HARRY POTTER’S MAGICAL WORLD
About Harry Potter
The Harry Potter series is a seven-book saga written by British author J.K. Rowling about a young boy named Harry Potter who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is no ordinary boy but a wizard. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn magic. Here, he makes close friends with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, learns about his past, and faces challenges that test his courage and abilities in magical arts. As Harry grows up, he battles the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, who is responsible for the death of his parents.
The stories cover themes like fighting good and evil and coping with loss. It mixes elements of coming-of-age stories, school adventures, and fairy tales and has elements of Christian stories. It has become very popular, influencing many other books and creating a dedicated fanbase. Since its debut in 1997, the book and movie series has gained huge popularity and left a lasting impact on popular culture.
How did it all start?
The Harry Potter series was written by J.K. Rowling. The first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published in 1997. The series’s success made her one of the world’s most famous and successful authors. Rowling’s writing was influenced by her life experiences, classic literature, and mythology. She has continued to expand the Harry Potter world with additional books, plays, and films.
The Harry Potter series was first published in English by Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic Press in the US. It includes a mix of fantasy, drama, mystery, adventure, horror, and romance. The series explores many themes like prejudice, corruption, love, and death and contains many cultural references and deeper meanings.
The record-breaking journey of Harry Potter books
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling consists of seven main books:
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997) – known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the US
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
Since 1997, when the first Harry Potter book was released, the series has become widely popular worldwide, attracting both children and adults. The Harry Potter series has sold over 600 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling book series in history. The books have been translated into over 80 languages, making the author among the most translated authors of all time. The last four releases broke records as the fastest-selling books, with the final book selling millions in just one day.
The storyline
Harry Potter is a story about a boy raised by a neglectful aunt and uncle. On his 11th birthday, Harry discovers he’s a wizard and starts attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He learns that his parents were killed by the dark and evil wizard Voldemort, who also accidentally gave Harry a scar on his forehead. Harry becomes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger at school, and together they frequently face challenges, including conflicts with their rival Draco Malfoy. Throughout the series, Harry confronts Voldemort, who seeks to regain power and immortality. During Voldemort’s rise to power, the Ministry of Magic falls under his control, throwing the Wizarding World into turmoil.
By the sixth book, Harry learns of Horcruxes, objects Voldemort uses to preserve his life, setting the stage for the final battles. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry and his friends go on a mission to destroy the Horcruxes, leading to an epic confrontation where Harry ultimately defeats Voldemort. The series concludes with an epilogue showing the peaceful lives of the main characters years later.
Discover the magic of Harry Potter with our exclusive tour packages!
Small group
Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transportation
Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with our small group guided tour of The Making of Harry Potter. Explore original sets, props, and costumes from all eight films, including The Great Hall, Dumbledore's Office, Diagon Alley, a recreation of Platform 9 ¾, Professor Umbridge's office at the Ministry of Magic, and more. Travel easily with escorted train transportation and timed entry. Your guide will share fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes secrets. After the tour, enjoy unlimited time to revisit and explore the studio at your own pace. This tour is a dream come true for every Harry Potter fan!
Complete behind-the-scenes experience
Warner Bros. Studio Tour & London Film Locations
Spend the day discovering the magic of Harry Potter on a guided walking tour through iconic London filming locations. Explore actual sites featured in the movies as your expert guide shares behind-the-scenes stories. Afterward, travel comfortably by luxury bus to Warner Bros. Studio for the "Making of Harry Potter" tour. Discover how the movies were brought to life, step aboard the Hogwarts Express, look inside Dumbledore's office, and walk along the famous street of Diagon Alley. Visit the Potions classroom and other memorable sets from the series. A must-see experience for anyone who loves the Wizarding World.
Relatable heroes in a magical world
In the Harry Potter books, the magical world blends with everyday life, with things like talking books and moving paintings making magic feel normal. The books are written in simple and engaging language, so people of all ages can enjoy them. They create a richly detailed magical world with unique places, creatures, and spells.
The characters are relatable and have genuine feelings, and Harry himself is a hero with flaws, like his broken glasses, which makes his victories feel even more meaningful. The stories balance humor with serious ideas like friendship, bravery, and doing what’s right while keeping readers guessing with exciting mysteries. Despite all the magic, the books focus on universal emotions and struggles everyone can relate to, making them unique and timeless.
