Every 'Harry Potter' Book, Ranked By How Much Potterheads Want To Reread Them

Premise: Sixteen-year-old Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for his sixth year. Now that the Second Wizarding War has begun, the school is one of the only safe places in the UK. However, Harry suspects Draco Malfoy of plotting Albus Dumbledore's assassination. Meanwhile, he and Dumbledore delve into Voldemort's past, learning about the Horcruxes that have enabled him to split his soul.

Why It Earns House Points: Half-Blood Prince is the last time Harry and his friends get to have a normal teenage life. As such, things like romantic drama and school events are easy to appreciate. It gives Harry a better experience at Hogwarts compared with the torturous time he had the previous year, making this book a more casual read despite featuring a major twist in the finale. The main characters' roles are clearly defined by this point, so there's an air of familiarity about them. Harry finally gets to have something close to the average teen's life, as he begins a romance with Ginny while focusing on his studies and his role as Quidditch Captain.

Apart from things at Hogwarts, Half-Blood Prince deserves recognition for carving out an effective backstory for Voldemort. Many installments into the story, the Harry Potter series develops the antagonist into more than an evil overlord. New characters like Horace Slughorn are introduced to service Voldemort's origins, which proves crucial to the events of Deathly Hallows. The relationship between Harry and Dumbledore is at its best here, as the duo take on a father-son element in addition to their teacher-student roles.

Why It Loses House Points: Those who aren't crazy about teen relationship dynamics will find Half-Blood Prince overly dramatic. After following the main characters through many big-time scenarios, watching them engage in relatively immature behavior can be a turnoff. Harry's feelings for Ginny seem to come out of nowhere, and the description of said feelings (particularly because they manifest as a “monster in his chest”) feels cringeworthy at times. 

The slower pace can be hit-and-miss; as the penultimate book in the series, some readers might find it frustrating that the story doesn't pick up until the end. Although Voldemort is a big factor, the Dark Lord doesn't actually make an appearance, which is a letdown because we don't get a full picture of the Wizarding War without his presence.

Important Book Details The Movie Didn’t Include: Essential character traits and associations are missing. The relationship between Nymphadora Tonks and Remus Lupin is already in full swing in the movie, while the book shows them wrestling with feelings as Nymphadora becomes depressed at Remus's reluctance to be with her. Hermione and Ron spend many months not speaking, and their estrangement comes with moments where they're hurtful to each other. Similarly, Harry pines for Ginny all year and looks for ways to engage in a romance, while worrying about how Ron might react to it. 

An important scene featuring Harry and the diadem Horcrux takes place in the Room of Requirement; he comes across it while trying to hide the Half-Blood Prince's book, which is crucial to Deathly Hallows because Harry recalls the diadem due to this event. Another major reference to Dumbledore's past happens in the cave, where Harry hears him live out his worst memory of his sister Ariana's demise. 

Notable New Characters: Horace Slughorn

Underrated Scene: Harry and Dumbledore's discussion over the prophecy. Harry finally understands why he and Voldemort are destined to collide. Dumbledore makes him see that it doesn't matter if Harry wants to fight Voldemort or not, because the latter has already made it his mission to kill Harry. The protagonist realizes he could either worry for life, or face his enemy bravely as his parents did. With a fierce sense of purpose, Harry feels proud of himself for wanting to take down Voldemort, regardless of the prophecy. The scene highlights his inherent goodness as well as the importance of Dumbledore's guidance, who gives Harry the push he needs to embrace his fate as the Chosen One.

Dumbest Harry Moment: Everything about his fight with Draco shows Harry at his dumbest. He attacks his rival with an unknown spell (Sectumsempra) that he knows would be dangerous, yet is horrified when he sees the result. Harry is equally stupid when it comes to making an excuse to Snape. He knows the latter can read his mind through legilimency, yet thinks about the Half-Blood Prince's book anyway, giving away the fact he's been using Snape's own former book all year. Of course, the cherry on top is when he makes the worst excuse by attempting to pass off Ron's copy (incorrectly titled “Roonil Wazlib”) and claiming that it's his nickname.

