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Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson became best of friends on the set of Harry Potter. All thanks to them being part of one of Hollywood’s most successful franchises in history, at the tender age of 10-11.

Although it brought them worldwide fame almost overnight after the movie’s release, it also forced them to deal with the consequences of growing up under the spotlight while being constantly scrutinized by the public.

Hence, it is quite wholesome that the then-young actors relied on each other to the point of developing almost a sibling bond throughout the years. As such, it came as a shock when an interview revealed that they had wildly different reactions about their infamous kissing scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I.

Emma Watson was embarrassed about kissing Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson practically grew up together on the sets of Harry Potter.

Accio, all Potterheads! Today isn’t just another trip down memory lane—it’s International Harry Potter Day, the magical anniversary of the day our beloved Chosen One defeated You-Know-Who in that unforgettable final duel at Hogwarts. A couple of days ago, I found myself summoning (no shame) my well-worn copy of The Prisoner of Azkaban—yes, again—and diving into its pages for the 1000th time.

There’s just something about Sirius, time-turners, and Hippogriffs that feels like home. And since today is Harry Potter Day, I decided to curl up with my dog, whom I’ve named Padfoot, and revisit the film.

But let me just say… Merlin’s beard, Chris Columbus did mischief-manage one of the most heart-tugging scenes right out of the movies.

Harry Potter And Cinematic Masterpiece with Missing Pages Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Credit: Warner Bros.

Blimey!

Pretty much the entire Harry Potter film series has been a truly epic adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s book series, but The Prisoner of Azkaban just hits differently for some reason. The third installment from the franchise introduced fans to the true family Harry never had, consisting of his late father’s best friends.

But as epic as that one was, being one of the best-rated critically and generally among all the other installments, one small change to Harry’s patronus in the same would’ve done wonders. To say the least, it would have not only made the movie much, much deeper, but it would have also made everything sit so much better, being an even closer adaptation of the source material!

The Prisoner of Azkaban should have made this change to Harry Potter’s Patronus Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in a still from the movie. | Credits: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban...

A new generation of witches, wizards, and a refreshed Hogwarts promise a decade-long TV journey through J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter. HBO’s upcoming series has fans buzzing with excitement yet also feeling a bit uneasy.

The reason for this mixed reaction? Rowling, the creator of this beloved universe, is heavily involved, and her controversial views have sparked intense debates. While HBO insists that her personal beliefs will not influence the show, can they truly keep the magic free from her shadow?

HBO’s bold promise: Rowling’s views won’t shape the Harry Potter reboot Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in a still from the movie. | Credits: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban / Warner Bros. Pictures.

HBO is adamant that the upcoming Harry Potter series will stay true to the book’s themes of friendship, acceptance, and love without being “secretly” infused with Rowling’s views, particularly her anti-transgender rhetoric.

It is a pretty common notion that books are better than films. This is usually true because a film has constraints on length and time, while a book doesn’t have these issues and can flesh out a story properly. However, there have been instances where a film adaptation of a novel turned out to be way better than the book.

Some of these films went on to win accolades, like the Academy Awards, while others became cult classics. From The Godfather to Misery, these are our favorite picks for the movies that are way better than the book they were based on.

10. The Godfather (1972) Based on: The Godfather by Mario Puzo (1969)

Mario Puzo’s crime novel was a brilliantly imagined work, quickly becoming a bestseller worldwide. When Puzo discussed a film adaptation of The Godfather with Francis Ford Coppola, fans never expected it to outperform the novel. Coppola ran...

Mel Gibson's Jesus movie, The Passion of the Christ, has been drowning in controversy since the project was announced. Aside from a stunning box office run and multiple award nods, the movie has just become a hit on Netflix 21 years later.

With a sequel on the way over two decades later, The Passion of the Christ's success on streaming was not coincidental. Movies following the life of Jesus Christ were a big hit over the Easter weekend, as expected. Per Tudum, The Passion of the Christ was one of the big hits of the week.

The Mel Gibson-directed film just debuted on Netflix and, for the week between Apr. 16 and 22, it reached the second place spot in the global non-English charts. The movie received 8.5 million views and 17.1 million hours viewed. Although it didn't manage to top the charts, its run 21 years later is still highly impressive.

The Passion...

