Harry Potter is one of the exceptional adaptations that delight both readers and film enthusiasts alike. It boasts captivating settings, charming characters that seem to have sprung straight from Rowling’s novels, brilliant special effects, intense battles, romance, and many other elements. Truly, it embodies a fantasy dream for fans everywhere.
As a film enthusiast, it’s always bittersweet when we reach the end of a beloved series, like the eight magical adventures that make up the Harry Potter universe. Even though we crave more enchanting tales, there’s no denying that we can’t help but seek out similar cinematic experiences. That’s why this article is perfect for you, as it serves up a delightful list of 30 films that capture the same spellbinding magic found in Harry Potter.
1. The Fantastic Beasts movies
In 2016, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the captivating world of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” a spellbinding cinematic journey crafted by director David Yates. This enchanting fantasy film was truly a delightful adventure!
This production, titled as a spin-off and prequel to the Harry Potter movie franchise, is a collaborative effort between the United Kingdom and the United States. J.K. Rowling wrote and produced it for her screenwriting debut, drawing inspiration from her 2001 “guidebook” of the same title.
In the year 1926, Newton “Newt” Scamander, a British magical zoologist, makes an appearance in bustling New York City. Mary Lou Barebone, head of the New Salem Philanthropic Society who is not magical (or a Muggle), encounters this individual.
Instead of searching for films similar to Harry Potter, an excellent approach would be to watch a movie that takes place within the same magical world.
The initial movie of Fantastic Beasts follows J.K. Rowling’s “Hogwarts Library Book,” delving into diverse magical creatures. In this film, a fresh set of characters are presented, yet some familiar names can be heard. Despite these new figures, the movie maintains the distinct feel of Harry Potter.
2. The Percy Jackson & the Olympians Movies
The Percy Jackson & the Olympians film series, more commonly just called Percy Jackson, is a collection of fictitious movies that have been adapted from Rick Riordan’s books with the same title.
The movies delve into the adventures of demigod Percy Jackson and his comrades at Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for demigods.
As a movie enthusiast, when Percy teams up with his two pals – one a guy, one a gal – we find ourselves on an adventure aimed at thwarting an imminent, sinister force from taking over our world. The plotline gradually unfolds with a familiar Harry Potteresque vibe.
If it doesn’t resemble the Harry Potter universe, you might have been watching something else. While the movie does contain magical elements, they stem from innate powers instead of wands or incantations.
3. The Chronicles of Narnia Trilogy
From the initial three books in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series (a total of seven), it bears a striking resemblance to the Harry Potter series.
The Pevensie children, similar to Harry, are departing from difficult circumstances, but it’s wartime hardship instead of a troubled household that’s causing their struggles.
The story unfolds in the enchanted realm of Narnia, a fantasy kingdom teeming with magic, mythical creatures, and anthropomorphic animals.
The narrative unfolds, recounting various children’s significant adventures that shaped the changing history of the Narnian realm.
4. The Lord of the Rings Movies and The Hobbit Movies
The Lord of the Rings is a three-part movie series, created from J.R.R. Tolkien’s book of the same title, and brought to life by director Peter Jackson in the realm of historical fantasy adventure films.
The titles of the films are The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.
Watching these series stirs up the exact enchantingly powerful, awe-inspiring sensation that I experience while watching Harry Potter.
Immersion in the extraordinary, awe-inspiring realms of both “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” is so profound that it’s hard not to feel a twinge of disappointment upon realizing they are not actual destinations you can physically explore.
5. The Hunger Games Movies
The 2012 movie “The Hunger Games,” which falls under the genre of American sci-fi adventure, was helmed by director Gary Ross. It’s an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ 2008 book with the same title.
The movie takes place in Panem, a dismal post-apocalyptic society where every year, one boy and one girl from each of its 12 regions are chosen as contestants for the Hunger Games – a gruesome live television event in which they must fight each other to survive.
As a die-hard fan, I’d say this movie portrays me – or rather, a fearless young character named Katniss Everdeen – who tirelessly challenges an unjust system of power, a government regime that’s anything but straight and fair.
6. The Maze Runner movies
The storyline of the Maze Runner films centers around a 16-year-old character named Thomas (portrayed by O’Brien), who mysteriously finds himself within a corroded elevator, with no memory of his past. He soon learns that he has been transported to the heart of an intricate maze, inhabited by numerous other boys, each trying to escape this constantly altering labyrinth. Simultaneously, they strive to establish a functioning society within what they call ‘the Glade’.
