Ranking the Harry Potter films
7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. A mixed bag from Chris Columbus, with the dullest of the seven stories still plagued with rough acting, albeit improved effects. Grade: 2.5 stars. Credit: Warner Brothers
- 7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. A mixed bag from Chris Columbus, with the dullest of the seven stories still plagued with rough acting, albeit improved effects. Grade: 2.5 stars.
- 6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The first film, while boasting some now-classic moments, is also riddled with poor child acting and special effects that aged poorly. Grade: 2.5 stars.
- 5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. A bit of a step back from the third-- too glossy compared to the previous film. Still, great effects and an engaging story make this one winning. Grade: 3 stars.
- 4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Does well considering much of the film is waiting and thinking. The added moment with Harry/Hermione in the tent is magical. Great heart, great set-up. Grade: 3.5 stars.
- 3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The first film to improve upon the book. The book is bloated and slow, the movie exciting and heart-wrenching. David Yates sold me as a director for life with this film. Grade: 3.5 stars.
- 2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The first time I felt the magic in film form. Acting improvements, great new characters, outstanding effects, and brilliant quirky direction from Alfonso Cuaron. Grade: 3.5 stars.
- 1. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. The best of the bunch. Works just as well in the non-magic moments, with great acting from the kids and more gorgeous visuals from Yates. The rare film I saw three times in theaters. Grade: 4 stars.
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