UK-Ireland top five, Apr 18-20, 2025 RankFilm (origin)DistributorApr 18-20 grossTotalWeek 1 A Minecraft Movie (US) Warner Bros £5.3m £47.4m 3 2 Sinners (US)

Warner Bros £2.4m £3.3m 1 3 The Amateur (US)

Disney £903,139 £3.3m 2 4 The Penguin Lessons (UK-us-Sp) Lionsgate £772,196 £1.4m 1 5 Warfare (US-uk) A24 £637,810 Tbc 1

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners started with a healthy £2.4m at the UK-Ireland box office, as A Minecraft Movie held top spot for a Warner Bros one-two.

A Minecraft Movie added £5.3m on its third weekend from Friday 18-Sunday 20 – a drop of 27%. Including takings on the Monday, April 21 Bank Holiday, the videogame adaptation is up to £47.4m, and has overtaken the £46.3m...

If Harry Potter fans can suspend their disbelief to allow for invisibility cloaks, flying cars and time-traveling pocket watches, John Lithgow hopes they can get around his casting.

Following the the 2x Oscar nominee’s casting as Albus Dumbledore, he admitted he’s “very excited” and “very intimidated” by the role from the J.K. Rowling book series, which was previously portrayed on-screen by Richard Harris, Michael Gambon and Jude Law.

“I will be following the great Michael Gambon. I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV,” he said on BBC’s The One Show. “I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and did just fine.”

Lithgow added, “But yes, I mean, it’s an enormous thrill. But I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard. But, I will do my best.

All Harry Potter Movies Ranked By Box Office Collection ( Photo Credit – Prime Video )

When it comes to legendary movie franchises, Harry Potter is up there, casting spells at the box office from day one. Kicking off in 2001 with The Sorcerer’s Stone (or Philosopher’s Stone if you’re fancy and British), the series grew into an eight-film phenomenon that shaped a generation, created a billion-dollar empire, and probably inspired a few owl purchases.

While the main saga wrapped in 2011 with The Deathly Hallows Part 2, aka the one that broke hearts and records, it didn’t end there. We got Fantastic Beasts, stage plays, video games, theme park rides, and endless debates over which Hogwarts house rules. Despite J.K. Rowling’s recent controversy clouding the fandom, the films still hold a nostalgic glow for millions who grew up alongside The Boy Who Lived, the girl who knew it all, and...

HBO’s “Harry Potter” television adaptation is slowly coming together, but we’re still a ways out from actually getting it on our screens. That said, we are learning more and more as the months go on.

The series was first announced back in 2023, when HBO first launched the new name for its streaming service, Max. It has yet to be officially confirmed that each season will span one novel, similar to Disney+’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series, but each book does take place over a single school year, as did the movies.

Here’s everything we know about the series thus far.

When does the series come out?

An official release date has not been set, as the series hasn’t even started filming yet. That’ll happen this Summer. But, according to reports, the series is currently looking at a release some time in 2027.

Where will it film?...

HBO's Harry Potter TV series cast is starting to fill up as Deadline announces two more cast members, bringing the total to six. Four roles are starring roles with two recurring over the course of what's promised to be a decade-long show. Production is still set to start this summer, but HBO isn't releasing who they're casting to play Harry, Hermione, Ron, or Voldemort.

Even though those four important roles aren't filled, fans will be surprised by a former Harry Potter actor returning to the series. I may be against reviving a classic franchise, but this cast is shaping up. Like any dedicated Harry Potter fan, I'm looking forward to seeing how they tackle this massive project with millions of fans worldwide.

Although no cast will ever top the original Harry Potter films cast, HBO can surely try. So far, they seem very serious about making this revival one to...

Was Rupert Grint almost cast in A Cinderella Story? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Yep, the same charming high school quarterback who stole Hilary Duff’s heart, and half the internet’s, could have been played by Ron Weasley himself.

But Grint didn’t ghost the project for no reason. According to Cosmopolitan, he had to pass on the teen rom-com because he was deep into filming Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Hogwarts came calling, and he picked up.

A Cinderella Story, which hit screens in 2004, became a go-to comfort flick for a generation. It followed Sam Montgomery (played by Hilary Duff), a hard-working teen stuck under her stepmother’s thumb. Between shifts at the family diner and prepping for college, she found solace in anonymous emails exchanged with a mystery guy named “Nomad.” Plot twist? Nomad turned out to be Austin Ames, the most popular jock at school.

Trending...