Thomas steps into a realm inhabited by approximately thirty young adults, none of whom can recall their past, who’ve adapted to their unique societal norms within a completely sealed environment. They sustain themselves through farming and provisions they have amassed.
For the past three years, the gathering has been held within “The Glade,” a constant quest to discover an exit from the labyrinth that envelops their living area, which is guarded by cybernetic monsters. Every month, a fresh recruit joins them.
7. Twilight movies
In Twilight, you won’t find any witches or goblins, instead it features vampires and werewolves. All the vampires in this story possess extraordinary abilities, including mind-reading, predicting the future, and causing pain just by looking at someone.
17-year-old misfit Bella Swan relocates from sunny Phoenix to the minuscule community of Forks, nestled in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, to reside with her dad, Chief of Police Charlie.
Renee is married happily to Phil, a minor league baseball player whose job frequently requires them to travel. To learn about Cedric Diggory’s progress after his unfortunate death in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, you can now watch him as the central vampire character who has been brought back to life.
In any case, if you’re looking for some young adult wonder, these films are worth a look.
8. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Abe Portman shares with his grandson Jake stories about battling mythical beasts and his childhood at “Miss Peregrine’s House for Extraordinary Kids,” located on the island of Cairnholm, which lies off the Welsh shoreline.
In a household reside both its kids and the headmistress, Miss Alma Peregrine. These individuals possess extraordinary, otherworldly abilities that set them apart, earning them the title of “Peculiars.
If you’re a fan of the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children books, you might have been disappointed by the movie adaptation of the first book. For those who haven’t read the novels yet, they share similarities with the Harry Potter series that make them an engaging read.
Unlike several of Burton’s previous films, this one is not based on his initial concept.
9. Inkheart
The captivating young adult fantasy novel, “Inkheart,” was penned by the talented German writer Cornelia Funke and published in the year 2003. This work serves as the initial installment within the Inkworld trilogy.
The plot revolves around Meggie, a bookish twelve-year-old, and her father Mortimer, or Mo.
As an ardent admirer, I’d like to share that there’s a remarkable individual named Mo Folchart. He possesses a unique gift – transforming written tales into vivid, living narratives when he reads them out loud, making the stories leap off the pages and resonate deeply within us.
Yet, it so happens that Mo inadvertently summons a ruthless villain from an obscure fairy tale for kids. This villain then abducts Mo’s daughter and demands that Mo conjures up more nefarious literary characters.
To rescue his daughter, Mo assembles an eclectic group of loyal companions with both worldly wisdom and magical powers, setting out on a journey to save her and restore order.
There’s an affectionate bond between Mo and his friends that reminds me of the camaraderie found among characters like those in Harry Potter. Why not give them a chance? I promise, it will be worth it!
10. The Golden Compass
The narrative centers around Lyra Belacqua, a young girl raised in an alternate universe governed by a strict regime called the Magisterium, which discourages free thought exploration. In this realm, children mysteriously disappear under the watch of a shadowy force referred to as the Gobblers, who are said to be allied with the Magisterium.
In a voyage, Lyra accompanies a nomadic sea-faring group as they traverse towards the frigid northern regions, home to armored polar bears, in pursuit of missing kids.
While listening to her uncle, Lord Asriel converse with scholars, she encounters a puzzling concept they refer to as Dust. In theory, this enigmatic substance has been found in the northern territories and supposedly connects all realities.
In this tale, there’s a dash of enchantment, an array of legendary creatures, and a spirited, youthful heroine on a mission to vanquish wickedness.
11. Pan’s Labyrinth
In this rephrased version, the young stepdaughter who is more accustomed to books than battles vanishes into a mysterious and enchanting realm under the control of a stern army colonel with a cruel disposition.
1944 found a young girl who was deeply fascinated by fairy tales being relocated to reside with her stern, military officer stepfather in Spain, under Falangist rule, together with her expectant mother.
Individuals who have watched the movie “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” would notice a striking similarity between the trials faced by Ofelia in the labyrinth, and Harry’s own challenges in navigating the hedge maze to reach the goblet of fire.
Guillermo del Toro has made it clear that the storyline draws inspiration from classic fairy tales, and it serves to further explore ideas touched upon in his earlier movie “The Devil’s Backbone.
Concerning whether the underworld in the story was genuine or just Ofelia’s imagination, director Del Toro stated in an interview that while he believes it to be real, the movie is a piece of fiction intended to resonate with each viewer in their own unique way.
