After checking out Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and weighing in with my “B+” review (I almost gave it an A-) I felt the need to tell people how I would rank the first five Harry Potter films, but I didn’t think inside the review was the proper place. It certainly wouldn’t have been as fun. So, let’s dive in and take a look at The Sorcerer’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire and The Order of the Phoenix and see how they stack up against one another.
Let me start off by saying that I think the fourth and fifth place films will be the same for most everyone, it is the top three where people are sure to differ.
There are many reasons Chamber of Secrets comes in at the fifth spot, but primarily because it is a film that just doesn’t do much for the overall story. Aside from the introduction of Tom Riddle I really can’t think of what else this movie does to forward along the entire Harry Potter universe. On top of that, it was directed by Chris Columbus who did a great job directing the first one, but it really didn’t look, feel or seem all that different. I truly hope bringing back David Yates to direct Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince after he directed Order of the Phoenix is a good move and doesn’t have the same “rehash” feel as Chamber of Secrets has.
The one that started it all, and while there really is not a single thing wrong with Sorceror’s Stone, it just isn’t as much fun to watch as the most recent three films. Chris Columbus did a fantastic job of introducing the world of Harry Potter on the big screen, but I think we can all agree that as the films got darker and more mature they also got much better and far more entertaining.
Prisoner of Azkaban was the first Harry Potter movie I had the pleasure of reviewing and it scored an A- with me. As the photo caption says above, it is truly the movie that moved the franchise into a darker, more grown up frame of mind. Alfonso Cuarón did a wonderful job of taking hold of the story and making it his own and his effect on the franchise has been felt ever since.
This is a film that most “film” lovers enjoy as their favorite Potter film and when it comes to the top three it is certainly debatable. From a movie making perspective it is truly the best Potter film hands down, but when it comes to overall entertainment value and likelihood of repeat viewings it falls just a bit short of the top two.
It was a toss up for me between #1 and #2 and I have a feeling in the next couple years Order of the Phoenix will move up on my list, but for now it must be satisfied with the #2 slot. This is only because the first time I watched it I wasn’t convinced I liked it as much as the others. It wasn’t until a second showing, where I actually knew what I was getting into, that I truly enjoyed it.
Based on Goblet of Fire before it and the very cool and action packed trailers that were shown I expected far more action and far less story. Once I realized this is pretty much the Empire Strikes Back of the Potter franchise I was able to enjoy it for what it was, a reason I believe it may move up to #1 some day.
This is based purely on action and entertainment value. Goblet of Fire was kick ass from start to finish and is pure fun the whole way around. On top of that we get our first “real” look at Voldemort and I think we can all agree that Ralph Fiennes as the Dark Lord is one creepy dude.
Quidditch took a back seat to the fun of the Tri-Wizard Tournament and when Harry is battling dragons and man-eating mazes I better not be disturbed, because it is too much fun.
So there you have it. I am sure my opinion will change in another year once Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince hits theaters and almost for certain once Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows finishes the franchise off, but for now this is how they stack up for me. I would love to hear how the rank for you guys!
Check out Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix tomorrow, July 11, with midnight showings beginning tonight! For more on the flick including clips, trailer, over 100 pics and much more click here.
