Movies Similar to Harry Potter: Watch 20 Super Fantasy Series

If you are a crazy lover of fantasy films, then take yourself into the world of deep imagination, magical charms, and adventure by watching movies similar to Harry Potter. Furthermore, you will experience a real glance of artistic work and magical powers through mesmerizing magic scenes. Undoubtedly, viewers may be more interested in a similar series after watching the all-time hit blockbuster Harry Potter series.

These movies have set the popularity records globally by presenting sensational fairy tales and adventure. You should watch series like Harry Potter and fantasy thrilling stuff to amuse yourself through deep fantasies. Here, you may get glimpses of top-notch series and trailers.

20 Movies Similar to Harry Potter

If you enjoy movies like Harry Potter, you should watch some other stuff resembling plot and story narration. Furthermore, these films are full of adventure and thrilling battles with the mysterious, powerful existence.

Fantastic Beasts films (2016)

Movie NameFantastic Beasts films (2016)
ProducerDavid Heyman
DirectorDavid Yates
Release DateNovember 10, 2016
Total Budget$175-200 million
Gross Profit$814 million

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” a 2016 fantasy film directed by David Yates and penned by J.K. Rowling. Furthermore, it is the beginning of the Fantastic Beasts cinematic series and the ninth installment within the broader Wizarding World franchise. This movie functions as a likewise product to the Harry Potter similar movies, drawing its inspiration from Rowling’s 2001 guidebook of identical nomenclature. 

The film had its premiere in New York City on November 10, 2016, before enjoying a global theatrical release on November 18, 2016, all under Warner Bros. Critically, it earned predominantly favorable appraisals, solidifying its position as a commercial heavyweight by amassing a staggering $814 million in worldwide box office receipts, securing its rank as the eighth highest-grossing cinematic production of 2016.

Fantastic Beasts films (2016)

The Chronicles of Narnia Trilogy (2005) 

Movie NameThe Chronicles of Narnia Trilogy (2005)
ProducerMark Johnson
DirectorAndrew Adamson
Release DateDecember 7, 2005
Total Budget$180 million
Gross Profit$745 million

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a 2005 cinematic journey into the realm of high fantasy, steered by director Andrew Adamson. He utilized writing prowess to craft the screenplay, drawing inspiration from C. S. Lewis’s 1950 novel of the same name. This captivating tale marks the debut entry in both the published sequence and chronological order of “The Chronicles of Narnia” children’s book series. 

Within this enchanting narrative, Anna Popplewell, William Moseley, Georgie Henley Grace, and Skandar Keynes are on the screen as Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy Pevensie, respectively. These four young British siblings embark on a heartwarming journey, initially displaced to the countryside during the riotous Blitz era. Their discovery of a mystical wardrobe opens a portal into the wondrous world of Narnia, where they forge an alliance with the majestic lion, Aslan, voiced by the distinguished Liam Neeson. Together, they confront the formidable forces of the White Witch, setting the stage for an extraordinary adventure.

The Chronicles of Narnia Trilogy (2005)

Twilight Series (2008) 

Movie NameTwilight Series (2008)
ProducerGreg Mooradian
DirectorCatherine Hardwicke
Release DateNovember 17, 2008
Total Budget$37 million
Gross Profit$408.4 million

Twilight Series (2008) unfolds when high school student Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) relocates from sunny Arizona to the continuously rainy state of Washington, and she anticipates little change in her life. However, her ordinary existence takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), an enigmatic and striking teenager whose gaze appears to penetrate her very soul.

Unrecognized to Bella, Edward is a vampire, one who refrains from the consumption of human blood. Rather than fear, Bella’s heart is drawn to him, initiating a dangerous romance with her immortal soulmate.

Twilight Series (2008)

Vampire Academy (2014) 

Movie NameVampire Academy (2014)
ProducerDon Murphy
DirectorMark Waters
Release DateFebruary 7, 2014
Total Budget$30 million
Gross Profit$15.4 million

Rose Hathaway (Zoey Deutch) is a teenager who belongs to a unique breed known as Dhampir, a blend of humans and vampires. Her closest companion is Lissa Dragomir (Lucy Fry), a princess among the Moroi, a group of benevolent vampires. Together, they are enrolled at St. Vladimir’s Academy, a secret preserve catering to individuals like them. 

Rose’s primary objective is to train under a charming mentor (Danila Kozlovsky) to ensure her role as Lissa’s guardian. However, safeguarding Lissa might necessitate profound sacrifices as they confront threats waiting within the walls of St. Vladimir’s Academy and those that lie in wait beyond them.

