FILMS

The first film in the series has become the third biggest money-making film in all history, just behind Titanic and Jurassic Park. The Philosopher's Stone has already surpassed The Phantom Menace and Independence Day.

The Philosopher’s Stone

Daniel Radcliffe kicks off the series as Harry in 2001. The cast is stellar and the performances bright. The film-makers secured Dame Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Zoë Wanamaker and Alan Rickman as Hogwarts faculty members. Rik Mayall's part as Peeves the mischievous poltergeist hit the cutting room floor. Personally, I found some of the CGI a bit iffy, but the film is a treat all the same.

Apparently, The Philosopher's Stone has been especially popular in Japan, the UK and Germany.

The Chamber of Secrets

Shot at Leavesden Studios, Hertfordshire and at locations around the UK. The main characters return (but not Zoë Wanamaker) and Kenneth Branagh joins as Gilderoy Lockhart. Click here for more on The Chamber of Secrets.

The Prisoner of Azkaban

The series took a darker turn with this one — and all the better for it. Alfonso Cuaron directed it and gave us the first look at the Dementors in shades of blue and grey.

It also gave us Emma Thompson as Prof. Sybil Trelawney, but it really should have been Su Pollard.

The Goblet of Fire

Directed by Mike Newell and now in post-production, due for release on 18th November 2005 in the UK.