12. A Monster Calls
The movie features Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, Toby Kebbell, Lewis MacDougall, and Liam Neeson as its main cast. This film narrates the story of Conor, a young boy whose mother is critically ill. One night, he encounters a being that appears as a massive anthropomorphic yew tree.
Conor employs the monster as a means of dealing with his emotions, helping him grasp the concepts of mortality and loss in his own life. Ultimately, the monster compels him to confront and manage his inner turmoil.
Although the movie has its imperfections, certain elements prove hard to forget; indeed, the deep wisdom and hidden affection it conveys make it highly improbable that one would wish to dislodge these aspects from memory.
13. Matilda
Matilda is a bright young lady who is excited to learn.
As a child, I was unceremoniously shipped off to Miss Trunchbull’s boarding school by my uncaring parents. This woman was a merciless taskmaster, harboring an obvious disdain for her young charges.
In the story, Matilda’s teacher, Miss Honey, assumes a supportive role in Matilda’s life. The novel’s core theme revolves around the idea that wrongdoers receive their due punishment, and ultimately, righteousness prevails over wickedness.
The Most Progressive ’90s Kids Film Is ‘Matilda.’
Matilda is without a doubt one of the best movies of the 1990s, in the opinion of any millennial.
One of the defining movies of our adolescence, it emerged just when we were in our teens during that particular decade.
As a film enthusiast, it won’t shock you to learn that the movie “Matilda” meets the Bechdel Test criteria. What might surprise you, though, is that it manages to do so within the first 10 minutes of the film.
14. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A young lad is given an exclusive tour of the world’s most awe-inspiring chocolate factory, guided by the world’s scarcest candymaker.
In simpler terms, Willy Wonka conceals five golden passes within various chocolate treats, leading to widespread excitement. One of these passes ends up in the hands of a boy named Charlie, who seizes the opportunity to tour Wonka’s chocolaty domain and eventually decides to forsake his family by taking over the factory.
Yet, it becomes clear to him that a family holds the greatest worth for a young one, prompting him to request Willy to meet his long-lost father, and in turn, Wonka also recognizes the importance of family ties.
15. The Spiderwick Chronicles
Odd occurrences start unfolding once the Grace family depart from bustling New York to reside in the remote ancestral home of their great-great uncle Arthur Spiderwick.
The family blames Jared for the strange disappearances and events that seem to happen regularly.
As Simon, Mallory, and he gaze upon the scene, they uncover the astonishing truth regarding the Spiderwick estate and its inhabitants.
16. Stardust
In our tale, we follow Tristan, a spirited youth hailing from the imaginary British city named Wall. This city borders the enchanting and legendary land known as Stormhold.
In a magical land, Tristan ventures to gather a falling star as a token for Victoria, with the hope that she will agree to marry him after this grand gesture.
Drawing inspiration from Neil Gaiman’s critically acclaimed book with the same title, this movie encompasses witches, magic, a meteorite that reveals itself as a breathtaking woman, an aviator who traverses the skies, among other intriguing components.
17. A Wrinkle In Time
The movie, which follows the journey of three kids and three mystical entities in search of a missing scientist to prevent global domination by evil, mirrors just as much detachment from contemporary life as its human protagonists do from their own existence on Earth.
As a cinephile, I find myself deeply immersed in the story of Meg Murry, a 13-year-old girl who’s finding it tough to fit in at school, owing to bullying and a subtle melancholy that lingers four years after her father, the celebrated astrophysicist Alex, vanished.
Meg and her gifted younger sibling Charles Wallace find themselves summoned to the headmaster’s office following an incident where Charles scolds two noisy educators, and Meg responds by confronting Veronica, a past tormentor who used to be Meg’s friend.
Meg along with her mom, Kate, unexpectedly encounter Charles and an unusual woman named Mrs. Whatsit, who firmly believes in the feasibility of the tesseract – a method of traveling through space that Alex had been studying.
One key theme in “A Wrinkle in Time” is the power of emotion, particularly passion, and the significance of one’s personality. Another recurring idea is the struggle between good and evil. In other words, the story centers around these themes and the ongoing conflict between good characters or ideals against their evil counterparts.
18. Nanny McPhee
Drawing inspiration from the works of Christianna Brand’s ‘Nurse Matilda’ series, it’s now confirmed that Mr. Cedric Brown finds himself a widower, caring for a brood of seven unruly children. So far, these kids have managed to drive away no less than seventeen nannies.
