Which Harry Potter Year is Best?

The Harry Potter series has been around since the year 1997 in Britain and made into movies starting in the year 2001. As of November 2020, the Harry Potter series has one of the biggest fanbases just below Star Wars, James Bond, and Batman. In a small summary of the series (without any spoilers for those who haven’t read or watched the series): Harry Potter lives with his aunt and uncle, until a man comes and tells him about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Once he shows up to the wizarding world, multiple adventures turn his world upside down for seven years, and of course within the fan’s opinions, there are favorite Harry Potter years for each person.

7.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

This year was the least favorite for Harry Potter lovers. Many people have their own opinion as to why this year was ranked in seventh place. Responses came as, “Dumbledore is awful, and Umbridge is a real low point, but I love all [of] the students coming together.” Similarly, “I see this as the big low part of the series where they’ve all hit rock bottom and now things can only get better.”

6.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Not really a big fan favorite with a lot of people, but okay in its own right. “Set up so well for the last [second] last book.” “You learn about the origins of Voldemort. There’s drama but also a lot of humor. Leads into the finale really well.” “We learn so much in this one, and it is important, but overall doesn’t have much of an overarching plot.”

5.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

How is this year even relevant to the series as a whole? It’s decent, but it doesn’t have a lot of great information for everything. “So good-just not as relevant to the overall story arch.” “It’s a really scary book for kids! But provides a really good mystery.” 

4.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 

As the start of the whole series, this year wasn’t the best. It was really slow moving, and there wasn’t that much action either. There are some questionable aspects to the year as well. “The characters haven’t developed yet so they are all still likeable and cute.” “It does a good job of world building, but is the must juvenile of the books.”

3.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

All about the games for this year, and not the best either. Not much to really say but it was good, until the last game. “Such a cool idea with the games and stuff.” “I like this one, but it feels a little off.” “Very interesting and the tournament brought an interesting twist.”

2.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

The third year made second because of how amazing the year was. Introducing a prisoner which has a big change towards the end of the year. “This one is a good one, very clever plot. Love Lupin. I still wish there was more backstory for the prisoner.” Additionally, “Most contained storyline. Film is definitely the best, but the book is excellent in its own right. Lupin is one of the best adult characters.” 

1.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

The last year for Harry Potter was a pretty amazing year. With all the adventures coming to an end, it is one of the sad ones as well. “Phenomenal end to the whole series.” “The plot in the beginning is a tiny bit boring, but the end makes up for it because it’s so hectic. … [I] also love the teacher/students all coming together for the final battle.”