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Well into "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Albus Dumbledore intones as only he can: "Dark and difficult times lie ahead." What does he think lay behind?

In this adventure Harry will do battle with giant lizards, face the attack of the Death Eaters, and in perhaps the most difficult task of all for a 14-year-old, ask a girl to be his date at the Yule Ball.

That Harry survives these challenges goes without saying, since in the world of print his next adventures have already been published, but "Goblet of Fire" provides trials that stretch his powers to the breaking point.

Harry ( Daniel Radcliffe ) was just turning 13 in the previous movie, " Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban " (2004), and the Potter series turns PG-13 with this installment. There is still at least a mail-owl, and what looks like a mail-raven (it may represent FedEx), but many of the twee touches of the earlier films have gone missing to make room for a brawnier, scarier plot. Is it fair to wonder if the series will continue to grow up with Harry, earning the R rating as he turns 17?

Certainly Lord Voldemort seems capable of limitless villainy. Although we glimpsed his face in "The Sorcerer's Stone," we see him in full on screen for the first time in "Goblet of Fire," and he does not disappoint: Hairless, with the complexion of a slug, his nostrils snaky slits in his face, he's played by Ralph Fiennes as a vile creature who has at last been rejoined by his Death Eaters, who were disabled by Harry's magic earlier in the series. Hogwarts School and indeed the entire structure of Harry's world is threatened by Voldemort's return to something approaching his potential powers, and the film becomes a struggle between the civilized traditions of the school and the dark void of Voldemortism.

The film is more violent, less cute than the others, but the action is not the mindless destruction of a video game; it has purpose, shape and style, as in the Triwizard Tournament, which begins the film. Three finalists are chosen by the Goblet of Fire, and then the Goblet spits out an unprecedented fourth name: Harry Potter's. This is against the rules, since you have to be 17 to compete in Triwizardry, and Harry is only 14, but Dumbledore's hands are tied: What the Goblet wants, the Goblet gets. The question is, who entered Harry's name, since Harry says he didn't?

The Triwizard Tournament begins near the start of the film, but after the Quidditch World Cup, which takes place within a stadium so vast it makes the Senate Chamber in "Star Wars" look like a dinner theater. The cup finals are interrupted by ominous portents; the Death Eaters attack, serving notice that Voldemort is back and means business. But the early skirmishes are repelled, and the students return to Hogwarts, joined by exchange students from two overseas magic academies: From France come the Beauxbaton girls, who march on parade like Bemelmans' maids all in a row, and from Durmstrang school in central Europe come clean-cut Aryan lads who look like extras from " Triumph of the Will ."

Besides Harry, Cedric Diggory is the Triwizard contestant from Hogwarts, and the other finalists are Viktor Krum, a Quidditch master from Durmstrang who looks ready to go pro, and the lithe Fleur Delacour, a Beauxbaton siren. Together they face three challenges: They must conquer fire-breathing dragons, rescue captives in a dark lagoon and enter a maze, which, seen from the air, seems limitless. The maze contains a threat for Harry that I am not sure is anticipated by the Triwizard rules; within it waits Voldemort himself, who has been lurking offstage and now emerges in malevolent fury.

Against these trials, which are enough to put you off your homework, Harry also must negotiate his fourth year at Hogwarts. As usual, there is a bizarre new teacher on the faculty. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody ( Brendan Gleeson ) is the new professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, and seems made of spare parts; he has an artificial limb, and a glass eye that incorporates a zoom lens and can swivel independently of his real eye.

There is also, finally, full-blown adolescence to contend with. I'd always thought Harry would end up in love with Hermione Granger ( Emma Watson ), even though their inseparable friend Ron Weasley ( Rupert Grint ) clearly has the same ambition. But for the Yule Ball, Harry works up the courage to ask Cho Chang (Katie Leung), who likes him a lot. Ron asks Hermione, but she already has a date, with the student most calculated to inspire Ron's jealousy. These scenes seem almost in the spirit of John Hughes' high school movies.

Most of the Potter series regulars are back, if only for brief scenes, and it is good to see the gamekeeper Hagrid ( Robbie Coltrane ) find love at last, with Madame Maxime (Frances de la Tour), headmistress of Beauxbaton. Hagrid, you will recall, is a hairy half-giant. Frances is even taller, but she's a mercifully less hairy giantess. One new character is the snoopy Rita Skeeter ( Miranda Richardson ), gossip columnist of the Daily Prophet, a paper that has pictures that talk, like the portraits in earlier films.

With this fourth film, the Harry Potter saga demonstrates more than ever the resiliency of J.K. Rowling's original invention. Her novels have created a world that can expand indefinitely and produce new characters without limit. That there are schools like Hogwarts in other countries comes as news and offers many possibilities; the only barrier to the series lasting forever is Harry's inexorably advancing age. The thought of him returning to Hogwarts for old boys' day is too depressing to contemplate.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" was directed by Mike Newell , the first British director in the series (he turned down the first Potter movie). Newell's credits range from the romantic "Four Weddings and a Funeral" to the devastating " Donnie Brasco " to the gentle "Enchanted April."

Such varied notes serve him well in "Goblet," which explores a wide emotional range. He balances delicately between whimsy and the ominous, on the uncertain middle ground where Harry lives, poised between fun at school, teenage romance and the dark abyss.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images

157 minutes

Emma Watson as Hermione Granger

Michael Gambon as Dumbledore

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter

Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley

Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid

Brendan Gleeson as Alastor Moody

Based on the novel by

• J.K. Rowling

Directed by

• Mike Newell
• Steve Kloves

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Harry potter and the goblet of fire, common sense media reviewers.

Excellent, but magical adventures getting edgier, darker.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

In the ongoing story about good and evil, Harry le

Harry and his friends demonstrate courage, perseve

Hermione's independence and complexity as a strong

Two deaths, including one very stirring death of a

Some references to 14-year-olds' sexual interest;

"Bloody hell," "piss off," and similar words.

While Harry Potter merchandise proliferates in the

Madame Maxime's horses only drink single-malt whis

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the first PG-13 movie in the Harry Potter series (all based on the books by J.K. Rowling), and not for nothing. The fourth installment has two deaths (including a really sad one), scary creatures, some romantic yearnings, and edge-of-the-seat…

Positive Messages

In the ongoing story about good and evil, Harry learns important life lessons in the wake of tragedy. Honesty and integrity are repeatedly at stake. Friendship, love, bravery, and loyalty are always major themes in the series, as is the idea of making good choices.

Positive Role Models

Harry and his friends demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Harry, in particular, learns the value of integrity and playing fairly. He remains humble, even in the face of his newfound celebrity.

Diverse Representations

Hermione's independence and complexity as a strong female character continue to grow with age. Cho Chang, a British Asian character, is introduced as Harry's love interest. In minor roles, two girls of South Asian descent, sisters Parvati and Padma Patil, are invited by Harry and Ron to the Yule Ball; Angelina Johnson, a Black female student, accepts Fred Weasley's invitation; and Dean Thomas, another Black student, appears without lines. Early in the film, the Quidditch World Cup introduces audiences to the concept of a global wizarding world that includes a delegation of Black wizards dressed in African robes, but the background characters don't speak.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Two deaths, including one very stirring death of a teen. No blood is shown, but lifeless bodies are. Children are in peril, often at the hands of magical creatures: dragons burn, chase, and cut Triwizard competitors; mermaids brandish spears as students are held captive underwater. A spider is tortured in a class demonstration. A hand is severed and sacrificed, and Harry is tortured by a curse, writhing in pain.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Some references to 14-year-olds' sexual interest; Harry is accosted in the bathtub by a ghostly girl; some couples kiss in the shadows after the Yule Ball.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

While Harry Potter merchandise proliferates in the real world, the film only shows characters occasionally spending money. The importance of fashion briefly comes into play as the students get ready for the Yule Ball.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Madame Maxime's horses only drink single-malt whiskey. Students drink butterbeer -- a magical-world drink with a pinch of alcohol.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the first PG-13 movie in the Harry Potter series (all based on the books by J.K. Rowling), and not for nothing. The fourth installment has two deaths (including a really sad one), scary creatures, some romantic yearnings, and edge-of-the-seat scenes. With each film, the scariness quotient increases. This movie features fighting dragons, tortured bugs, a huge booby-trapped maze, and an underwater horror show. Young kids who don't understand the difference between fantasy and reality should stay clear. So should kids going through an anxious time about unnamed terrors or unwanted separations, as one of the death scenes may be extra upsetting. The action is sometimes rowdy, and camera movements/edits are aggressive, all of which increase the scary effects. Romantic tensions ramp up in this installment. Characters demonstrate courage , perseverance , and teamwork , as well as humility and integrity . In addition, friendship, love, bravery, and loyalty are always major themes in the series, as is the idea of making good choices. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Community Reviews

• Parents say (54)
• Kids say (338)

Based on 54 parent reviews

Really good movie for kids who can handle it

Good summary of the book, starts the transition to more tween topics, what's the story.

In HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, Harry ( Daniel Radcliffe ) and friends are 14 now and growing up fast, having crushes, and realizing what huge expectations the wizarding world has for them during dangerous times. This year, Hogwarts hosts guests from two other schools -- Beauxbatons Academy and Durmstrang Institute -- for the Triwizard Tournament. The Tournament contestants are selected by the magical Goblet of Fire; they must fight dragons, figure out a dangerous underwater rescue, and find their way out of a dangerous maze. But Harry is on his own against his true enemy.

Is It Any Good?

