Every Harry Potter (And Fantastic Beasts) Movie Ranked

Chris Columbus doesn't get enough credit, especially for his opening Potter movie. He set the template right here with Philosopher's Stone, conjuring Rowling's vivid world on the screen with loving care, attention, and child-like wonder. This is, appropriately, the most Amblin-esque Potter movie – one that captures the joy, the wish fulfilment, and, yes, the magic of a story about an unloved orphaned boy discovering he has hidden power and worth. And sure, the kids aren't total thesps, but the central trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are really sweet as Harry, Ron and Hermione. Right from the very beginning, Columbus gets so much right – the feeling of Hogwarts, the gleaming red sheen of the Hogwarts Express, the first trip to Diagon Alley – all sealed off with a lush John Williams score. The result is a film that's warmer than a roaring fire in the Gryffindor common room, a cosy and colourful foundation for everything to come.