Whether you're a life-long Potterhead or you're just getting acquainted with J.K. Rowling's iconic series, we've put together a handy guide to navigating the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Discover the seven titles from the series in chronological order and get to know the mystical characters and twists and turns of each instalment of the series. Hit play on the Harry Potter series in audio format and discover the world of Hogwarts with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and friends.
What is the order of the Harry Potter audiobooks?
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Book 1
This also known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This first book of the Harry Potter series introduces us to Harry’s perfectly ordinary life on Privet Drive. But on his eleventh birthday, Harry learns he’s not so ordinary after all. He’s the boy who was invited to join the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His first year at Hogwarts becomes the most thrilling and exciting time of his life. He meets Professor Albus Dumbledore and gets selected to join house Gryffindor. Join Harry and his friends Ron, Hermione and Hagrid as they fight beasts, classmates, and mythical creatures while defending the wizarding world against the dark arts.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Book 2
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it’s time to go back to school. To say Harry is relieved is an understatement. His first year at Hogwarts was incredible – his time back at the Dursleys’ not so much. But just like before, his second year at Hogwarts has much more in store than just mixing potions and practising transfiguration. In the second instalment of the book series, an unknown creature is wandering the halls and walls of the school, and not even the most experienced witches and wizards know what to do. Will Harry be able to solve the mystery with the help of his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger?
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Book 3
In the third title of the series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry knows that it’s strictly forbidden to use magic during the holidays - yet he inflates his muggle aunt like a balloon and watches her soar towards the ceiling. He even risks getting expelled from Hogwarts. But lucky for Harry, something is protecting him, and he’s allowed to stay. Does it have something to do with a feared criminal breaking into the school and targeting Harry? Or perhaps it’s because the dementors seem to have taken an interest in him? Ron, Hermione and Harry try to unravel a web of betrayal, revenge, and slander while he encounters things that almost make him question his sanity.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Book 4
In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts begins. But before the start of school, there’s a major sporting event that’s bound to make Harry forget his dreadful summer holidays: the Quidditch World Cup. And the good news doesn't end there: the Triwizard Tournament is coming to Hogwarts. As Harry does his best to compete with the popular Cedric Diggory, he’s suddenly tasked to take on a role he never dreamed of. At the same time, a familiar evil is about to resurface: Lord Voldemort. Luckily, Harry can rely on his friends and their support – even in the most desperate of times.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Book 5
It's summer, and, once again, Harry is stuck with the Dursleys on Privet Drive. But this time, he's got more to worry about than his ghastly uncle, aunt and cousin. What are those cryptical letters from his friends Ron and Hermione about? And how come dark magic is spreading throughout the wizarding world? Meanwhile, the mysterious Order of the Phoenix is working tirelessly to resist Voldemort’s oppression. Just before the start of his fifth school year at Hogwarts, the situation looks rather bleak. And then the Dark Lord Voldemort strikes again. Harry must work together with his friends or there will be no escape.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Book 6
Ever since Voldemort, the most dangerous dark wizard of all time, returned, the wizarding world has seen no end of turmoil and violence. When Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione arrive at Hogwarts for their sixth year, the school's security is tight - and for a good reason. Dumbledore is determined to protect his students from evil. They dive deep into the Dark Lord's past to prepare Harry for what's ahead. But Voldemort’s followers seem to have infiltrated the school, and Dumbledore’s health is declining rapidly. Could Harry's potions book, which used to belong to the Half-Blood Prince, be of help?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Book 7
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a return to Hogwarts is out of the question for Harry. He must do whatever it takes to find the missing Horcruxes in order to finish what he and Dumbledore started. They must be destroyed to end Voldemort's reign of terror. With Ron and Hermione by his side and equipped with a magic tent, Harry embarks on a perilous journey across the country. When the three stumble upon the mysterious Deathly Hallows, Harry is faced with a decision. Will Lord Voldemort be waiting for him at the end of this path?
Now you know all of the Harry Potter audiobooks in order. But just in case you need a little more convincing to hit play on one of the most iconic book series of all time, we’ve listed 10 reasons below:
##10 reasons why you should listen to the Harry Potter audiobooks - even if you know them already
1. Harry Potter withdrawals
The seventh Harry Potter book was published in 2007, and the final film came out in 2011, so it’s safe to say it’s been a while. Of course, there’s the 2016 play script of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but there are also many more magical stories to explore as part of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World series. You can get your magic fix by listening to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, and Quidditch Through the Ages. If that’s not enough, Pottermore Publishing released Harry Potter: A History of Magic and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - Makers, Mysteries and Magic, available to listen to now on Audible.
2. Childhood nostalgia
When we were young, we were used to our parents reading stories to us. Sure, now we can read for ourselves, but there’s something about listening to your favourite children’s books that evokes that same feeling. So let the Harry Potter audiobooks take you straight back in time and get lost in the magical world of Hogwarts. What’s not to love?
3. A familiar voice
Listening to audiobooks might be the only time hearing voices in your head is socially acceptable – and pleasant as such. Especially if it’s a familiar one like the voice of popular British actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry. He brings just the right amount of drama and suspense to this incredible series. You’ll want to listen for hours on end.
4. Less weight to carry
The Harry Potter books are real page-turners. And we all know, each book has plenty of those! That makes the hardback versions rather heavy to carry around. The audiobook, on the other hand, weighs nothing more than your listening device – and it’s less likely to fall on your face when you fall asleep.
5. Go hands-free
While listening to an audiobook, the only body parts you have to engage are your ears, so your hands are free to use as you please. So you can immerse yourself in the Wizarding World of Hogwarts while cooking a delicious meal, work off your list of chores or take the dog for a stroll in the park.
6. Take them everywhere with you
You don’t need to carry much to listen to your favourite audiobooks on the go. Because you have your hands free, you can listen to these titles almost anywhere: while driving, cleaning, or when you’re at the gym. Just press play and let yourself get sucked into this magical world.
7. Listen together
Reading a book can be quite a solitary experience. But listening to an audiobook can be a fun social activity both with your partner or friends and family. Especially during the colder months. Just imagine snuggling up together with a nice, hot cuppa while listening to these magical audiobooks together.
8. No allergies
Harry Potter fans who have the whole book series sitting on their bookshelf know how much dust they can collect. Well, the audiobook file is entirely dust-free, so it’s not only cleaner, but also allergy-friendly.
9. Memory gaps
Honestly, how many details from the books do you remember? In its original shape and form, the Harry Potter book series comprises almost 4,000 pages, so the audiobook is here to fill any potential gaps.
10. For the love of audiobooks
Let’s face it: you wouldn't be reading this if you weren’t into audiobooks or Harry Potter. So you probably didn’t even need the last nine reasons to be convinced. You love audiobooks - so why not listen to this magical series?
We hope you enjoyed these 10 tips and we hope you enjoy the audio series even more.