​​The fourth film in the Harry Potter series tends to move steadily from plot point to plot point, ensuring that each beloved character from the novel gets at least a brief moment on screen. When Harry, Hermione ( Emma Watson ), and Ron ( Rupert Grint ) attend the Quidditch World Cup in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , they witness the full-on effects of sports celebrity: Fans cheer and stomp their feet, and magical images of the players shimmer over the crowd. The fact that the World Cup site is destroyed by Lord Voldemort's ( Ralph Fiennes ) Death Eaters hardly brings pause.

The Triwizard Tournament extends the movie's thematic interest in celebrity. In due course, Harry is exposed to cheating (by adult coaches who mean for their charges to win) and not a little bit of emotional and physical abuse. The movie makes us ask whether 14- or 17-year-old kids should have to be warriors and survivors. Harry and his friends must undergo pain, work through fear, and even decide whether to fight back or inflict pain. Growing up is a difficult transition on-screen or off, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire makes being a teen look pretty unpleasant. That being said, this film is as good as the others in the series, and kids old enough to handle the scary elements will surely enjoy it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 's more mature content and who this movie is targeted to. Young kids are going to want to see this -- should the movie have been toned down, or is the violent content appropriate given the characters' age?

For kids who read the book the film is based on , which plot points got left out that you missed? Why do you think they left out the house elves? What role did they serve in the books?

Cheating is rampant among the teachers and judges involved in the Triwizard competition, but not among the competitors. Why do you think this is? How do Harry's actions reveal his integrity ?

Between famous Quidditch players and the Triwizard Tournament participants, celebrity culture creeps into the wizarding world. How does Harry react to his fame? Does he remain humble ?

How do the characters in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire demonstrate courage , perseverance , and teamwork ? Why are these important character strengths ?

Movie Details

• In theaters : November 18, 2005
• On DVD or streaming : March 7, 2006
• Cast : Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson , Rupert Grint
• Director : Mike Newell
• Studio : Warner Bros.
• Genre : Fantasy
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy
• Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
• Run time : 156 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images.
• Award : Kids' Choice Award
• Last updated : May 6, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Reviews

[Director Mike] Newell brings a distinctively British sense of low key, wry humor to the spectacle without losing the increasingly serious dimensions of the drama, and he brings out marvelous shades of personality from our evolving young heroes.

Full Review | Jan 6, 2024

...a woefully uneven installment that feels, for the most part, as though it should be a good hour shorter...

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Dec 13, 2021

It's increasingly evident that seven books and as many as eight theatrical adaptations fuel the need for too much filler subplots or nonessential side characters.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Sep 29, 2020

More precious than a Golden Snitch in a game of Quidditch, this is one of the Must See films of the year.

Full Review | Nov 13, 2019

Good film directed for a teenage audience in which not only is magic taught but also how stereotypes affect it while the film itself recreates some British stereotypes. [Review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 11, 2019

For the first time, the stakes of this battle of good and evil become painfully evident.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 5, 2019

It feels rushed and there are definitely the most plotholes in this entry in the series. Still, when it does work it really works.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Apr 4, 2019

Goblet of Fire is great, very watchable and re-watchable.

Full Review | Jan 26, 2018

Where Newell really scores is in taking a leaf out of Peter Jackson's book and cranking up the fear factor.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 8, 2014

For those like me who are outside but sympathetic to the faith, it looks like another handsomely made, good-natured and high-spirited family movie, which is dramatically stymied through being locked within school grounds.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 8, 2014

For the first time, adults might actually enjoy a Harry Potter film as much as children.

Full Review | Dec 8, 2014

Goblet is really just a glorified, 157-minute teaser trailer, an empty epic of proportions that truly stagger.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/5 | Dec 8, 2014

The adolescent subplot is treated sweetly by Newell. The awkward dances and dating faux pas at the school ball feel like additions from some other, less mythic series, and form a welcome respite from the intense magic-making of the rest of the film.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 8, 2014

Much of the credit goes to Radcliffe and his co-stars, who have become better actors with each film. They have become increasingly adept at conveying great emotion as each film demands more of them.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Dec 8, 2014

I think this is the best Potter film yet, for one simple reason: it's not like a Harry Potter film.

In its last third, The Goblet of Fire builds to a climax of such overpowering dread that you might just forget the rest. Harry grows up in an instant, and the film does, too.

The acting is stronger than ever in this fourth installment.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 8, 2014

By demonstrating to us how Harry and his friends are budding and changing and struggling, the film demonstrates the progressive richness of Rowling's storytelling skills and oddly haunting allure of her writing.

All in all, Goblet of Fire is certainly the best Potter yet, with most of the cast doing their roles justice, some great direction and Steven Kloves' screenplay makes the core of Rowling's novel into a fast-paced but easily-comprehensible enjoyable movie.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 8, 2014

Kloves has streamlined J. K. Rowling's 700-plus-page opus into cinematic fighting form. And the special effects, which threatened to overwhelm the first two movies, are seamlessly integrated.

From the Archives: ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ finally gets Harry Potter right

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Today marks the 20th anniversary of the first book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. From our archives, we’re resurfacing The Times’ original reviews of each Harry Potter film adaptation. The following review of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” was first published on Nov. 19, 2005.

It’s taken them long enough, but the movies have finally gotten Harry Potter right. Despite the reported $2.7 billion earned by the series’ three previous attempts, it’s not until “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” that a film has successfully re-created the sense of stirring magical adventure and engaged, edge-of-your-seat excitement that has made the books such an international phenomenon.

Viewed as a whole, the Potter movies are shaping up to be a fascinating experiment in big-budget filmmaking. Using the same J.K. Rowling source material, the same screenwriter (the excellent Steve Kloves), largely the same cast but a variety of directors, the Potter pictures have ended up reflecting the sensibility of their filmmaker more than that of the author.

MORE: Every ‘Harry Potter’ movie review »

With the reliably commercial Chris Columbus in charge, the first two Potters were soulless but safe-as-houses copies of the books.

The gifted Alfonso Cuaron attempted to escape the bonds of the conventional in “The Prisoner of Azkaban” but succeeded only in part.

It has fallen to the veteran Mike Newell, eager, in his own words, “to break out of this goody-two-shoes feel,” to make the first Harry Potter film to be wire-to-wire satisfying.

Newell is an impeccable craftsman with four decades of cinematic experience, a veteran less concerned with projecting a lofty auteur sensibility than giving the best of his films, from the chilling “Dance With a Stranger” to the comic “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” what they need from a practical point of view.

The first thing the Hertfordshire-born Newell has added to the mix is a welcome sense of ownership of the book’s setting. Having been a boarding school boy himself, Newell, the series’ first British director, displays a comfort level with the world of Hogwarts that comes with knowing it in his bones.

Newell works equally well with the preexisting cast and the film’s new British actors, principally a convincing Ralph Fiennes as the dread Lord Voldemort, a comic Miranda Richardson as weaselly journalist Rita Skeeter and, best of all, Brendan Gleeson as the irrepressible Mad-Eye Moody, the latest in Hogwarts’ notably eccentric series of Defense Against the Dark Arts instructors.

The presence of Voldemort in the creepy-crawly flesh signals that this is the first Potter movie to have a PG-13 rating for “sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images.” Fortunately, “Goblet” is not an R-rated movie trying to pass as something tamer but a genuine PG-13, pleasantly shivery but in no way savage or sadistic.

Newell also proves to be adept at bringing a feeling of page- turning propulsion to a grittier than usual narrative that, courtesy of one of the series’ better plots, is rife with convincing jeopardy situations.

The danger starts at the Quidditch World Cup, where the festivities are marred by rioting by Voldemort’s Death Eaters and the appearance of his Dark Mark in the sky.

That Quidditch match, the 422nd to be exact, is also the first tipoff as to how special “Goblet’s” special effects are going to be. The enormous stadium where the match is held seems appropriately both in and out of this world, and it sets the stage for a series of magical moments -- including the magnificent Durmstrang sailing ship rising out of the lake and the dozen winged horses drawing the gigantic Beauxbatons carriage -- that are to come.

When Harry says “I love magic,” we can see just what he’s talking about.

The wizarding schools arriving by ship and coach have come to Hogwarts for the legendary Triwizard Tournament -- “eternal glory awaits the winner,” promises headmaster Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) - - that is the spine of “Goblet’s” plot and the excuse for considerable amounts of magic and excitement.

Through a series of unlikely events, Harry gets to participate in the tournament and has to contend with a trio of exceptionally daunting tasks. The young wizard has to perform heroically underwater, deal with a claustrophobic, mind-altering maze and evade a terrifying Hungarian Horntail dragon so realistic that the film’s “No dragons were harmed in the making of this film” disclaimer in the closing credits seems more valid than tongue-in-cheek.

“Goblet of Fire” was the first Potter novel to weigh in at the whopping 600-page-plus length that has become standard, and though many events have been eliminated, including those always irritating house elves, “Goblet” the film is still longer than it should be at two hours and 34 minutes.

Ripe for cutting is the picture’s weakest element, its exploration of the agonies of early teen dating and friendship. The film’s heart simply is not in questions like how long Ron (Rupert Grint) and Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) will stay mad at each other, and a little romantic awkwardness among 14-year-olds goes an awfully long way.

This is especially true because Emma Watson’s Hermione has grown into easily the most attractive student on campus, so far removed from the books’ insistence that she is a plain and bossy girl that it makes a complete hash of the sections of the plot dealing with her social life.

Though memorable acting is neither called for nor delivered on the part of “Goblet’s” collection of juveniles, Radcliffe’s Harry does get one thing exactly right. Watching him face myriad challenges, we’re convinced that Harry’s heart will lead him to do the right thing. He does good in the most natural way and, like so much of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” that’s just how it should be.

‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’

MPAA rating : PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images

Times guidelines : Chilling at times, but not in a bad way

More “Harry Potter” film reviews from the archives:

‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ can’t shake an episodic feeling

‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ is well-crafted but sometimes hard to endure

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1’ delivers more of the same for series fans

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

• User Reviews
• The scene where Dudley eats the ton-tongue coffee and has an enlarged tongue. The Dursley's aren't included in this one at all.
• Weasley's Wizard Weezes are not mentioned
• The character Ludo Bagman is left out altogether
• Winky isn't in the movie
• S.P.E.W (Society for the Protection of Elfish Welfare), the Elf-rights activist group formed by Hermione, is left out altogether. And i thought this added a lot to the story throughout the book
• Hagrid's humiliation at being exposed as a Half-giant is left out, and so of course is Harry, Ron, and Hermione coming to comfort him
• no Blast-Ended Screwts
• Hermione never catches Rita Skeeter in her animagus form (a beetle) as she does in the book
• The scene in which Draco Malfoy is attacked on the train near the end isn't in the movie
• The money Harry wins from the tournament and gives to Fred and George to go toward starting their joke shop is left out
• The discussion with Fudge about Voldemort's return and his refusal to accept it is left out. I don't know how they're going to reconcile this one because Fudge's refusal to accept Voldemort is crucial in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
• Sirius coming to Hogwarts to see Harry after the Third Task is left out

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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Reviews in chronological order (Total 20 reviews)

Unknownusers, submitted by will on 06/12/2005 15:18.

12 June 2005 3:18PM

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• DVD & Streaming

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

• Action/Adventure , Drama , Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Content Caution

In Theaters

• Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter; Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley; Emma Watson as Hermione Granger; Michael Gambon as Dumbledore; Brendan Gleeson as Mad-Eye Moody; Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid; Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort; Maggie Smith as Prof. McGonagall; Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter; Robert Pattinson as Cedric Diggory

Home Release Date

• Mike Newell

Distributor

• Warner Bros.

Movie Review

That pesky scar. As 14-year-old wizard-in-training Harry Potter prepares for his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he is plagued by nightmares of the dark lord who killed his parents and left that nasty, increasingly painful lightning-bolt scar on his forehead. In those tormented dreams Harry sees the diminished Lord Voldemort plotting with his evil minions. Their goal: Restore Voldemort’s former power and finish off the boy wizard once and for all.

The first sign that something is amiss occurs during the selection process for the prestigious Triwizard Tournament. A student from each of three European schools of witchcraft gets to compete in its celebrated, perilous games. No one under 17 is eligible. After the lucky trio is formally announced with much fanfare, the crowd is shocked when a fourth name emerges from the mystical goblet of fire: Harry Potter . An outrage! Did he cheat? Is this a vain grab for glory? His peers think so, which makes Harry an outcast even in the eyes of his best friend, Ron Weasley. Regardless of how his name was illegally manipulated into the giant chalice, the flaming goblet’s word is final and soon a reluctant Harry Potter finds himself risking life and limb for “eternal glory” against older, far more skilled wizards.

Lined up for Harry in Goblet of Fire are angry merfolk, a fire-breathing dragon and a killer hedgerow manicured into an enormous maze. There’s also a climactic showdown with Voldemort in the flesh. However, none of those trials compares to Harry’s most daunting challenge—finding a date for the Yule Ball. Yes, they’ve finally reached that age. In addition to spells, spills and thrills, this fourth and darkest chapter (so far) in J.K. Rowling’s bewitching saga finds friends Harry, Ron and Hermione facing off against hormones and all of the awkwardness and angst that comes with adolescence.

Positive Elements

Harry proves himself virtuous by putting the welfare of others ahead of his own glory and safety. Despite the psychological fog induced by the maze, Harry is clear-headed enough to rescue a fallen competitor rather than let him perish. He then insists they share the prize. His underwater heroics save a girl’s life at personal expense, and the tournament committee sees fit to honor his selflessness with a reward for “outstanding moral fiber.”

In spite of conflict and misunderstandings, loyal friends stand by one another. Hermione boldly speaks out on behalf of a classmate in crisis. The Weasleys are a close-knit clan generous to Ron’s friends. A fallen student is honored for being kind, honest, brave and true. Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore calls for unity, friendship and cooperation among students from different schools and cultures. Viewers are reminded of how Harry’s mother sacrificially gave her life to save him as a baby.

It is deemed unlawful to use three “unforgivable curses” designed to control, torture or kill.

Spiritual Elements

Without magic and the occult there is no story. Supernatural goings-on inhabit every corner of the film. Harry and others fly on brooms, wield magic wands and utter incantations. Humans are transformed into animals and “hybrids.” Words recited skyward cause clouds to form dark, foreboding symbols. Objects are endowed with the ability to transport anyone touching them from one place to another.

While navigating the hedge maze, a competitor is “bewitched.” Harry has an encounter with Moaning Myrtle, the ghost of a student murdered in the girl’s restroom. A disturbing scene in a graveyard finds one of Voldemort’s toadies tossing the shriveled wizard into a cauldron before adding other ingredients (including his own hand) that fuel a macabre transformation. The spirits of Voldemort’s most recent kills appear to Harry and talk to him.

Sexual Content

Young men and women are flush with a newfound awareness of the opposite sex, though their interaction remains innocent. Still, the camera lingers on a group of girls’ backsides wiggling in unison. While dancing with a woman, Hagrid’s hand wanders south of her waist (she is quick to move it back).

A giggling female ghost makes a game out of trying to see Harry naked through the suds of his bath. Hermione backpedals after describing her reticent new boyfriend to Harry as more of a “physical being,” leaving viewers with no reason to think the couple has gone very far, physically.

Violent Content

A student is killed by a blast from a wand. So is an old man unfortunate enough to be caught eavesdropping on Voldemort’s plans. An evil servant cuts off his own hand and draws blood from Harry’s arm to cast a spell. A high-ranking official is found dead.

Voldemort assaults Harry, both verbally and with powerful magic. The Death Eaters, a sinister, Klan-like group with pointy black hats, crash the Quidditch World Cup event, creating chaos and decimating a campground by hurling fireballs (Harry gets knocked unconscious). A fire-breathing dragon knocks Harry about, chases him through the air and stalks him on a rooftop before it plummets into a chasm. During an underwater trial, Potter is accosted by octopus-like creatures that nearly drown him. And he’s bitten on the hand by an owl and a bowlful of squirming “snacks.”

A boy possessed by an evil spirit attacks an opponent who is then entangled by vines and dragged into the maze wall. The walls also threaten to crush people. Roots erupt and wrap themselves around another boy whose life is saved at the last minute.

Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody, Hogwarts’ latest Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, casts torturous spells on a bug before killing it. Professor Snape whacks disruptive boys over the head with a book.

Crude or Profane Language

Ron has the habit of saying “bloody h—” and angrily tells Harry to “p-ss off.” A student exclaims “oh my god.” Harry uses the phrase “I don’t give a d–n.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

Mad-Eye’s desperate sips from a flask turn out to be doses of a potion, though for most of the film we’re led to believe he’s drinking alcohol. A visiting headmistress notes that her carriage horses drink only malt whiskey.

Other Negative Elements

The audience is made to feel good about Mad-Eye’s pragmatic disregard for rules and protocol. Some images (skulls, serpents, headstones, etc.) may not be spiritual or violent per se, but they convey an aura of wickedness and death.

Although I’m not a big Harry Potter fan, I can’t question this film’s quality on an artistic level. The production values are amazing. The architecture and fantastic European locales are Gothic yet charming. Central characters grow in interesting ways, while newly introduced ones—notably Miranda Richardson’s gossip columnist and Brendan Gleeson’s pirate-like professor with a goofy, roving artificial eye—are quirky and energetic. First-time Potter director Mike Newell had hard choices to make about what parts of the mammoth book to leave out ( Goblet still clocks in at two-and-a-half hours) yet manages to create a cohesive product, and does a good job of marrying the story’s bustling action with quieter moments of coming-of-age teen turmoil.

Nevertheless, no matter how skillfully the story gets told or how selfless, ethical and heroic Harry may be, it’s impossible for me to invest myself in a series that glamorizes witchcraft. It’s easy to laugh when spineless bully Draco gets turned into a ferret. But it gets harder to make light of the sorcery when a potion requires that a man hack off his own hand, borrow a bone from a rotting corpse and drain blood from Harry’s arm.

Whether it’s grim treachery or comic relief, the film’s wall-to-wall sorcery is birthed from a faulty worldview that taps into the occult and never recognizes any divine authority. Unlike The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia , the entire series is built on a shaky spiritual foundation that sends young fans confusing messages about the morality and merits of the dark arts.

Of course, this is film four. Families that consider the supernatural sinew that binds Harry Potter together more trouble than it’s worth probably put the kibosh on it a long time ago. The ones still with it have decided either a) sorcery isn’t a big deal, or b) while they oppose real-life witchcraft, non-stop spells and incantations are acceptable when used as a literary device.

Even those in the “go with it” camp may find their patience tested with Goblet of Fire, the first film to warrant a PG-13 rating. It’s extremely grim at times and even features the death of a Hogwarts student. I was amazed at the number of small children seated around me in the theater. At what point will moms and dads who’ve been saying “yes” to voracious young Potter fans decide that things have gone too far? This could be it. Dumbledore warns Harry, “Soon we must face the choice between what is right and what is easy.” They’re not the only ones.

