Can you believe that Hogwarts Legacy is a first for us? And not only that. It’s the first article about the glory that is the Harry Potter franchise. Look. We had the pleasure of writing about plenty of great movie franchises before. Jurassic World is one of them, and you can read some of our finest articles here. The Predator franchise is another great one. And just last year we loved writing about Prey. The prequel from the ailing franchise, if you will. But the truth is, we kinda liked Prey. You can check out our review here.
But the Harry Potter franchise is a bit special. Why? Well, because we also have a fantastic new game that inspired this article. And it’s just for you. Yes. We’re talking about Hogwarts Legacy.
What’s Hogwarts Legacy All About You Might Ask?
Developed by Avalanche Software, and published by Warner Bros Games, Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action RPG. One that’s set in the world was first introduced in the Harry Potter books. So, go ahead, and embark on a journey through familiar and new locations. As you explore and discover magical beasts of course. You get to customize your character and craft potions, master spell casting, upgrade talents and become the wizard you want to be.
Yes. Experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Don’t forget to make allies, battle Dark wizards, and ultimately decide the fate of the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it. Live the Unwritten.
Hogwarts Legacy is available for pre-purchase here at IndieGala.
The Deluxe version of Hogwarts Legacy is available for pre-purchase here.
Hogwarts Legacy & The Ranking Of ALL 8 Harry Potter Movies
That’s right. For the purpose of this article, we’re gonna focus on the original film series. Not on the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs, and definitely not the upcoming projects. Just on the 8 original films. Ranked from worst to best. After all, six of the eight films were nominated for a total of 12 Academy Awards. The franchise is also filled with elaborate theme parks, Freeform marathons, video games, and of course, highly re-readable novels.
So, with that in mind… Let’s begin.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
At 161 minutes, Chamber of Secrets is the longest film of the franchise. It’s also the movie that tries its hardest to fit everything from the book into one mammoth piece of cinema. This is Chris Columbus’s slightly darker and much more plot-heavy sequel. But at the same time, it’s a bit tiresome to watch. Sand not just of the lengthy running time. It’s not a bad movie per se, but it’s not one of the best. Hence, it’s on the bottom side of the ranking. Although not really popular with the audience, the critics loved it. Especially the late Roger Ebert. He gave The Chamber of Secrets 4 out of 4 stars and especially praised the set design of the movie. A.O.Scott from the New York Times however said: „you may feel battered and worn down, but not, in the end, too terribly disappointed”.
Fun fact: Shirley Henderson (Moaning Myrtle) is the oldest actress (age thirty-seven) to portray a Hogwarts student.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
The first of two cinematic parts is based on the 2007 novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. However, the story follows Harry Potter, who has been asked by Dumbledore to find and destroy Lord Voldemort’s secret to immortality. The Horcruxes. One of the biggest weaknesses of the film is the weak second part of the movie. It kinda loses steam in the second act especially and on top of that it tried to set up for the finale. It juggled on plenty of fronts and didn’t show any potential on either of them. Especially Dumbledore’s secret backstory.
Fun fact: First of the Harry Potter movies to have J.K. Rowling as a producer.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The main characters are maturing, and the filmmakers are likewise improving on their craft here. It’s got humor and a much darker tone. While Ralph Fiennes’s portrayal of Lord Voldemort is just “sublime villainy. It’s the first appearance of the iconic villain and you gotta love and respect the legacy that this character will leave from now on. Furthermore, the movie suffers from significant pacing problems, but it does manage to give plenty of drama for Harry, Ron, and Hermione throughout. Again… Not the best, but we’re moving toward the best.
Fun fact: The first movie of the franchise to not open with a “Harry-centric” scene.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
We’re back with a Chris Columbus film. And not just any film. The first installment in the legendary series. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in 2001 and it’s still as lovely as you remember it. The story follows Harry’s first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he discovers that he is a famous wizard and begins his formal wizarding education. The movie deserves immense credit for setting up this series and laying a fantastic foundation for the entire franchise. And although tonally it’s the lightest film of the bunch, it’s a perfect introduction to the film adaptations.
Fun fact: The Hogwarts’ motto, “Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus”, means “never tickle a sleeping dragon”.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Now we’re getting somewhere. Among other things, the movie navigates themes of power and corruption through the Dolores Umbridge character. And it becomes clear early on, that it’s gonna be a very different movie. Order of the Phoenix’s story follows Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As the Ministry of Magic is in denial of Lord Voldemort’s return. The movie also opens in the middle of the summer, and it ends with a moving battle between Voldemort and Dumbledore. We can’t forget the two iconic ladies of course. Imelda Staunton’s performance as Dolores Umbridge and Helena Bonham Carter’s as Bellatrix Lestrange are simply astonishing.
Fun fact: Stephen King said the character of Dolores Umbridge was the “greatest make-believe villain to come along since Hannibal Lecter.”
Hogwarts Legacy Continues: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Half-Blood Prince is certainly the funniest film of the franchise. Why? Well, first and foremost Jim Broadbent brings a goofy quality to Professor Slughorn. While Harry and Ron’s brushes with the opposite sex offer a great deal of comic relief too. But the cinematography is with lighter tones too. There’s a softer and richer palette which only adds a whimsical and lighter tone to the overall experience. Add to this the magnificent John Williams work and you’ve got one very good movie to watch.
Fun fact: Dame Maggie Smith completed filming this movie while undergoing radiation therapy as a treatment for breast cancer.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
The second of two cinematic parts is based on the 2007 novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. And much better in quality than the first. Hence, it’s in second place. The Yates’s direction, musical score, visual effects, cinematography, and action sequences are all top-notch. And there’s a satisfying conclusion to the story as well. Alan Rickman rises to the challenge in one of the franchise’s most emotional moments. All the while the movie gloriously closes the series. It’s a fantastic movie.
Fun fact: Most of the events in this movie, from the raid on Gringotts to the Battle of Hogwarts, take place over the course of a single day.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
You already knew this, didn’t you? You Alfonso Cuaron to thank for this masterpiece. Well, and the rest of the team, but yeah. Cuarón significantly altered the look and feel of Harry Potter without completely removing what Chris Columbus had built in the prior two films. He just made it darker and better. There’s the significant depth of characters, and who can forget the gorgeous cinematography? Seriously. Michael Seresin’s beautiful photography makes every frame and every scene looks like a goddamn painting. Michael Gambon picks up the baton beautifully from the late Richard Harris. And what’s to be said about Gary Oldman’s performance of Sirius Black? Bloody wonderful.
Fun fact: A clause in director Alfonso Cuarón’s contract forbade him from cursing in front of the kids on-set.
Are You hyped about Hogwarts Legacy?
We sure are. But we’d love to know your favorite Harry Potter movie. Which is it? Let us know. We’d love to know all about it.
