======The Harry Potter Film Series======
=====Overview=====
The **Harry Potter film series** is a collection of eight fantasy films produced by [[Warner Bros.]] Pictures, based on the seven original novels by [[J.K. Rowling]]. The series was produced primarily by [[David Heyman]] and stars [[Daniel Radcliffe]], [[Rupert Grint]], and [[Emma Watson]] in the lead roles of [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]], respectively.
Beginning with //[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]// in 2001 and concluding with //[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]// in 2011, the series became one of the highest-grossing film franchises in history. While it serves as the most prominent visual adaptation of the wizarding world, the films are considered a separate continuity from the novels, which remain the primary canon. The series established much of the popular visual identity for the franchise, from the appearance of [[Hogwarts Castle]] to the casting of its iconic characters.
=====The Films=====
The series consists of eight motion pictures, with the final novel being adapted into two separate films.
  - //[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]// (2001) - Directed by [[Chris Columbus]]
  - //[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]// (2002) - Directed by [[Chris Columbus]]
  - //[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]// (2004) - Directed by [[Alfonso Cuarón]]
  - //[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]// (2005) - Directed by [[Mike Newell]]
  - //[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]// (2007) - Directed by [[David Yates]]
  - //[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]// (2009) - Directed by [[David Yates]]
  - //[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1]]// (2010) - Directed by [[David Yates]]
  - //[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]// (2011) - Directed by [[David Yates]]
=====Key Creative Personnel=====
While hundreds of individuals were involved, several key figures shaped the creative direction of the series.
  * **Producers:** [[David Heyman]] was a producer on all eight films. [[J.K. Rowling]] also served as a producer on the final two films, having maintained a degree of creative control throughout the series.
  * **Screenwriters:** [[Steve Kloves]] adapted every novel for the screen except for //Order of the Phoenix//, which was written by [[Michael Goldenberg]].
  * **Directors:** Four directors helmed the series, each bringing a distinct visual and narrative tone to their respective films. [[Chris Columbus]] established the world with a family-friendly, faithful approach; [[Alfonso Cuarón]] introduced a darker, more mature visual style; [[Mike Newell]] directed a fast-paced thriller; and [[David Yates]] oversaw the final four films, bringing the series to its epic conclusion.
  * **Composers:** The series' music is iconic, with "[[Hedwig's Theme]]" by [[John Williams]] serving as the main theme. Other composers who scored films include [[Patrick Doyle]], [[Nicholas Hooper]], and [[Alexandre Desplat]].
=====Notable Deviations from the Novels=====
The films, by necessity of the medium, contain numerous changes, omissions, and additions when compared to the source novels. These deviations are a frequent topic of discussion among fans. Some of the most significant include:
  * **Character Omissions:** Many secondary characters are absent, including the poltergeist [[Peeves]], the house-elf [[Winky]], wizards [[Ludo Bagman]] and [[Charlie Weasley]] (in any significant capacity), and [[Andromeda Tonks]] and [[Ted Tonks]]. The organization [[S.P.E.W.]] is also completely omitted.
  * **Plot and Event Changes:**
    * The complex backstory of the [[Marauders]] ([[James Potter]], [[Sirius Black]], [[Remus Lupin]], and [[Peter Pettigrew]]) is heavily condensed.
    * The final confrontation between [[Harry Potter]] and [[Lord Voldemort]] is changed from a tense standoff in the [[Great Hall]] surrounded by onlookers to a private, destructive duel across the [[Hogwarts]] grounds.
    * In the //Half-Blood Prince// film, [[Death Eaters]] attack and burn down the [[Burrow]], an event that does not occur in the book.
    * In //Deathly Hallows – Part 2//, Harry snaps the [[Elder Wand]] in two rather than using it to repair his original phoenix feather wand.
    * The full details of [[Tom Riddle]]'s history, discovered through [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s [[Pensieve]], are significantly truncated.
  * **Character Portrayals:** The films are often noted for shifting character dynamics. For example, many of [[Ron Weasley]]'s brave or knowledgeable moments from the books are given to [[Hermione Granger]]. The personality and development of [[Ginny Weasley]] are also significantly reduced.
=====Legacy and Impact=====
The [[Warner Bros.]] film series was a cultural phenomenon that brought the wizarding world to a global audience on an unprecedented scale. It cemented the visual aesthetics of the universe, including the designs of creatures like [[Dobby]] and [[Buckbeak]], the layout of locations like [[Diagon Alley]], and the general appearance of [[magic]] and [[spells]]. Its immense success directly led to the expansion of the franchise, including **The Wizarding World of Harry Potter** theme parks, the //[[Fantastic Beasts]]// prequel film series, and the continued popularity of the brand worldwide.