Harry Potter is one of the most beloved fantasy film franchises of all time. Based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling, the eight Harry Potter movies brought the magical world of Hogwarts to life on the big screen. However, the films weren’t released in chronological order.
Watching the Harry Potter movies in timeline order can be a bit confusing for new fans. So we’ve created the ultimate guide to watching the Harry Potter movies in chronological order, including both the original and Fantastic Beasts series.
An Introduction to the Harry Potter Movies
The Harry Potter films span ten years from 2001 to 2011 and consists of eight fantasy films based on the seven original Harry Potter books.
Here are the Harry Potter movies in order of theatrical release:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
In 2016, a spin-off prequel series titled Fantastic Beasts launched with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It’s the first of five planned Fantastic Beasts films set decades before Harry Potter’s story.
Here are the two Fantastic Beasts movies released so far:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
So how should you watch the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies chronologically by timeline? Let’s break it down.
Why Watch the Harry Potter Movies in Chronological Order?
Viewing the Harry Potter movies in chronological order allows audiences to experience the complete story from the very beginning – starting with Fantastic Beasts.
While the original films were released out of order, the events in the story follow a clear timeline that spans decades.
Watching chronologically gives fans the opportunity to see how Tom Riddle became Voldemort, his rise to power, and how the wizarding world became increasingly dangerous leading up to Harry’s arrival at Hogwarts.
Events and references from the Fantastic Beasts storyline tie into the events in the Harry Potter films. So viewing the entire series in timeline order provides the most complete viewing experience.
How to Watch the Harry Potter Movies Chronologically
Below we’ve outlined the best viewing order for watching the Harry Potter movies chronologically and by timeline:
The Complete Harry Potter Movie Timeline Order
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (1926)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (1927)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1991)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1992)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1993)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (1994)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (1995)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (1996)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (1997)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (1997)
Below we’ll explain the events in each film and why this is the proper viewing order.
The Fantastic Beasts Movies Come First
The Fantastic Beasts films take place decades before Harry Potter’s story, starting in 1926. So it makes sense to begin with these two prequels:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (1926)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (1927)
Fantastic Beasts introduces audiences to Newt Scamander and the adventures of his friends in 1920s New York. It also provides backstory on younger versions of characters like Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald who later appear in the Harry Potter films.
Moving on to Crimes of Grindelwald, the story shifts to Paris as Grindelwald continues gathering more followers to his pure-blood supremacist cause. This sets the stage for the Global Wizarding War, which is only referred to in the original Harry Potter book series.
These two prequels establish the world for the events that follow in the Harry Potter storyline.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Kicks Off Harry’s Story
After the Fantastic Beasts introduction to the wizarding world, it’s time to begin Harry Potter’s journey with Sorcerer’s Stone in 1991:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1991)
This first film introduces audiences to Harry Potter as an 11-year-old orphan beginning his magical training at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He befriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who will become his closest companions.
Harry also starts to learn more about his past and his connection to Voldemort, the dark wizard who killed his parents. While Voldemort doesn’t physically appear in this film, his presence is very much felt as Harry unravels more secrets about his family’s history.
Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban Continue Harry’s Education
The next films follow Harry’s first three years at Hogwarts:
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1992)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1993)
In Chamber of Secrets, Harry and his friends investigate mysterious attacks at Hogwarts, leading to a confrontation with a young Tom Riddle and the deadly basilisk. Prisoner of Azkaban introduces Harry’s godfather Sirius Black, who was believed to have betrayed Harry’s parents but turns out to be innocent.
These books establish Harry’s rivalries with Draco Malfoy and Professor Snape while also showing Harry learning more advanced magic as he comes of age in the wizarding world.
The Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix Lead Up to Voldemort’s Return
The middle films cover some of the darkest storylines as Voldemort gains power:
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (1994)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (1995)
Goblet of Fire shows Harry competing in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament, which ultimately facilitates Voldemort’s return to physical form. Order of the Phoenix focuses on the Ministry of Magic’s denial of Voldemort’s resurgence, leading Harry and Dumbledore’s Army to take a stand.
These storylines set events in motion for the Second Wizarding War against Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
The Half-Blood Prince Explores Voldemort’s Origins
This penultimate film provides crucial background on the young Tom Riddle before he became the Dark Lord:
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (1996)
Through memories collected by Dumbledore, audiences see Tom Riddle’s development from an orphan into a Hogwarts student dabbling in the Dark Arts. This backstory on Voldemort’s rise to power provides context for the threat he now poses in present day.