Vampire Academy (2014)

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) 

Movie NameLemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
ProducerWalter F. Parkes
DirectorBrad Silberling
Release DateDecember 17, 2004
Total Budget$140-142 million
Gross Profit$211.5 million

The plot resembles the Harry Potter series due to the role of characters and the fantasy fiction genre.  The movie unfolds the three orphaned Baudelaire siblings whose mansion caught fire. The remaining siblings move away to live with their distant relatives. Their distant relative, Olaf, is cruel, making their survival challenging.

Critical reception was a mixed bag, with some reviewers pointing out its shortcomings in adhering to the source material and critiquing the script. At the same time, a prominent number of viewers admired and provided positive feedback in favor of the movie.

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Stardust (2007) 

Movie NameStardust (2007)
ProducerLorenzo di Bonaventura
DirectorMatthew Vaughn
Release DateJuly 29, 2007
Total Budget$70-88.5 million
Gross Profit$137 million

A young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) quests to capture the affections of his beloved (Sienna Miller). He embarks on a journey into the mystical realm of fairies to retrieve a fallen star. Much to Tristan’s surprise, the fallen star is not a mere spiritual fragment but a living woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes).

Yvaine, however, is in grave peril. The king’s sons seek her holy powers to claim the throne, and a wicked witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) harbors sinister intentions, desiring Yvaine’s abilities to attain everlasting youth and beauty. Moreover, the movie got intense coverage at the box office with great audience feedback.

Stardust (2007)

Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series (2010)  

Movie NamePercy Jackson & the Olympians Series (2010)
ProducerKaren Rosenfelt
DirectorChris Columbus
Release DateFebruary 2, 2010
Total Budget$95 million
Gross Profit$226.4 million

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief graced the silver screen in 2010, offering an action-packed fantasy adventure directed by Chris Columbus. The screenplay, penned by Craig Titley, drew inspiration from Rick Riordan’s 2005 novel, The Lightning Thief. 

The film made its theatrical debut in the United States on February 12, 2010, courtesy of 20th Century Fox. However, Logan Lerman and Brandon T. Jackson’s performances, impressive visual effects, and thrilling action sequences garnered praise. Box office-wise, the movie conjured up an impressive $226.4 million worldwide, surpassing its $95 million production budget. It later found its way to home entertainment platforms, with a DVD release on June 29, 2010, along with a Blu-ray Disc edition. 

Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series (2010)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) 

Movie NameCharlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
ProducerBrad Grey
DirectorTim Burton
Release DateJuly 10, 2005
Total Budget$150 million
Gross Profit$475 million

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) was adapted from the cherished Roald Dahl story; this imaginative and enchanting movie traces the adventures of a young Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore) and his Grandpa Joe (David Kelly). They embark on a captivating journey alongside a select few contest victors, offering them the chance to explore the enigmatic and wondrous factory of the peculiar candymaker, Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp).

Assisted by his tiny Oompa Loompa helpers (Deep Roy), Wonka harbors a concealed agenda for the tour, one that he’ll unveil only when the children in the group reveal their true natures.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001) 

Movie NameThe Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001)
ProducerBarrie M. Osborne
DirectorPeter Jackson
Release DateDecember 10, 2001
Total Budget$93 million
Gross Profit$898.2 million

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is based on the destiny of civilization hanging in the balance, lying on the destiny of the One Ring, which has remained lost for countless years. Unyielding and mighty powers tirelessly follow this indefinable object. Yet, destiny has chosen a young Hobbit by the name of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) to be its custodian, thrusting him into the race of legend. 

A formidable challenge stands before Frodo as he assumes the role of the Ringbearer, tasked with the monumental mission of defeating the One Ring within the scorching inferno of Mount Doom, the very place of its creation.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001)

A Wrinkle in Time (2018) 

Movie NameA Wrinkle in Time (2018)
ProducerJim Whitaker
DirectorAva DuVernay
Release DateFebruary 26, 2018
Total Budget$100-130 million
Gross Profit$133.2 million

Meg Murry and her younger sibling Charles Wallace have tolerated the absence of their scientist father, Mr. Murry, for a lengthy five years. Mr. Murry embarked on a groundbreaking voyage, uncovering a new spiritual body and employing the enigmatic concept of interstellar travel. 

Furthermore, in the company of Meg’s schoolmate Calvin O’Keefe and under the guidance of three mysterious stellar voyagers named Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, these young adventurers embark on a perilous odyssey to a planet that harbors the very embodiment of wickedness found throughout the universe.

