Best To Last: Revelio-ing Our 2024 Harry Potter Book Rankings

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As a die-hard fan, I’ve got to say that J.K. Rowling has crafted an incredible 18 books set in her magical universe! From the iconic Harry Potter series (7 books), the enchanting Tales of Beedle the Bard, the play script Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the fascinating Quidditch Through the Ages, the screenplays for three Fantastic Beasts films, a couple of short stories, an exhaustive Hogwarts guide, and even a prequel to the whole saga – there’s no shortage of magical adventures! Notably, she penned some of these books under pseudonyms like Kennilworthy Whisp for Quidditch Through the Ages and Newt Scamander for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Simply amazing, isn’t it?

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All Harry Potter Books Ranked in 2024

Transitioning from being the child hidden in a closet under the stairs to conquering the dark lord, Harry Potter has embarked on an extraordinary journey, always accompanied by his steadfast friend. In this piece, we’ll rank the characters from least favorite to most beloved. Remember that this article includes SPOILERS for the entire series, so if you haven’t read the books or watched the movies and prefer to avoid spoilers, I recommend focusing on the character titles only.

11. The Tales of Beedle the Bard

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The book “The Tales of Beedle the Bard,” penned by J.K. Rowling, is a compilation of five captivating fairy tales set within the enchanting Wizarding World. This collection features stories such as “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “Babbitty and her Cackling Stump,” and “The Tale of the Three Brothers.” Each story offers unique characters and enthralling adventures that can be enjoyed independently. The illustrated edition showcases vibrant and colorful artwork, with the ancient runes translated by none other than Hermione Granger. Albus Dumbledore provides insightful commentary to enhance our understanding of these magical tales.

In Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, “The Tale of the Three Brothers” is referenced as the origin story for the Deathly Hallow artifacts. This tale is particularly renowned within the book and was bequeathed to Hermione Granger by Albus Dumbledore. Through this narrative, the trio gained insight into the nature of the Deathly Hallows and learned how they could potentially use them against Voldemort.

10. Quidditch Through the Ages

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Back in 2001, I stumbled upon a fascinating book titled “Quidditch Through the Ages,” penned by none other than the enigmatic Kennilworthy Whisp – a pseudonym used by J.K. Rowling herself! The artwork was breathtakingly crafted by Emily Gravett. This isn’t just any ordinary book; it’s part of the Hogwarts library, making Rowling’s hidden identity all the more intriguing.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into sports history or amassing Harry Potter-themed items, this book is ideal for you. This illustrated edition is particularly suitable for children as it simplifies complex concepts and fosters their creativity. The artwork is adorable and engaging, providing a captivating experience that offers insights into the enchanting world of Harry Potter.

9. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

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As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say: “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – that’s a play penned by Jack Thorne, which initially made its grand entrance on London’s West End stage on July 30, 2016. It was such a hit, it eventually expanded to Broadway productions in various locations. Just so you know, this book is essentially the script for the play, so when you dive into it, set your expectations accordingly.

It’s intriguing that they transformed the story into a play instead of a novel, yet there’s an underlying longing for it to have been a novel with richer plotlines. The narrative explores the idea of multiple realities, where altering the past affects various elements and forms new timelines. It stands on its own with a distinct identity and offers insights into Harry’s life after defeating Voldemort, which fans eagerly seek. Despite diminishing some magical moments that the series is famous for, it remains an engaging read. We also get to catch up on the lives of our beloved characters like Ron, Hermione, and Draco Malfoy. If you’re curious about what Harry and other characters have been up to post the Battle of Hogwarts, I recommend giving this a go.

8. Fantastic Beasts

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The Fantastic Beasts film collection is a captivating series, penned by J.K. Rowling and helmed by director David Yates. It’s an intriguing prequel to the Harry Potter storyline, taking place approximately 70 years prior to its events. The series spans across three movies: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. This set of books contains the scripts for these enchanting films.

The series introduces us to Newt Scamander, a magizoologist who embarks on a journey around the world to discover, study, and document magical creatures. He carries an enchanted suitcase that is the home to the many creatures that he saves from the wild. The first movie focuses mainly on recapturing the beasts that escape from his suitcase when it is accidentally switched with a muggle’s suitcase. The later installments involve a bigger plot, which includes the conflict between Albus Dumbledore and his old friend, Gellert Grindelwald. As the movie progresses, this plot becomes more prominent and delves deeper into this conflict.

In the beloved Harry Potter books, the intricate relationship between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald was delved into extensively, a aspect not fully portrayed in the films. Consequently, when the movie series began to touch upon this relationship, our anticipation was palpable. However, the narrative flow of the movies has, to some degree, dampened the overall impact. Despite having completed three films, we’re still waiting for the iconic confrontation between Dumbledore and Grindelwald that is so highly touted in Harry Potter folklore. If Warner Bros. approves the production of the next two movies, there’s a chance we might witness this epic battle.

7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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The second book in the Harry Potter series, titled “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” is less favored among us compared to the others. To clarify, this doesn’t mean it’s a poor read; it simply means the other books surpass it in our personal preferences.

