Even today, it’s quite clear that the fascination for Harry Potter hasn’t waned. After all, there’s so much one can still explore in the Potterverse, not to mention that some fans felt that the Harry Potter franchise left some storylines unresolved.
Fortunately for fans, it is possible to continue to be immersed in the Harry Potter universe through video games. These games don’t just allow players to relive their favorite movie moments; in some cases, players can even play Quidditch, roam around Hogwarts, and much more.
Updated on November 11, 2021, by Kevin Pantoja: Harry Potter fans everywhere are always looking for ways to continue experiencing their favorite characters and storylines. They can read the books again, do a movie marathon, check out the spin-offs, or immerse themselves by playing the best Harry Potter game. The thing is, so many have been released over the years that picking just one can be difficult. Many of these games were well-received, so they're definitely worth playing — but only one scored the best rating on the popular review website Metacritic. Some even scored higher than the movies they're based on.
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (2019) - 64
For the most part, the games in the Harry Potter franchise are designed to take the player on an adventure. That's what the books and movies were all about, so this makes sense. However, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite took that to the next level by literally sending the gamer out into the world.
The mobile game follows a similar premise to the popular Pokémon Go in that the gamers use their phones to explore the world and find things like magical beasts out there, which they then must capture. It was a great way to tie in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series and the game was both a critical and commercial success.
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) - 65
Having been released way back in 2001, this game is, admittedly, one of the oldest ones around. And while it doesn’t have the most advanced game features, many still consider it to be incredibly enjoyable.
In the game, players can experience what it’s like to be a student at Hogwarts. They can take lessons, cast spells, play Quidditch, fly around with a broomstick, and even go up against the polarizing Lord Voldemort. While the graphics were considered to be less than impressive, the accessible gameplay was lauded.
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009) - 66
In this video game, there are several activities that players can do. For starters, they can join the Gryffindor Dueling Club, which is a fun addition. One can even choose to start a duel between Harry and Draco Malfoy. It is also possible for players to attend classes with Professor Slughorn and learn how to create some incredible potions.
Aside from all this, gamers can also try their hand at Quidditch. Just be sure to avoid committing a foul, as there are about 700 ways that this can happen — as if Quidditch wasn't confusing enough. Ultimately, the whole thing was considered very fun, which is sometimes the best compliment a game can get.
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007) - 69
There is a lot that Harry Potter movie fans don't know about Hogwarts. Fortunately, this game allows players to return to the magical school and explore its grounds extensively, adding to the lore they might not have previously known.
Even better, a player can roam freely without fear of repercussion from Professor McGonagall or Albus Dumbledore. Fans of the books will be happy to know that this game took important details from the novels into account, which helps it be one of the best Harry Potter video games.
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup (2003) - 69
In the Potterverse, Quidditch is the main sport despite all the dangers associated with it (for instance, Harry nearly choked on a snitch). Designed by Electronic Arts, Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup allows players to experience being a leader of one of Hogwart's houses during the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup.
The player can choose an international team and lead them to victory. These teams come from Germany, Japan, France, and even Bulgaria, where one can find Quidditch star, Viktor Krum. In some ways, Quidditch World Cup was considered even better than most traditional sports games from that time.
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004) - 70
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is when Harry encounters Sirius Black for the first time. In this game, players will also be able to unravel the mystery surrounding Sirius and his escape from Azkaban. They can do so while playing as Harry, Hermione, or Ron.
Aside from this, players can also experience flying Buckbeack for themselves, which was totally new. At some point, though, they should also be ready to fight, since an encounter with the Dementors is inevitable. There are also several mini-games to enjoy and new spells to discover.
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005) - 71
Also created by Electronic Arts, this video game boasts of a spellcasting system wherein the players can also use the practical “Accio” spell to chase down and catch some dynamic living beans. And every time a spell is cast, the game controller shakes in response.
In addition, players can also work to increase Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s powers by using Creature and Collector’s cards. And in case players want to link up, they can engage in co-op play to combine their powers, cast spells together, and increase their magical abilities. One thing this was criticized for was that the game was short despite the film and book being so immersive.
LEGO Harry Potter Collection (2016) - 73
Any LEGO fan will say there are still plenty of movie franchises that could be adapted into a LEGO game (just imagine James Bond or the main characters of Star Trek as Lego figures). Thankfully, there is no waiting needed in the case of Harry Potter since the LEGO Harry Potter Collection was already released for the franchise a few years ago.
The LEGO Harry Potter Collection brings together Years 1-4 and Years 5-7 in a single game. Here, players get to play as one of the film’s many characters. They can also cast spells, make potions, and participate in several duels while playing through the franchise's story.
Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets (2002) - 77
In this game, players will be able to get a better idea of what it’s really like to be a young Harry Potter. Here, they can also visit various famous spots in the movie, including Diagon Alley, where players can shop themselves.
Of course, the game also takes players to Hogwarts, where they can talk with Moaning Myrtle as Harry. Aside from all this, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets also comes with mini-games, including one where players can help Mrs. Weasley “de-gnome” her garden. The creativity of that mode helped make this game a success.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (2011) - 80
In this LEGO game, players get to go on adventures across both wizarding and muggle worlds, either choosing to wander around Privet Drive and Little Whinging or check out locations such as Godric’s Hollow, Grimmauld Place, and the Ministry of Magic.
Players also get to chance to perfect their dueling skills and even go up against the Death Eaters. And when they keep playing, they can also unlock even more characters, including Professor Slughorn, Fenrir Greyback, and Bellatrix Lestrange, which really makes things unique and special.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (2010) - 87
In this game, players can take part in the stories from the earlier Harry Potter books. There are more than 40 levels to play here and more than 100 characters to choose from.
In the game, players can explore Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and the Forbidden Forest. They can also attend Hogwarts, where they can learn how to mix some potions or cast some famous spells from the movie. This LEGO Harry Potter game is truly one of the most immersive experiences of the medium.