Good, evil, and redemption
The Harry Potter books explore love as the powerful force that wins over evil. The author explores various themes, from friendship, courage, loyalty, and bravery to the importance of our choices and their consequences. Another central theme is death. Harry Potter’s character is shaped by the loss of his parents, and as the story goes on, he experiences more loss and even confronts his own mortality. While the series focuses on the battle between good and evil, it also shows that people can change and redeem themselves, adding depth to the story and showing that no one is purely good or bad.
Inspirations behind Harry Potter
The Harry Potter series mixes elements from old legends and fairy tales. For example, Harry pulling out the Sword of Gryffindor is similar to the story of King Arthur, and his challenging childhood is like Cinderella’s. Hogwarts is shown with old-fashioned details, such as coats of arms and magical creatures. One of the most iconic symbols in the series is Harry’s lightning bolt-shaped scar. The books also include Christian ideas, especially in Harry’s acts of self-sacrifice and eventual return. These themes highlight the fight between good and evil and explore the idea of life after death.
Harry Potter films
In 1999, Warner Bros. bought the Harry Potter rights and produced a series of eight films released between 2001 and 2011. Each movie takes viewers on a journey through the world with special effects, detailed sets, and creative costumes. The movies were directed by filmmakers like Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, and David Yates, and the series evolves from a light and fun tone to a darker and more serious narrative as the story develops.
The films are known for their unique musical themes, including the famous Hedwig’s Theme, composed by John Williams. A talented cast, led by Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, brought the characters to life alongside actors like Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith. Filmed mainly in the UK and Scotland, the movies used real locations and carefully designed sets, including the famous Hogwarts castle. The series became one of the most successful franchises in film history. Fans of all ages love it, and the films are praised for their creativity and lasting impact on modern cinema.
Harry Potter attractions, parks & studios
Harry Potter fans can experience the series through dedicated studios and theme park attractions. There are two main Harry Potter studios, in London and Japan. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, England, which opened in 2012, showcases authentic sets, props, and costumes from the films. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, Japan, opened in 2023 and offers a similar experience for fans in Japan.
Universal also created Harry Potter-themed attractions: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Orlando Resort in 2010, featuring Hogsmeade and a Hogwarts replica. In 2014, a Diagon Alley section with the Escape from Gringotts ride and a Hogwarts Express train was added.The attractions expanded to Universal Studios in Hollywood in 2016 and Japan in 2014, offering rides like Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff.
Beyond the books
Harry Potter’s magical world of wizards and witches extends beyond books into games, stage productions, television, and other merchandise. The franchise includes board games like Cluedo Harry Potter and 14 video games, with Philosopher’s Stone becoming a PlayStation bestseller. Spin-offs like Lego Harry Potter and Hogwarts Legacy by Portkey Games continue to captivate fans. On stage, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, set 19 years after the books, premiered in London in 2016 to sold-out shows and has expanded to Broadway and other international locations. A live-action Harry Potter TV series is currently in development, offering fans a new way to enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Prefer to enjoy your visit to Harry Potter Studio London by yourself?
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Free cancellation
The Making of Harry Potter Tickets
Discover the magic of Harry Potter Studio on a self-guided tour of Warner Bros. Studio. Enjoy convenient escorted train transportation from central London and experience the enchanting world of Harry Potter. Explore iconic sets like Gryffindor’s common room, Hagrid’s Hut, and the Great Hall. Walk through Diagon Alley, visit Ollivanders and Platform 9 ¾, and discover costumes, props, details, and sets used in the films. After an unforgettable journey to the Wizarding World, use your open train ticket to return to London with ease.
Round-trip transportation
Harry Potter Studio Family Package
See the sets from the Harry Potter movies and learn behind-the-scenes details with your family! Your ticket gives access to 2 adults and 2 children under 15, and also includes round-trip transportation by a Harry Potter bus. Visit Platform 9 ¾, where you can see a trolley disappearing into a wall, and see the Great Hall and stores like Ollivander's and Flourish and Blotts on Diagon Alley. Maybe try some butterbeer, too!