Harry Potter Turns 45! Choosing the Best Film About the Boy Wizard

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On July 31st, Harry Potter turns 45 according to the universe's timeline — and fans worldwide are once again rewatching the films, throwing themed parties and festivals.

This date has long become an unofficial holiday for everyone who waited for their Hogwarts letter. Which means it's the perfect time to revisit the entire franchise and finally figure out: which Harry Potter film is the absolute best?

The best entry in the saga, in my opinion, is "Prisoner of Azkaban." It's this third chapter of the cinematic fairy tale, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, that first pulled Harry Potter out of its fairy-tale world and into something truly cinematic.
Actor Daniel Radcliffe in a black jacket and glasses smiling
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
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It became the turning point — dark, stylish, psychologically complex. Here we got that dementor chill, John Williams' gorgeous soundtrack, and finally, that "lived-in" Hogwarts you'd actually want to call home.

What about the other films?

I polled my friends and found out many of them pick "Goblet of Fire" as their favorite. It's got the massive magical tournament, the Yule Ball, and the first truly dark scene with Voldemort.

Some choose "Half-Blood Prince" for its atmosphere of love and tense preparation for the final battle. And "Deathly Hallows"? Some cry, others admire the mature approach to ending a childhood story.

What critics and actors say

Critical opinions vary too. "Deathly Hallows Part 2" has the highest rating on Rotten Tomatoes (96%). Box office-wise, this final chapter also leads, earning over a billion dollars and closing the saga on a powerful note.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban trailer
The actors themselves can't decide either. Emma Watson admitted during the 20th anniversary Harry Potter special that her favorite scene in the entire franchise is the tent dance from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." And Daniel Radcliffe told Wired that his favorite film is actually "Order of the Phoenix."
The fifth film, which most people wouldn't call one of their favorites. But I got to work with Gary Oldman. And I was a bit older, so I could appreciate it properly. But you should probably watch it last.
Daniel Radcliffe

Which film is the best?

If you're all about visuals, you'll probably pick "Prisoner of Azkaban." If you love action — "Goblet of Fire." If you want a grown-up story — "Deathly Hallows." But honestly, choosing one film is like asking you to pick your favorite childhood friend. Harry, Ron, and Hermione's story is complete, and that's where its power lies.

The best film is whichever one you start your rewatch with today. Or the one you end on. Because in this franchise — the magic is in the whole thing. Earlier on zoomboola.com, we picked the best Superman movie.