Bob Smithouser

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Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire Review

18 Nov 2005

157 minutes

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire

The fourth offering in the Harry Potter franchise sees The Boy Who Lived and his chums trying to get through another year at the increasingly dangerous Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry. This means, as ever, secrets and treachery within, hostilities with classmates and life-threatening magical sports days. New to the mix is the embarrassing reality of tortured adolescence, with sexual awakenings and brooding mood-swings exacerbated by the added distraction of glamorous foreign exchange students. Making quite the grand entrance are the chic girls of Beauxbatons Academy and the hunky boys of Durmstrang Institute. Welcome to Harry Potter And The Rampaging Hormones.

This is certainly not a movie for young children, however engaging its characters and comic touches. Teen angst and relationship problems are pretty boring if you’re six. But it’s not the burgeoning sexuality that’s landed the picture its 12A certificate, rather its genuinely darker vein of fantasy horror. For the maturing Potter core audience this is well-developed, with teasing terrors and skin-crawling set-pieces as the dark Lord Voldemort rises again — as all dark lords must, it seems, DLs notoriously being even harder to kill totally dead than the nut-job in Halloween. (Quite why Lord V. is so preoccupied with plotting against the promising pipsqueak Harry is presumably something to be clarified for cinema audiences in the fullness of time.)

Mike Newell, as the first British director entrusted with a series entry, oversees plenty of spiffing special-effects action — the Quidditch World Cup final, a dragon fight, an underwater sequence and Gary Oldman’s (all-too-brief) fiery apparition — but as one would expect, he does a good job with the more personal, realistic emotional content, bringing on the young leads’ performances noticeably in the process. So it’s a shame that he’s less successful in handling the necessary novel-to-screen compression.

Even though Newell’s adaptation runs to more than two-and-a-half hours, the book is such a doorstopper that screenwriter Steve Kloves had to ditch more material this time around. Harry’s annual confinement with his ghastly Dursley relations and Hermione’s house-elf-liberation campaign is gone. While he was at it, it’s a pity he didn’t also delete tabloid hackette Rita Skeeter — however much one likes Miranda Richardson — since she obviously functions as author J. K. Rowling’s dig at celebrity-stalking gossips, adding nothing more than running-time the story doesn’t need.

As it is, there’s too much contrasting material with which to contend: the life-or-death challenges of the Triwizard competition are interspersed with a host of new characters and their sinister or serio-comic sub-plots, school lessons, the agenda of yet another eccentric new Defence Against The Dark Arts professor in Brendan Gleeson’s fierce Mad-Eye Moody, Potter sidekick Ron’s sulks, swotty Hermione’s makeover and Harry’s blushing attempts to ask a girl to a dance…

Consequently, the story editing goes through some distinctly choppy patches. It looks as if several scenes were filmed at greater length, surviving in quick snippets that are frequently unnecessary. The movie Newell set out to make — eccentric comedy-cum-Hitchcockian conspiracy — can only be glimpsed briefly, before that beast of a plot charges back into shot, demanding attention.

Thankfully, most of it is pulled together towards the end. It’s no secret that Ralph Fiennes handles the long-awaited appearance of evil Voldemort himself, and thankfully his big scene is sensationally creepy, ensuring strong anticipation for frights to come.

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Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

• General Disdain
• Movie Reviews
• 6 responses
• --> November 28, 2005

I won’t call myself a devoted follower of the Harry Potter phenomenon dreamed up by J.K. Rowling, while she slept on the streets of Edinburgh. I would say, however, that I am a man who enjoyed the first three movies enough to look forward to seeing the latest incarnation: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire .

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire basically continues where “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” left off. Another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for Mr. Harry Potter and his wizard friends. This time however, Harry is thrust into the Tri-Wizard Tournament where he must go against older and stronger wizards in challenging quests, all the while dealing with being a 14 year old boy.

Although, in all honestly, I can’t remember fully the stories behind the previous movies, I do believe Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire delves deeper into the psyche of Harry Potter. This is a good thing. We see Harry as being a troubled adolescent, coming to terms with the loss of parents, his awkwardness with girls and his realization of his birthright. It’s just not all fun and games for the boy-wizard anymore. The action scenes are fast paced and the CGI, be it lush landscapes to pissed off dragons, is top notch. Another surprising plus about the movie is Emma Watson who plays Harry’s girl pal Hermione Granger. She is young yet, but in a few years she’ll be one of the hot crowd in Hollywood . . . watch for her.

Of course there are a few dull moments. First, this movie is loooong. Damn near three hours. I would have preferred if the movie was a bit more condensed. After all, I’m an important person, motherfucker. Secondly, the movie is awfully dark. Understandably, a lot of the movie takes place at night, but I once I start squinting to see what the fuck is going I begin to lose focus.

Personally, I don’t think Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the best movie in the series. This doesn’t mean you won’t get your kicks out of this movie though. Any fan of the books should see it (if you haven’t already). As for casual followers, if you have three hours to kill, watch it. Otherwise, life will continue as always.

Tagged: magic , novel adaptation , school , sequel

I'm an old, miserable fart set in his ways. Some of the things that bring a smile to my face are (in no particular order): Teenage back acne, the rain on my face, long walks on the beach and redneck women named Francis. Oh yeah, I like to watch and criticize movies.

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'Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)' have 6 comments

December 5, 2005 @ 8:42 am Bounce Hand

I’m not a big fan of Harry Potter and I have not watched the previous movies either. When I started to watch this movie, I did not have any expectations. To me this was some kid movie which reached puberty for the first since it has a PG-13 ranking for first time in all its installments. The Goblet of Fire starts with Harry Potter having a dream, which failed to make any sense to me since for obvious reasons, that I had not watched the previous movies from the series. There upon the movie moves to some match up between Ireland and Bulgaria, and I’m thinking soccer match with some witchcraft for scoring goals. Next comes the Triwizard tournament, nut somehow Harry Potter’s name is picked up and spat from the Goblet of Fire! Suprise there. The games itself had some nice touch to it trying to fight the dragons or fishing for some dead people under the lake with a fresh set of fins and gills. This most recent movie transforms into the setting of a contemporary high school, with teachers slapping students on the back of the head or throwing chalk at them when they are inattentive. They seem to have forgotten they have wands. This movie leans heavily on the previous films. Scraps of unfinished storylines litter the screen. A character is found dead in the forest with no cause of death and no murderer. In the closing scenes Dumbledore delivers a monologue about overcoming prejudice. And last to mention is the fact that some character called Lord Voldemort is played by Ralph Fiennes is worth mentioning. Well to sum it up, scenes fly by, stripped of depth or meaningful dialog. Atleast this was to me since I could not follow half the movie or who or what the characters meant unless there was some previous knowledge. This movie fell off a cliff. I rate this movie D.

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December 5, 2005 @ 11:31 am Mr. Chocolate

Perhaps you should have seen the first movies before tearing this movie to pieces. Did you feel the same when you watched Star Wars? I thnk not. . .

December 5, 2005 @ 3:20 pm Bounce Hand

Well before I go watch the movie to fill in the gaps, I did mention how the likes of this movie was lacking certain ingredients to make it a worthy watch. Last off, I don’t think this movie would match up to Star Wars even after watching all the previous movies from the series to make comparisons.

December 5, 2005 @ 8:54 pm Mr. Chocolate

I mentioned Star Wars because it is actually the fourth movie of the series. However, I don’t imagine you complained when you first saw it because there were things that you didn’t understand. . .

December 15, 2005 @ 11:47 am Killer Rooster

You mentioned squinting at the dark settings of the movie. You must have a crappy TV set as most of the better high end TV’s now out today adjust this problem by employing several techniques to provide crisp images in dark settings. Time to break the bank and upgrade.

January 25, 2006 @ 8:48 pm Mr. Chocolate

Perhaps I would, if only thecatenas.com paid more for my illustrious reviews . . .

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Parent Guide

During his fourth year at Hogwarts School, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is mysteriously chosen to participate in the dangerous Tri-wizard Tournament. But the competition turns into more than just a game when the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and his followers decide to play along.

Release date November 17, 2005

Run Time: 157 minutes

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The guide to our grades, parent movie review by donna gustafson.

The game is afoot before Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) even enters Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his fourth year, because the wicked forces of Lord Voldemort have not paused for a summer vacation. Instead they’ve haunted Harry’s dreams and even hosted a fiery demonstration at the Quidditch World Cup Championships. Yet if the fourteen-year-old boy hopes things will settle down once he is within the walls of the ancient learning academy, he is about to be disappointed.

The new school term brings an exciting opportunity for Hogwarts to participate in a Triwizard Tournament by selecting one student representative to face off against competitors from two other magical institutions. It is a dangerous sport and only the oldest pupils are allowed to put their names forward. So when the Goblet of Fire , the enchanted object given the task of choosing the winning contestants, pulls from its blue flame a piece of parchment on which is scribbled “Harry Potter,” there are suspicions of interference from evil sources. The only way to know for sure however is to let the novice wizard play along—and hope he can discover (or at least out maneuver) any secret strategy.

The violence, which includes moments of peril throughout, depictions of injury and death, as well as the re-incarnation of you-know-who (Ralph Fiennes), will present the biggest content issues, although not the only ones. The movie also explores the boy-girl relationships of its adolescent cast. These portrayals are usually humorous (like the awkwardness of finding a date for the Yule Ball), and provide opportunities for some sexual innuendo (such as the sly comments made by a female ghost who interrupts Harry’s bath). The use of mild profanities appears to be part of the coming-of-age too.