Premise: Harry Potter, now 17, is on the run after Lord Voldemort takes over the Wizarding World. Harry, Ron, and Hermione look for Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes while evading his forces. As they inch closer to their goal, Harry realizes his connection to the Deathly Hallows, which might hold the key to surviving his fateful clash against Voldemort that takes place during the Battle of Hogwarts.

Why It Earns House Points: Deathly Hallows delivers on the promise of an all-out war between the forces of good and evil. It breaks away from the series' format, taking the action away from Hogwarts for much of the book. Instead, we follow the Golden Trio as they try to survive the harsh landscape of the Wizarding World. It's a heart-pounding experience as the heroes infiltrate high-security places like the Ministry of Magic and Gringotts, while fighting off Voldemort and his forces in locations such as Godric's Hollow and Malfoy Manor.

Deathly Hallows introduces the titular items late in the plot, yet it all makes sense because we learn just how far back it ties into the story. The Battle of Hogwarts remains an epic event that causes numerous casualties, signifying the do-or-die aspect of the Wizarding War. Fan perception of Albus Dumbledore is completely changed with the exploration of his backstory, as his past with his family and his association with Gellert Grindelwald comes to light. Of course, the true nature of Severus Snape and his feelings for Lily Potter flip the script about the character as well, as Harry realizes there's so much he didn't know. Deathly Hallows is a breathtaking entry that serves as the perfect send-off for the series.

Why It Loses House Points: The period where Harry, Ron, and Hermione are on the run can be slow in places. Several chapters are dedicated to showing their misery at being alone, which drags on longer than it probably should have. Fans who prefer Hogwarts and the comfort it offers don't have anything of the sort to look forward to, as the story is all about Harry's struggle. The dire state of the Wizarding War is a real bummer for those attached to certain characters, due to the high death count during the Battle of Hogwarts.

Important Book Details The Movie Didn’t Include: By far, the worst change in the movies was removing housel-elf Kreacher's turn for the better. In the book, he switches allegiance to Harry after he's finally treated with kindness. This ties into Hermione's efforts with S.P.E.W., as Harry and Ron come to see her point about the plight of house-elves. Harry and Voldemort's familial relation to the Peverells is depicted in detail in the book, which traces their origins to the Deathly Hallows. 

The final encounter between the duo plays out in a battle of wits, as Harry pieces together the Elder Wand's allegiance, knowing it won't hurt him. This is a culmination of the entire story, making it a worthy payoff, as opposed to the film's reliance on action-based elements. Snape and Lily's friendship is laid out from start to finish, showing their days as children to their eventual fallout. Dumbledore's spirit confesses his guilt and remorse to Harry, and they have a heart-to-heart in their final interaction.

Notable New Characters: Gellert Grindelwald, Ariana Dumbledore, Xenophilius Lovegood

Underrated Scene: Voldemort replays the night of his failed execution of baby Harry. This is told from the Dark Lord's point of view, offering a keen insight into the mind of the most terrifying character in the series. Fans learn what he was thinking while slaying Harry's parents and how he felt when the curse backfired on him. Voldemort's fears are also revealed, as he panics over the prospect of losing his Horcruxes. We learn the reason he was scared of Dumbledore was because the latter was the only one who knew of Voldemort's past as a helpless orphan, which adds an interesting layer to his characterization.

Dumbest Harry Moment: Despite knowing that Voldemort's name is taboo and has a trace on it, Harry openly speaks it. This puts him, Ron, and Hermione in incredible danger, as Snatches appear outside their hiding spot in an instant. It could have gone the worst possible way had Aberforth Dumbledore not sent Dobby to rescue the heroes from Malfoy Manor. Harry was close to losing his and his friends' lives, all because he couldn't hold his tongue when he knew he was supposed to.

