Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Warner Brothers Although some viewers and critics find Chamber of Secrets a little too similar in plot and tone to the first movie, it still provides its share of wonderments, including a flying Ford Anglia, an attack by giant spiders, and what many fans consider the most excitingly staged Quidditch match in the series. Released only a year after Sorcerer’s Stone, the sequel was also a big hit, providing another welcome dose of magic to holiday audiences. New characters include a vain Dark Arts professor, Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh) the intolerant Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs), father of Harry’s nemesis, Draco (Tom Felton) and the Malfoy’s House-Elf, Dobby, a CGI character that Harry frees from the Malfoys, earning his eternal gratitude.

The second movie in the franchise chronicles Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s second year at Hogwarts and finds our fearless trio working to unearth another mystery that threatens the school. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) Warner Brothers

The movie was an enormous hit, earning more than a billion dollars globally and setting up Warner Bros. The movie also established the series’ hallmark of stuffing the cast with famous British actors, with Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Julie Walters, and John Cleese in just the first entry alone. Columbus had proven his facility with directing kids and he got charismatic performances out of the young actors that would set up the series for long-term success.Ĭritics and fans alike found Rowling’s story world fully realized on screen in all its enchanting splendor. Doubtfire, directed this first entry in the franchise. Chris Columbus, who had had scored blockbuster family hits with Home Alone and Mrs. This opening chapter in the saga - also known by its British title, Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone - introduces Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) as they discover both delights and darkness during their first year at the fantastical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Where to Stream: HBO Max / Fubo / Peacock / Spectrum / Direct TV Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Warner Brothers

Harry potter film series