A while ago, Beth from The Quiet People did a post on her definitive ranking of the seven Harry Potter books, and I enjoyed reading about her choices so much that I decided to do my own post about it. I’ve never attempted to rank the books before, so this ought to be fun. Or, you know, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. One of those two.
Spoiler alert: If you haven’t read the Harry Potter books, first of all: HOW? and secondly: this post contains spoilers. Seriously, if you haven’t read (all) the books and do still want to: DON’T read this post.
Before we begin, though, let’s be clear about one thing: I adore all seven of these books, so it’s not as if I dislike the book I like least. I still love it with a fiery passion. Just not as much as the rest.
So, here is my ranking!
1 – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – I adore the story of PoA! It introduces Sirius, who is such an important character, and I think the whole thing with the time-turner is so cleverly done as well. The ending, with Buckbeak and Sirius being saved through the help of the time-turner is brilliant, in my humble opinion. This is probably also my favourite film, because the cinematography is simply amazing. Plus, Hermione punches Draco in the face – love that.
2 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – This is a very close second! I felt so many emotions when I read this for the first time and I remember exactly where I was when I read the last few pages. Deathly Hallows is the culmination of the entire series, and I am still in awe of how everything ties in with each other. The horcruxes, the hallows, Harry’s role in the whole thing and the decisions he has to take. And then Hagrid carrying him out of the forest… I devolve into a puddle of tears just thinking about it.
3 – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – I loved Order of the Phoenix! It introduces what is very likely the most hated character of the entire series: Dolores Umbridge, and this again leads to the founding of Dumbledore’s Army, which is one of my favourite things from the entire book. It shows that Harry truly does have skills, despite what some people might believe, and I like how he really has to take on the role of the leader. The scenes in the Department of Mystery are amazing as well. Also: so much love for Ginny. And Neville and Luna! I love their roles in this book.
4 – Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – Confession: I frequently forget what exactly happens in the Half Blood Prince. I mean, of course I remember the big events (the lake, the death, the betrayal, etc.), but everything else is a bit of a blur to me. But then, when I finally do remember, I remember it to be absolutely awesome. The horcruxes are finally introduced, and all the trips into the Pensieve are great too. I still don’t like Ron and Lavender, though.
5 – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – Ah, the one where it all began… The memories! The nostalgia! The problems that seem so unimportant when considering the later books but are still insane for an eleven-year-old to go through! Love it. This is where the magic begins, and we first explore Hogwarts and everything that comes with it. I love to reread this and just experience it all again.
6 – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – The only reason I put this one below the Philosopher’s Stone is that PS is the first one and therefore holds a special kind of sentiment. In terms of story, I think I love them both equally, though! The whole concept of the Chamber of Secrets still fascinates me – this myth that turns out to be epic reality. And Tom Riddle makes his first appearance! But although I’m fine with the giant snake, the spiders still freak me out…
7 – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Okay, first things first: I do love GoF! It’s just very clearly my least favourite out of them all. It just takes too long before they finally get to the school, I think. The first time I read it, I’m pretty sure I actually put it aside (*gasp* I know). The whole World Cup thing took up way too much time. I did love the Triwizard Tournament though, and the scene in the graveyard is amazing. Also, just as a side note, can we talk about David Tennant as Crouch Jr.? Again: amazing.
And that was it! This was very difficult, but I think I’m satisfied with the list I ended up with. It’ll probably change as I keep on rereading, but I can always make a new post if I so please. Plus, it doesn’t really matter: these series in its entirety has a very special place in my heart and it’s the combination of all seven of these books that makes it so special.
Now, tell me, do you agree with my list? (You probably don’t). What’s your favourite book of the series? Let me know in the comments! Oh, and go out Beth’s post and see what you think of her ranking – it’s quite different from mine.
Books Baking and Blogging 
I share your love of these wonderful books. Yes, it is hard to rank them! My favourites change slightly upon re-reads!!
