Based on...
Books and films are two closely-related forms of art and entertainment. Since the science of film was first established in the late 1800s filmmakers have been using it to tell stories, and they soon began utilising the existing narratives and characters of novels. These films have succeeded (or not) to varying degrees in the transition, some accurately portraying the writer's intention, some building on it and some disappointing the original readers. No matter how well the adaptation is done however, it is still nice to be reminded that yes, happily, there is more to read than Harry Potter.
For screen translations of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Stephen King and many other notable authors click their links under this category, left. For adaptations of plays and Shakespeare, use the 'Alice's Playhouse' link.
Right: Kubrick's adaptation of Thackeray's novel 'Barry Lyndon'.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
7.7/10
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Mic...
Harry and friends start their fourth and most challenging year at Hogwart's School of Magic. The new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mad-Eye M... Read more
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ( Blu-ray ) (2005)
7.7/10
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Mic...
Harry and friends start their fourth and most challenging year at Hogwart's School of Magic. The new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mad-Eye Mo... Read more
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
7.6/10
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Robb...
The sixth film in the ever-darkening series is visually stunningly and has its fair share of gleeful humour too, as the young wizard's inevitable batt... Read more
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
7.5/10
Director: David Yates
Starring: Alan Rickman, Brendan Gleeson, David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, Fiona Shaw, Gary Ol...
The rebellion begins! While the wider wizarding community may doubt Voldemort's return, Harry and his friends know too well what lies ahead. Unfortu... Read more
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ( Blu-ray ) (2007)
7.5/10
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Al...
The rebellion begins! While the wider wizarding community may doubt Voldemort's return, Harry and his friends know too well what lies ahead. Unfortuna... Read more
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Richa...
In this enchanting film adaptation of J. K. Rowling's delightful bestseller, Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of t... Read more
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone ( Blu-ray ) (2001)
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Richa...
In this enchanting film adaptation of J. K. Rowling's delightful bestseller, Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of t... Read more
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
7.9/10
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Ri...
Alfonso Cuaron ('A Little Princess') takes over the directing reigns for this terrific third instalment (of a projected seven) in the beloved fantasy... Read more
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ( Blu-ray ) (2004)
7.9/10
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Ri...
Alfonso Cuaron ('A Little Princess') takes over the directing reigns for this terrific third instalment (of a projected seven) in the beloved fantasy... Read more
Hating Alison Ashley (2005)
5.7/10
Director: Geoff Bennett
Starring: Saskia Burmeister, Delta Goodrem, Jean Kittson, Richard Carter, Craig McLachlan,...
14-year-old Erika (Saskia Burmeister), or Yuk, to her friends, is a melodramtaic teen living in a chaotic family. She dreams of a starry future for h... Read more