Hey there, fellow Potterheads! If you’ve binge-watched all eight Harry Potter films and are craving more magical adventures, epic battles between good and evil, and that sense of wonder in a fantastical world, you’re in the right place. The Harry Potter series, based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, has set the bar high with its mix of wizardry, friendship, and coming-of-age stories. But don’t worry—there are plenty of other movies out there that capture a similar vibe.
In this blog post, I’ve rounded up my top 5 picks for movies like Harry Potter. These selections are drawn from popular recommendations across movie sites and fan discussions. They’re easy to follow, family-friendly (mostly), and packed with magic, mystery, and heroism. I’ll keep things simple: a quick overview of each movie, why it feels like Harry Potter, and a fun fact or two. Let’s dive in!
1. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
This classic fantasy film follows four siblings who stumble into a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe. There, they join forces with talking animals and a mighty lion named Aslan to defeat an evil White Witch who’s plunged the land into eternal winter.
Why it’s like Harry Potter: Like Harry’s journey at Hogwarts, the kids discover a hidden world full of spells, prophecies, and battles against dark forces. It’s all about bravery, loyalty among friends (or siblings), and growing up in extraordinary circumstances. Plus, the sense of wonder when they enter Narnia mirrors Harry’s first trip to Diagon Alley.
2. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Percy Jackson is a teenager who learns he’s a demigod—the son of Poseidon—and gets whisked away to Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for kids with godly parents. He embarks on a quest to retrieve Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.
Why it’s like Harry Potter: Think Hogwarts but with Greek mythology instead of wizards. Percy deals with school-like training, mythical creatures, and a trio of friends facing prophecies and villains. The adventure, humor, and themes of destiny and friendship echo Harry’s story closely.
3. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
Directed by Tim Burton, this movie centers on Jake, a boy who discovers a secret orphanage run by Miss Peregrine, where kids with unusual powers (like invisibility or controlling fire) live in a time loop to stay safe from monstrous threats.
Why it’s like Harry Potter: It’s got that boarding school feel with “peculiar” abilities standing in for magic wands. Jake uncovers family secrets, fights hollowgast monsters, and forms bonds in a hidden, enchanted world—much like Harry’s battles with Voldemort and life at Hogwarts.
4. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
In modern-day New York, a college student named Dave discovers he’s the heir to Merlin’s powers. He teams up with a sorcerer (played by Nicolas Cage) to stop an ancient evil from unleashing chaos, all while learning to control his magic.
Why it’s like Harry Potter: The mentor-apprentice dynamic is spot-on, like Harry and Dumbledore. There’s spell-casting, magical artifacts, and a blend of everyday life with supernatural threats. It’s lighter and more action-packed, but the “chosen one” trope and magical training sessions will feel familiar.
5. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
This animated gem from Studio Ghibli tells the story of Sophie, a young woman cursed to look like an old lady, who finds refuge in a walking castle owned by the wizard Howl. Together, they navigate a war-torn world filled with spells and spirits.
Why it’s like Harry Potter: The whimsical magic, flying castles, and themes of self-discovery and anti-war messages capture the enchanting, heartfelt side of Harry’s world. Howl’s mysterious persona is reminiscent of enigmatic characters like Snape, and the animation adds a layer of pure fantasy wonder.
There you have it—five magical movies that should tide you over until your next Harry Potter rewatch. Each one brings its own twist on spells, heroes, and hidden worlds, but they all share that spark of adventure and imagination. If you’re streaming, check platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max (availability can vary by region). What’s your favorite from this list, or do you have another recommendation? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and keep the magic going!