The Harry Potter Film Series

The Harry Potter film series consists of eight fantasy films based on the seven original novels by J.K. Rowling. The series was produced and distributed by Warner Bros. and primarily produced by David Heyman. It began with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States and other territories) in 2001 and concluded with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2011. The series served as a launchpad for the Wizarding World shared media franchise. While the films follow the main plot of the novels, they are considered a separate continuity. For the purpose of PotterLex, the seven books remain the primary canon, and the films are a popular and influential adaptation. J.K. Rowling maintained a degree of creative control over the series, including serving as a producer on the final two instalments, to ensure they remained largely faithful to the spirit of her work.

The series adapted the seven books into eight feature films, with the final book being split into two parts.

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) - Directed by Chris Columbus (film)
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) - Directed by Chris Columbus (film)
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) - Directed by Alfonso Cuarón (film)
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) - Directed by Mike Newell (film)
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) - Directed by David Yates (film)
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) - Directed by David Yates (film)
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) - Directed by David Yates (film)
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) - Directed by David Yates (film)

Warner Bros. acquired the film rights to the first four novels in 1999. A key stipulation from J.K. Rowling was that the principal cast be kept strictly British, a condition that was largely honoured throughout the series. The search for an actor to play Harry Potter was extensive, ultimately leading to the casting of Daniel Radcliffe. Rupert Grint and Emma Watson were cast as Harry's best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively. Steve Kloves wrote the screenplays for all but the fifth film, which was written by Michael Goldenberg. (film) The films featured four different directors but were noted for their consistent production design, headed by Stuart Craig, and a recurring ensemble cast of acclaimed British actors, including Richard Harris and later Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore, Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall, Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid, and Alan Rickman as Severus Snape.

While broadly faithful, the films feature numerous alterations, omissions, and additions for cinematic purposes. These changes mean the films are not a source of primary canon information. Notable deviations include:

• Character Omissions: Several significant characters from the books were completely cut from the films, including the poltergeist Peeves, the Department of Magical Games and Sports head Ludo Bagman, the house-elf Winky, Kreacher's full backstory, and most of the Gaunt family's history, which was crucial to understanding Lord Voldemort's past.
• Character Alterations: The personalities and roles of some characters were changed. Ron Weasley's character in the films often has his key insightful or brave moments from the books given to Hermione Granger. (film) The character of Ginny Weasley is less developed, and her relationship with Harry Potter is less detailed than in the novels.
• Plot and Event Changes:
  • In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the origin of the Marauder's Map and the identities of its creators (Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs) are never explicitly explained. (film)
  • In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, there is an added scene where Death Eaters, led by Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback, attack and burn down the Burrow. This event does not occur in the book. (film)
  • In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, the final battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort takes place in the Hogwarts courtyard and involves them flying through the air, whereas in the book it is a tense, static confrontation in the Great Hall surrounded by onlookers. (film)
  • At the end of the final film, Harry Potter snaps the Elder Wand in two and throws it away. In the novel, he uses it to repair his original holly and phoenix feather wand before resolving to place the Elder Wand back in Dumbledore's tomb. (film)
• Organizational Omissions: Hermione Granger's activist organization, the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.), is entirely absent from the films.

The Harry Potter film series is one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. It was a critical and commercial success that brought the wizarding world to a massive global audience, significantly shaping the popular perception of the characters and story. The films' success led to the creation of further Wizarding World properties, including the Fantastic Beasts film series and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed areas at Universal Parks & Resorts. (Pottermore) The music of the series, particularly “Hedwig's Theme” composed by John Williams, has become instantly recognizable and synonymous with the franchise as a whole.