From Hogwarts to Home: A Muggle's Guide to Streaming Harry Potter Movies

Discover the secrets to streaming Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts movies from anywhere in the world, overcoming geo-blocks with a sprinkle of digital magic.
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Accio Harry Potter movies! If only it were as simple to summon the much-adored boy wizard and his enchanting adventures from J.K. Rowling's magical universe whenever and wherever we desired. Sadly, the rights to stream Harry Potter are more elusive than a golden snitch, darting around and frequently switching between various streaming platforms. It's enough to make you feel like you're trying to unravel a riddle posed by the Sphinx herself.

But fear not, intrepid would-be wizards and witches! We'll show you where to stream Harry Potter anywhere in the world. This comprehensive guide is here to help you navigate these digital labyrinths and have you streaming faster than you can say "Expelliarmus!" Let's hop onto our Firebolts and dive right into the world of Hogwarts, Dementors, and, of course, Quidditch.

In this article
Where to watch Harry Potter online
How to watch Harry Potter with a VPN
Where to buy Harry Potter online
How to watch Harry Potter for free
Where to watch the Harry Potter TV series
Harry Potter FAQ
Bottom line

Where to watch Harry Potter online

The platforms that carry the Harry Potter series and its magical prequel, “Fantastic Beasts,” frequently change based on licensing agreements, and, more often than not, these vary from region to region. It can all be a bit confusing to find the right service, just like the shifting staircases in Hogwarts Castle.

If you’re in the United States, you might find the entire series readily available on popular platforms like Peacock or HBO Max. The two sites share the streaming rights, so they are repeatedly switched between the two. If you find that they are no longer available, you can always use a VPN to access the movies through another country and streaming site.

If you’re in another region, Netflix might be your go-to platform for a Potter marathon. Netflix U.K. recently announced it has added all eight movies to its streaming service once again.

Where to watch the Harry Potter Films

Follow along as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint learn new spells and study for their O.W.L.s by watching the film series on the following streaming platforms:

  • “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)
  • “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (2002): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)
  • “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)
  • “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)
  • “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (2007): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)
  • “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” (2009): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)
  • “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” (2010): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)
  • “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” (2011): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)

Where to watch the Fantastic Beasts Films

Go back to the beginning with the Fantastic Beasts spin-off series distributed by Warner Bros.:

  • “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” (2016): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)
  • “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” (2018): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)
  • “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” (2022): HBO Max/Peacock (USA), Netflix (UK)

So, our journey to locate the Harry Potter series online is a bit more complicated than a game of Wizard's Chess, but fear not! With the right strategy, you can unlock these magical tales from anywhere in the world.

How to watch Harry Potter with a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) can swoop in to save the day here, making you feel like you’re walking through Platform 9 ¾ and bypassing those geo-blocks to watch the elusive Harry Potter films.

VPNs allow you to connect to a server in a different location, making it appear as though you're browsing from that region. This digital illusion effectively confounds any geographical restrictions imposed by streaming platforms, much like Dumbledore's bewitched galleons that bamboozled the Ministry of Magic.

Now, before you embark across the ether, there are a few crucial points to consider. First, you’ll need an active subscription to the streaming platform hosting the Harry Potter films in your desired location. Remember, even with a fast VPN, the Room of Requirement won't appear if you don't know what you need!

While using a VPN to bypass geographical restrictions isn't illegal, it might violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms (like bending the rules, à la Fred and George Weasley). So remember to check regulations before you set off on your digital broomstick.

How to use a VPN with Harry Potter

Using a VPN with Harry Potter is a great way to unblock content, hide your IP address, and protect your online privacy. Here are the steps to get you started:

  1. Connect to a VPN server of your choice — we recommend ExpressVPN. Make sure the server is located in a country where Harry Potter streaming is available, either in the U.S. or the U.K. depending on the latest availability of the movies.
  2. Open the streaming platform and log into your account or create a new one if needed.
  3. Search for the movie or show you want to watch and select it.
  4. Click Play to begin watching with your VPN-enabled connection.
  5. To change servers, disconnect from the current one and select a different country before repeating steps 1-4 above as needed until you find an unblocked version of Harry Potter on the streaming platform you are using.

