Michael Gambon, the celebrated British actor, has died aged 82. Over his acclaimed seven-decade career, Gambon picked up four BAFTAs and 12 Olivier award nominations, and starred in films including Sleepy Hollow, Gosford Park, The Good Shepherd, Brideshead Revisited and Paddington. But for many, Gambon is arguably most recognisable as the second, steelier, Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise.
With this in mind, there’s never been a better time to rewatch the Harry Potter films. And since all eight films landed on Netflix in May, Harry Potter fans who have accounts with the streamer are now able to spend hour after hour enjoying the movies.
So if you’ve been craving a return to Hogwarts, flying cars, giant chess pieces, and he-who-must-not-be-named, here’s a handy reminder of the order that the eight films come in (and a guide to where you can find them, for those who aren’t signed up to Netflix).
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001, PG)
The first film in the franchise sees Harry discovering that he’s a wizard, before heading off on a magical adventure where he meets new friends and comes face to face with his parents’ killer, Voldemort.
Other than streaming on Netflix from May 17, the cheapest options for watching the film are Amazon Prime, YouTube and Google Play: where you can rent it for £2.49, or buy it for £7.99.
On Apple TV the film is available to rent for £3.49, or to buy outright for £7.99 in Ultra HD (aka 4K).
The film is also available as part of a NOW premium subscription.
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002, PG)
In the second Potter film, a malevolent force has been unleashed at Hogwarts. The Chamber of Secrets has been opened and people are being - literally - petrified. Years ago it happened too, and the last time a student was even killed. And so Harry, Ron and Hermione set out to discover what is going on, all the while trying to navigate school life.
The film is available on YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play to rent for £3.49, in UHD. It’s also available to buy in HD for £7.99, or UHD for £9.99. On Amazon Prime, the film is available for the same price in HD.
Or, you can watch on NOW as part of the premium subscription.
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2003, PG)
In the third instalment of the franchise, the dangerous prisoner Sirius Black has broken out of the wizard prison Azkaban, and it looks like he’s going after Harry. At the same time, at Hogwarts, the students are contending with new classes, soul-sucking dementors, and time travel.
The film is available to rent in UHD on YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play for £3.49 and on the same platforms you can also buy the film in UHD for £7.99.
On Amazon Prime, the film is available for the same prices in HD.
Or you can watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Now or on Sky Cinema as part of the premium subscription.
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005, 12)
In the fourth Harry Potter film it’s Triwizard Tournament time, and three of the largest wizarding schools compete by nominating a single student to represent them in increasingly dangerous competitions. Obviously, Harry gets involved. Meanwhile, dark forces are gaining power and Voldemort is back in the picture.
The film is available to rent in UHD on YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play for £3.49, and on the same platforms you can also buy the film in UHD for £7.99. On Amazon Prime the film is available for the same prices in HD.
The film is also available on NOW as part of the premium subscription.
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007, 12)
There’s a shift in the Order of the Phoenix - everything suddenly gets very dark. Voldemort is officially back, there’s a nefarious new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and Harry starts a clandestine magic club, all while battling his own demons.
The film is available to rent in UHD on YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play for £3.49. You can also buy the film on the same platform in UHD for £7.99. On Amazon Prime, the film is available for the same prices in HD.
Then, the film is also available to watch as part of the NOW premium subscription.
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2008, 12)
If you thought matters were already quite dark, the sixth film just gets darker. Hogwarts is no longer safe, Dumbledore starts preparing Harry for battling Voldemort. Elsewhere, Harry has a theory that Draco Malfoy is up to no good, and a terrible tragedy occurs.
The film is available to rent in UHD on YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play for £3.49. On the same platforms you can also buy the film in UHD for £7.99. On Amazon Prime the film is available for the same prices in HD.
As with the other films, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is included in NOW’s premium subscription.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010, 12)
There’s so much going on in the seventh and final book that the last film was split into two. When Part One picks up, things are looking pretty grim. Death Eaters are running amok in both the muggle and wizarding worlds, while Harry, Ron and Hermione set off to try and destroy Horcruxes in order to weaken Voldemort.
The film is available to rent in UHD on YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play for £3.49. You can also it in UHD on the same platforms for £7.99. On Amazon Prime the film is available for the same prices in HD.
It is also available on NOW as part of the premium subscription.
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011, 12)
In the final film, Harry, Ron and Hermione continue to track down and destroy Horcruxes, while Voldemort is on a mission to track down the elder wand - an extra powerful artefact that would make him essentially unbeatable. Then, everything culminates in a huge battle at the school.
The film is available to rent in UHD on YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play for £3.49 and to buy in UHD for £7.99. On Amazon Prime, it is available for the same prices in HD.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 can also be watched on NOW as part of the premium subscription.