The Deathly Hallows Concludes Harry’s Journey
The epic two-part finale covers Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s quest to find and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes – the secret to his immortality:
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (1997)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (1997)
This extended climax chronicles the trio’s search for the Horcruxes, leading up to Harry’s final confrontation with Voldemort. We see the devastating effects of Voldemort’s regime, raising the stakes for the battle to defeat the dark wizard once and for all.
After a decade with these characters, Deathly Hallows delivers an emotionally satisfying conclusion.
5 Benefits of Watching the Harry Potter Movies in Chronological Order
Watching the Harry Potter movies in timeline order offers several benefits that enhance the viewing experience:
- Story cohesion – The chronological order allows you to follow the narrative from start to finish rather than jumping around.
- Character depth – You’ll gain a deeper understanding of key characters like Dumbledore, Grindelwald, and Voldemort by seeing their full story arcs.
- Worldbuilding – The films establish more context about the wizarding world by spanning several decades.
- Dramatic buildup – The stakes feel higher when you view the gradual buildup to Voldemort gaining power and threatening the world.
- Satisfying payoffs – Moments like Voldemort’s origins and defeat feel more impactful after starting from the beginning.
How to Have a Harry Potter Marathon Weekend
Once you’ve decided to watch the Harry Potter movies in timeline order, consider having an epic movie marathon weekend!
Here are some tips for the ultimate Harry Potter movie marathon:
- Schedule it – Block off an entire weekend where you can devote hours to the marathon. Aim for about 3 movies per day.
- Get supplies – Stock up on Harry Potter themed snacks and decorations to recreate the Hogwarts feast experience. Butterbeer and chocolate frogs are essential!
- Dress up – Have fun with the marathon by wearing robes, scarves, or other Harry Potter costumes. Assign Hogwarts houses if watching with a group.
- Make events – Build in activities like a Sorting Ceremony quiz, trivia games, or LEGO building contests between movies.
- Take breaks – Be sure to take short breaks for meals, sleep, and fresh air to maintain stamina. Hydrate and stay energized.
- Avoid spoilers – Ask friends to avoid discussing spoilers if they’ve read the books or seen the movies already. Pretend it’s your first viewing!
Immerse yourself in the magic of Harry Potter! Follow the timeline order for a cohesive movie marathon.
6 Frequently Asked Questions About Harry Potter Movie Order
Many fans have questions about the best way to watch the Harry Potter movies chronologically. Here are answers to 6 of the most common FAQs:
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1. Why are the Harry Potter movies out of order?
The films weren’t initially intended as one long series with a defined timeline. They were adapted one book at a time rather than being planned out as a continuous story from the start. So the movies ended up following the book release order rather than internal chronology.
2. Do I need to watch the Fantastic Beasts movies?
The Fantastic Beasts films aren’t mandatory, but they add good context about the wizarding world. You’ll learn more about Dumbledore’s history and Grindelwald’s rise to power that impacts later events. If you want the complete timeline, include them.
3. How does Fantastic Beasts connect to Harry Potter?
Fantastic Beasts provides backstory on younger versions of Dumbledore, Grindelwald, and other Harry Potter characters. It also shows early events leading up to the Global Wizarding War, which influences the Harry Potter storyline.
4. Should I read the books before watching the movies?
Either way works! The books provide more depth but the movies bring the main story to life. Watching first won’t spoil the books. Just note the movies do diverge from the books in some plot points.
5. Is it OK to watch the movies out of order on first viewing?
It’s fine to watch them in release order on your first time through, but you may be confused by some references to the prequel events. Timeline order gives the full context up front. Save release order for future rewatches.
6. Is it better to watch the movies or read the books first?
There’s no right answer, just personal preference! The books have more detail but the movies may be easier to dive into. However you’re introduced to the series, eventually do both to get the complete experience.
In Conclusion
We hope this guide provides everything you need to know to watch the Harry Potter movies in chronological order! Starting with Fantastic Beasts and moving through Harry’s years at Hogwarts creates the most cohesive viewing experience.
Use our recommended timeline order when introducing new viewers to the series or hosting a Harry Potter movie marathon. This approach makes the epic story even more magical.
Now it’s time to get comfortable, grab some butterbeer and chocolates, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Harry Potter – from start to finish!