None of this will surprise avid readers. Their chief concerns will be the impact of another new director (Mike Newell) and whether or not the screenwriter (Steve Kloves again) stays true to the original. These word-watchers should be happy to know that despite having to whittle down a 400-plus-page book into a two and a half hour script, their final adaptation looks as good as the pervious work done on this series. Nor will they be disappointed by the special effects which bring fire-breathing dragons, meddling mermaids, harassing hedges and cauldron concoctions frightfully to life. While the production is sometimes lacking in expressing the story’s more emotional elements, it captures most of the author’s magical imagination and should continue to charm Harry’s faithful following.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Harry potter and the goblet of fire rating & content info.

Why is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire rated PG-13? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images.

This installment of Harry Potter is the darkest to grace the screen to date. Depictions of violence abound including: the death of characters, villainous Death Eaters causing destruction with fire, images of snakes and skulls, moments of peril, death threats, mentions of torture, a character having his hand cut off, and a knife wound that draws blood. Sexual content centers on noticing the opposite gender, inappropriate hand placement during a dance, as well as some wistful comments by a female ghost about seeing a bathing boy without obscuring bubbles. Also, there are several uses of mild profanities and a main character that constantly drinks from a flask.

Page last updated July 17, 2017

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Parents' Guide

Harry tends to procrastinate preparing for the challenges he will face in the Triwizard contest. How does this affect his confidence? What sources does he turn to in order to compensate for his lack of plan? What do you learn from his example?

Why does Harry appear to have less of a spirit of competition than the other contestants? What kind of impact does that have on the other participants? What things matter most to you?

The most recent home video release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie is March 7, 2006. Here are some details…

On November 8, 2011, Warner Bother’s studio is releasing: Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection (also known as Harry Potter- Years 1-7)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire comes in a variety of incantations. Potter fans can take their pick of wide or full screen versions, 2-disc Deluxe Editions, or an anthology of the first four films. If you are feeling just a little wicked, the single disc version will only provide you with the movie. But if you can conjure up a few more dollars, the double DVD will offer a cauldron’s worth of extras. These include additional scenes, interviews with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, as well as conversations with the cast and crew. You can also sneak a peek at Harry vs. the Horntail , In Too Deep , The Maze , Meet the Champions , He Who Must Not Be Named , and Preparing for the Yule Ball . Aspiring wizards can have a go at the Triwizard Tournament Challenges , Tournament and Voldemort features. Other DVD-ROM extras to check out are the EA Game Demo , Magical Trading Cards , Hogwarts Timeline , and web interactivity. Audio tracks are available in English (Dolby Digital 5.1) and Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1), with subtitles in English, Spanish and French.

Related home video titles:

Follow Harry Potter’s other adventures in:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Movies in the series that follow this one include:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Review

The Goblet of Fire is a more mature story and its young stars prove they have the acting skills to grow with their characters.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the first film in the series to take a dramatic departure from J.K. Rowlings hugely popular novels. It relies less on plot development and is more in the vein of a summer popcorn blockbuster. The film is laden with special effects and uses skillful editing to make the action scenes much bigger than anything we’ve seen in the franchise. Director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) brings a lighter approach that works well in the comedic scenes, but really fails during the darker moments. Die-hard fans of the book will still enjoy Newell’s take, but will probably be unsatisfied by the lack of dramatic depth.

Harry (Danielle Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) return to Hogwarts after a disturbing event at the Quidditch World Cup. Voldemort’s followers, the Death Eaters, have brazenly attacked the crowd and announced their return to the magical world. The students are uneasy, but quickly lose interest when they find out that Hogwarts has been chosen to host the lethal Tri-Wizard Tournament. The tournament consists of three incredibly dangerous tasks that will decide the best young wizard and give bragging right to the winning school. Three champions from the three magical schools are selected to compete by the ‘Goblet of Fire’. Harry finds himself an unwilling participant when the Goblet mysteriously chooses his name as a fourth competitor. He faces the perils of the tournament and the imminent return of the evil Voldemort.

The children have grown considerably since ‘The Prisoner of Azkaban’. They’re full blown teenagers and their hormones have officially kicked in. The funniest scenes revolve around a Christmas ball. Harry sets his sights on the lovely Cho Chang (Katie Leung), but looks very silly when he works up the nerve to ask her out. Ron is dismayed to find out that Victor Krum (Stanislav Ianeski), a champion from the Durmstrang School, is taking Hermione. Director Mike Newell and screenwriter Steve Kloves really nail the awkwardness of adolescence. We empathize with the characters. Their travails in love are quite humorous and add a lot to the pacing of the film; which clocks in at a whopping two and a half-hours.

The Goblet of Fire, without revealing spoilers, takes a dark turn in its conclusion. There is an incident that is pivotal to the progression of the story. It is a defining moment in the series and sets the tone for the upcoming films. I believe it is badly mishandled here. Mike Newell gives it a brief moment of deference before moving on. He takes what should be the emotional core of the film and treats it as blasé and inconsequential. As a fan of the book, this is very disappointing and will probably resonate poorly with audiences.

The Goblet of Fire is a more mature story and its young stars prove they have the acting skills to grow with their characters. Emma Watson in particular does a wonderful job. As the only girl with more than a few lines, she carries the feminine weight of the film and balances out Daniel Radcliffe’s heroics. Audiences are basically watching the cast grow-up on screen and it adds a real sense of familiarity to the films. See this one in the best theater possible; the special effects are truly remarkable.

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The 10 Best 'Harry Potter' Movie Quotes, Ranked

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Harry Potter is a franchise with one of the largest followings anywhere in the world. The character's adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry have clasped the imaginations of people of all ages for over two-and-a-half decades. These movies have the incredible ability to transport their audiences into the fictional world; everyone wanted to receive a Hogwarts letter at eleven, hoping to join Harry on his quests.

With a universe as vast and diverse as this one, it makes sense that some quotes in the movies stay with the readers and viewers long after the credits roll. Every Harry Potter movie has memorable quotes , but some stand out for varying reasons. From truly inspirational life lessons to single words that can bring any Harry Potter fan to tears, these quotes will remain in the hearts of HP fans all around the world . Once a Harry Potter fan, always a Harry Potter fan.

10 "Don't let the muggles get you down."

Ron weasley (rupert grint) - 'harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban' (2004).

Muggles are those with no magical abilities or knowledge of the wonders that take place in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They are people with no connection to wizards and witches and live completely unaware of the hidden magical universe. And while they're not discussed extensively throughout the films, they are mentioned briefly a few times over the duration.

One of the most memorable occurrences comes in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , in which the ever-funny Ron Weasley ( Rupert Grint ) tells Harry not to let the muggles get him down. The quote can essentially mean whatever someone wants, but it's a brilliant message not to let people bring each other down . Do what you love, and don't let anyone stop that. The Potter can be quite cruel and dismissive to muggles as a whole, but sometimes, the approach is warranted.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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9 "You're a wizard, Harry."

Rubeus hagrid (robbie coltrane) - 'harry potter and the philosopher's stone' (2001).

One of the earliest and most memorable lines from this expansive universe comes in the first movie's first hour, spoken by one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter movies . Instantaneously impressionable, the gentle giant Rubeus Hagrid ( Robbie Coltrane ) took audiences by storm with his kind-hearted nature and genuine love for the youngster he's cared about for over a decade.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is home to many beloved aspects of the Harry Potter franchise. Indeed, one of the best introductory world-building scenarios ever seen in a movie is first seen in the 2001 film. But multiple quotes also make their first on-screen appearance, and this one is arguably the most widely referenced. "You're a wizard, Harry" serves as Harry's first look into the world he is heading into. He has no clue what is in store for him, but these four magical words give this innocent child a lifeline and a one-of-a-kind adventure many can only dream of living.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

8 "the wand chooses the wizard, mr. potter.", mr. ollivander (john hurt) - 'harry potter and the philosopher's stone' (2001).

It's a simple line that doesn't necessarily have a double meaning like some of the others further up on this list, but it's memorable all the same. In Harry's first look into the magical world that he's found himself suddenly a part of, he heads to Diagon Alley with his newfound friend, Rubeus Hagrid, in search of the supplies he'll need to attend Hogwarts. While there, he stumbles upon a shop called Ollivanders.

Mr. Ollivander ( John Hurt ) made his first appearance in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when he was introduced as the owner of a wand shop that's been helping pair wizards and witches with their wands since 382 BC. He's technically a minor character in the Harry Potter franchise, but without him, who knows which wand he could've ended up with?

7 "Dobby is free."

Dobby (toby jones) - 'harry potter and the chamber of secrets' (2002).

Dobby's character arc throughout movies two to seven is funny, heartwarming, goofy, and downright heartbreaking. He arrives uninvited in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , showing up in Harry's ( Daniel Radcliffe ) bedroom and causing all sorts of havoc for the young wizard. But as everyone knows, with these films, havoc is usually accompanied by a hilarious scene .

Although somewhat annoying, Dobby is also endearing. By the time the credits roll on Chamber of Secrets , Dobby had worked his way into the hearts of every fan, and this three-word quote only solidified that place of honor , his pure innocence and genuinely caring nature shining through. Harry helping Dobby earn his freedom is the beginning of a trusted friendship between the two, and it's lovely to see it evolve as the movies progress over the years. If only the movies would've done right by all the other house elves.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

6 "of course, it's happening inside your head, harry. but why on earth does that mean that it is not real", albus dumbledore (michael gambon) - 'harry potter and the deathly hallows: part 2' (2011).

In the final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 , Harry learns he must die at Vodelmort's hands. While this is further explained later on, Harry willingly sacrifices himself and reunites with Dumbledore in a sort of limbo state. Aware that what's going on is happening inside his head, he questions the situation, to which Dumbledore responds with this line.

