Disagreeing With All of Daniel Radcliffe’s Rankings of the Harry Potters

In an interview for the Happy Sad Confused Podcast, Daniel Radcliffe ranked the Harry Potter movies, and to say we had differing opinions would be an understatement—he is straight up WRONG. Granted, Radcliffe said he hasn’t watched the films in years and judges them based on how much fun he had on set or if he thought his performances held up.

“I would cringe watching the earlier films,” Radcliffe said. “Now I think the early films are sweet, and now I cringe watching myself when I was 18 or 19.” For contrast, I judge the films based on their iconic-ness, their 25 days of Christmas rewatchability, and the mop-topiness of Harry and Ron’s haircuts. I can’t say exactly how many times I’ve seen these movies—not without my lawyers present—but let’s just say I’m a leading expert in my field.

Without further ado, here are all Radcliffle’s WRONG takes.

---

Chamber of Secrets over Sorcerer’s Stone

Being that Sorcerer’s Stone was the first movie in the franchise, it’s safe to say lives were changed. So why the disrespect? Radcliffe put Chamber of Secrets over Sorcerer’s Stone, “because of the basilisk,” but I would argue that the Sorcerer’s Stone being the first of the franchise (and Radcliffe’s first ever movie!) had a lot of work to do introducing this world and should be held in proper regard.

---

Goblet of Fire over Prisoner of Azkaban

This is just straight-up LIES. I’m not a Goblet of Fire hater, but Prisoner of Azkaban, directed by one of the greats, Alfonso Cuarón, is the better film. Some could argue it’s the first auteur, Harry Potter. (Plus, the haircuts in Goblet of Fire…need I say more?)

---

Order of the Phoenix over Half-Blood Prince

“Half-Blood Prince is probably the bottom of the bracket for me,” Radcliffe said, “and that’s [because of] my own stuff, not the film.” Regardless, I agree with this take. Moving on. 

---

Deathly Hallows Part Two over Deathly Hallows Part One

I’m aware this is controversial, but sorry, I guess I just have to be different. My all-time favorite #1 top-tier pick of the franchise is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows…Part One. Every scene is iconic and feels unique to the movies that came before. It’s not just a filler movie, like some “Part Ones” are. (Looking at you, Breaking Dawn). 

It came down to Deathly Hallows Part Two and the Goblet of Fire for Radcliffe’s top picks, and he chose Part Two as his reigning favorite. Boo! Too easy! He probably remembered liking Part Two because he was just happy to be free from J.K. Rowling jail…

Regardless, he should give Part One another shot, if not but to watch the infamous Harry-Hermione-Nick Cave dance scene that was YEARS ahead of its time.

---

If it wasn’t clear, the only proper ranking is…Deathly Hallows Part One first, then Prisoner of Azkaban, then Part Two, then Order of the Phoenix, Goblet of Fire, Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, and Half-Blood Prince. And if you still disagree, Daniel, tell it to my lawyers.  

---

Like what you just read? You’ve got great taste. Subscribe to Jezebel, and for $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll get access to a bunch of subscriber benefits, including getting to read the next article (and all the ones after that) ad-free. Plus, you’ll be supporting independent journalism—which, can you even imagine not supporting independent journalism in times like these? Yikes.