From the outset, the book creates a sense of impending peril surrounding both Harry and Hogwarts. Before he even arrives, there’s an ominous shadow hanging over. Despite numerous warnings, delivered by a house elf named Dobby, Harry eventually makes his way back to Hogwarts. The situation rapidly deteriorates when muggle-born students are targeted by an unidentified assailant. Harry and his companions find themselves caught up in this chain of events, which takes a turn for the worse, forcing them to join forces to protect everyone from this impending danger.

The sequel of the book is outstanding, as it continues and builds upon the original, while introducing fresh characters and aspects crucial for upcoming parts. It’s revealed that Harry shares certain traits with Voldemort, such as speaking to snakes, a sign of trouble given the circumstances. This is also where we’re introduced to Horcruxes, although they don’t have a name yet. However, the narrative flow was somewhat uneven, with some parts feeling slower than others. Considering its shorter length, it would have been more engaging if the pacing had been faster.

6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

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As a gamer, I’d say “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – the book that ignited the magic! Known as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone globally, this was our gateway to the enchanting world of wizards. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t just a tale spun for children; there’s depth and humor that caters equally to adults.

For eleven years, Harry lived under the care of his neglectful uncle and aunt after being orphaned. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he received an acceptance letter from Hogwarts, a school for witches and wizards, delivered by a large individual named Hagrid. As Harry delved deeper into this new world, he uncovered the truth about his lineage, the significance of the lightning-shaped scar on his brow, and how his parents had perished. Throughout his initial year at Hogwarts, Harry formed friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and together they discovered a plot to steal a powerful artifact called the Sorcerer’s Stone, which grants eternal life. Determined to thwart this scheme, they embarked on their own mission to protect it.

As a devoted reader, I must say that despite its relatively compact 300-plus pages, this book does an impressive job of painting a rich and intricate world, fleshing out characters, and revealing the driving forces behind the sinister elements. The narrative may be straightforward, but it’s undeniably engaging – though when compared to the complexities unveiled later in the series, it falls short in terms of depth, preventing it from climbing higher on my personal rankings.

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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The fifth book in the Harry Potter series, titled “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” is not only the longest but also marks a significant shift in tone and direction for the storyline. While earlier installments had their share of darkness, this one introduces more intense twists that lay the groundwork for subsequent novels.

Following the Triwizard Tournament, Harry observes Voldemort regaining his complete strength, a fact many people, including the Ministry of Magic, refuse to acknowledge. This casts doubt on Dumbledore’s standing as he supports Harry and tries to persuade others. To maintain order, the Ministry appoints Dolores Umbridge as a teacher at Hogwarts, who eventually rises to challenge Dumbledore for leadership. In response, Harry establishes a clandestine group called Dumbledore’s Army, where students can learn defensive magic. Simultaneously, Harry’s link with Voldemort intensifies, and he starts experiencing prophetic visions. These events significantly alter the course of his life like never before.

Initially, the story immerses us in Harry’s thoughts, making him feel more isolated than ever. As the tale progresses, Rowling delves deeply into Umbridge’s malicious actions and her determination to impose Ministry rules at the school. There was no holdback in portraying Umbridge as evil since she is universally disliked. The book concludes by unveiling a prophecy connecting Harry and Voldemort. If only it were slightly shorter with consistent pacing, it would have undoubtedly ranked among the top three.

4. Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince

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Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince ranks sixth within the series, serving as a precursor to the final book. This novel maintains an engaging tempo throughout and offers numerous memorable and significant scenes that enhance readers’ overall experience.

Ultimately, the Ministry holds the conviction that Voldemort has returned, sparking widespread panic throughout the magical community as his control expands. Simultaneously, Dumbledore is meticulously gathering information on how to defeat Voldemort. The narrative also provides insights into Voldemort’s past, revealing his early years as Tom Marvolo Riddle. During these flashbacks, both Dumbledore and Harry discover the concept of Horcruxes. Concurrently, Harry has ascended to the top of potions class after finding an ancient textbook with notes from a mysterious figure known as The Half-Blood Prince.

This book is a remarkable display of storytelling, managing to tie together numerous plot elements while keeping everything coherent for the sequel’s success. It stands out as one of the most emotional installments in the series, with its finale leaving our hearts in tatters, fragmented into countless pieces. Though it may have been light on duels, the overall narrative was captivating and held attention from start to finish. The true identity of the Half-Blood Prince wasn’t unveiled until the climax, but unfortunately, this revelation was somewhat predictable. By the end, the book leaves no doubt about the tasks remaining ahead and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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In simple terms, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” marks the conclusion of the Harry Potter series. This book ties up many loose ends in an elegant manner. After reading this book, our adventure alongside Harry comes to a close.

