"Harry Potter" books are without a doubt the most magical series of books to ever grace this world. They've been translated into thousands of languages, beloved by many, and made one woman (Queen Rowling) the first billionaire from writing books. The absolutely spell-binding series has launched a movie franchise, two theme parks, a soon-to-be released play, and hundreds of items of merchandise. They're a pretty big deal, as if you didn't already know that. Although there's no denying "Harry Potter" is the best book series of the decade, and then some, there is some denial on what the best individual book is. Which one has the best character development, best action, best #friendshipgoals, and most importantly, which one showcases the world that we've all grown to love more than anyone should love a fictional place? Well, coming straight from the biggest Potterhead herself, here's my definitive ranking of the "Harry Potter" books.
7. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
"Chamber of Secrets"is by far the least popular book of the series. Being the second entry of the series, I understand that the books were still being written as primarily children books, but unlike Sorcerer's Stone, it lacks the initial pull which makes the book difficult to read of you're past the age of 11. And while this was okay whenever I first started reading them, it makes it impossible to read Chamber of Secrets in full at my age now. While it does have some redeeming qualities, mainly found in Ginny Weasley's introduction to the Hogwart's halls and the Ford Anglia trip made by Harry and Ron, the annoying definitely outweigh the good. The bad is and only is Gilderoy Lockhart aka the most annoying character to have ever been written. Excuse my language, but Lockhart is a prat and nothing more. He makes the sections with him in them almost nauseous, and his character NEVER becomes likable no matter how many times you reread it.
6. "Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix"
Ah, emo Harry. Emo Harry is irritating, second only to the prat Lockhart. We get it, Cedric died and Voldemort came back, but really? I hardly think screaming at your best friends, that have helped save your life on multiple occasions, is the way to deal with it. Oh, and who can forget when he was all angsty over Ron being made Prefect over him? Book 5 Harry is without a doubt my least favorite form of Harry. Especially considering he went after Cho Chang, who was terrible. Team Ginny from day one. In addition to emo Harry, OOTP also introduced us to Umbridge, the character most of us wanted dead more than even Voldemort. Combining emo Harry, Umbridge, and the in denial Fudge was already so much to make this book the second to last in the series. Add in the lack of wittiness from Dumbledore and Sirius dying, and it's enough to make you cry (and not in the good, pull at your heartstrings way). The only redeeming quality of this book is Dumbledore's Army, and the mass chaos that Fred (sniff, sniff) and George cause for Umbridge before their historic departure.
5. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
It was hard for me to put "Goblet of Fire" at five, but compared to the remaining ones, it made sense. GOF is good, really good, but it's just so long. Yeah, it had the Triwizard Tournament, Cedric, and the return of Voldemort. Definitely a dynamic plot and it set the scene for the darker books to follow it. GOF is the first that leans away from a children's book, towards something meant for all ages. So all of these pros, why did I put it at number 5? Harry and Ron fight, a real fight, and they don't speak for over a month. THEY'RE BEST MATES THAT ISN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN, J.K.! I know, they were teenagers, but GOF is the first book that shows Ron's jealously over his best friend, and his unreasonable attitude. It previews his attitude during Deathly Hallows, and it's just SO. ANNOYING. Those few chapters where Ron is being a git is enough to drop Goblet of Fire down to number 5.
4. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
DUMBLEDORE DIES! NOT OKAY, NEVER OKAY! Okay, now that I have that out of the way...Half Blood Prince has without a doubt the most intricate plot yet, if not the series. There's twists and turns all over the place, and the way it ends is a shock to anyone. Oh, and Harry FINALLY kisses Ginny #relationshipgoals. The whole Ron/Lavender debacle is a sour note on the book, but don't despair, since it's the reason Ron and Hermione realize that they're totally in love with each other. HBP rocks; it's got a crazy interesting plot line, love stories, and adventure throughout the entire thing. Take out Dumbledore's death and Ron shoving his tongue down Lavender's throat, and it would probably make top 2.
3. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, two of the absolute best characters in the series, are introduced in the third book. Not only are these characters a great read, it's the first family (that knew his parents) that Harry is exposed to. You're lying if you say you didn't tear up when Sirius asked Harry to come live with him, and the joy both of them felt when he said yes (though that joy was quickly stolen). Sirius and Remus both showed Harry love throughout the book, and protect him in their own ways. Prisoner of Azkaban is also the first book that Harry rescues himself. By realizing that no one is coming to save him and Sirius from the Dementors, Harry realizes his full potential as a wizard. In addition to the amazingness that is Sirius and Remus, we also get introduced to the concept of the Time Turner and of Anamagi which are both wicked cool, and the fact that just because you might be perceived as bad (werewolf Remus and escaped convict Sirius) it doesn't mean that you are. And that's wicked cool, too.
2. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
The last book. The end of all of our childhood's, and the most anticipated moment of our young lives. It ended the story with lots of tears, but also with lots of love. We see the Golden Trio fully grow up, and we get to see them end the rule of Voldemort together just like every other adventure they had ever been through. DH was an emotional dollar coaster, that had you racing to finish the book, just so that you could read it again. The war ends, Harry finds happiness, and the world is deemed safe. All pretty great things, not to mention the action that is jam-packed into the entire book. It literally never stops. The only thing that makes it not number one, is the fact that it's the last book. And that's enough to make it drop down behind stop number one.
1. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"
The
The first one. The one that drew us in, and made us fall in love with the magical world. It introduced us to the boy in the cupboard under the stairs, Hogwarts, Ron and Hermione, and the world of magic. It showed us that family doesn't have to be by blood, and that just because you're different that doesn't mean that you're a freak. This book changed my life, showed me what right and wrong was, and showed me that friendship and family are the most important things in life. No matter how old I get, Sorcerer's Stone will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm sure yours too.
There it is. The definitive ranking of the iconic book series. Don't agree? Leave a comment, trust me I'd love to argue it out with you. And maybe discuss a few fan theories? Carry on Potterheads.