Continuing the battle against Grindelwald, this third installment sees Dumbledore and Newt leading a team to thwart the dark wizard's plans. The story takes us to new locations, including Bhutan and Germany, offering glimpses into different magical communities. Mads Mikkelsen takes over the role of Grindelwald, bringing a different intensity to the character. The film focuses on the intricate relationship between Dumbledore and Grindelwald and the ethical complexities of their conflict.

The second film in the Fantastic Beasts series delves deeper into the conflict between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, bringing us to Paris and introducing younger versions of familiar characters. It expands the lore of the wizarding world significantly, exploring complex family trees and political tensions. The visual effects continue to impress, particularly in the depiction of magical duels and creatures. It sets the stage for a larger confrontation to come.

Step back in time to 1920s New York and meet Newt Scamander, a magizoologist with a case full of magical creatures. This film kicks off a new saga set decades before Harry Potter's story, exploring a different era and side of the wizarding world, particularly in America. Eddie Redmayne brings a charming awkwardness to Newt. J.K. Rowling herself wrote the screenplay, marking her screenwriting debut. The film is rich with stunning creature designs and period detail.

The epic conclusion to the saga! This film delivers on the promise of years of build-up, culminating in the Battle of Hogwarts. The scale of the final battle required massive sets and intricate visual effects. The cast and crew were deeply emotional during the final days of filming, marking the end of a decade-long journey together. It's a powerful and action-packed finale that brings closure to the stories of these beloved characters and the wizarding world.

The beginning of the end! Splitting the final book into two films allowed for a more detailed adaptation of the complex plot. Part 1 sees Harry, Ron, and Hermione on the run, hunting Horcruxes, and facing unprecedented danger and isolation. Much of the filming took place on location outside of the usual studio sets, giving the film a raw, road-movie feel. The animation sequence explaining the Deathly Hallows story is a beautifully crafted piece of art unique to this movie.

Focusing heavily on Dumbledore's past and Voldemort's origins, this film balances dark themes with teenage romance and humor. It features stunning cinematography, particularly the cave sequence, which was incredibly challenging to film. Director David Yates returned for this one, continuing his tenure after Order of the Phoenix. Jim Broadbent joins the cast as Horace Slughorn, adding a delightful and complex character. The film explores the consequences of choices and the sacrifices required in the fight against darkness.

This installment sees Harry grappling with isolation and skepticism from the Ministry of Magic while forming Dumbledore's Army. It's the longest book but the shortest film adaptation, requiring some clever condensing of the plot. Imelda Staunton's portrayal of Dolores Umbridge is chillingly perfect, earning her widespread acclaim. The film delves deeper into the psychological toll on Harry and features some intense magical duels. The Ministry of Magic set was the largest built for any of the films!

Things get serious in the fourth film as Harry faces the Triwizard Tournament and the return of Voldemort. This movie is packed with action sequences and introduces several new schools and characters, expanding the world considerably. It's the longest book adapted into one film, a challenging task that director Mike Newell tackled head-on. The Yule Ball sequence is a highlight, showing the characters navigating teenage awkwardness amidst magical grandeur. It truly marks the end of the innocence for Harry and his friends.

Considered by many fans to be one of the best in the series, this film marks a significant shift in tone and visual style thanks to director Alfonso Cuarón. He encouraged the young cast to write essays about their characters to better understand them – Daniel Radcliffe wrote a page, Rupert Grint wrote half a page, and Emma Watson wrote sixteen pages! This movie introduces fan-favorites like Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and the Dementors, elevating the stakes and character development immensely. The cinematography is stunning, making Hogwarts feel more real and expansive than ever before.

The second installment dives deeper into the darker elements of the wizarding world, adding layers of mystery and suspense. It's the only film where we get to see Harry's birthday celebrated at the Dursleys' before Ron and the twins arrive in that flying Ford Anglia – a truly classic moment! Kenneth Branagh is absolutely brilliant as Gilderoy Lockhart, stealing every scene he's in. The film also features the first on-screen appearance of Dobby the House-Elf, brought to life through groundbreaking visual effects for the time.

Embark on the magical journey right from the start! This film perfectly captures the wonder and innocence of discovering the wizarding world alongside Harry. Did you know that director Chris Columbus insisted on filming with real animals for Hedwig, Crookshanks, and Scabbers? Those aren't CGI owls you see! The iconic score by John Williams instantly transports you to Hogwarts. It's the foundation of everything we love about this series, introducing us to unforgettable characters and setting the stage for an epic saga.