Premise: Thirteen-year-old Harry Potter's return to Hogwarts is marred by the breakout of mass murderer Sirius Black from Azkaban; he's believed to be Voldemort's most ardent follower and is headed to Hogwarts. With Azkaban's feared guards, the Dementors, making further problems for Harry, he has to be on guard for a possible assassination attempt. However, he comes to learn Black's true nature isn't what it seems.

Why It Earns House Points: Prisoner of Azkaban returns to making Hogwarts feel like a magical place to be. Harry again finds solace within its walls, even with Black supposedly on the prowl. With the Marauder's Map, his adventures at the school receive a fresh spin. The book furthers the series' lore by introducing the Whomping Willow, the Dementors, and new spells (including the Patronus charm). New characters like Sirius, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, and even Buckbeak fit right in, adding another layer to Harry's backstory.

Out of all the books, Prisoner of Azkaban is the only one that doesn't feature Voldemort in any capacity. This works to its benefit, as Harry gets a story where he isn't threatened the usual way and has different challenges to overcome. The less-action-based outline allows characterization to shine through, with Ron and Hermione getting larger roles to play. It's perhaps the final book that keeps the youth-friendly tone, making it a cherished entry for those who prefer the Wizarding World series without very dark material.

Why It Loses House Points: Some moments are far too convenient to be believable. For instance, Harry just happens to come across Professor Snape after he's returned from a secret trip to Hogsmeade; there just happens to be a full moon the night the heroes apprehend Peter, which causes Remus to transform into a werewolf and allows Peter to escape; Hermione conveniently has a Time-Turner when the protagonists are out of time. The book also speeds things up just to prevent Harry from having a happy reunion with Sirius - everything from his escape to Remus leaving his post as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher takes place quickly, without anyone doing anything about it. Fans who don't like seeing the Golden Trio at odds won't like the long spells where Harry and Ron shun Hermione.

Important Book Details The Movie Didn’t Include: Once more, many of Ron's traits are switched to Hermione, most notably when he tries to sacrifice himself for Harry against Sirius (whom he believes is a villain) on a broken foot. The entire history of the Marauders is left out, with just a mention of them being aware of the map. The circumstances behind Harry receiving the Firebolt are completely rearranged; in the book, he receives it around Christmas and it becomes a point of contention with Hermione, whereas the movie shifts it to the end of the school year. Crookshanks's role is relegated to being Hermione's pet in the film; in the book he has a major role in befriending Sirius. 

Notable New Characters: Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew

Underrated Scene: The part where Harry yells at Snape for insulting his father, James Potter. The film has a downgraded version of this. In the book, Harry straight up tells Snape to shut up, bursting out in anger after the professor's continuous badmouthing. It's nice to see Harry reaching the end of his patience and standing up for his father's memory. It also works well in adding to James's backstory, because Snape then reveals how mean-spirited Harry's father was at school, foreshadowing the reveal of his bullying in Order of the Phoenix.

Dumbest Harry Moment: Thinking someone just gifted him a Firebolt out of the goodness of their heart is naïve, even for Harry's standards. He and Ron don't care where the broomstick comes from; they just want to ride it as soon as they find it among Harry's presents. Hermione is correct when she brings up doubts about its authenticity, claiming Sirius could have cursed it to harm Harry. 

The boys have some nerve to get angry with Hermione when she has Professor McGonagall confiscate the Firebolt to check for dark magic, as Hermione only has Harry's best interest at heart. Although it turns out Sirius did indeed send the broomstick, Harry and Ron were too silly to realize that people don't just send random teens expensive gifts.

Premise: The fourth year at Hogwarts for 14-year-old Harry begins in shambles as his name mysteriously emerges the Goblet of Fire. With no other choice, he must compete in the Triwizard Tournament and brave three extremely dangerous tasks. During the tournament, a greater conspiracy is alluded to that results in the return of Lord Voldemort.

