Release order
Start with the eight Harry Potter films in release order. They explain the world naturally and build one continuous story. Fantastic Beasts then offers an earlier perspective with a different cast and pace.
A little wonder goes a long way
Step through
the hidden door.
School-year mysteries grow into an eight-film coming-of-age story, while Fantastic Beasts explores an earlier generation. Choose the discovery of release order or begin with the prequels’ wider magical world.
Wizarding World2001–2022About 26 hours
Before you press play
Two ways in.
One great journey.
Story order
Fantastic Beasts comes first in the story’s history, followed by the eight Harry Potter films. The prequel films do not complete every thread they introduce; this guide covers only the released theatrical films.
The films / 11 theatrical releases
Wizarding World
Your viewing guide.
Release order · US theatrical dates where available. Story order is an editorial viewing suggestion.
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the US.
Directed by Chris Columbus
With Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma WatsonUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The second school year deepens the mystery of Hogwarts.
Directed by Chris Columbus
With Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma WatsonUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
A shift in tone as Harry learns more about his family’s past.
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
With Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma WatsonUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
A tournament opens the school story to the wider magical world.
Directed by Mike Newell
With Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma WatsonUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The fifth chapter moves the conflict into the open.
Directed by David Yates
With Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma WatsonUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Past secrets prepare the way for the two-part finale.
Directed by David Yates
With Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma WatsonUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
The first half of the finale; plan to continue with Part 2.
Directed by David Yates
With Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert GrintUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Completes the eight-film Harry Potter story.
Directed by David Yates
With Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert GrintUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
A new cast explores the wizarding world decades before Harry’s school years.
Directed by David Yates
With Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan FoglerUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Continues the prequel storyline beyond New York.
Directed by David Yates
With Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan FoglerUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
The third released Fantastic Beasts film.
Directed by David Yates
With Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Mads MikkelsenUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Guide notes & sources
Editorial review: . Released theatrical features only; television, shorts, direct-to-video titles, and unreleased films are excluded. Story order follows each whole film’s main narrative. This guide is not a content rating or age recommendation.
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