Yes, I think my ranking will change after another reread as well! They are all absolutely amazing, though. 🙂
Hard? Impossible! I won’t even try.
Smart woman!
GOBLET IF FIRE IS MY FAVORITE
HAHAHA, sorry! I love that one too, but unfortunately it’s my least favourite :O
Huh 😦 Not quite sure how to feel about this.
Not that I want to even try ranking these books, I have to say, Goblet Of Fire would probably be my number one!
Yep, ranking them is pretty impossible – I’m not sure why I even tried, haha! I really love Goblet of Fire too, but I guess I just liked the other a bit more. 🙂 It’s got a really cool storyline, though, so I can see why it would be someone’s favourite.
I would also say that the GoF is my least favorite. It seemed like a transitional book when I read it, and I found it to be really predictable. I mean, I still love it immensely because it’s HARRY POTTER, but if I have to rank them then it would be last.
Same! I’m not sure if I though it was predictable – it’s way too long ago to remember that from my first read – but I agree with the transitional thing. I think it’s a very important book for the development of the story, but, to me, it was just a tiny bit less interesting than the others.
Lol so true! Wonderful. You sure love these books, as do I. #2 is my fave. Happy reading.
Number #2 is really good, too! The spiders freak me out, though. Happy reading to you too!
This is great, I think everyone has their own listing. It would be interesting to make a poll of some sort and see how the books rank in general.
My favourite is Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and my least favourite is The Order of the Phoenix. The others are a bit harder to sort but I agree, The Prisoner of Azkaban is very high on the list! I agree, it has a great plot and wonderful characters are introduced.
Oh, that’s a really good idea! Interesting that your favourite and least favourite are two consecutive books! To me, Order of the Phoenix and Half Blood Prince are a little bit blurred together in terms of atmosphere and general feel, so to me they will always be very close in ranking. Glad we agree on Prisoner of Azkaban, though! It’s just so amazing, but then again, so are all of them. ❤
I LOVE THAT QUOTE FROM DUMBLEDORE IN THAT GIF. I JUST FEEL THE NEED TO YELL THAT BECAUSE IT’S MY FAVOURITE. *shrieks* Ahem. so. I don’t even know which ones I’d rate. hehe. Definitely 6 would be my favourite and then 7. Maybe then…1? OMG THIS IS HARD. I didn’t grow up with them so I don’t have the same attachment as most people, I suspect. But I was super bored in Goblet of Fire, heheh, and not so interested in Chamber of Secrets. BUT THE REST = GOLDEN. And 7 definitely stabbed me in the feels. ❤
IT’S THE MOST AMAZING QUOTE OF EVER. I love it so much! Not growing up with them does change things, I guess. To me they will always be a huge part of my childhood. 7 is an amazing feels-stabbing mess of glorious sadness ❤ But I agree, ranking them is SO hard! I'm reevaluating my choices already after reading everybody's comments. ;_;
This is so difficult, I can’t believe you were able to rank them!!! For the most part, I agree with you 🙂 Everyone seems to like Chamber of Secrets least but I actually really like it. My favorite is Prisoner of Azkaban, followed by Half Blood Prince, then Deathly Hallows. Then the rest are too hard to really rank for me haha!
Yeah but it was SO difficult! I’m still not sure I agree with all of my choices, haha! I loved Chamber of Secrets as well, and I kind of hate that I put it so low on the list but I ran out of space :’) Prisoner of Azkaban is definitely at the top of my list, though. 🙂
I love your Dutch covers! I have the same ones here -although mine look so battered. I actually purchased a second set in English, because my Dutch ones were so broken… I love that you ranked it! It’s interesting, because I think my ranking would look quite different?
Would you mind if I do one of these in the future as well?
The Dutch covers are so beautiful! I took really good care to keep them looking good – although they’re a bit smudged and creased here and there too. Of course you could do it, too! I took the idea from someone else as well, so feel free!