Why It Earns House Points: Goblet of Fire signals the series' turn toward mature storylines. Death, destruction, and sacrifice are all part of its thematic qualities. Harry is no longer safe within the walls of Hogwarts, nor is the Wizarding World a happy, inspirational place. While this sounds dire, the series matures with its readers, making it an opportune time to change things up. The Triwizard Tournament adds a thrilling element none of the other tomes possess, as each task is aesthetically distinct. There's also an influx of new characters like Mad-Eye Moody, Viktor Krum, Fleur Delacour, Ludo Bagman, Barty Crouch Sr., Barty Crouch Jr., Igor Karkaroff, Rita Skeeter, and Madame Maxime. All have their own motivations, making Goblet of Fire among the richest books in terms of characterization.

Ron and Hermione develop significantly as well, as the first steps to their eventual romance begin. Hermione in particular progresses from a know-it-all star student into a more selfless person, starting the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (amusingly known as S.P.E.W.) after sympathizing with the plight of house-elves. This also highlights greater issues in the Wizarding World, as the protagonists start to see the institutional racism against wizards who aren't pure-bloods, and against certain magical creatures. Goblet of Fire is an altogether worthy middle section of the series that bridges the first part of Harry's story to the next.

Why It Loses House Points: Much like in Chamber of Secrets, fans have a lot to keep up with in Goblet of Fire. It's another round of whodunit, with many characters suspected of being in cahoots with the bad guys. The climactic twist is still incredible, but the path to getting there requires much investment. The book also favors action more than subtle storytelling, so readers might get burnt out with all the events happening in quick succession. Although the Triwizard Tournament is fun and exciting, it can also be gimmicky in places. A lot of fluff stories, like Fred and George Weasley's bet with Ludo, Draco Malfoy's smear campaign against Harry, and the start-stop romance between Viktor and Hermione take up space that could have been used elsewhere.

Important Book Details The Movie Didn’t Include: The entirety of the Quidditch World Cup final is removed, whereas the book covers the match in detail, making for one of the most entertaining sequences in the series. Rita Skeeter's libelous content against Harry's friends highlights the injustices in the Wizarding World, which adds a sympathetic lens to view the likes of Hagrid, Dobby, and other magical creatures. Barty Crouch Jr.'s hatred of his father because of the latter's lack of care toward him is removed in the film, turning Crouch Jr. into a lunatic instead of a product of poor parenting.

Among the biggest omissions is S.P.E.W. - Hermione's founding of this group is the foundation on which her role in the series is defined going forward. She plants the seeds of change needed in the Wizarding World, and even how little anyone cares about what she says shows the ignorance with which wizards live. S.P.E.W.'s morals ultimately lead into Deathly Hallows, where Dobby's sacrifice and Kreacher's turn for the better have added weight because of where Hermione begins her journey.

Notable New Characters: Mad-Eye Moody, Barty Crouch Jr, Rita Skeeter

Underrated Scene: When Harry gives his Triwizard winnings to George and Fred so they can start their joke shop. It's a surprisingly feel-good moment right at the end of the book, when Voldemort's return has marred everything. Harry's selfless act highlights that material wealth means nothing to him, especially when it's connected to the death of Cedric Diggory. It's also nice to see the twins at a loss for words for once, as they're overcome with gratitude. It's also just the kind of thing readers need before the book ends, because it provides a note of optimism when things seem bleak.

Dumbest Harry Moment: Thinking the Triwizard Tournament contestants and their family/friends are in trouble during the Second Task. Everyone learns beforehand that Dumbledore has gone to great lengths to ensure no loss of life. Yet Harry hangs around the merpeople thinking Fleur's sister Gabrielle, Hermione, Ron, and Cho Chang will all perish if he doesn't rescue them. His lack of common sense nearly costs him the tournament, as he's dead last when he resurfaces with Ron and Gabrielle. Harry is fortunate this act of bravery is seen as a plus point by the judges, leading him to come in second.

