All the Harry Potter movies ought to be easy to watch in order—you just start with the first one and keep going, right? But there’s a minor wrinkle for anyone not super familiar with the books: There are no numbers in the actual movie titles.
So don’t feel embarrassed: The only way to know what order to watch the movies in is to search for an actual list, just like this one. Additionally, there have been a couple of prequel films released since the original eight-part film series wrapped up, and it’s absolutely worth watching those first.
On that note, here’s the order you should watch all the movies in.
What order should I watch the Harry Potter films in?
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them takes place far before the events of Harry Potter and showcases the wizarding world in a very different light before the emergence of Voldemort. The film follows Newt Scamander as he tracks down magical creatures that have escaped from his collection.
Given its place in the grander Harry Potter timeline, Fantastic Beasts is the place that you’ll want to start when you’re experiencing the epic story in its entirety once again.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
In the second film of this prequel series, we’re introduced to a young Albus Dumbledore and the notorious evil sorcerer Gellert Grindelwald as he plans to raise an army of wizards to rule over non-wizarding folk around the world.
This movie sets the stage for a third film in this prequel series as battlelines are drawn within the wizarding world with our hero Newt stuck in the middle of it all.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
The newest addition to this watch order and the latest chapter in the Fantastic Beasts prequel story, The Secrets of Dumbledore not only continues to tell the story of Newt and his friends but also reveals further insight into one of Harry Potter’s most important figures, Dumbledore.
Right now, it appears there are plans to follow this movie, however, at this stage, nothing has been announced. The good news is that The Secrets of Dumbledore isn’t a bad jumping-off point in your watch-through to enter the mainline Harry Potter films.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Taking place many years after the prequels, The Sorcerer’s Stone is the first time we are introduced to a young Harry Potter as comes of age to pursue a life of wizardry at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
After settling in at Hogwarts, Harry starts to unearth some of the secrets of its past as he continues to deal with the threat of Voldermort, the wizard who killed both of his parents and who left him with his iconic scar.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Prisoner of Azkaban gives viewers a look into some of Harry’s family’s long-time friend—and also exposes the followers of Voldermort, who have continued to follow Harry to this day.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
In the Goblet of Fire, Harry is forced into participating in a tournament of wizards despite being too young to do so. Following the events of this tournament, the dark lord himself comes to rise once again—all in line with the plans of his followers, who have been manipulating the events at Hogwarts.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix
As the dark lord has risen again Harry looks to put together a team of wizards that can defend themselves against the evil threats rising in the wizarding world. This film gives audiences their best look at the politics and diplomacy among wizards and witches.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
After coming face-to-face with Voldermort himself, both Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore look to prepare for the war that is on the horizon. In this film, we get a better look into the past of Harry’s parents as sacrifices must be made.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
The first part of the final act. In this film, war breaks out between the wizarding world.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The final installment to date in the Harry Potter series, The Deathly Hallows part 2 concludes the battle between the wizarding world and the long-lasting rivalry between Harry and Voldemort.