Indeed, it turns out that a mysterious voice commands Cedric to bring in Nanny McPhee. And so, she magically shows up at the Brown household. The children then learn to behave appropriately under her guidance.
Cedric finds several references to a “Nanny McPhee” in the house one day.
On that stormy evening, while the kids were causing chaos in the kitchen, Cedric unexpectedly opened the door to find a rather disheveled woman standing there. She introduced herself as Nanny McPhee.
She changes the lives of the family through discipline and a touch of enchantment.
19. Coraline
In the story we’re looking at, Coraline Jones, a spirited young girl, serves as our main character. During one of her adventures, she stumbles upon an old, bricked-up doorway within her newly moved-into apartment.
However, contrary to expectations, the door isn’t sealed shut when Coraline finds it. Instead, she steps into a world remarkably similar to her own, though this one may cause unease in younger readers. Parents should keep this in mind while reading aloud.
In simpler terms, the movie adaptation of the book isn’t as frightening, but it remains quite chilling. The world that Coraline enters is revealed to be a truly horrifying and lethal realm, where her life could very well be in jeopardy.
20. Spirited Away
A melancholic 10-year-old girl finds herself in a dominion inhabited by demons, goblins, and spirits, as well as people turned into animals, following her family’s move to the suburbs.
To Chihiro’s disappointment, her parents plan to move their family to a secluded Japanese town located in the countryside.
Beyond the broader storylines of other movies, the film Spirited Away also explores ideas like finding one’s place, pride and loneliness, as well as the fading memories of the past.
21. Howl’s Moving Castle
In this magical anime, the Crone of the Desert metamorphoses a young girl named Sophie into an elderly woman of 90 years. To escape, she finds refuge in a mobile fortress belonging to the magician Howl.
Upon watching it, one couldn’t help but perceive the narrative as a symbolic representation of a romantic tale, much like Harry Potter. However, this story also incorporates elements of witchcraft, magic, battles, and camaraderie – adding depth to its fantasy genre. Furthermore, its visual appeal is captivating.
22. Kiki’s Delivery Service
At thirteen, Kiki has chosen to reside independently. As per tradition among witches, upon turning thirteen, they venture out to spend a year living in a city to complete their witch-related studies.
In this instance, Kiki and her chatty feline companion, Jiji, embark on a new journey, settling down in the coastal town of Koriko, where they’ll experience life independently together.
Ever since I started my delivery service, I’ve been utilizing my trusty broom as a handy tool for transportation. Now, it’s all about adapting and embracing the changes that come with this new chapter in my life.
23. Avatar: The Last Airbender
In other parts of the world, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is sometimes referred to as “Avatar: The Tale of Aang,” but it’s a captivating animated TV show produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studios in all cases.
The narrative unfolds around Aang, a 12-year-old boy who is the newest Avatar and last living member of the Air Nomads tribe. Alongside his companions Katara, Sokka, and eventually Toph, Aang embarks on a journey to put an end to the Fire Nation’s ongoing war with the rest of the planet.
Additionally, it chronicles the tale of Prince Zuko from the Fire Nation, a once-banished ruler yearning to restore his former honor. He embarks on a journey to apprehend Aang, guided by his shrewd uncle Iroh and driven by his sister Azula.
Or more concisely:
The narrative also unfolds Zuko’s quest as the exiled prince of Fire Nation who aims to redeem his lost prestige with help from his sagacious uncle Iroh, determined sister Azula, and the capture of Aang.
The program adopts an eclectic art style blending anime and U.S. animation, primarily depicting imagery originating from Eastern Asian cultures, while also incorporating elements from South Asia, the Americas, and the Inuit and Siberian regions.
Avatar has been called one of the best (animated) tv shows of all time.
24. The Legend of Korra
The new series, following up on Konietzko and DiMartino’s earlier show Avatar: The Last Airbender (aired between 2005 and 2008), employs a style inspired by anime animation techniques.
The narrative unfolds in a magical realm, similar to its predecessor, where specific individuals possess the ability to manipulate or influence the realms of water, earth, fire, and air.
Only a single individual, known as the “Avatar,” possesses the unique ability to manipulate all four fundamental elements and maintains balance within the world.
The storyline focuses on Avatar Korra, who is the successor and reborn form of Aang from the prior series. She navigates through complex political and spiritual struggles within a rapidly developing metropolis.