Premise: Harry Potter, age 11, discovers he's the Boy Who Lived, a wizard the Dark Lord Voldemort failed to kill as a baby. He's whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he befriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. During his first year there, Harry discovers a plot by Voldemort to steal the Sorcerer's Stone - guarded by Headmaster Albus Dumbledore - to regain his body.

Why It Earns House Points: Sorcerer's Stone, as the introduction to the Harry Potter series, is arguably the most magical entry. It's easily Harry's happiest year at Hogwarts, because he gets to experience freedom from the Dursleys and wide acceptance for the first time. Reading it from his point of view at such a young age also sparks the reader's innocent side. Although Harry encounters challenges, Hogwarts feels like a safe place with unlimited possibilities for him. The book never gets too dark, and has an infectiously optimistic tone. The theme of friendship is prevalent, from the Golden Trio to Harry's relationship with the likes of Hagrid and Neville.

Despite Voldemort making an appearance, he doesn't come across as menacing as in the later books. Because of this, the Good vs. Evil aspect is easily in favor of the heroes, and Sorcerer's Stone's cheerful vibe remains at its peak. It's also the book that makes readers see themselves as Hogwarts students, as Harry is concerned with things like gaining/losing house points, detention, and learning magic. Even for adults, picking up this book is a reminder of what it's like to be a child and marvel at the wonders of the world.

Why It Loses House Points: Those accustomed to later entries' darker, more grown-up tones will find Sorcerer's Stone too simplistic. It can be jarring in certain places because it's the only book with multiple point-of-view characters. Some moments featuring the perspectives of Hermione, Ron, and even Uncle Vernon can seem out of place. Moreover, Ron and Harry being relatively mean-spirited toward Hermione, and Dumbledore authorizing detention for 11-year-olds in the Forbidden Forest are out of character compared with follow-up installments.

While the lack of stakes is great for casual readers, those invested in the whole story might want to skip Sorcerer's Stone for this reason. Professor Quirrell is also a villain who pales in comparison to future villains, so his ability to be a worthy foil to Harry is questionable. The short length of the book might make fans feel like there was more to offer but not enough provided.

Important Book Details The Movie Didn’t Include: Harry, Hermione, and Neville go to the Forbidden Forest; Ron is in the Hospital Wing at the time. Multiple centaurs appear, not just Firenze, and their interaction foreshadows Harry and Voldemort's meeting in the forest in Deathly Hallows and the prophecy. Harry and Draco Malfoy's Midnight Duel is missing, which is important because it's the first time the Golden Trio and Neville have an adventure and learn about Fluffy, Hagrid's large three-headed dog.

An entire task prepared by Professor Snape in the Sorcerer's Stone trials is removed - where Hermione solves a riddle that allows Harry passage to Voldemort. Another trial involving a troll is also missing. Additionally, the film cuts out Ron-centric moments and hands them to Hermione, or simply omits them. For example, Ron suggests using light against the Devil's Snare; he's the main caregiver for Norbert and is responsible for delivering the dragon to his brother Charlie in Romania; Ron also punches Draco for insulting his family, ensuring the latter never directly bullies him or Neville again.

Notable New Characters: Everyone!

Underrated Scene: The interaction with the centaurs. Upon meeting Harry's group, they comment that Mars is burning bright; after Firenze saves Harry from Voldemort, the centaurs are enraged that he interfered with the stars' prediction. While this sounds like a setup to explaining the centaurs' characterizations, it's actually a foreshadowing to both Order of the Phoenix and Deathly Hallows.

Mars being bright meant that war was coming (a reference to the Battle of Hogwarts), and the centaurs' anger at Firenze's interference was due to their knowledge of Harry's demise at Voldemort's hands in the forest. The creatures had predicted Voldemort would slay Harry in this location, meaning they thought this was the night the prophecy would come true. In reality, the centaurs were off by six years, as that fateful moment wouldn't happen until Deathly Hallows.