Recommended VPNs for streaming

  • ExpressVPN: The best VPN for streaming, ExpressVPN reliably unblocks Netflix and other streaming services. It's also dedicated to your privacy and includes digital security features to keep you safe.
    Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go
    4.9
    Editorial Rating
    Learn More
    On ExpressVPN's website
    VPN
    ExpressVPN
    Save 48%
    • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
    • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
    • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices

    Read Our ExpressVPN Review
  • Proton VPN: Proton VPN offers some of the speediest VPN servers with its Premium plan, as well as P2P-supported servers. And if your budget is too tight to pay for a VPN right now, Proton has a free VPN plan with unlimited bandwidth.
    5.0
    Editorial Rating
    Learn More
    On Proton VPN's website
    VPN
    Proton VPN
    • Easy to use
    • A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
    • More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

    Read Our Proton VPN Review
  • Surfshark: Another great VPN option is Surfshark thanks to its affordable pricing and numerous features. We had lots of success unblocking streaming services while testing Surfshark, and its speeds were nothing to scoff at.
    Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network
    4.4
    Editorial Rating
    Learn More
    On Surfshark's website
    VPN
    Surfshark
    Starting at $1.99/mo + 4 months extra
    • All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
    • Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
    • One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support

    Read Our Surfshark Review

Where to buy Harry Potter online

Sometimes, the best course of action is the direct one, much like Harry's approach to many sticky situations. You might prefer to purchase the Harry Potter series outright, granting you unrestricted access akin to owning your own Marauder's Map to the wizarding world.

Amazon Prime offers all the Harry Potter movies for purchase or rent. Moreover, other digital storefronts like iTunes and Google Play also list the series for sale, much like the various shops that line the bustling streets of Diagon Alley.

Once you've made your purchase, you can watch Harry Potter anytime, anywhere, with no incantations or enchantments required.

How to watch Harry Potter for free

The prospect of watching the much-loved Harry Potter series for free might sound as elusive as capturing a unicorn, but there are some clever tricks up our sleeves. While we can’t get Harry Potter for free forever, several streaming services present a glimmer of hope in the form of free trials.

Services such as Peacock and Amazon Prime Video typically offer a week-long free trial. HBO Max doesn’t generally offer free trials, but you may be able to snag one in a promotion. This magical window is just long enough for a well-timed binge-watch, enabling you to journey through the thrilling corridors of Hogwarts, experience the Triwizard Tournament, and face off against the Dark Forces, all without spending a single Knut, Sickle, or Galleon.

Remember though, like any spell, timing is everything. The streaming platforms must offer Harry Potter, and currently, most of them don't.

Beware of any so-called free streaming services, as these often are a scam or worse, a ploy by hackers to gather your sensitive info or install malware on your device if you download a service. Just like Lord Voldemort hiding horcruxes, cybercriminals can be extra devious.

Where to watch the Harry Potter TV series

The much-anticipated Harry Potter TV series is finally coming! The show, which will be available on HBO Max, is expected to arrive in 2025 or 2026, although an exact date has yet to be confirmed. The series will be as true to the books as possible, letting a new generation of fans — and OG fans — explore the Harry Potter books in a new way.

The cast of this highly anticipated show has not been revealed, and the producers are still in the process of casting actors for various parts. However, we do know that J.K. Rowling is heavily involved in the writing and production process.

Harry Potter FAQ


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Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Harry Potter?

While using a VPN isn't illegal, it can violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms. Check the platform's policy before using a VPN to access geo-blocked content.


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Was Harry Potter removed from Peacock?

Yes, Harry Potter has been removed from Peacock. The streaming rights are continually shuffled between Peacock and HBO Max. If you can't find it on one of the sites, check the other.


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Is Harry Potter on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime?

The availability of Harry Potter on these platforms varies depending on your region. As of now, Netflix carries the series in select regions, while Amazon Prime offers it for purchase or rent.

Bottom line

With a flick of a wand, a little digital wizardry, and a touch of the same determination that drove Harry, Hermione, and Ron through their many thrilling escapades, you can join them on their magical adventures from the comfort of your own home. Harry Potter is currently streaming on HBO Max or Peacock in the U.S., and Netflix in the U.K. If you're outside those regions, you'll need to buy or rent the entire series on Amazon Prime (much like stocking up on Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans) or use a VPN to access them through another country.

Your homework for today's Defense Against the Dark Arts class is to learn more about good streaming VPNs and/or familiarize yourself with the terms of service of your preferred streaming platform. 

Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
VPN
ExpressVPN
Save 48%
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Author Details
Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.