The show received praise for addressing complex societal issues such as civil unrest and radicalization, while simultaneously expanding boundaries within young adult entertainment through its portrayal of diversity in racial, ethnic, and sexual orientations.
In the last scene of the series, it was intended to depict the beginning of a romantic relationship between Korra and Asami Sato, which was revolutionary back then and is often recognized for being a stepping stone towards the representation of LGBT characters in children’s television shows.
25. The Order
In simpler terms, “The Order” is an exhilarating mystery-adventure TV show that can be streamed on Netflix in both Canada and the U.S.
As an enthusiast, I find myself immersed in the journey of Jack Morton, a university student who steps into the enigmatic world of the Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose – a clandestine group known for its arcane wisdom and magical practices.
Delving deeper into the enigmatic history of this organization, I’ve uncovered a chilling tapestry of dark family secrets and clandestine battles – a war hidden beneath the surface, pitting werewolf packs against the ominous forces of the occult.
26. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
The series is based on Kiernan Shipka’s portrayal of the Archie Comics character Sabrina Spellman.
In the imaginative setting of the town named Greendale, unfolds the chilling series known as “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” This isn’t your typical coming-of-age story; it blends dark themes such as horror and witchcraft. As a result, this show may not be appropriate for younger viewers. Interestingly enough, some Harry Potter movies share the same maturity rating!
Sabrina Spellman needs to deal with her mixed heritage – being both a witch and a human – all while fighting against malevolent forces threatening her family, her kind, and the human world during the day.
27. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
Lemony Snicket, an investigator, begins drafting a record detailing the location of the Baudelaire siblings within a towering timepiece.
Violet, Klaus (who’s twelve), and their little sister Sunny become orphans when a strange fire demolishes their home, taking the lives of their parents as well.
In this scenario, Mr. Poe, who serves as the family’s financial manager, is responsible for handling their funds. Upon his departure or incapacitation, control over these finances passes to Count Olaf, their closest living relative who happens to be a performer in the theater.
Olaf intends to acquire the family wealth that will temporarily be managed by the bank until Violet reaches adulthood.
Snicket completes his paperwork and locks it in the clock tower for his publisher to discover.
It appears that he has reached the point where, given their sibling’s recent unfortunate turn of events, they are fortunate to have one another.
In this version of events, Mr. Poe chauffeurs the Baudelaires towards their upcoming location. Although the narrative isn’t steeped in actual magic, it imparts a captivating, cozy sensation. This tale caters to people of all ages, figures, and dimensions. The storytelling is exquisitely crafted, it’s both intelligent and amusing.
28. The Witcher
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich is responsible for creating ‘The Witcher’, an exhilarating adventure-thriller TV show that streams from both Poland and America.
The show “The Witcher” is adapted from a book series by Andrzej Sapkowski titled with the same name. It’s set in a world modeled after medieval times, referred to as “the Continent.” This story revolves around Geralt of Rivia and Princess Ciri, two characters destined to cross paths according to ancient prophecy.
This narrative follows Geralt of Rivia, Crown Princess Ciri, and the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg at different stages of their lives, delving into key experiences that shaped their characters. Eventually, it weaves these individual stories together to present a unified timeline centered around the Nilfgaard invasion.
29. Stranger Things
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’d say Stranger Things is an exhilarating sci-fi/horror TV show that originates from Netflix and was masterfully crafted by the talented Duffer Brothers.
In the initial series, which is loosely based in a made-up town called Hawkins, Indiana during the 1980s, the story revolves around the probe into the mysterious circumstances surrounding a young boy’s demise, following strange supernatural events happening within the town, including a child exhibiting psychic abilities.
Next to the Hawkins National Lab, scientific research is indeed carried out officially. However, it’s also rumored that they delve into the mysterious and supernatural realms, sometimes even using human subjects. Unknowingly, they constructed a passageway leading to another world, which is infamously called “the Upside Down.
30. Fate: The Winx Saga
Fate: The Winx Saga is a Nickelodeon animated series based on the Nickelodeon series Winx Club.
In another realm lies Alfea College, a magical institution, where Bloom, a fire spirit, begins her studies. Sharing a room with her are Stella, a light fairy; Aisha, a water fairy; Terra, an earth fairie; and Musa, a mind fairy.
Bloom begins to discover more about her life with the aid of her four new friends.
Currently, legendary creatures known as the Burned Ones are back in Alfea, and they potentially threaten everyone there.
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2025-06-03 18:24