Dumbest Harry Moment: Falling for Draco's obvious trap of the Midnight Duel isn't among Harry's finest moments. The latter has only just escaped living under the constant bullying of the Dursleys and jeopardizes his place at Hogwarts over a silly show of one-upmanship against Draco. Harry leaves his dormitory after hours and ends up causing Hermione, Ron, and Neville to tag along. He realizes too late that it's a set-up by Draco, and would have gotten caught had it not been for sheer luck. It's one of the first instances that shows Harry thinking with his emotions and not from his mind.

Premise: Harry Potter, now 12, returns to Hogwarts for his second year, but finds it in danger. The fabled Chamber of Secrets has been opened, unleashing a monster that petrifies Muggle-borns. Harry and his friends piece together the clues to uncover the Heir of Slytherin, realizing it leads all the way to Voldemort's past as Tom Riddle.

Why It Earns House Points: Chamber of Secrets is a masterful work by JK Rowling, who weaves together several story threads to make a grand whodunit plotline. Every piece of information from start to finish is a clue to the overall mystery, which extends to the seventh novel. Watching it come together serves as a great payoff that recontextualizes the story. The book blends the original's child-friendly aspects with a darker atmosphere, nearly convincing readers that Harry and his friends' lives are under threat. Chamber of Secrets also expands Hogwarts lore, showing that its origins are steeped in prejudice, just like the Wizarding World is.

Apart from Half-Blood Prince, this is the book where Voldemort is at his most interesting. His backstory isn't fully explored, but major revelations surrounding his evil turn and how he was during his youth come to light. Although it's noticeably darker, several moments of comedy exist that provide a satisfying balance. It's a thrilling ride that retains the optimistic tone of Harry's earlier year at Hogwarts and is best for readers who want a thinking-person's book.

Why It Loses House Points: Chamber of Secrets lacks the feel-good charm normally seen in the Harry Potter series. Because Hogwarts is such a dangerous place this time around, it doesn't have the warmth that fans know and love. The story is so focused on solving the central mystery that Harry's day-to-day experiences are ignored. Because he's also suspected of being the Heir of Slytherin himself, following Harry's point of view is more depressing than fun.

The book's many plot threads might be ingenious, but they can also be challenging to keep up with. Having to go back and understand what a scene truly meant after yet another revelation can be a chore. Important characters like Hermione and Professor Snape don't have as much to do in this book, and are either used for filler scenes or have their roles cut short.

Important Book Details The Movie Didn’t Include: Arthur Weasley's Muggle Protection Act isn't mentioned - it's the reason Lucius Malfoy plants the diary in Ginny Weasley's possessions, because he wants the Weasley name sullied. Arthur's attack on Lucius is removed; in the book, he loses his temper at Lucius's many insults and decks him in front of everyone in Flourish and Blotts. Peeves the poltergeist damages a Vanishing Cabinet - the same cabinet Draco Malfoy uses to smuggle the Death Eaters into Hogwarts in Half-Blood Prince. All of Nearly Headless Nick's deathday party is removed.

Notable New Character: Tom Riddle

Underrated Scene: The deathday party is an interesting look into the ghosts at Hogwarts. It's an atmospheric scene where Harry, Ron, and Hermione find a who's who of ghosts and learn about their standing in the world. Keeping in line with the book's theme, it's a spooky and strange chapter that highlights Hogwarts' diverse inhabitants.

Dumbest Harry Moment: Thinking Gilderoy Lockhart had any clue about how to get into the Chamber of Secrets. Harry and Ron spend the entire year commenting on the professor's incompetence, only to believe he'll try to find a way into the Chamber. Even after the boys learn he's a fraud, they're dumb enough to take him to the Chamber. It could have turned out terribly bad for the duo, as Gilderoy is about to permanently destroy their memories. Had it not been for Ron's broken wand, the spell would never have backfired, and the two boys would have been permanent amnesiacs.