The Harry Potter movies are based on J.K. Rowling's best-selling book series. There are a total of 11 films that tell Harry's story. Eight of them are based on Harry's life after coming to Hogwarts. The remaining 3 are prequels, set in a time much before Harry. If you're curious about how to experience this magical world, here's a complete timeline to guide you through the correct viewing order.
Magical moments, heartbreaks, wars, and love, I am sure most of you know that I am talking about the Harry Potter storyline. It all started with the birth of the child of prophecy, Harry, who ended the war by defeating the Dark Lord, Voldemort. Forgive me, I should refer to him as the He Who Must Not be Named.
The Harry Potter timeline consists of eight books, but there were three prequels, too. These 11 books have centuries of secret history, legendary battles, and unforgettable friendships. I suggest one must go through the timeline to enjoy the wizarding world fully. So ready your wand! Here, I have portrayed the complete Harry Potter timeline. All events are in chronological order, that holds a spellbinding story for you.
Harry Potter Timeline
There are seven Harry Potter books in total, each with its own film adaptation. The final book, however, was split into two movies to retain its details and depth. Plus, there's another story within the Harry Potter universe that predates its timeline, called Fantastic Beasts.
Do you want to experience Harry's magical journey from the beginning? Here's a complete Harry Potter movie timeline to guide you.
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Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (2016)
This movie was the first Harry Potter spin-off prequel. Set in 1926, it introduced audiences to Newt Scamander, a talented wizard who cares for rare magical creatures. The movie focuses on his life and how he navigates the magical world in New York.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald (2018)
The next movie shows a young Albus Dumbledore. With the help of Salamander and other witches and wizards, Dumbledore tries to stop a dangerous villain, Gellert Grindelwald.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore (2022)
The Secrets of Dumbledore pulls viewers into an uncertain magical world. Grindelwald is trying to get more people on his side and rule the wizarding world. On the other hand, Dumbledore is doing his best to stop him. The movie also shows us the connection between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, and why they're no longer friends.
Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
The Sorcerer's Stone is the first movie based on J.K. Rowling's book series. It opens in the 1980s when Harry is born to Lily and James Potter. The story then jumps to 1991, when Harry receives an invitation to study at Hogwarts. The movie revolves around Harry's first adventure in the wizarding world and his first battle with Voldemort.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
In the Chamber of Secrets, Harry navigates through his second year at Hogwarts. The movie hints at the school's disturbing history and reveals secrets that had long been buried. This time, Harry faces Voldemort's younger self, supported by his loyal friends.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
The Prisoner of Azkaban brings Harry closer to his father's old friends, including Professor Lupin. You will see new characters like Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black. Harry Potter also makes new friends and allies in this movie who stay with him till the end.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
In this movie, the school hosts a Triwizard Tournament. Students from different schools are invited to compete. Harry, who is underage for the competition, finds his name on the final list. Harry is stuck between proving his innocence and taking part in a dangerous magical contest. Harry sees Voldemort in flesh for the first time in this movie.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
The movie shows a battle of wits between the Ministry of Magic and Dumbledore. The Ministry continues to deny Voldemort's return. But Dumbledore takes it upon himself to warn people of the dangers ahead. While Dumbledore is fighting with forces outside the school, Harry starts a rebellion inside. He starts teaching students defensive spells, but his secret eventually comes out.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009)
Harry is different in The Half Blood Prince after losing his godfather in the last movie. He faces more challenges as he tries to deal with Voldemort's return and the danger he is in. This is also the first time audiences see Severus Snape in a different light. But it's the movie ending that breaks everyone's hearts.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (2010)
The book Deathly Hallows was divided into two movie parts because of all the plot twists in the final chapter. In this movie, Harry sets out in the real world with his closest friends, Ron and Hermione. With Dumbledore gone, it's now up to them to find all the Horcruxes and destroy Voldemort.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011)
The final movie in the series focuses on the remaining Horcruxes and the prophecy involving Harry. The trio returns to Hogwarts in Deathly Hallows - Part 2 and fights Voldemort in an unforgettable battle. The outcome of the fight changes the wizarding world forever.
How to Make a Timeline on EdrawMax?
Timelines are great for keeping track of your favorite movie worlds. But creating them from scratch can be tricky. That's where a user-friendly diagramming tool, like EdrawMax can help. The tool allows users to create timelines with pre-built templates and symbols. Its interactive interface makes drawing easy and quick.
So, if you want to make a timeline like the one above, here's a step-by-step guide you can follow.
Step1Get Started
- Log in to EdrawMax using your social media account.
- Select New > Blank Drawing.
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Step2Add Background Image
- Navigate to Insert on the top toolbar and click for more options.
- Choose Picture from the bottom menu.
- Select Local pictures and upload an image to use as the timeline background.
Step3Insert Timeline
- From the same Insert menu, select Timeline.
- Search for Vertical Timeline and select the 4th option.
- Click Okay to insert a timeline.
Step4Customize the Timeline
- Change the Number to 11 to match the movies you want to add to the timeline.
- Select Horizontal Interval from the same menu and increase the spacing to 200.
Step5Insert Text
- Find Text on the left editing panel and click to reveal options.
- Select the Click to Add Body Text option and insert movie titles and major events in text boxes.
Step6Upload Thumbnails
- Follow the steps: Insert > Picture > Local pictures to upload movie thumbnails to the timeline.
- Once uploaded to the drawing, drag and drop each image into its respective image container.
Step7Download the Diagram
- Continue adding images and text until the timeline is complete.
- When you're ready to download, locate Export on the top toolbar and click for download options.
- Choose Graphics to save the timeline in image format.
- You have 9 different export options, like PNG, PDF, PPT, and Excel for sharing your diagram. Select one that best meets your requirement.
Final Remarks
The Harry Potter movies can transport viewers to a whole new world. But the best way to experience it is by watching all the movies in the correct order. This way, you can understand how the storyline develops. As well as enjoy an immersive cinematic experience. Want to create a timeline of your own? Try EdrawMax. It's easy and full of exciting editing features for timeline making.
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