While it may simply be one of the headmaster's favored cryptic responses, it doubles as something with a much deeper meaning . Imagination is such a special thing. No matter how old someone may be or how educated or sophisticated, a person's imagination can allow them to keep in touch with a younger self they may forget to hold onto sometimes. Imagination is magic in itself , allowing people to dream incredible things and acting as a bridge between worlds—perhaps even the afterlife.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

5 "happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.", albus dumbledore (michael gambon) - 'harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban' (2004).

This line is one of the most important quotes in the eight Potter films and summarizes the saga's themes beautifully. It is spoken by Dumbledore close to the beginning of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , as he welcomes the students to their new year at Hogwarts. While acting as a warning to the students after telling them the Dementors will be lurking around the school, its deeper meaning resonated with audiences.

This isn't just a memorable quote from a beloved franchise, but it's also a good life lesson for those feeling lost, alone, or just having a bad day . It's a line that reminds those who listen to it that things will get better in time. It may take days, weeks, months, or even years to be exactly where someone wants to be in life, but things will eventually improve.

4 "It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be."

Albus dumbledore (michael gambon) - 'harry potter and the goblet of fire' (2005).

This quote is perhaps one of the occasional ones not afraid to speak a deeper level of truth. This line is brilliant, showing wizards, witches, and the muggles watching that even if someone is dealt a bad hand, it doesn't need to define who they can become. It also speaks to many characters in the film as they go against what is expected of them to become something new.

The line appears in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and, like many of the franchise's most poignant dialogues, is spoken by the wise Albus Dumbledore . The meaning behind these words is like the physical representation of a phoenix. A person can rise from the ashes of any bad thing they experience and choose to go down a good or bad path. The choice is theirs and no one else's, and everyone has the potential to go either way.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

3 "it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.", albus dumbledore (richard harris) - 'harry potter and the philosopher's stone' (2001).

As previously discussed, it's not at all a bad thing to let one's imagination take control every now and then. However, as Dumbledore said in the very first adventure with Harry, letting those dreams and imagination take control above everything else doesn't help a person achieve anything.

Of course, having a goal and a dream to follow is a good drive for a person's determination. However, letting that take precedence over simple, everyday but no less worthy things, or even living in what could be rather than the moment, does no good for mental well-being. So, in the wise words of Albus Dumbledore, don't focus solely on what could be and forget to live life to the fullest .

2 "I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good. Mischief managed."

Fred & george weasley (james & oliver phelps) - 'harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban' (2004).

It's impossible to talk about one of these lines without talking about the other. They really do go hand in hand and bounce off each other perfectly. Spoken by the Weasley twins, Fred and George ( James and Oliver Phelps ), the quotes first appear in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the boys show Harry the ropes on how to use the Marauder's Map to sneak around the castle grounds, and then some.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good" and "Mischief managed" became two of the most quotable lines from the franchise. Across the final 5 Harry Potter movies, these two dialogues became sayings fans would use in their private lives anytime they'd be up to no good. Memorable for many reasons, but primarily for their relatability, these eleven words will continue to hold a place in the hearts of fans for decades to come.

1 "Always."

Severus snape (alan rickman) - 'harry potter and the deathly hallows: part 2' (2011).

Spoken by one of the Harry Potter franchise's most secretive yet beloved characters, this one-word response from Severus Snape ( Alan Rickman ) will undoubtedly stay with fans for years, no matter how much time passes. "Always" comes in response to Dumbledore's discovery that Snape and Harry's mom share the same patronus. Snape was madly in love with her, and her death leaves him devastated and perpetually grieving.

After all the time since her murder, Snape still cares deeply, and that affection branches onto Harry, with whom Snape shares a complicated relationship. While emotionally tormenting, this word solidified Severus Snape as one of the best and most compelling characters in the Wizarding World. For that reason and many more, his most memorable quote is one of the best of the franchise.

NEXT: All 8 Harry Potter Movies Ranked From Worst to Best

Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire, Explained

• The Goblet of Fire is a wooden object with notable blue flames that plays a crucial role in the Triwizard Tournament, selecting the champions from each school.
• The Goblet's selection process is based on luck, and once a student's name is chosen, they are bound by a magical contract to compete in the tournament.
• The Goblet malfunctioned in the fourth year when it selected both Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter, breaking tradition and causing significant problems. The malfunction was caused by Barty Crouch Jr.'s Confundus Charm.

As its name indicates, the Goblet of Fire has a crucial role in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . As Harry Potter fans will know, the object is used in relation to the Triwizard Tournament – the infamous competition between Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons.

Whilst the object has a memorable presence in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’s movie, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Goblet’s wider function and origin. Although the object forms the title of Harry Potter’s fourth installment, the Goblet itself is overshadowed by later events, particularly Cedric Diggory’s tragic death. As a result, some fans have a lot of questions surrounding the object’s purpose – so what exactly is the Goblet of Fire, where did it come from, and why did it famously malfunction during the 1994 Triwizard Tournament?

RELATED : Harry Potter: The Triwizard Tournament, Explained

What Is the Goblet of Fire?

Contained in a jewel-encrusted chest for protection, the Goblet is made from wood and spews out memorable blue flames. The object is renowned for its use in the Triwizard Tournament, which used to only occur once every five years, meaning that the Goblet was only taken out of its chest for this special occasion. The Goblet had the crucial role of selecting the witches and wizards who will compete in the esteemed Tournament, but how does this process actually work?

Students who wish to enter the competition are obliged to write their names and schools on a piece of parchment before dropping this directly into the Goblet, which would be placed in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Traditionally, the Goblet will make its selection on Halloween. As Goblet of Fire’s book dictates, students are only given 24 hours to enter their names, making it an incredibly short turnaround before the Goblet’s official selection.

In terms of the Goblet’s selection process, the object will spew out the name of a student from each school . Once their name has been selected, they are known as their school’s ‘Champion’ and will be representing their wizarding school throughout the Tournament. This selection process is entirely based on luck, making the Goblet an impartial judge. However, whilst this may seem like a lucky dip, there are an array of significant factors surrounding the object’s decision process.

As Harry Potter fans will recall, no student aged under 17 is allowed to enter themselves into the Tournament. To ensure that this rule is not broken, Dumbledore draws an Age Line around the Goblet. This Age Line is incredibly effective, as seen when it humorously prevented the Weasley Twins from entering their names. This Age Line is made from powerful magic, meaning that it cannot be crossed by anyone under the age of 17. However, there’s plenty more magic involved in the Goblet’s selection process.

Once the student has placed their name into the Goblet, the object will enforce a binding magical contract. This means that if the student’s name is selected by the Goblet, they cannot back out of the Tournament. This is explained by Dumbledore in Goblet of Fire’s book: “Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the goblet.”

Some fans have speculated what would happen if a student refused to participate in the Tournament after their name had been selected by the Goblet. Whilst the exact details of the magical contract are unknown, it’s safe to assume that the consequences of breaking this contract would be severe. This means that the Goblet’s decision is final.

Where Did the Goblet of Fire Come From?

Before the competition was permanently discontinued following Cedric’s death , the Triwizard Tournament had been around for centuries and is speculated to have begun sometime in the late 13th century. The Goblet of Fire always accompanied the Triwizard Tournament, meaning that the object shares the Tournament’s complex history.

The Goblet was crafted in the Middle Ages, however there’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding its powers. Some fans have speculated whether the Goblet operates in a similar way to the Sorting Hat , meaning that both objects would be in possession of a mind. However, whilst the Sorting Hat is famed for its judgement, the Triwizard Tournament relies on the Goblet’s impartiality.

Ever since its creation, the Goblet of Fire had operated smoothly, always selecting one student from each school without confusion or error. However, this all changed during Harry Potter’s fourth year at Hogwarts. To everyone’s astonishment, the Goblet of Fire drew two names to represent Hogwarts – Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter. This caused an abundance of problems. For one, it was deemed unfair to have two students from Hogwarts, as this would obviously give the school an advantage. Having four students compete in the competition broke tradition. Ever since the tournament’s creation, it had always included three students – hence the competition’s name, ‘Tri’. Another problem arose from the fact that Harry was infamously under the age of seventeen, breaking Dumbledore’s Age Line restriction.

Because of the Goblet’s magical contract, Harry had no choice but to compete in the Triwizard Tournament, despite his young age. Although Harry protested that he didn’t put his name in the Goblet, the wizarding community refused to believe that the magical object could malfunction on such a colossal scale. Even Ron didn't believe Harry's side of the story - so why did the Goblet select Harry’s name?

Why Did the Goblet of Fire Choose Harry?

The 1994 Triwizard Tournament is famous for plenty of reasons. It marked the Tournament’s return after it had previously been discontinued for being too dangerous. However, the 1994 Tournament is associated with the death of Cedric Diggory and is renowned for the Goblet’s infamous malfunction.

The Goblet’s error can be traced back to Barty Crouch Jr., a famous Death Eater who had escaped from Azkaban . Whilst disguised as Mad-Eye Moody, Barty used a powerful Confundus Charm on the Goblet. As a result, the Goblet was placed under a confused state, allowing Barty to enter Harry’s name. The Charm’s power meant that the Goblet was forced to select Harry’s name.

This powerful Charm meant that Harry’s participation in the Triwizard Tournament was completely pre-determined. Confusing the Goblet fed into the Death Eaters’ darker plan to bring back Voldemort in physical form . Using the disguise of Mad-Eye Moody, Barty helped Harry to get through to the Tournament’s third and final round. During this round, Harry was kidnapped by Voldemort’s loyal followers and the young wizard’s blood was used in a magical ritual to resurrect the Dark Lord. It seems strange that such a powerful object was so affected by the Confundus Charm, but the book implies that Barty’s spell was extremely difficult to perform, meaning that the Goblet had no defense against magic of this force.

