The ‘Harry Potter’ Books Ranked: All Seven from Worst to Best
The ‘Harry Potter’ Books Ranked: All Seven from Worst to Best
Harry Potter is the best selling book series of all time. But in a series of great books, which one reigns supreme? Checkout this list of Harry Potter books ranked from worst to best. Comment below if you agree!
#7 Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Secrets is probably the least important book in the series over all. It’s still a good book, but it suffers from a somewhat bland plot, as well as a large section of the book without Hermione. And we all know things just aren’t the same when Hermione isn’t around.
Also, apparently Secrets went through a relatively complex editing process, and Rowling herself struggled to write it, especially after the success of the first book. However, despite the lackluster bits, some moments do stand out. In fact, an essential aspect of the plot is introduced in this book, though we didn’t know it yet. Horcruxes don’t come into the picture in name until the sixth book, but in Secrets we experience one for the first time.
#6 Book 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Although the best selling book in the series, upon rereads, it doesn’t really stand up to those that come later. Sure, it does a fantastic job setting up Harry’s world. But it’s somewhat of a breezy read, meaning it doesn’t contain nearly as much mouthwatering detail as the later books do.
#5 Book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
This book is a fun romp through the fully established magical world that we all know and love. Rowling doesn’t waste any time explaining the concepts she has created and developed up until now. She simply expects us to get it and enjoy the ride through her world. And while this book breaks free of the restraints caused by the predictable school year plot of the previous books, it also is hampered by this fact.
Until now, Rowling had established a bankable formula for her work, revolving around the magical mundanity of life at Hogwarts. Taking her cast of characters away from this setting does not play to her strengths, and it shows in the final book. However, there are some great moments as well, like the sword in the lake, and, of course, The Prince’s Tale.
#4 Book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
This book is not only the middle series in the book, but also a great middle point on this list. Book four is when stuff gets real. Although we are led to believe that nothing more than a simple Triwizard Tournament is going on, really, the tournament is the impetus for the events that will drive the narrative for the second half of the series.
It is a transitional book – we go from the carefree early days at Hogwarts where you-know-who is nothing more than a vague threat to him being very much alive. The transition itself is felt powerfully in the change of chapters between one moment being in the maze with Harry and Cedric, to the next being in the graveyard where Harry must fight for his life against impossible odds.
The ending of this book is by far the darkest ending of all the books. However, the story suffers from too much repetition and explaining of concepts we already know if we’ve been reading previous books. Also, some aspects of the plot have holes in them. Overall, however, this book is probably the most action packed and exhilarating.
#3 Book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Something of a controversial choice for this high on the list – I would argue, however, that the Order of the Phoenix deserves the bronze medal for best Harry Potter book. It is by far the darkest book, with Harry dealing with some very not child-book aimed demons.
Although it is the longest book in terms of pages, it’s isn’t brimming with action, instead focusing more of its time on developing the characters into grown, individually minded young people.
It also has one of the most epic moments out of all the books – that being the duel between Voldemort and Dumbledore. It’s really the only time we ever see a high level, top tier Wizard duel in the entire series, so that’s pretty cool. We could’ve probably done without Harry’s highly awkward relationship with Cho, but who hasn’t had a cringeworthy relationship or two?
#2 Book 6: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Prince sets an almost impossibly high bar for the ending of the series, and introduces a lot of vital information about the Wizarding World we just didn’t know before. This book is actually incredibly light in tone, especially when compared to the previous book. It has incredibly funny moments, and shows a deeper side to the anti hero of Harry Potter – Severus Snape.
Dumbledore’s death at the end of the sixth is a tragic moment, but it was pretty necessary in order for Harry to come into his own and defeat Voldemort in the seventh, so we’ll forgive Rowling for tugging at our heartstrings.
#1 Book 3: The Prisoner of Azkaban
Concise, well written, and filled with amazing reversals and a steadily maturing cast of characters, Azkaban is certainly one of if not the best books in the entire series. It has everything we love from the series packed into an easily digestible number of pages.
You could arguably read Azkaban without any of the other books and still really enjoy it. Just about every little detail sewn into this compelling narrative is incredibly memorable, from the blowing up of Aunt Marge, to the Night Bus, and the introduction of the wonderful thing that is Hogsmeade! The third book is without a doubt the most fun and compelling romp through Rowling’s world of them all, and makes for an incredible movie, as well.
From the Podcast
