The Harry Potter movies is based on the book series of the same name by J.K. Rowling. The movies follow the life and adventures of a young wizard named Harry Potter and his friends as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The story is set in a magical world parallel to the non-magical (Muggle) world.
The Harry Potter Movies Wiki
The overarching narrative spans seven years, corresponding to the seven books in the series. The story begins with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (also known as “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”) and concludes with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
Stories of the Movies
Here’s a brief overview of the main story arc:
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Philosopher’s Stone):
Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard on his eleventh birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School. He learns about his past, his parents’ deaths at the hands of the dark wizard Voldemort, and his own survival of a deadly curse.
Throughout his first year at Hogwarts, Harry, along with his friends Ron and Hermione, discovers that Voldemort is seeking the Sorcerer’s Stone, an object that grants immortality. They prevent Voldemort from getting the Stone and thus thwart his plans.
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets:
In his second year at Hogwarts, Harry encounters a series of attacks on students that are linked to the legend of the Chamber of Secrets. The Chamber houses a creature that’s been released, threatening the school. With the help of his friends, Harry uncovers the truth, defeats the monster, and destroys a diary containing part of Voldemort’s soul.
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:
Harry’s third year sees the escape of Sirius Black, a dangerous criminal believed to be Voldemort’s supporter. As Harry learns the truth about Sirius and the events surrounding his parents’ deaths, he also encounters Dementors, soul-sucking creatures. The time-traveling twists of this year reveal unexpected connections and help Harry and his friends save the day.
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:
During Harry’s fourth year, he unexpectedly becomes a participant in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament, which is meant for older students. Throughout the competition, it’s revealed that Voldemort is regaining strength and followers. The final task of the tournament leads to a deadly confrontation, marking Voldemort’s return.
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix:
In his fifth year, Harry and his friends form “Dumbledore’s Army” to prepare for the coming battle against Voldemort. Harry also learns about a prophecy concerning himself and Voldemort. The Ministry of Magic refuses to acknowledge Voldemort’s return, leading to tensions. Sirius Black’s death further deepens the conflict.
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:
In his sixth year, Harry delves into Voldemort’s past and learns about Horcruxes, objects containing fragments of his soul. Dumbledore and Harry embark on a mission to find and destroy these Horcruxes. The year ends with a tragic event that sets the stage for the final battle.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:
In the final book, Harry, Ron, and Hermione go on a quest to locate and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, while Voldemort consolidates his power and seeks to kill Harry. The story culminates in an epic battle at Hogwarts, where the fate of the wizarding world hangs in the balance.
Top 20 Cast
- Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
- Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
- Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
- Alan Rickman as Severus Snape
- Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall
- Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid
- Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort
- Michael Gambon (replacing Richard Harris) as Albus Dumbledore
- Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy
- Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley
- Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood
- Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom
- Gary Oldman as Sirius Black
- Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange
- David Thewlis as Remus Lupin
- Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy
- Emma Thompson as Sybill Trelawney
- Brendan Gleeson as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody
- Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart
- Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore (in the first two films)
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HP Movies in Order
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (also known as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’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
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How long Harry Potter Movies Last?
The lengths of these movies vary, but here are approximate runtimes for each film:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Philosopher’s Stone): Approximately 152 minutes (2 hours and 32 minutes)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Approximately 161 minutes (2 hours and 41 minutes)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Approximately 142 minutes (2 hours and 22 minutes)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Approximately 157 minutes (2 hours and 37 minutes)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Approximately 138 minutes (2 hours and 18 minutes)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Approximately 153 minutes (2 hours and 33 minutes)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1: Approximately 146 minutes (2 hours and 26 minutes)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2: Approximately 130 minutes (2 hours and 10 minutes)
Terminology
The Harry Movies and series introduces a variety of unique and magical terminology that adds depth and richness to the wizarding world. Here are some key terms and concepts from the series:
- Muggle: A non-magical person, someone without magical abilities.
- Wizard/Witch: A person who possesses magical abilities and practices magic.
- Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: The magical school where young witches and wizards receive their education in the magical arts.
- Quidditch: A popular magical sport played on broomsticks involving four balls and multiple players.
- House: Hogwarts is divided into four houses—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—each with its own values and traits.
- Sorting Hat: A magical hat that determines which house a new student belongs to based on their personality and characteristics.
- Wand: A magical instrument used to channel a wizard’s or witch’s magical abilities.
- Spells: Incantations that wizards and witches use to perform various magical actions.
- Potions: Magical mixtures with various effects, brewed using specific ingredients and precise techniques.