MORE: Harry Potter: What Happened to Azkaban After Voldemort Was Defeated?

A Harry Potter Theory Might Fix A Major Dumbledore Problem In The Goblet Of Fire

There are a lot of wild "Harry Potter" fan theories floating around online, but this one about Albus Dumbledore — played by Michael Gambon from the third film on — is particularly dark and fascinating.

As Redditor u/jandr1996  wondered, is it possible that, during the events of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Dumbledore actually  wants  to prove that Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is one of Voldemort's Horcruxes , and that's why he lets the too-young Hogwarts student serve as the second champion for his school. (As we find out at the end of the seventh and final book and eighth film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," Voldemort, played by Ralph Fiennes, accidentally placed a piece of his soul in Harry while trying to kill him as a baby, creating an accidental Horcrux that must be destroyed before Voldemort can be defeated.)

"Think about it: Dumbledore is one of the wisest wizards of his time," the Redditor wrote. "He knew about Voldemort's Horcruxes and was actively seeking to destroy them. In the film, Dumbledore even mentions to Harry that Voldemort might've inadvertently transferred some of his powers to him the night he tried to kill him as a baby."

The Redditor continued to say that maybe Dumbledore chose to bend the rules — that competing students must be over 17 years old — to test his theory: "Could it be that Dumbledore allowed Harry to compete in the Triwizard Tournament because he wanted to test him, to see if he displayed any signs of being a Horcrux? Perhaps Dumbledore saw it as an opportunity to observe Harry under extreme circumstances, to see if Voldemort's influence manifested in any way."

Other Redditors weren't quite sure about this Harry Potter theory

The theory that Albus Dumbledore chose to put Harry Potter into harm's way — multiple times and throughout three  very dangerous "tasks" — in the Triwizard Tournament is definitely interesting, but some Redditors didn't quite agree. In the books and in the film, it's explained that once a name is drawn from the Goblet of Fire, the magical object that chooses Triwizard champions, a "magical binding contract" is placed upon the person; it's strongly suggested that the penalty for breaking said contract could be death or something equally dire. As Redditor  u/zoobatron__  responded, "No Dumbledore definitely did not want Harry to compete but respected the rule of law in the situation that he had to compete (yeah I know the "he has to compete" thing is kind of silly). He knew someone wanting to cause Harry harm had put Harry's name in and was trying to work out who it was."

Other Redditors, like  u/sT4ry_n1GhtS , did agree with the original poster, but had one reservation: how could Dumbledore have foreseen the fact that his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson) was actually Death Eater Barty Crouch Jr. (David Tennant) all along, who was working behind the scenes for Voldemort? "I think you could be onto something, as in the books, it seems like [Dumbledore] was expecting this, but in the movies, he was very angry," they wrote. "Or at least he appeared to be so. We already know he is a very good actor, so it could be likely. I just don't see how he could have manipulated Barty [Crouch Jr.]."

Albus Dumbledore did make a habit of keeping important secrets from Harry

To be fair to the original Redditor, Albus Dumbledore's whole deal was keeping really, really important information completely secret from Harry, even when said information could prove helpful. In the following book and film, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," it's mentioned and shown frequently that Dumbledore seems to be avoiding Harry during his fifth year at Hogwarts — which is unfortunate timing, considering that Voldemort returns at the end of "Goblet of Fire," kills Harry's fellow student Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson), and tries to kill Harry too. Dumbledore later reveals that he knows Voldemort can enter Harry's mind due to their Horcrux-related connection — though he doesn't actually address the Horcrux part until the  next installment, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" — and is afraid that the Dark Lord will use Harry to gain access to Dumbledore himself. This is all well and good, but it also seems like information Harry could have used.

That's just one example; Dumbledore hiding vital information from Harry is sort of a constant throughout the narrative of "Harry Potter," leading some to wonder if he's actually a good mentor or a borderline villain . In any case, the theory that he wanted Harry to compete as a Triwizard champion to suss out the Boy Who Lived's status as a Horcrux is interesting, but it probably doesn't hold up to much scrutiny.

How many 'Harry Potter' books are there? Every wizarding book in order of release.

The wizarding world is nearly 30 years old, but fans still haven’t seen enough of "Harry Potter." 

The magic continues beyond the original books in the "Fantastic Beasts" movies, at the aptly-named Universal Studios park and onstage with Broadway's "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

Though the books themselves have largely remained beloved, many fans have been turned off by author J.K. Rowling's outspoken anti-trans views. In 2020, Rowling made a series of posts criticizing gender-neutral language suggesting that it assails the ability of cis women to discuss their experience with gender. More recently, she's come under fire for criticizing Scotland's new hate crime laws and misgendering British TV personality India Willoughby .

How many Harry Potter books are there?

There are seven books in the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling .

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

The series starts after 11-year-old Harry gets a letter on his birthday inviting him to study wizardry at Hogwarts, a boarding school for witches and wizards. Though he’s always felt like an outcast living with his Aunt, Uncle and spoiled cousin, it’s not until this birthday that he finds out he’s a wizard – and a famous one at that.

The series follows Harry’s studies at Hogwarts with best friends Ron and Hermione and chronicles the impending danger posed by Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who killed Harry’s parents. 

Here are the eight “Harry Potter” books in order:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Many consider “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” to be the eighth "Harry Potter" book. Rowling’s epilogue to the original series, published as a play based on Rowling’s original story, follows Harry Potter’s youngest son Albus as he grapples with “the weight of a family legacy he never wanted.” The play is currently on Broadway .

Rowling has also published three other books in the wizarding universe. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” published between the fifth and sixth books, is a fictional textbook “written” by wizard Newt Scamander seventy years before Harry Potter and his friends read it at Hogwarts. It was adapted into a three-part film series starring Eddie Redmayne in 2016.

“The Tales of Beedle the Bard,” another Rowling novel dives into five fairy tales historically told to young witches and wizards in the "Harry Potter" universe. The book even includes notes from Hogwarts' headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore .

Rare finds: Proof copy of Harry Potter book sells for more than $13,000

When did Harry Potter come out?

Rowling’s original “Harry Potter” series released one book nearly every year from 1997-2007. Here’s when each book came out:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: 1997
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: 1998
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: 1999
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: 2000
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: 2003
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: 2005
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: 2007

Rowling released “Fantastic Beasts” in 2001, “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” in 2008 and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” in 2016.

How many Harry Potter movies are there?

The “Harry Potter” book series is adapted into eight movies , with the “Deathly Hallows” split into two parts. Here’s when each movie was released:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: 2001
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: 2002
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: 2004
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: 2005
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: 2007
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: 2009
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1: 2010
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2: 2011

There are also three “Fantastic Beasts” movies – “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” and “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.”

Warner Bros. Discovery also announced plans for a decades-long TV adaptation of the “Harry Potter” books with a new cast, expected to premiere in 2025 or 2026.

Harry Potter movies: Synopsis of each installment in the magical series

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USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Why is the ocean salty?" to "What is the highest-grossing animated movie?" to "Are witches real?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

Every Harry Potter Book, Ranked

The Harry Potter novels are beloved by many fans. But from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows, which one is the best of the best?

It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. CBR supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love, and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find CBR's continuing coverage on Rowling here .

Harry Potter is arguably one of the biggest cultural phenomena of the last 25 years. Since the first book was published in 1998, J.K. Rowling has published six more books on top of three companion pieces to the franchise: Quidditch Through the Ages , Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them , and The Tales of Beedle the Bard . A 2016 theatrical script titled Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was published by Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany — it's still on stage in a West End production in London. What's more, the books were adapted into eight iconic films and a spin-off trilogy.

The end of Harry Potter seems to be far in the distance as Max announced a new TV series that will reboot the seven original books. Unfortunately, fans won't get to see any of it until 2026. While the fandom loves every installment of the series, everyone has their favorite Harry Potter book. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone opened the door to the wizarding world, engaging and captivating readers for a journey of a lifetime, but other books brought up complex and convoluted themes that made this world appealing for both children and adults.

Updated on May 3, 2024, by Ajay Aravind: The Harry Potter books have aged surprisingly well, even if there are a few problematic instances. With over half a billion sales around the globe, it's clear that this franchise has shaped an entire generation of readers (and moviegoers). As such, we've updated this article with some more relevant information.

7 Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix Is An Emotional Roller Coaster

Harry potter: voldemort's death eaters, explained.

The longest book in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix takes the saga to the next level. It's the moment where the actual war between good and evil begins. After Voldemort recovers his body in The Goblet of the Fire, it's up to Harry to convince the wizarding world that the Dark Lord is back, but everyone prefers to live a comfortable lie. Harry has to balance his student life with many horrible experiences while learning to navigate romantic emotions. At the same time, he takes it upon himself to learn Defense Against the Dark Arts and teach his peers. Up until this point, Harry had been living a moderately happy life at Hogwarts, albeit with the stress of Voldemort looming. But now, his safe place becomes a cage, and the people who once admired him turn against him.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a deeply emotional book. Harry confronts his most terrifying fears, such as becoming the very thing he wants to destroy. He also faces the first real loss in the saga (besides his parents) when Bellatrix Lestrange murders Sirius Black. Despite this, people have a hard time relating to Harry throughout this book as his confidence reaches a new high. However, there's no doubt that The Order of the Phoenix explores the angsty feelings of a teenager in an impossible position. Unfortunately, as it's a very eventful book, the movie didn't properly do it justice. Although excellently written, The Order of the Phoenix is arguably the least galvanizing book in the series.

