Harry Potter books in order
The seven books hold far more of Hogwarts than eight movies could: Peeves, house-elf politics, whole Quidditch matches and the backstories the films cut for time.
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
1997 · Movie (2001)Harry learns he is a wizard and starts at Hogwarts. In the UK: the Philosopher's Stone.
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
1998 · Movie (2002)Students are attacked and a hidden chamber opens.
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
1999 · Movie (2004)A prisoner escapes Azkaban, and he seems to be after Harry.
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
2000 · Movie (2005)The Triwizard Tournament, and Voldemort's return.
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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
2003 · Movie (2007)The Ministry denies Voldemort is back. Harry's students fight anyway.
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
2005 · Movie (2009)Dumbledore shows Harry Voldemort's past.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
2007 · Two movies (2010, 2011)Harry, Ron and Hermione leave Hogwarts to hunt the Horcruxes.
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All seven books in one boxed set
The complete series in paperback.
What the books give you
Only in the books
Peeves, S.P.E.W., a bigger role for Dobby and much more of Hogwarts life. The later books are long, and the movies cut a lot.
What the screen changes
Subplots are cut and some lines move between characters. The details are folded below.
Show differences (spoilers)
In the book, Harry uses the Elder Wand to repair his own wand, then decides to return the Elder Wand to Dumbledore's tomb; in the last movie he snaps it and throws it away.
Editions
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Harry Potter paperback box set
All seven books. The simplest gift.
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Harry Potter illustrated editions (Jim Kay)
Full-color illustrated hardcovers; Jim Kay illustrated the first four books.
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Harry Potter audiobooks read by Jim Dale
The US audiobooks.
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More by J.K. Rowling
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
2001 · the Hogwarts textbook behind the Fantastic Beasts films
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The Casual Vacancy
2012 · a novel for adults, a BBC miniseries
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The Cuckoo's Calling
2013 · as Robert Galbraith, book 1 of the Cormoran Strike series
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If you liked it
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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan · 2005 · a Disney+ series
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The Magicians
Lev Grossman · 2009 · a TV series
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Nevermoor
Jessica Townsend · 2017
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Quick answers
Which book is each movie and series based on?
| Movie or series | Book |
|---|---|
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1997) |
| Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998) |
| Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999) |
| Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000) |
| Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003) |
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005) |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007) · first half of the book |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007) · second half of the book |
| Harry Potter (HBO series) (HBO) | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1997) · the first season adapts book 1; HBO plans one season per book |
In what order should I read Harry Potter?
Read the seven books in order, starting with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1997) and ending with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007). Each book covers one school year at Hogwarts. All seven are by J.K. Rowling, and each one became a movie.
In what order should I read the Harry Potter books?
In publication order, from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1997) to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007). Each book covers one school year.
Is the Sorcerer's Stone the same book as the Philosopher's Stone?
Yes. The UK title is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone; the US edition renamed it Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child the eighth book?
No. It is the script of a stage play (2016), based on a story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne, written by Jack Thorne. It is set 19 years after the last book.