In Dumbledore’s absence, there seems to be no one left guarding Hogwarts or Harry. Instead, Severus Snape, who holds a dual allegiance, sits as headmaster. Now, it falls upon Harry, Ron, and Hermione to seek out and destroy all the Horcruxes in order to weaken Voldemort. Their perilous journey also reveals that they need three powerful magical artifacts known as the Deathly Hallows to vanquish Voldemort effectively. As they unearth and destroy each Horcrux, they eventually reach Ravenclaw’s Lost Diadem, which requires them to return to Hogwarts for its retrieval. It is here that the climactic battle takes place, with the entire school and the Order of the Phoenix joining forces to combat Voldemort.

Despite Harry emerging as the winner, the events following were hard to stomach, given the high death toll of secondary characters during the battle. The casualties marked a record for these characters in the series so far. Moreover, the book presented an enormous plot twist: Severus Snape had secretly loved Harry’s mother, Lily, and had been shielding Harry since his first day at Hogwarts. This emotional revelation ranks among the most heart-wrenching moments of the series and earns top marks for being one of the series’ three most significant twists. In closing, everything resolved satisfactorily.

2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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In a more personal and engaging tone, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban delves deeply into complex themes such as sorrow and acceptance, which are masterfully conveyed throughout the narrative. The book also introduces several significant characters who continue to play pivotal roles in the series as it unfolds.

In his third year at Hogwarts, Harry finds himself once more in peril as a dangerous fugitive, Sirius Black, has broken free from Azkaban. The motives for his escape remain unclear, but it’s certain he’s on the hunt for Harry. To keep Sirius out of Hogwarts, fearsome creatures known as Dementors – who usually guard Azkaban – have been deployed to secure the school. As events unfold, crucial truths come to light that require Harry and his companions to act swiftly in order to protect their loved ones from impending danger.

J.K. Rowling’s introduction of Dementors is downright spine-tingling (a play on words). Her vivid description leaves an unsettling sensation that lingers long after reading. The arrival of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin introduces Harry to previously unknown family members, which was a heartening revelation. It was touching to see the depth of Sirius’ affection for Harry, who eventually invited him to form a bond like family. This book is one we’ve returned to many times to fully absorb its emotional richness.

1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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As a dedicated Potterhead, I’d say that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire stands out as my favorite in the series. This book is nothing short of revolutionary, with Voldemort making his grand comeback, transforming from a mere whisper to a terrifying presence once again. And let me tell you, this isn’t just your average bedtime story – it’s a whopping 700-plus pages long!

As I prepare to embark on my fourth year at Hogwarts, I find myself joining the Weasley clan and Hermione Granger for an unforgettable adventure – attending the Quidditch World Cup! Post-tournament, we’re plunged into chaos as sinister dark wizards known as Death Eaters, loyal to the menacing Voldemort, stir up panic. Their mission: sowing terror and ending their reign with a chilling display of the Dark Lord’s emblem in the heavens.

As a devoted reader, I must admit, the sheer size of this tome didn’t deter me from diving in. Instead, it maintained a captivating rhythm throughout, with a multitude of engaging elements that kept me hooked. However, what truly elevated this series to the pinnacle of our favorites was its climactic ending. The happenings that unfolded beneath the moonlit graveyard were nothing short of heart-stopping and poignant – an extraordinary book within an exceptional series.

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Will There Be More Harry Potter Books?

J.K. Rowling has made it clear that she won’t pen any additional Harry Potter novels. She feels she’s concluded the story flawlessly, a sentiment we share. However, she does continue to write for the Fantastic Beasts film franchise. As of now, we’ve had three movies, and you can find their screenplays on Amazon. The films are set 70 years before the Harry Potter chronicles, and Dumbledore plays a significant role in them as they explore his connection with Grindelwald, a character hinted at in the Harry Potter series.

How We Ranked the Best Harry Potter Books

As a devoted fan who’s spent countless hours immersed in the magical world of Harry Potter, I’ve taken it upon myself to rate these books. Drawing from my extensive understanding of the Potterverse, its tales, and the passionate discussions on fan forums, I’ve delved deep into what resonates and doesn’t with fellow readers. Keep in mind, these rankings reflect my personal journey through this enchanting series, shaped by what captivated me and left me less enthralled.

Which Harry Potter book is number 1?

The first book in the “Harry Potter” series is known as “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” or alternatively, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

How old is Harry Potter Book 1?

Harry is 11 years old in the first book.

Which is the longest Harry Potter book?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix boasts the most extensive page count, totaling 766 pages in its standard edition, while the U.S. version extends to 816 pages. Essentially, the narrative remains consistent between both versions, with a handful of words being substituted for their American counterparts.

Are the Harry Potter books different in the US?

Indeed, the story remains unaltered. The variation lies in the choice of words that are more familiar to American readers. For instance, the initial Harry Potter book published in the US is titled “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” while it was named “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in the UK.

How do you identify the first edition of Harry Potter books?

Determining if a book is the first edition can sometimes be challenging. Here are some key things to look out for:

Why does the US version of Harry Potter have more pages?

The US versions have words printed in larger sizes and also have more space between the lines.

Why does the first Harry Potter book have a different title in America?

In an effort to attract more readers who might not associate the term “Philosopher” with magic, the US publisher decided to rename the book as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. This title clearly conveyed that the story takes place in a world of enchantment.