In a world of endless reboots, revivals, and almost every studios' desire to continually bank on reliable IPs, it was only a matter of time until Hogwarts was revisited on the screen. Despite the controversy surrounding author Jk Rowling's involvement in the project, HBO is pressing ahead with a planned seven-season "Harry Potter" series for Max, with each installment set to adapt a different book from the original literary saga. With the intended 2026 premiere date on the horizon, the show has added some star-studded names to the cast, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.

What's more, all of those actors are joining the Wizarding World for the first time, so the series should feel different from previous cinematic adaptations due to the fresh faces playing such iconic characters. However, some blasts from the past are returning to the fold,...

Deadline reports that Warner Bros. has officially closed the deal on six actors who will be in adult roles for Max’s new Harry Potter series. While John Lithgow and Nick Frost have been announced to be in talks for the show, they are now officially cast as Dumbledore and Hagrid. While Lithgow had already spoken about taking on the role of Dumbledore, Frost had teased his involvement with an Instagram post that cryptically read, “It’s happening, it’s actually happening.”

Lithgow and Frost are reportedly joined by Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, along with the two newly announced actors — Luke Thallon, who is to play Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse, who will be portraying Argus Filch. Whitehouse is the only actor cast in the show who has also appeared in the original Harry Potter films. He also portrayed Sir Cadogan in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Max’s Harry Potter TV series has officially cast four series regulars and two recurring roles, including four actors Deadline previously revealed: John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.

The newly announced cast includes Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. Whitehouse is the only actor cast thus far to have appeared in any of the original films. He played Sir Cadogan in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The franchise follows the life of a young wizard, the titular Harry Potter, whose parents died under mysterious circumstances when he was very young. He was forced to live a life of misery and servitude to his aunt and uncle and their awful son before he was freed from his gilded cage when Hagrid extended an invitation that changed his life forever.

After Daniel Craig last portrayed the British spy in the 2021 movie No Time To Die, there has been a sheer lack of information on future installments. With a few casting rumors here and there, I rarely heard of a James Bond sequel until the Harry Potter director Alfonso Cuarón confirmed his possibility of directing the next 007 film.

Won’t lie, but following this news I’m sorta having mixed feelings. Like I’m happy to see progress in the James Bond franchise, but I’m also kinda bummed that Christopher Nolan isn’t directing the next film. I mean, imagine the plot twists, the epic time-bending chases happening at the beat of Hans Zimmer’s score. Pure cinema!

But again, Alfonso Cuarón—the genius behind Prisoner of Azkaban—seems like a pretty magical trade-off.

Daniel Craig in a still from No Time to Die | image: Eon Productions Alfonso Cuarón...

Accio Harry Potter marathon!

Although USA and Syfy come in real handy around the holidays when they put on their Harry Potter movie marathons, the films are also streaming online year-round

And while the “Harry Potter” franchise came to a close in 2011 with the release of the final film, the movies continue to be a “feel-good” favorite while the Wizarding World story continues on in the ongoing “Fantastic Beasts” franchise, with the third film having hit theaters in April.

So where are the Harry Potter movies streaming right now? The answer changes quite frequently, actually, as the streaming rights to the Warner Bros. franchise are in the midst of being shared between a couple of different services.

Below we’ve rounded up which “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” movies are streaming where with the most up-to-date information.

Streaming on Max Jude Law in “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” (Warner Bros.

James Bond has been an icon of Hollywood for several decades, and through countless actors and directors coming its way, the franchise has managed to remain one of the best out there.

It seems that the next director stepping in to helm James Bond’s next flick is iconic director Alfonso Cuarón. If Cuarón is indeed directing the next James Bond movie, he could take the character in a new direction never seen before.

Daniel Craig in a still from Skyfall | Credits: Eon Productions Alfonso Cuarón is rumored to direct the next James Bond movie

Alfonso Cuarón is known for his intense and gritty films, which are often set in such realism that even the futuristic settings feel real. The Mexican filmmaker is the proud director of movies like Gravity, Roma, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Alfonso Cuarón | Credit: Gage Skidmore, licensed under Cc By-sa 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Well,...

James Bond may be heading into bold new territory—with an Oscar-winning director at the helm. During a recent masterclass in Paris, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban director Alfonso Cuarón confirmed he’s in talks to direct the next iteration of the long running Bond franchise, with the 26th film the most important in the series' history — the first since Amazon MGM Studios acquired the creative control to the character. Cuarón told the audience at the Paris Cinema Club:

“There is indeed This project under discussion, and I have the desire — if it happens — to revisit this story in my own way.”

