The “Harry Potter” Novels Ranked From Worst to Best

Recently, I finally finished the acclaimed Harry Potter series. Find out which books I enjoyed the most, and which ones I enjoyed the least.

Editor’s Note: Expect much more Harry Potter content now that I’ve finished reading the books this upcoming summer. It’s a fantastic series that I’m excited to write about.

№7: Book 1 — Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

The first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is a classic because it introduced audiences to the Wizarding World and the accompanying universe.

However, due to the shortness of the novel, it does not compare with the other books in the series that hold more weight. Overall, it is a quick read, with moments of the school year being quickly rushed through. The world feels slightly shallow and not fleshed out quite enough. But, it is the first novel that made fans love and adore the series forever.

№6: Book 7 — Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows

This is the finale of the series, and it certainly met expectations, but it also certainly did not exceed them. The series was completed in very satisfying fashion, showcasing the complete cast of characters.

The middle of the book drags on and on, and there are few eventful moments within the middle of the novel. As the three main characters wander through the wilderness, audiences become bored. However, the Battle of Hogwarts was exciting and exhilarating, and a great conclusion.

№5: Book 2 — Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Although the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, is much more grounded and laid-back than the first one, the mysterious tone adds to the novel, in my opinion.

The basilisk plot is horrifyingly creepy and very gripping for the audience, but the stakes are certainly low in this one, which is the biggest complaint among fans. The absence of Hermione — the series’ best character — also negatively impacts the novel as well. Without the trio, there is definitely something missing in this one.

№4: Book 4 — Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has some great elements, most notably the tournament style format which offers the audience a break from the usual tropes of the series. The ending is also fantastic and my favorite ending of the series, with Voldemort’s scary resurrection and return to power.

However, the tone and structure is incredibly repetitive. Cedric’s death is certainly emotional and sad, but considering the audience didn’t know the character all that well, it didn’t have the emotional punch author J.K. Rowling was looking for. Still, the moment is quite shocking, and the conclusion of the novel turns the corner for the series into more darker source material.

№3: Book 5 — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

The most polarizing book in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, centers around the main characters becoming teenagers and dealing with crushes, most notably Harry Potter and Cho Chang.

The portrayal of Harry Potter, and the other characters, maturing into adulthood is justified and also very realistic. However, the teenager angst parts are not the best parts of the novel. The formation of Dumbledore’s Army is amazing, the battle at the Ministry of Magic are my favorite chapters of any Harry Potter novel ever, and although I hate Dolores Umbridge, her presence is easily the best part of the entire book, making her a very compelling, hatable villain in the series.

No2: Book 6 — Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the peak of the series. The book balances between dark source material and laugh-out-loud comedy in the best way possible. It offers a backstory for Voldemort, cementing his as one of my favorite villains of all time in pop culture.

One of my favorite characters — Servous Snape — is highlighted in extreme depth. Through this book, the audience learns how complex of a character Snape truly is. The novel’s final twist that Snape is the Half-Blood Prince is one of my favorite parts in the entire series.

Lastly, Dumbledore’s death at the end of the book is shocking, and is truly heartfelt. This is a masterpiece, and the blending of elements makes this book spectacular.

No1: Book 3 — Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is my personal favorite in the series. Harry finally comes into his own, and his character is truly, deeply developed in this book. In Prisoner of Azkaban, he really becomes a more three-dimensional character.

Furthermore, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin (my favorite Hogwarts professor) are also introduced in this book, which also makes it incredibly important for the overall story. The time-turning plot at the end is engaging, as is the entire novel.

This book made me love Harry Potter.