Harry Potter (film series)

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson & Rupert Grint colour

Harry Potter Leavesden entrance

David Yates (27996598333)

Studio model of Hogwarts at Leavesden Studios

Hall of Christ Church, Oxford

Harry Potter (film series) is a British-American film series based on the Harry Potter novels by author J.K. Rowling. The series is distributed by Warner Bros. and consists of eight fantasy films, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and culminating with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). The series was produced by David Heyman, and the stars include Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as the three leading characters: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. The series has had a significant impact on popular culture and has been a commercial success, grossing over $7.7 billion worldwide.

Plot

The series covers seven years in the life of the orphan Harry Potter, who, on his eleventh birthday, discovers he is a wizard. Thus begins his journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns about his identity and his parents' legacy. Along with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry battles against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who seeks to become immortal, conquer the wizarding world, destroy all those who stand in his way, and especially kill Harry Potter.

Development

The idea to adapt the Harry Potter novels into films was pitched to J.K. Rowling in 1999 and was quickly secured by Warner Bros.. Rowling insisted that the cast be kept British. The directors of the series include Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates. The films were shot mainly in the United Kingdom, with principal photography taking place at Leavesden Film Studios and historic buildings and locations throughout the country.

Reception

The Harry Potter films have been a critical and commercial success. All eight films rank among the 50 highest-grossing films of all time. They have also amassed a significant fan base and have been praised for their fidelity to the source material, performances of the lead actors, and the visual effects. The series has also sparked a large amount of Harry Potter merchandise, including video games, action figures, and theme park attractions at Universal Studios.

Legacy

The Harry Potter film series has left a lasting legacy in the film industry. It has influenced numerous other film franchises and has contributed to a resurgence in the popularity of fantasy films. The series also led to the creation of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at various Universal Parks & Resorts, further cementing its place in popular culture.