If you want to watch Harry Potter movies in order, there are two main ways: chronological order (the Wizarding World story timeline) and release order (how the films were released). Below you’ll find both lists so you can pick the best viewing experience.
This guide shows the complete list of Harry Potter movies in order, including both the Wizarding World timeline and the official release order.
Quick answer: For first-time viewers, release order is usually the best. For rewatches (or if you want the full backstory), try chronological order.
The best way to watch Harry Potter movies in order is release order for first-time viewers and chronological order for rewatches.
Harry Potter Movies in Order – Table of Contents
- Harry Potter Movies in Chronological Order
- Harry Potter Movies in Release Order
- Harry Potter Movies Checklist (Printable PDF)
- Upcoming Wizarding World Projects
- FAQ
Harry Potter Movies in Chronological Order
Chronological order follows the story timeline in the Wizarding World. (This is great for rewatches and for understanding the backstory.)
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (set in the 1920s)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (set in the late 1920s)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (set in the 1930s)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Year 1 at Hogwarts)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Year 2)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Year 3)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Year 4)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Year 5)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Year 6)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (final year begins)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (the conclusion)
Note: If you only care about Harry’s main story, you can start directly from Sorcerer’s Stone. The Fantastic Beasts movies are optional prequels that expand the world and add historical context.
Harry Potter Movies in Release Order
Release order is the recommended way for first-time viewers.
- 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)
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
Viewing tip: Release order keeps the original mysteries and reveals intact, and it’s how most fans first experienced the series.
Harry Potter Movies Checklist (Printable)
This checklist helps you track all Harry Potter movies in order while watching the Wizarding World.
- ☐ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- ☐ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
- ☐ Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
- ☐ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- ☐ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- ☐ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- ☐ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- ☐ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- ☐ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- ☐ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
- ☐ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Download printable checklist (PDF):
Upcoming Wizarding World Projects
Release plans can change. This section is updated when official dates are confirmed.
- Potential Wizarding World projects (future announcements)
For official updates, you can check the official Wizarding World site.
FAQ
Should I watch Harry Potter in chronological order or release order?
If it’s your first time, choose release order. Chronological order is best for rewatches, especially if you want to see the Wizarding World’s history (like Dumbledore and Grindelwald) before Harry’s story begins.
Do I need to watch the Fantastic Beasts movies?
Not required to enjoy the main Harry Potter movies. The Fantastic Beasts films are optional prequels that add world-building and backstory, but Harry’s main plot is fully contained in the eight Harry Potter films.
Is there a “best” order for kids or families?
Yes: start with release order and take breaks after movie 3 or 4 if needed. The tone gets darker from Goblet of Fire onward, so younger viewers often enjoy the early films first before moving into the later chapters.
How long does it take to watch all Harry Potter movies?
The eight main Harry Potter films take roughly 19–20 hours total. If you add the three Fantastic Beasts films, you’re closer to a full-weekend marathon depending on how many breaks you take.
Final Thoughts
Watching Harry Potter movies in order is the best way to follow character growth, the rising stakes at Hogwarts, and the full Voldemort storyline. For most people, release order is the smoothest first experience. If you’re rewatching, chronological order can be a fun way to see how the Wizarding World evolved before Harry ever got his Hogwarts letter.