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

Matilda (1996)  

Movie NameMatilda (1996)
ProducerDanny DeVito
DirectorDanny DeVito
Release DateAugust 2, 1996
Total Budget$36 million
Gross Profit$33.5 million

Matilda is the cinematic interpretation of a Roald Dahl masterpiece narrates the life of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), an exceptionally talented girl burdened with an uncaring, impolite father (Danny DeVito) and mother (Rhea Perlman). To make matters worse, Agatha Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), the malevolent headmistress at Matilda’s school, proves to be a dreadfully strict tyrant. 

But as Matilda discovers her remarkable mind-reading abilities, she embarks on a mission to shield her friends from Trunchbull’s cruelty and stand up against her heartless parents.

Matilda (1996)

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)

Movie NameMiss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
ProducerPeter Chernin
DirectorTim Burton
Release DateSeptember 25, 2016
Total Budget$110 million
Gross Profit$296.5 million

In his youth, Jacob Portman held his Grandpa Abe in high regard. Abe, a man with a rich history, shares captivating stories of his past with Jacob, recounting his time in an orphanage, wartime experiences, and even his stint in the circus. Alongside these tales, Grandpa Abe presents Jacob with absorbing photographs of peculiar children, featuring invisible boys, formidable girls, and individuals with mouths at the back of their heads. 

Young Jacob wholeheartedly believes these fantastical accounts until he reaches an age where cynicism takes over. Much like the inevitable disbelief in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, Jacob’s faith in his grandfather’s peculiar childhood eventually diminishes.

However, a significant shift occurs when Jacob reaches the age of fifteen. Moreover, Grandpa Abe begins expressing fears of approaching monster threats, leading Jacob and his father to attribute these concerns to dementia. 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)

The Hunger Games series (2012-2015) 

Movie NameThe Hunger Games series (2012-2015)
ProducerNina JacobsonJon Kilik (1–4)Brad Simpson (5)
DirectorGary Ross (1)Francis Lawrence (2–5)
Release Date2012–present
Total Budget$495 million
Gross Profit$2.970 billion

The Hunter Games is about Panem, a nation with a dark history, which is divided into 12 districts governed by the imposing Capitol. Decades ago, a rebellion that ultimately failed led to dire consequences for the districts. In revenge, each district is now compelled to participate in the unattractive tradition of the Hunger Games. 

Annually, they must select two tributes, one male and one female, aged between 12 and 18, who are thrust into a brutal battle for survival. The Hunger Games continue until only a single tribute remains alive, serving as a grim reminder of the Capitol’s authority and the price of disobedience.

The Hunger Games series (2012-2015)

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Movie NamePan’s Labyrinth (2006)
ProducerGuillermo del Toro
DirectorGuillermo del Toro
Release DateMay 27, 2006
Total Budget$19 million
Gross Profit$83.9 million

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) unfolded in 1944, and the Allies launched their invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. In Spain, a disinterested soldier is dispatched to a remote forest to suppress the rebel forces. In addition, at the control of this brutal expedition is Capitan Vidal, a sadistic and murderous officer. Accompanying him are his newlywed wife, Carmen, and her 11-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, Ofelia. 

Young Ofelia is exposed to the horrifying cruelty of her stepfather, and in the midst of this grim reality, she is drawn into the enchanting realm of Pan’s Labyrinth, a magical world inhabited by mythical creatures.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

Movie NameThe Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
ProducerMark Canton
DirectorMark Waters
Release DateJanuary 31, 2008
Total Budget$90 million
Gross Profit$164.2 million

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) falls among the trio of Grace’s children, Jared (played by Freddie Highmore), who has always carried the reputation of being the troublemaker. Consequently, when odd  occurrences begin unfolding after his family relocates to a run-down ancestral property, his sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger), twin brother Simon, and their mother instantly point fingers at Jared, believing him to be the cause. 

Little do they know that the estate harbors a host of magical creatures, all with a common desire: to obtain a special book recently discovered by Jared. This mysterious tone is a guide to extraordinary beings, authored by the enigmatic Arthur Spiderwick.

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

Alice in Wonderland 2010

Movie NameAlice in Wonderland 2010
ProducerRichard D. Zanuck
DirectorTim Burton
Release DateFebruary 25, 2010
Total Budget$150-200 million
Gross Profit$1.025 billion

Alice in Wonderland 2010 is about a young girl on her maiden visit to the enchanting realm of Underland. Alice Kingsleigh (portrayed by Mia Wasikowska) blossoms into a teenager, her memories of that fantastical place buried deep within her consciousness, accessible only through her dreams.