The acclaimed filmmaker’s comments, first shared by X user @Simon___Robert, come as Amazon is seeking to reshape the future of its newly acquired spy franchise. While casting and plot details remain under wraps — obviously, it's all very new and doesn't have a script — industry...

Following Amazon’s surprise (and concerning) takeover of the James Bond franchise, each day since seems to be bringing with it some exciting new information. Now, while we await confirmation of which actor will be chosen as the next 007, it seems that a multi-Oscar-winning filmmaker has now revealed he is in talks to take the reins of the reboot as director.

During a recent appearance at the Paris Cinéma Club, Gravity and Children of Men director Alfonso Cuarón confirmed (though coyly) that he is in talks to helm Amazon’s James Bond reboot. Coming courtesy of X/Twitter user @Simon___Robert, Cuarón, who has won several Academy Awards, among others, for the sci-fi thriller Gravity and the historical drama Roma, as well as receiving acclaim for the likes ofY Tu Mamá También, Children of Men, and more, heavily alluded to his potential involvement, saying:

“There is indeed this project under discussion,...

Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón might just be closing in on the director’s chair for James Bond 26. More on the growing rumours here.

After much speculation and rumours, with several directors’ names being banded about, Alfonso Cuarón has emerged as the frontrunner to direct Amazon’s reimagining of 007 James Bond. The long-running series has entered a new phase, now falling under the creative control of Amazon Studios for the first time. We’ll also be getting a new actor filling Daniel Craig’s tuxedo and a new director to work alongside David Heyman and Amy Pascal as producers. The plan is to fast track James Bond 26, whatever it ends up being called.

One director who has previously been touted for the role is Alfonso Cuarón, the filmmaker behind Gravity. While he hasn’t made a film in several years, Cuarón’s work on Children Of Men, Roma and...

James Bond is one of the most recognizable characters in movie history, and he has been played by some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed actors of their generation. After Daniel Craig's successful run as the 007 agent, Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights for the franchise and will give a "fresh, exotic" take on the IP.

So far, few details are known about the project. The new James Bond film, which will be the 26th in the franchise, has several directors in the running, including Oscar-winning Harry Potter director Alfonso Cuarón. During a masterclass in Paris, France, Cuarón seemingly confirmed he is in talks to direct James Bond 26, per X account @Simon___Robert.

Et il évoque bien l’idée de réaliser le prochain James Bond, sans citer le nom de la franchise.« Il y a bien Ce projet en discussion, et...

It looks like the rumors might be true—Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón could be the one to direct the next James Bond movie, Bond 26.

During a recent masterclass event in Paris, Cuarón made a surprising statement. He didn’t say it directly, but he strongly hinted that he’s in talks with Amazon and MGM about joining the next 007 film.

“There is indeed this project under discussion, and I have a desire — if it happens — to revisit this story in my own way,” he said.

Related: Christopher Nolan’s Bond Dreams Were Reportedly Blocked by Barbara Broccoli

This comes after weeks of reports from inside sources. Last month, film journalist Jeff Sneider shared that David Heyman, a well-known producer rumored to be working on Bond 26, was interested in Cuarón for the director’s chair.

Not long after, Matt Belloni also reported that Cuarón had met with Amazon...

Harrison Ford is regarded among the most legendary prominent actors in Hollywood, and rightly so. He has cemented this firm reputation for himself in the entertainment industry with his beyond-outstanding acting chops and unwavering bold persona, the latter of which has even seen him breaking some rules on set at times.

Like, this one time, he was working on his 1997 action-thriller flick Air Force One with Gary Oldman, where there was a certain set of rules imposed on the actors with regard to their activities on the sets. But being the star that he is, Ford ended up breaking all the rules simultaneously—a stunt Oldman will, perhaps, never forget.

Harrison Ford. | Credits: Air Force One / Columbia Pictures. Harrison Ford’s Air Force One had some strict rules on set

Almost three decades ago, in 1997, two of the greatest and most fan-beloved stars of all time joined hands to work...

Although Netflix offers a wide and diverse selection of genres in English, in recent years, it has widened its horizons with plenty of foreign titles. South Korean productions have received a lot of success on the streaming platform.

