A Complete Timeline of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Story
The Wizarding World created by J. K. Rowling spans almost a century of magical history. From the rise of the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the early 1900s to the legendary defeat of Lord Voldemort, the story covers generations of witches and wizards.
If you want to experience the saga in chronological order based on the story timeline, this guide walks through every major film in the correct order, including the year the story takes place and when the movie was released.
1. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Story Year: 1926
Release Year: 2016
The Wizarding World expands beyond Hogwarts as magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York with a suitcase full of magical creatures. When several of those creatures escape, chaos spreads through the city.
At the same time, a powerful dark wizard begins to rise in secret. The mysterious threat eventually leads to the reveal of the dangerous wizard Gellert Grindelwald, setting the stage for a future wizarding conflict.
2. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Story Year: 1927
Release Year: 2018
After escaping capture, Grindelwald begins gathering followers who believe wizards should rule over the non-magical world.
Meanwhile, Albus Dumbledore secretly works against him, sending Newt on dangerous missions while political tension grows across the wizarding world.
Secrets about the Dumbledore family and the mysterious wizard Credence start to unfold.
3. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Story Year: 1932
Release Year: 2022
The conflict between Dumbledore and Grindelwald grows more serious as dark forces attempt to manipulate the wizarding world’s leadership.
Newt Scamander and his allies become part of a complicated plan designed to stop Grindelwald’s growing influence before he can take control.
The First Wizarding War (1970s–1981)
Decades later, another dark wizard rises to power: Lord Voldemort.
A brutal war spreads through the wizarding world until a baby named Harry Potter survives Voldemort’s Killing Curse.
From that moment on, Harry becomes known as “The Boy Who Lived.”
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Story Year: 1991
Release Year: 2001
Harry discovers he is a wizard and begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
With the help of his new friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry uncovers a mystery surrounding the powerful Sorcerer’s Stone.
By the end of the year, it becomes clear that Voldemort is not truly gone.
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Story Year: 1992
Release Year: 2002
A dark legend inside Hogwarts becomes reality when the Chamber of Secrets is opened.
Students begin turning to stone, and Harry discovers a magical diary belonging to a young Tom Riddle.
The diary turns out to be something far more dangerous than anyone expected.
6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Story Year: 1993
Release Year: 2004
When prisoner Sirius Black escapes from Azkaban, the wizarding world believes he is hunting Harry.
However, the truth reveals a much deeper betrayal involving Peter Pettigrew and the death of Harry’s parents.
This year introduces Dementors, time travel, and the first major twists in Harry’s past.
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Story Year: 1994
Release Year: 2005
Hogwarts hosts the dangerous Triwizard Tournament, where champions from three schools compete in magical challenges.
Harry is unexpectedly chosen as a competitor.
The tournament leads to a dark trap that allows Voldemort to return to full physical power.
8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Story Year: 1995
Release Year: 2007
Despite Voldemort’s return, the Ministry of Magic refuses to believe the truth.
Harry and his friends form Dumbledore’s Army, a secret group to teach students defensive magic.
The conflict eventually explodes in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries.
9. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Story Year: 1996
Release Year: 2009
Dumbledore begins revealing Voldemort’s past and the secret of Horcruxes — dark magical objects that hold pieces of his soul.
As Harry learns more about defeating Voldemort, danger grows inside Hogwarts itself.
By the end of the year, the wizarding world loses one of its greatest protectors.
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Story Year: 1997
Release Year: 2010
Harry, Ron, and Hermione leave Hogwarts behind to search for Voldemort’s Horcruxes.
Meanwhile, the Ministry falls under dark control, and the wizarding world becomes increasingly dangerous.
11. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Story Year: 1998
Release Year: 2011
The final battle takes place at Hogwarts.
Secrets about loyalty, sacrifice, and the past are revealed as Harry confronts Voldemort for the last time in the legendary Battle of Hogwarts.
The Next Generation
Years later, the wizarding world enjoys peace again. Harry grows up to become an Auror and eventually works at the Ministry of Magic.
However, new adventures begin for the next generation of students.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Play)
Story Years: 2017–2020
Stage Premiere: 2016
Harry’s son, Albus Potter, struggles with the pressure of his family name.
Together with Scorpius Malfoy, he becomes involved in a time-travel adventure that risks changing the past and threatening the future.
Final Thoughts
Watching the Wizarding World in chronological order offers a completely different experience than the original release order.
You begin with the rise of Grindelwald, move through the legendary journey of Harry Potter, and end with the next generation carrying the story forward.
For fans of magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters, the Wizarding World remains one of the most beloved fantasy universes ever created.
