Harry Potter Books in Order: Complete Guide to the Series in 2023 +PDF
I fell in love with the Harry Potter series years ago. In fact, I remember standing in line at midnight waiting for the newest book to launch and then pulling an all-nighter so that I could read the entire thing. I definitely read the Harry Potter books in order but, is it necessary? The Harry Potter books have become iconic. They are so well known that many people know the story before ever reading the books. So, we are often asked, “Should I read the Harry Potter Series in order?” We have everything you need to know about Harry Potter right here! *Harry Potter Books in Order Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. 
Should I Read the Harry Potter Series in Order?
Definitely!
J.K. Rowling is a storyteller who plays the long game. I think of her as the marathon runner of writers. The story has clues and important information throughout all seven books. It is important to read all the Harry Potter books in order to understand the story.
How Many Books Are in the Harry Potter Series?
The Book Series of Harry Potter has 7 books with a number of other books associated with Harry Potter. There are also illustrated editions of the books. There are 8 Harry Potter movies in addition to a number of prequels, including the Fantastic Beasts trilogy.
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Harry Potter Books in Order
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1997)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix (2003)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
Harry Potter Books in Order: From the Hogwarts Library
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- Quidditch Through the Ages
- Tales of Beetle the Bard
Screenplays by J.K. Rowling
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
- The Crimes of Grindelwald
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter Series Reading List
Download the complete book list below and subscribe to our newsletter here for exclusive access to more reading lists and printables!
Reviews of the Harry Potter Series in Order
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J. K Rowling
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle-Grade fantasy
More info: Harry Potter Book 1 or 7
Age Range: 8+ (note that some of the later books in the series may not be appropriate until a bit older)
Plot
I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published.
This story introduces us to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger; our fearless trio. We also meet the other favorite beloved and detested characters that make the Harry Potter book series so special. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy?
Trigger Warnings
Why Jackie loves it
I firmly believe that JK Rowling changed children’s literature more profoundly than any other author. I realize that this is a very strong statement. But, until her, there have never been books that have had such an impact on the world of reading. The books are so brilliantly laid out with easter eggs in book one that are essential for the entire plot. I believe this is one of the best fantasy series ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
In my opinion, this is the best children’s fantasy series ever written. It features strong lessons on morality, inventive plotlines, and hidden threads woven throughout the entire series. Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of this book is award-winning. He voices over 200 characters, each with distinct accents and my kids have listened to the entire series multiple times
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter Book 2) by J.K Rowling
This is the second book in the Harry Potter series. If you are reading the Harry Potter books in order then this book picks up at the end of the summer right before Harry is supposed to go back to school. But, our sweet friend Dobby, the house elf, has something to say about that.
When Ron comes to get Harry in an enchanted car, they miss the train, fly to school, and nearly get creamed by the whooping willow; you know the year will be an eventful one. After all, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has not even started yet.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter Book 3) by J.K Rowling
Harry Potter is back at Hogwarts in The third book in the Harry Potter series. His life is in danger once again but this time, it is from the escaped convict, Sirius Black. He has escaped from the wizard prison, Azkaban, and seeks revenge on Harry.
Sirius Black is a mass murderer and a follower of Voldemort. Now, there are Dementors patrolling the school and Harry can only read of death and destruction in his divination class with Professor Trelawney. What else could go wrong?
Why I Love It: In this story, readers finally meet Sirius Black, a truly iconic character. Not to mention, Hagrid’s first year as a teacher and the incredible new settings of Hogsmeade and the Shrieking Shack! Oh, and did I forget to mention this is the story when the famous Maurader’s Map is finally found?
Find this book in Time Loop Books / Harry Potter Guide
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4) by J.K Rowling
Although the order changes sometimes, this is my second favorite Harry Potter book in the series. In my opinion, it was the first book that really showed Rowling’s potential for great storytelling. If you are reading the Harry Potter books in order, as you should, you will LOVE this book.
Harry Potter finds himself participating in the Triwizard Tournament when someone tricked the Goblet of Fire and entered Harry’s name. He must compete against much more experienced wizards in tasks that will bring him glory or death.
Why We Love It: Harry faces dragons, dark wizards, and mermaids while performing magic he never thought possible. He faces the Deatheaters for the first time!
Find this Book In Books About Secret Societies / Harry Potter Books in Order / Best Puzzle Books
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter Book 5) by J.K. Rowling
The fifth installment of the Harry Potter series is the longest book at 766 pages. Harry knows that Voldemort wants Harry dead and that somehow, they have a connection. It is up to professor snape to teach Harry how to protect his mind from Voldemort using occlumency.
This is by far the darkest book in the series, in my opinion. We are introduced to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor who is also the senior undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. Professor Umbridge is one of the characters who have no redeeming features!
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter Book #6) by J.K. Rowling
This book starts off with Dumbledore arriving at Harry’s house with a blackened hand and a mission. Harry has no idea that this is the start of the epic journey he must complete if he wants to live and defeat Voldemort.
Harry is convinced that Draco Malfoy is not only up to something but also bears the Dark Mark of the Deatheaters. Now, Harry will have to put his trust in Dumbledore as they explore Voldemort’s darkest secrets.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter Book #7) by J.K Rowling
This is the stunning conclusion of the EPIC Harry Potter Series. And if you read the entire Harry Potter series in order, how did you feel about the ending?
I felt elated at the ending and devastated that the series was over. It took me 10 years to read these books and when I finished the last page, I was so sad to say goodbye to the characters and to the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
Thankfully, this last book was just the beginning of what would become an empire. Whether you watched the movies, have visited Universal Studios, plan to watch the tv show or none of the above; we think that these books have opened up the world of books to an entire generation of readers.