After Squid Game became an international phenomenon and Netflix's most-viewed title, Netflix has continued to make more South Korean projects. Its latest release is Revelations, which comes from Train to Busan filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho. Following its release on the platform, Revelations quickly became a streaming hit, per Tudum.

Yeon has been partnering with Netflix for many years, and his latest project comes after 2023's action sci-fi Jung_E and several series. The new film, Revelations, premiered on the streaming service on Mar. 21, and it reached the top of the charts in the Top 10 Non-English films globally for the week between Mar. 17 and 23.

In just two days, Revelations attracted 5.7 million views, and 11.6 million hours viewed.

Quick LinksAdult Wizards Had Other Means of Transportation To Arrive at HogwartsRemus Lupin Could've Been Too Tired to ApparateIt’s Also Possible Dumbledore Asked Lupin To Be on the Hogwarts ExpressRemus Lupin Had a Chance To Meet Harry Before School Started

It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. Cbr supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find Cbr's continuing coverage on J.K. Rowling here.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is probably the most beloved movie and book in the Harry Potter saga. The third book in the series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, introduces many new characters and a rich backstory to Harry's father, James Potter. One of the many characters introduced in this installment is Remus Lupin,...

Superfan Robin Williams seemed to have all the credentials to land a part in the Harry Potter series of film adaptations. As an actor, he’d mastered both comedy and drama, winning an Academy Award for his efforts. He was bankable, with several blockbusters under his belt. And he had an in on the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — he was buddies with director Chris Columbus, with whom he’d made the hit comedies Mrs. Doubtfire and Bicentennial Man.

“There were a couple of parts I would have wanted to play,” the comedian once admitted. He pitched himself to play Hagrid in the original film, according to Far Out, a part that went to Robbie Coltrane. After missing out on that role, he tried again to land the character of Remus Lupin in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Fans of the series know that part was played by David Thewlis.

Besides being responsible for making household names out of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, the "Harry Potter" franchise was a treasure trove of U.K. talent that either roamed or attempted to invade the halls of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. And yet, plenty of actors turned down the "Harry Potter" franchise. One major name that never made it past the gates was Scottish star, Tilda Swinton. When picking through the stellar cast that would teach these heroes-in-the-making, Swinton's name was considered for the part of Divination professor Sybill Trelawney, who debuted in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (aka the best "Harry Potter" film in the franchise), which instead went to Emma Thompson. Swinton, however, declined the role for a very valid and personal reason.

Speaking to Scot Magazine, Swinton revealed she was against a core element of the franchise — the school that Potter and...

While speculation over who will play the next James Bond rages on, things are coming together behind the camera for the next and 26th installment in the 007 franchise. Recently, producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal have been eyed to produce the new film, but no official announcements can be made until the paperwork is finished regarding the $1 billion buyout of Barbara Broccoli's Bond rights. The Sun claims that writers have already been hired, but again, there hasn't been an announcement. Likewise, no announcement can be made regarding the director of the next film, but it's said that Edward Berger and Alfonso Cuarón are in the running. Now, Matthew Belloni of Puck said on The Town podcast that he predicts Cuarón will get the gig, which would be his first film in seven years and follow his Apple TV+ series Disclaimer.

"It's an informed, speculative pick," said Belloni. "And it is not Chris Nolan.

Bond 26 has reportedly taken its first significant step forward. Following Amazon gaining complete creative control of the spy franchise, new producers have reportedly been found for the follow-up to 2021's No Time to Die.

According to Puck, Amazon executives have chosen veteran producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal to help steer the next generation of the James Bond franchise. Both are currently negotiating deals to join the iconic franchise, although nothing will reportedly be officially announced until exiting producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have been paid, which Puck notes is "still a ways off." Both Heyman and Pascal have had success overseeing major film franchises. Heyman produced Harry Potter, while Pascal has a hand in Marvel Studios' Spider-Man movies starring Tom Holland. It is also worth noting that Pascal was in charge of Sony Pictures when the studio released Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall, the...

Making a blockbuster film can be stressful, so it’s important to keep things light sometimes. To that end, it’s not uncommon for actors, directors and other on-set personnel to prank each other, but the true legends go far beyond whoopie cushions and snakes in a can. We’re talking psychological warfare, or at least impressive automotive relocation.

