Ranking the Wizarding World: Best Harry Potter Films to Watch in 2026

Unpacking the Magic: A Journey Through the Wizarding World

With HBO's much-anticipated Harry Potter reboot on the horizon, the time is ripe to revisit the films that started it all. From “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone” in 2001 to the latest from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, every film is a testament to wand-waving creativity and the magic of storytelling.

Using IMDb scores as our compass, I've ranked the original Harry Potter series alongside the charming wizards of the Fantastic Beasts trilogy. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this guide will surely enchant you as we prepare for the next chapter in this beloved universe.

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore

The Magical Journey Through the Films

Warner Bros.' adaptations brought J.K. Rowling's brilliantly imagined world to life, allowing audiences to explore a universe filled with magic, friendship, and even a touch of darkness. Here's how they stack up:

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) – IMDb Score: 8.1.
   This thrilling conclusion to the saga gave us epic battles and heartbreaking losses. Where to watch: Max.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) – IMDb Score: 7.7.
   A quieter, reflective film that set the stage for the final showdown. Where to watch: Max / Peacock.
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) – IMDb Score: 7.7.
   Introducing the world of competitive magic, this film brought new friends and foes. Where to watch: Max / Peacock.
4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) – IMDb Score: 7.9.
   The whimsical and darker turn of the series that showcased the magic of character development. Where to watch: Max / Peacock.
5. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) – IMDb Score: 7.6.
   A dive into teenage angst amidst darkening skies. Where to watch: Max / Peacock.
6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) – IMDb Score: 7.5.
   Firmly placing its themes of authority and rebellion while growing up. Where to watch: Max / Peacock.
7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) – IMDb Score: 7.5.
   A perfect mix of humor and suspense, setting the tone for future adventures. Where to watch: Max / Peacock.
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) – IMDb Score: 7.7.
   Where it all began, capturing the wonder of a whole new world. Where to watch: Max / Peacock.

Fantastic Beasts: Expanding the Lore

While the Fantastic Beasts films may not have quite the charm of their predecessors, they certainly add richness to the wizarding lore:

• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) – IMDb Score: 7.2.
  A delightful adventure intro to new wizards and fantastic creatures. Where to stream: Max.
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) – IMDb Score: 6.5.
  A globe-trotting adventure with an essence of peril that tried to deepen the story. Where to stream: Max.
• Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) – IMDb Score: 6.2.
  A peek into the personal history of one of the series' most intriguing characters. Where to stream: HBO Max / Max.

The Next Chapter Awaits

With the new HBO series set to release in 2026, we're poised to explore the world one spell at a time—this time over multiple seasons instead of cramming everything into a few films. With fresh talents joining the cast and a whole new narrative structure to embrace, I can't help but feel excited about the possibilities.

The journey began with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but with new voices entering the conversation, the magic is far from over. Whether you're diving back in to relive the nostalgia or discovering these gems for the first time, each film offers a unique slice of the wizarding experience.

So grab your wand, settle in, and prepare for a potion of adventure—because the weird and wonderful world of Harry Potter has plenty more to offer!