favorite, and I find it quite unique.

I love the battles, the dynamic of the characters and the storytelling. The tone, pacing and style of this film are kind of trippy, and I don't think this is an accident. Harry has terrible nightmares and visions throughout the movie, so many he has a difficult time telling the difference between dreams and reality at certain points. The way the story jumps around purposefully confuses the audience too at times, and this adds a layer of tension and mystery new to the franchise.

Will Harry make it in time to save the day? Can we trust what we're seeing? Are the facts as they are presented to us trustworthy? Harry's visions grow more and more sinister each time he has them...are they real preminitions or are they simply hallucinations born out of his own fear and trauma?

#4 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 2 2011 (8.5/10)

A beautiful, well-thought-out, tear-jerker of an ending to a story that captivated millions. I love this film, and to this day, so many scenes give me chills.

#5 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 2002 (7.5/10)

When I was a kid, I remember being super hesitant when it came to sequels. I would only watch the first film of so many franchises, afraid of change and of the second film ruining anything about the first. This was the case for Shrek, Star Wars (A New Hope), and of course, Harry Potter.

BUT, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for the longest time was my favorite of the franchise. I loved all the fantasic beasts featured in the film, the legend of the fabled "Chamber of Secrets" itself, and the investigative prowess of a couple of twelve-year-olds who managed to crack a case that had fooled wizards and witches alike since Hogwarts' inception.

A fun and unsettling movie that left me super excited to see the remaining films of the franchise! But be warned: If you're an arachnophobe like me, five minutes in particular later on in the movie might be a little tough to sit through.

#6 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 1 2010 (8/10)

Another film I love, but in my opinion, it does not outshine Part 2 nor some of the others. However, it is an epic and action-packed start to the conclusion of the franchise. It is also the first of the films that is not centered around Hogwarts itself, highlighting Harry, Ron and Hermione's adventures away from school as well as their grassroots efforts to rise up and take a stand against Voldemort.

#7 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 2001 (7.5/10)

The film that started it all, but for me, it is just a little boring. I appreciate the charm and the whimsical introductions to the characters and the wizarding world, however, the plot just never seems to grab me or keep me engaged for the duration no matter how many times I watch it. Still a great film and one I would recommend, just nowhere near my favorite.

#8 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 2009 (7/10)

I understand this film is integral to understanding the last two, but I wish it wasn't. It is charming and has some entertaining moments, but for the most part, my famiy and I always found this one a little boring as well. It is mostly dialogue with minimal action, Ron frustrates me for must of it, and of course, the ending is tragic.

Again, still a solid film, but easily my least favorite of the franchise.