[subtitle]5Michael Gambon and Alan Rickman Terrorized Daniel Radcliffe With a Fart Machine [/subtitle]

Being surrounded by teenagers can turn even the most British of seasoned actors into children. In a Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban scene where all the Hogwarts students are supposed to be sleeping in bags in the Great Hall, Gambon and Rickman planted a “fart machine” in Radcliffe’s sleeping bag, setting it off with the comedic timing that only those two could pull off. They did it specifically because they knew Radcliffe had sidled...

It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. Cbr supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find Cbr's continuing coverage on Rowling here .

Fans and critics have praised the Harry Potternovels' storytelling, the characters on intricate arcs, grand worldbuilding and the central mystery that made the franchise so successful.However, many found the romantic relationships in the Harry Potter series underwhelming, especially Harry and Ginny's. Harry is the story's hero, but the movie adaptations barely show his primary romantic story on-screen.

The books did a good job with the romantic arc between Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, building it up throughout the seven novels with various obstacles until finally resolving it in the final book. Still, the relationship between the main protagonist,...

Harry Potter is still a beloved franchise today, well over ten years after the original film series concluded. With some of the most iconic characters in cinema history, the series introduced audiences across the globe to a world of magic the likes of which had never been seen before. Along with all the incredible sets and special effects, came some truly amazing pieces of dialogue that would stand the test of time, becoming memes or words of affirmation over a decade later.

To love these movies is to open one's heart to the idea that magic can be found even in the simplest joys of life. Some of Harry Potter's best quotes reflect this, finding incredible meaning or power, whether it be to uplift the viewer or to shatter their heart. The question then is which lines from each movie were the best? Depending on the fan, it will be a different answer.

Remember the first time you saw Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? The twinkling candles floating above the Great Hall, the cozy Christmas at Hogwarts—it’s a bundle of nostalgia that still feels like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. Well, we’ve Chris Columbus to thank for this magical world that felt timeless and enchanting.

A still from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | image: Warner Bros.

But then came Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban—a complete game-changer. Alfonso Cuarón shook things up with darker tones and moodier lighting and set the tone for the upcoming movies that were meant to be dark and heartbreaking. But sadly, no one could replicate the grim tone set by Cuarón, which led to the series gradually losing its whimsical charm and getting stuck in what felt like a never-ending thunderstorm.

Alfonso Cuarón set the stage for Harry Potter...

Alright, Potterheads, grab your wands and memorize your spells, because we’re diving into the ongoing debate that’s got the fandom into a frenzy! The rumor surrounding HBO’s Harry Potter TV reboot casting I May Destroy You star, Paapa Essiedu, as Severus Snape. And, of course, netizens are losing their minds over a potential Black Snape.

A still from the Harry Potter films | image: Warner Bros.

Ever since this speculation made headlines, fans have been constantly bickering about Severus Snape’s color description in the novels. Some mentioned how J.K. Rowling skipped addressing Snape’s skin tone, others asserted that Snape is White. Now, while one line from the books can dismiss this whole debate, let’s look at the bigger picture—if a Black Snape can work for HBO’s reboot.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban hinted at Severus Snape’s skin tone

It’s...

Remakes have collectively gained a very bad reputation in Hollywood. Fans have started to see through the rose-colored glasses and recognize the attempts to be what they are: a way for studios to make more cash. The Harry Potter franchise ended a little over a decade ago.

A still from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

While it has been a while since the last film was released, it is not nearly enough to require a reboot. However, HBO is still going forward with it, ignoring the majority of the fans who do not want the memory of the series to be ruined because of a poor attempt at making more money.

Keeping this in mind, it is not surprising that fans are not happy about the casting choice that has just been announced.

Severus Snape’s story is about to get a lot more...

Alfonso Cuarón is reportedly in the running to helm James Bond 26. Joining directors Greta Gerwig, Chad Stahelski, Chloé Zhao, and Sam Mendes, Cuarón is but one of the dark horses climbing up the ranks.

Jeff Sneider has revived rumors that Alfonso Cuarón is directing a James Bond installment. Producer David Heyman is also tagged to produce the film, per the InSneider. This could be Cuarón and Heyman's next collaboration after Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which was one of the best films in that franchise. Cuarón has directed eight films to date, including standouts Y tu mamá también and Gravity, which earned him a Best Director Academy Award in 2014. He's already offered a glimpse of what his Bond film would look like in 2006's Children of Men.

Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan recently joined the list of directors favored to helm the next Bond film,...

When My Neighbour Totoro was released in Japan in 1988, the odds were stacked against it. Such was the lack of confidence in Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘50s-set story about two young girls and a giant forest spirit that the film had been tacked onto another Studio Ghibli film — the considerably darker _Grave Of The Fireflie_s — in a bid to win over financiers.

However the power of Totoro persisted, and today it’s one of the most celebrated animated films of all time. The giant tree-dweller — with its wiry whiskers and broad belly — is Studio Ghibli’s emblem, and a much-loved character to a legion of fans the world over. So how do you even begin to translate this house-sized hero from Miyazaki’s lush hand-drawn feature into a live space in a London theatre? It turns out this task, like launching the film, was not without its challenges.

Kenichi Yoda,...

It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. Cbr supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find Cbr's continuing coverage on J.K. Rowling here.

James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew all play a big role in Harry Potter. Known as the Marauders, they were best friends during their time at Hogwarts before the First Wizarding War changed everything. But while they play a big role, a lot of their storylines and backgrounds detailed in the books didn't make it to the Harry Potter movies. After James' death, Sirius was accused of killing Peter Pettigrew, who had faked his own death. Sirius was sent to Azkaban, while Remus was left without any of his friends, and the only...

Robert Pattinson has had a series of iconic roles, and he's continuing to add interesting projects. His upcoming film, Mickey 17, is a team-up with critically acclaimed Parasite director Boon Joon-ho, where he plays a character that signs up for a reprinting project and dies several times.

The upcoming film will add to Pattinson's diverse acting roles, aside from the one of comic book superhero Batman. Pattinson has also played the leading character in the young adult fantasy franchise Twilight, as well as other remarkable characters. However, when speaking to social media star Brooke Averick to promote the film, Pattinson revealed which character he would love to have a second chance.

@ladyefron#WBPartner This is your sign to face your fears and go see Mickey 17, out in theaters on March 7th♬ original sound - Brooke Averick

RelatedRobert Pattinson's Mickey 17 Gets Debut Rotten Tomatoes Score Comparable to The Batman...

Portraying the misguided, villainous aristocratic Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter saga introduced Jason Isaacs to a global audience 20 years ago. However, being recognized as one of the franchise’s memorable antagonists means that fan interactions come in many shapes and sizes, as the actor recently relayed in an interview with The Telegraph.

Despite his dubiously-intentioned role in the story of Harry Potter, Lucius Malfoy and his family don’t quite end the story as complete bad guys and gain some kind of redemptive moment as the Battle of Hogwarts reaches its crescendo – albeit as a pack of cowards high-tailing it away from the chaos. For Isaacs, though, even the villains of a story draw a crowd when out in public, which can lead to some peculiar moments when one has to wonder if they are still in some kind of heightened fantasy version of reality that the movies take place in.

Harry Potter took over a huge part of my childhood much like other pop culture fanatics. Although it was middle school when I first got a glimpse of Hogwarts’ magical halls, the school and its students have more than made up for lost time by occupying my mind ever since.

A still from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Credits: Warner Bros.

As such, revisiting those movies again and again became sort of a ritualistic therapy. It is a wonder that even after so many repeats, the charm hasn’t worn off. However, there is one movie in particular that continues to amaze me every single time.

That is, of course, Prisoner of Azkaban, and I will die on the hill that the third Harry Potter installment is the best movie of the entire saga of the Chosen One.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the best Harry Potter movie

Now,...

When the first "Harry Potter" film released in 2001, director Chris Columbus, then best known for "Home Alone," introduced the word to Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger and placed them in the wizarding world beloved by fans of the book series. So why did Columbus direct the first movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (or "Philosopher's Stone" if you're outside of the United States), follow it up with "Chamber of Secrets," and then leave the franchise as a director? Put simply, the guy was really tired.

In a retrospective with The Hollywood Reporter in 2021 celebrating 20 years of the "Harry Potter" film franchise, Columbus explained that both "Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets" had incredibly arduous shooting schedules. "'Sorcerer's Stone' took 160 days of shooting, which is ridiculously long," Columbus recalled. "And then, immediately after we stopped shooting, we started shooting 'Chamber of Secrets,...