6 Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince Is A Dark And Powerful Book

While Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is named after Severus Snape's moniker, the book is all about Lord Voldemort and Albus Dumbledore. This book gives readers a closer look at the most powerful wizard, revealing him as far more complex than the friendly and eccentric Merlin-like headmaster shown in the previous books. At the same time, Harry and Dumbledore explore Voldemort's intricate, cruel, and fascinating journey of life. The book also brings to the forefront Draco Malfoy's conflicted intentions, Hermione's darker and jealous feelings, Ron's pettier side, and Harry's understandably paranoid attitude as he tries to keep his friends safe.

The series turns harrowing and character-driven while giving the readers a lot of answers they had been waiting for since the beginning of the franchise. However, while The Half-Blood Prince is a beloved Harry Potter book, the film is probably people's least favorite one. While the book follows the characters at their very lowest, just a year before the battle that will decide the fate of the wizarding world, the movie takes a more romantic and comical approach. This could be seen as disappointing, as they expected the tension and coming-of-age tale that had been developed in the book.

5 Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets Drops A Major Voldemort Clue

What happened to dumbledore's hand in harry potter.

Even though Harry gets to know the villain who killed his parents and terrorized the Wizarding World in the first book of the series, Harry learns a little about Lord Voldemort's past throughout Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . After Lucius Malfoy leaves Tom Riddle's diary among Ginny Weasley's school supplies, the young redhead becomes possessed by Voldemort, who releases the Basilisk from the Chamber of Secrets and manages to petrify Mrs. Norris, Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley, and Hermione Granger. In the last pages of the book, Harry must save Ginny from the Chamber of Secrets and stop Tom Riddle from coming back to life.

While Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets isn't by any means a bad book, it's not as exciting as some of the others in the series. In contrast with most Harry Potter books, The Chamber of Secrets is pretty short. It expands important lore and world-building in the wizarding world, getting the readers more into this universe, but it doesn't have as many interesting character arcs as the rest of the series. Still, The Chambers of Secrets is a thrilling book with many fascinating plotlines, especially during the first reading, when people don't know about Dobby, Lord Voldemort's real identity, and the Basilisk. Furthermore, Chris Columbus' film adaptation perfectly captures the comical aspect of the book as well as the darker tones as the audience starts to find out about the grim social politics of Wizarding society.

4 Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Offers The Essential Closure

A lot of Harry Potter fans read these books as they were released at the end of the '90s and the '2000s, but none of the books brought as much anticipation among the fandom as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The sixth installment of the series left a lot of paths open. After Dumbledore's death, people knew that Harry would have to look for the Horcruxes; he even broke up with Ginny to go on his journey. Fans believed The Deathly Hallows wasn't going to be like the other books, and they were extremely right. Breaking with the archetypical formula J.K. Rowling followed for the first six books, The Deathly Hallows shows a more adult side to these characters as they actively work together in a dangerous world that hunts them.

Nearly every detail set up so far is resolved in this book. What's more, it offers some of the most interesting backgrounds in the franchise. This book showcases Dumbledore's controversial past, Harry's home in Godric's Hollow, Fleur and Bill's wedding, the Malfoy Manor, and even the darker side of Gringotts. The Deathly Hallows mixes every piece of lore of Harry Potter and pushes the characters to their limits. It's a bittersweet ending, with the deaths of characters like Fred Weasley, Remus Lupin, and Tonks. But it's also an excellent resolution to a history that had been years in the making. The Deathly Hallows is very well-regarded by the fandom, but readers want more childlike charm and less brooding darkness — especially given Harry's dreadful task. As such, it cannot be ranked any higher on this list.

3 Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire Is The Perfect Transition

Daniel radcliffe doesn't think he was very good in the harry potter films.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is when things start to get truly dark , but not quite as much yet. A book with more than 400 pages longer than the first three, it's clear that The Goblet of Fire is already aiming for a more mature audience, and readers can feel the shift. Harry is growing older, romances start shaping, feelings become more complex, and Voldemort rises to power at the cost of Cedric Diggory's life. A book full of emotional scenes, thrilling action sequences, and several new characters, it makes sense that people enjoy it so much.

The Goblet of Fire is an outstanding book, incorporating new characters into the story without wasting too much time building pointless arcs. Readers don't need to know the history of the giants to cheer on the blossoming romance between Hagrid and Madame Maxime. More importantly, this is the book that kickstarts Ron and Hermione's eventual courtship. Where The Goblet of Fire truly shines, though, is in its world-building. This book shows the readers several other areas of the magical world, such as magical schools, the Quidditch World Cup , and magical politics. All of this translated swimmingly to the film, making it one of the most relevant Harry Potter movies.

2 Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone Is A Magical Beginning

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the beginning of a magical journey. Harry initially believes that he's an orphan forced to live with his hateful and abusive aunt and uncle. And then he discovers that he's a wizard in the most incredible way imaginable. Harry basically takes on the mantle of the Chosen One and runs with it. Not only that, but he gets to live in an enchanted castle, take magical classes, and make long-lasting friendships. The book is the perfect start to this universe, full of detailed descriptions of the magical world, including delicious meals and magical candy, and Hogwarts' eccentric decoration.

Although some readers might consider The Sorcerer's Stone to be simplistic, the nostalgia associated with this book cannot be denied. Good writing, especially when it comes to the children's fantasy genre, isn't usually about complex character arcs or solving adult problems. All a story needs to be is a tale of awe and wonder, and there are very few books in the world that capture this magical essence better than The Sorcerer's Stone . That said, there is still one Harry Potter book that somehow managed to wow its readers even more than the first installment.

1 Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban Contains Twists Within Twists

Severus snape's 15 best quotes.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban explores the tragic story of the Marauders as Harry learns the exact circumstances that led to his parents' deaths. For the first time in the series, Harry also gets two fatherly figures: Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. So far, Remus is people's favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and for a good reason. For six years, he's the only professor who actually taught Harry defensive magic. What's more, he's the one who taught Harry the Patronus Charm that has saved lives on multiple occasions. However, the star of the show is Sirius. Harry saved the life of his godfather, and while he wasn't able to clear his name, for the first time in his life, he had a real family.

The Prisoner of Azkaban expands the magical world (introducing creatures such as Dementors and Hippogriffs) while giving more relevant information about the past. However, the reason why The Prisoner of Azkaban is the best Harry Potter book is its narrative framing. There are so many reveals and twists in the span of a few pages that readers are left with their minds whirling. Sirius isn't actually an evil murderer, Scabbers the rat is Peter Pettigrew, Hermione takes Harry on a journey through time, Draco gets punched in the face, Harry saves himself from the Dementors, Harry and Hermione simultaneously rescue Sirius and Buckbeak, and the story finally ends with Harry getting a brand-new Firebolt. Everything comes together, neatly tied with a magical bow on top, in The Prisoner of Azkaban . It almost feels like an ending by itself.

Harry Potter

The Harry Potter franchise follows the adventure of a young boy introduced a whole new world of magic, mayhem and darkness. Traversing the obstacles in his path, young Harry's rise to heroics pits him against Lord Voldemort, one of the most dangerous wizards in the world and all his minions.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Narrated by Stephen Fry)

By: J.K. Rowling

• Narrated by: Stephen Fry
• Length: 20 hrs and 54 mins
• 4.9 out of 5 stars 4.9 (35 ratings)

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Stephen Fry brings the richness of these magical stories to life in the original British recordings, available for the first time in the United States and Canada.

'There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways ... their magical prowess - their daring - their powers of deduction - and, of course, their ability to cope with danger.' Treat your ears to a performance so rich and captivating you'll imagine yourself in the halls of Hogwarts. Wherever you listen, the unmistakable voice of Stephen Fry is guaranteed to guide you ever more deeply into this magical story and transport you to the heart of the adventure. The Triwizard Tournament is to be held at Hogwarts. Only wizards who are over seventeen are allowed to enter - but that doesn't stop Harry dreaming that he will win the competition. Then at Hallowe'en, when the Goblet of Fire makes its selection, Harry is amazed to find his name is one of those that the magical cup picks out. He will face death-defying tasks, dragons and Dark wizards, but with the help of his best friends, Ron and Hermione, he might just make it through - alive! Theme music composed by James Hannigan.

Having become classics of our time, the Harry Potter stories never fail to bring comfort and escapism. With their message of hope, belonging and the enduring power of truth and love, the story of the Boy Who Lived continues to delight generations of new listeners.

• Series: Harry Potter (Narrated by Stephen Fry) , Book 4
• Unabridged Audiobook
• Categories: Children's Audiobooks

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What listeners say about Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Narrated by Stephen Fry)

• 5 out of 5 stars 4.9 out of 5.0

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Audible.com reviews, amazon reviews.

• Overall 5 out of 5 stars
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars
• Story 5 out of 5 stars

Magnificent

This is a magnificent book and reading performance. Both have depth and are satisfying entertainment.

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• Andra Nickerson

This is why you read and Stephen Fry shows why audiobooks are superior!

This book holds back nothing! The writing is superb the story overwhelming but Stephen Fry brings a joy that make you want to hear everything in his voice. The sound editors made his voice, well, magic

• Vikram Gunasekar

I love everything:) :) :) ;) :)

I like everything 😌 🙂 ☺️ WOW.COOL 😀 UOY 😎 🆒️ 😎 🆒️ 😎 🆒️ 😎 😎 🆒️ 😎 🆒️ 😎 🆒️ 😎

Another fantastic favorite!

So thrilled to finally have Stephen Fry’s voice reading this book to me! He’s has the best voice. Totally worth every penny.

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