- Marauders Map: A magical map that reveals Hogwarts’ layout, including the locations of people within the castle.
- Horcrux: An object containing a fragment of a wizard’s or witch’s soul, allowing them to achieve a form of immortality.
- Animagus: A witch or wizard who can transform into a specific animal at will.
- Patronus: A positive, protective force conjured by using a happy memory to ward off Dementors, creatures that feed on happiness.
- Dementor: A dark creature that feeds on positive emotions and happiness, capable of causing despair and depression.
- Voldemort: The main antagonist of the series, a dark wizard who seeks power and domination.
- Deathly Hallows: A trio of highly powerful magical objects: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak.
- Triwizard Tournament: A dangerous magical competition held between three wizarding schools: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang.
- Pensieve: A shallow stone basin used to review and enter memories for examination or reliving.
- Thestrals: Magical, skeletal winged creatures that are visible only to those who have witnessed death.
- House-elf: A magical creature bound to serve a wizarding family, often in servitude.
- Galleon, Sickle, Knut: Wizarding currency, with a Galleon being the largest denomination, followed by a Sickle and then a Knut.
- Broomstick: A mode of magical transportation used by witches and wizards for flying.
- Portkey: An enchanted object that transports a person to a specific location when touched.
- Triwizard Cup: The trophy awarded to the winner of the Triwizard Tournament.
- Yule Ball: A formal dance held during the Triwizard Tournament.
- Animagus: A witch or wizard who can transform into a specific animal at will.
- Polyjuice Potion: A complex potion that allows the drinker to take on the physical appearance of another person.
- Floo Network: A magical transportation system where fireplaces can be used as interconnected portals.
- The Leaky Cauldron: A popular pub in London that serves as a gateway between the Muggle and wizarding worlds.
- Diagon Alley: A hidden wizarding shopping district in London where witches and wizards can buy magical supplies.
- Hogsmeade: The only all-wizarding village in Britain, located near Hogwarts School.
- Unforgivable Curses: Three curses that are considered the darkest and most sinister spells in the wizarding world: the Imperius Curse, the Cruciatus Curse, and the Killing Curse (Avada Kedavra).
- The Forbidden Forest: A dangerous forest near Hogwarts that is home to various magical creatures.
- Room of Requirement: A magical room that appears when someone truly needs it and contains whatever is needed at that moment.
- O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s: Wizarding exams taken by students during their fifth and seventh years at Hogwarts, respectively.
- Veela: A magical creature known for its beauty and ability to entrance those who see it dance.
- Boggart: A shape-shifting creature that takes the form of whatever a person fears the most.
- Merpeople: Magical creatures that live underwater in the Black Lake near Hogwarts.
- Howler: A magical letter that, when opened, reads its message out loud in the sender’s voice.
- Prefect: A student who is given special responsibilities and privileges by the school administration.
Movies Like HP Series
If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series and are looking for similar movies that offer magical worlds, adventure, and fantasy elements, here are some recommendations:
The Chronicles of Narnia Series: Based on the book series by C.S. Lewis, these movies follow the adventures of children who discover a magical land called Narnia.
Percy Jackson Series: Based on the book series by Rick Riordan, these movies center around a young demigod named Percy Jackson who embarks on quests inspired by Greek mythology.
Fantastic Beasts Series: Set in the same wizarding world as Harry Potter, these movies follow magizoologist Newt Scamander as he encounters magical creatures and faces dark forces.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novels, these movies follow a group of adventurers on a quest to destroy a powerful ring and save Middle-earth.
The Hobbit Trilogy: Also based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, this series is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings and follows Bilbo Baggins on his own adventure.
Stardust: A fantasy adventure film based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, it follows a young man who ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star.
Eragon: Based on Christopher Paolini’s novel, this movie follows a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and becomes embroiled in an epic struggle.
The Golden Compass: Adapted from Philip Pullman’s novel, this film follows a young girl who embarks on a journey to the Arctic to rescue kidnapped children.
The Spiderwick Chronicles: Based on the series by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, this movie follows siblings who discover a hidden world of magical creatures.
Bridge to Terabithia: While not entirely focused on magic, this film tells the story of two young friends who create a fantastical world to escape their troubles.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children: Adapted from Ransom Riggs’ novel, this movie follows a boy who discovers a home for children with extraordinary abilities.
Pan’s Labyrinth: This Spanish-language film weaves a dark fantasy story set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Spain, blending reality with a magical and mysterious underworld.