One of the most beloved characters in Harry Potteris Hagrid. He is brought to life brilliantly by the late Robbie Coltrane, who exuberates so much warmth in the part. While the character was beloved in the Harry Potter books, it was the film version of Hagrid that truly brought the character to life. Yet, despite him being a fan-favorite character, there are lots of facts about him that fans would only know if they read the books.

Hagrid may have been popular in the Harry Potter movies, but they still omitted many details about the half-giant. This means that there are several facts about Hagrid's life that only book readers will know. These fascinating revelations shine a new light on Rubeus Hagrid and his role within the Wizarding World.

His Mother Abandoned Him Image via Warner Bros.

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Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire

Release Date

July 8, 2000 (Book), November...

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Getting an invitation to Hogwarts is a Harry Potter fan's dream. The idea of playing Quidditch, riding a hippogriff, and practicing wand skills during a Defense Against the Dark Arts class sounds like a blast. Visions of such moments danced in the heads of readers for a few years until the series took to the big screen in the early 2000s, beginning with 2001's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Just like the books, the films took off, creating a film franchise of massive proportions and launching the careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. Of course, it was a prediction that many could have guessed based on literary success. 

Despite the largely unnoticed recasting of one of the franchise's most hated characters, many of the characters and scenes are still beloved today. Established stars of the time,...

A lot of stuff got left on the cutting room floor when Warner Bros. started adapting the "Harry Potter" books into blockbuster movies, the first of which, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (or "Philosopher's Stone" if you don't live in the United States), hit theaters in November 2001. This was followed by the release of "Chamber of Secrets" in 2002, and when the third novel, "Prisoner of Azkaban," was adapted two years later, fans of the books were probably excited to learn a little more about the backstory of Harry's (played by Daniel Radcliffe in the films) father, James Potter (played by Adrian Rawlins as an adult in the films), whose death, along with that of his wife and Harry's mother Lily (played by Geraldine Somerville as an adult in the films), sets Harry's story in motion before the narrative even begins. Those fans would have been bitterly disappointed, though!

In...

News of John Lithgow's’s possible casting in the role of Albus Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter TV series has sparked concern among fans of the franchise, with many pointing out a somewhat morbid fact that could see history repeating itself. Although reactions to Lithgow entering final negotiations to step into the robes of Hogwarts’ headmaster have been fairly positive, some have noted that it is likely the Dexter star would need to live until he is 90 to be able to complete the entire series.

Actors are working longer than ever in the industry, with the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Harrison Ford, and Anthony Hopkins continuing to appear in several new projects a year despite having a combined age of almost 250 years between them. It is therefore quite possible for the now-79-year-old to still be stepping in front of the camera in 10 years’ time. However, fans have...

It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. Cbr supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find Cbr's continuing coverage of Rowling here.

The Harry Potter franchise is one of the most popular phenomena of the last decades. It started a revolution in Young Adult literature, brought fantasy back into the mainstream, and had thousands of children reading from a young age. Of course, the movies are just as beloved – and although they're fairly good adaptations, they're far from perfect.

Since the Harry Potter world is such a complex universe, the film saga slipped a couple of times when representing it for the big screen. From details that make no sense for the Potterverse lore to wizards and witches acting out of character,...

Wands out wizards, it's time we revisit the fear and uncertainties of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Warner Brothers is bringing the feature back to theatres on February 15, and it provides a great opportunity to see the magic unfold on the big screen again or to introduce a new generation to the classic. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third film, is considered among the best movies in the franchise. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson the film chronicles Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s third year in Hogwarts, where they come face to face with dementors, get to know what Azkaban is, and uncover a mystery about James and Lily’s murder that changes Harry’s world forever. With a time travel twist, the movie closely adapts the book and is directed by Alfonso Cuaron from a screenplay by Steve Kloves.

Quick LinksThe Weasleys’ Messy Visit in Goblet of FireDumbledore Confronts the Dursleys in Half-Blood PrinceThe Dursleys Go Into Hiding in the Deathly Hallows

It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. Cbr supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love, and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find Cbr's continuing coverage of Rowling here.

The Harry Potter films are some of the greatest book adaptations ever made, even when they had to make compromises and cut out key moments that occurred in J.K. Rowling's novels. Since the Harry Potter books grew in length as they progressed, the more difficult they became to adapt, the films were still successful in telling the main story each time. While the early films cut out details such as Peeves or the explanation of The Marauders,...