The eight-movie Harry Potter film series is the fourth highest-grossing film franchise of all time, which isn’t surprising considering it is based on the bestselling book series of all time. For viewers looking for more wholesome, magical films, this guide will reveal where you can stream 10 movies like Harry Potter on platforms like Disney+, Max, Hulu, and more!
Harry Potter is one of those film series that appeals to viewers of all ages due to its sophisticated worldbuilding, emotional storylines, and ability to offer viewers an escape into a magical world. Viewers simply couldn’t get enough of the golden trio — Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Stone), and Ron (Rupert Grint) — and their fantastical adventures.
If you want to re-experience the magic of Harry Potter, here are 10 more whimsical, magical, and family-friendly movies to check out.
Encanto
Similar to how Harry Potter explores people who inherit magical powers, Encanto focuses on a household where magic runs in the family. The Madrigal family’s home in the Encanto is reminiscent of Hogwarts, as it’s a breathtaking place bursting with magic, which also grants the family members special powers. While Encanto boasts the magical and whimsical elements of Harry Potter, it also features award-winning music and a powerful story of family and tragedy.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Set in the same universe as Harry Potter, this prequel film follows animal-lover Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) as he searches for magical creatures. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them offers viewers a deeper dive into Harry Potter history and the vastness of the Wizarding World and its creatures. Whimsical, enchanting, and an impressive feat of world-building, the movie is everything one could want from a prequel to Harry Potter.
Halloweentown
Halloweentown tells the Harry Potter-esque story of a young girl who one day discovers she is actually a witch and travels to a magical place where all witches and supernatural beings live. It may not have the sophisticated world-building of Harry Potter, but it’s the perfect introductory film to magic for young viewers. It will also appeal to viewers who want a wizarding story with more Halloween spirit.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Viewers who prefer the Harry Potter series' darker and more mature films, such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, will enjoy Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The movie boasts director Tim Burton's gothic flair and is heavier on the supernatural aspects, but it boasts the same spirit as Harry Potter with its story of children with extraordinary abilities who struggle to find acceptance from the non-magical world.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is essentially Harry Potter for mythology fans. It still has magic, a child’s discovery of his powerful heritage, and an otherworldly school, Camp Half-Blood, but instead of being based on British myths and folklore, it is heavily inspired by Greek mythology. The movie is a great Harry Potter alternative for viewers who prefer gods and goddesses to wizards and witches.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Like Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe offers an escape into a magical world. The worldbuilding is stunning, and the storytelling is captivating. Viewers will be wholly engrossed in this magical story, in which four children become kings, queens, and knights instead of wizards and witches.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls
The House with a Clock in Its Walls follows the story of a young orphaned boy who discovers he comes from a family of witches and warlocks and must use his magical powers to uncover a dark secret in his Uncle’s house. The movie is fun and lighthearted, with mild horror and fantasy elements. It also echoes one of Harry Potter’s most emotional storylines of a young boy navigating loss and grief.
The School for Good and Evil
The School for Good and Evil is heavily reminiscent of the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin dynamic in Harry Potter, exploring a magical school with students predisposed to be heroes or villains. While it’s a little heavier on the teen drama aspects, it’s ultimately an entertaining and lighthearted fantasy story that explores the concept of good and evil.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Similar to Harry Potter, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice brings magic to a modern-day setting. Instead of Hogwarts, though, the action takes place right in New York City as a young man discovers he’s the protégé of the powerful sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage). It is a great coming-of-age movie with a fun fantasy twist.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Viewers who loved the fantastical creators of Harry Potter will love The Spiderwick Chronicles’ deep dive into a magical world filled with ogres, trolls, fairies, and goblins. The movie boasts excellent world-building and stunning visual effects. It’s an imaginative and whimsical story that tackles the power of belief in magic.
Where to watch movies like Harry Potter online
Check out our list below to find out where to stream movies like Harry Potter in the United States!