Unexpectedly, her life takes a drastic turn when, during a garden gathering to celebrate her engagement, she catches sight of a familiar white rabbit and somersaults headlong into a rabbit hole in pursuit of the indefinable creature. In this wondrous hidden world, she reunites with her peculiar friends like the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), the mischievous Cheshire Cat, and others. Here, Alice discovers her true destiny: to bring an end to the oppressive reign of the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) and her reign of terror.

Alice in Wonderland 2010

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Movie NameBridge to Terabithia (2007)
ProducerDavid L. Paterson
DirectorGábor Csupó
Release DateFebruary 16, 2007
Total Budget$17 million
Gross Profit$137.6 million

Bridge to Terabithia (2007) is a movie unfolds with an adolescent boy, experiences a profound transformation when he forges a friendship with Leslie (portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb), a fellow classmate who stands apart from the rest. Together, they conjure up an imaginary realm known as Terabithia, a land inhabited by a diverse array of magical creatures. 

Despite the challenges that occur in their everyday lives, Jesse and Leslie reign as the respected monarchs of Terabithia. However, their idyllic world is soon put to the test when one of them must rely on the strength of their fantastical kingdom to confront a heart-wrenching tragedy.

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

The Golden Compass (2007)

Movie NameThe Golden Compass (2007)
ProducerBill Carraro
DirectorChris Weitz
Release DateNovember 27, 2007
Total Budget$180 million
Gross Profit$372.2 million

“The Golden Compass” is a 2007 fantasy adventure film penned and directed by Chris Weitz. The film draws its inspiration from Philip Pullman’s 1995 novel, “Northern Lights,” which is the opening chapter in Pullman’s captivating “His Dark Materials” trilogy. In the United States, this trilogy was published under the title “The Golden Compass.” 

The movie stars Dakota Blue Richards in the role of Lyra Belacqua, with Nicole Kidman portraying Marisa Coulter and Daniel Craig as Lord Asriel. Within the film’s narrative, Lyra embarks on a journey with a seafaring tribe to the far North in pursuit of children who have been kidnapped by the Gobblers, a group supported by the universe’s governing body, the Magisterium.

Although the film’s development was initially announced in February 2002, it faced various challenges related to the screenplay and director selection, leading to substantial delays. Dakota Blue Richards was chosen for the role of Lyra in June 2006, with Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig joining the cast shortly thereafter. 

The Golden Compass (2007)

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)

Movie NameThe Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
ProducerJerry Bruckheimer
DirectorJon Turteltaub
Release DateJuly 8, 2010
Total Budget$150 million
Gross Profit$215.3 million

“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is a 2010 American action-adventure fantasy film that bears the Jerry Bruckheimer production seal and is directed by Jon Turteltaub. Walt Disney Pictures, the creative team behind the popular National Treasure franchise, was responsible for the film’s release. The segments, titled, famously depict the misadventures of Mickey Mouse. They were inspired by Paul Dukas’ symphonic poem from the late 1890s and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s ballad from 1797.

Merlinean is a contemporary sorcerer residing in Manhattan. He is dedicated to combating the forces of evil, particularly his long-time opponent, Maxim Horvath (played by Alfred Molina). At the same time, Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), an unassuming physics student reluctantly taken under Balthazar’s wing. The sorcerer provides his hesitant learner with an accelerated course in the art and science of sorcery, intending to frustrate Horvath and Morgana le Fay (Alice Krige). 

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)

Seventh Son (2014)

Movie NameSeventh Son (2014)
ProducerBasil Iwanyk
DirectorSergei Bodrov
Release DateDecember 17, 2014
Total Budget$95-110 million
Gross Profit$114.2 million

“Seventh Son” is a 2014 American fantasy film directed by Sergei Bodrov with amazing plot depiction. Loosely based on Joseph Delaney’s 2004 novel “The Spook’s Apprentice,” the film revolves around Thomas Ward, a seventh son born to a seventh son. It chronicles his experiences as he becomes the trainee of the Ghost. 

After several changes to its release date, “Seventh Son” premiered in France on December 17, 2014, followed by releases in Canada and the United States on February 6, 2015, through Universal Pictures. The film, however, received predominantly negative reviews from film critics and managed to gross $114 million worldwide, although against a substantial budget of $95 million.

Seventh Son (2014)

About the Harry Potter Series

Movie NameHarry Potter
ProducerDavid Heyman
DirectorChris Columbus
Release DateNovember 4, 2001
Running Time152 minutes
Total Budget$125 million
Gross Profit$1.017 billion

Harry Potter Series Plot

The movie perfectly adapted the famous novel of J.K. Rowling’s first children’s fantasy fiction content. Surprisingly, a boy feels some magical powers as a descendant of a sorcerer on his eleventh birthday. Furthermore, the boy feels these enchants and knows about his late parents’ magical tricks. Equally important, he becomes a student at Hogwarts and continues his learning as a boarding school of wizards’ students.

