The magical world of Harry Potter has enchanted audiences since the debut of the first book in 1998. Fast forward over two decades later, and the wizarding world has become a beloved household name, complete with theme parks and a plethora of spin-off books by author J.K. Rowling. But how many movies are there in the Harry Potter franchise? Let's dive in and explore!
How many 'Harry Potter' movies are there?
You'll be delighted to know that there are a total of eight Harry Potter films. This iconic series has captured the hearts of millions worldwide and continues to cast its spell on new generations. If you're in the mood for some magical movie marathon, all eight films are available for streaming on Max and NBC Peacock.
Harry (Daniel Radcliffe, center, with Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, and Harry Melling) exults at getting into Hogwarts in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer"
'Harry Potter' movies in the order they were released
Here's a rundown of the films in the order they were released:
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: This 2001 masterpiece follows young Harry Potter as he discovers his wizarding abilities and embarks on a journey to save the magical world during his time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Released in 2002, this second installment sees Harry, Ron, and Hermione unraveling the mysteries surrounding a dark evil haunting Hogwarts.
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: In 2004, the trio returns for their third year at Hogwarts, where they encounter an escaped prisoner rumored to be after Harry.
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Released in 2005, this fourth film showcases Hogwarts' participation in a thrilling tournament between rival wizarding schools, while a lurking danger threatens Harry and his fellow students.
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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: In this 2007 film, Harry starts his fifth year at Hogwarts, facing denial from the wizarding authorities about Lord Voldemort's return. A rebellion ignites, and the battle against darkness begins.
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: The 2009 release delves into Lord Voldemort's past and reveals the identity of the enigmatic "half-blood prince," whose dark magic teachings aid Harry in his quest.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: The beginning of the end arrives in this 2010 film, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione embark on a mission to destroy the Horcruxes and uncover the secrets of the Deathly Hallows.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: The grand finale was released in 2011, as Harry and his beloved friends prepare for the ultimate battle to vanquish Lord Voldemort.
How many "Fantastic Beasts" movies are there?
If you thought the wizarding world was confined to Harry Potter's adventures, think again! Warner Bros. released the first installment of the "Fantastic Beasts" series in 2016. These films serve as prequels to the original Harry Potter movies and are based on one of Rowling's guidebooks from 2001. The three films in the "Fantastic Beasts" series are "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" (2016), "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" (2018), and the latest release, "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore."
Are there more Harry Potter movies to come?
While we won't be seeing a continuation of Harry's story on the big screen, there are still exciting projects on the horizon. Warner Bros. Discovery has announced plans for a TV adaptation of the "Harry Potter" series, set to premiere on Max sometime between 2025 and 2026. This new show will feature a fresh cast portraying the beloved characters we've come to know and love.
The wizarding world remains as vibrant as ever with the recent release of the video game "Hogwarts Legacy," the enchanting Universal theme parks, and the captivating Broadway play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."
Just Curious for more?
If you find yourself craving answers to other burning questions, USA TODAY's Just Curious section has got you covered. From uncovering what dogs dream about to exploring the colors of mirrors, they're dedicated to finding answers to the everyday inquiries that pique our curiosity.
So grab your broomsticks, conjure up some butterbeer, and embark on a magical journey through the enchanting world of Harry Potter!