In addition, the boy meets with different schoolmates at the institute and develops a sense of harmony with them. His schoolmates become strong allies who join his further journey of exploration. Notably, being a descendant of great parents with supernatural possessions, he tries to discover the mysterious death of his parents along with his allies.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

Philosopher’s Stone is the first movie series of the Harry Potter fantasy tale directed by Chris Columbus. Harry Potter gets his name at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and feels something new about his past. An owl starts delivering letters to him that he doesn’t fully understand in the beginning. But later, he considers his exceptional possessions and searches for his passing parents.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

The second Harry Potter series is about the enchanted discoveries at the Hogwarts school. Crafted by JK Rowling, the story unleashes the secretive powers and encounters at the school with magical tricks. Harry and his allies face different challenges and find various secrets. Moreover, the mysterious fairy warns Harry about the upcoming encounters next year, but these cannot prepare them to face fighting trees, talking spiders, and deadly wall-written warnings.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) 

Harry’s third year at Hogwarts begins with some bad encounters when Harry knows that Sirius Black has run away from the Azkaban jail. He becomes unhappy due to Sirius’s plan of killing the wizard. Moreover, a teacher who is also mysterious tries to help Harry with Sirius Black’s attack.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) 

The fourth season starts with another adventurous beginning where Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione face another challenge at Hogwarts. Surprisingly, three magical schools organize a tournament in which one representative from each school has to be selected for the Goblet of Fire. Notably, Harry’s name appears as the qualifier for Goblet, even his average role in the participation, and he has to take part in the contest.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

In the fifth year in Hogwarts, Harry thinks about the community who do not know about his encounter with Lord Voldemort. In addition, the Minister of Magic allows Dolores Umbridge as a defense, contrary to the dark art teacher. Moreover, Harry fears that Professor Dumbledore’s replacement can take his role. Finally, he prepares a group of schoolmates to tackle the new wave of evils.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

According to Harry’s series, the story unfolds at Hogwarts, which is no safer place for students due to the death eater’s chaos. Furthermore, Harry predicts the dangers and upcoming challenges waiting in the castle walls. Besides preparing for the encounter with Voldemort, Dumbledore prepares the young sorcerer for the ultimate clash.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)

In this season, Harry and his friends Ron & Hermione start a mission to destroy the source and associations of life of Voldemort. In this campaign, they find real threats of the dark forces which prevent them from achieving their target. Ultimately, their mission is to tackle the most powerful wizarding world death hallows.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) 

In this more thrilling campaign, Harry and his friends start dealing with the remaining Horcruxes (source of witches’ life) encountered by Voldemort. Actually, Harry’s mission is to clear the dominance of the evil creatures and their possessions. Finally, Harry & Voldemort face each other at Hogwarts Castle.

Harry Potter Series Cast

Some prominent celebrities performed their role in the famous Harry Potter cast. Besides the major characters, there are some other characters in the series who have made valuable contributions.

  • Daniel Radcliffe performed his role as Harry Potter (an 11-year-old orphaned boy).
  • Rupert Grint played the role of Ron Weasley (Harry’s friend).
  • Emma Watson played the fictional role of Hermione Granger.
  • John Cleese performed the character as Nearly Headless Nick (Ghost).
  • Robbie Coltrane played the role of Rubeus Hagrid (half-giant).
  • Warwick Davis worked as a charming character by the name of Filius Flitwick.
  • Richard Harris played the role of the famous headmaster of Hogwarts (Albus Dumbledore).

Box office performance

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Production Budget$125 million
Initial Grossing Budget$974 million
Subsequent re-releases$1 billion

Conclusion

After getting in touch with the above-discussed movies similar to Harry Potter, you may find interest in exploring these same films and plots. Furthermore, viewers can develop their interest before watching the complete film by viewing trailers in fine video quality. These movies feature big names who have performed their role really well. Finally, the above-described films have brought valuable potential through the box office.

Photo of author

Castro Silva

Castro Silva is a digital nomad with an insatiable curiosity for uncovering exceptional websites dedicated to movies, manga, and anime. As a regular contributor to online publications, he's known for spotting user-friendly web experiences and sharing his discoveries. With a Bachelor's degree in Digital Media Studies from Stanford University, he combines academic knowledge with ongoing self-education in web development and user experience design. Castro has become a trusted curator of websites that enhance movie, manga, and anime experiences.