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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2004
Family/Kids
Fantasy
2h 22m
It's Harry's third year at Hogwarts; not only does he have a new "Defense Against the Dark Arts" teacher, but there is also trouble brewing. Convicted murderer Sirius Black has escaped the Wizards' Prison and is coming after Harry. (imdb)
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2004
Family/Kids
Fantasy
2h 22m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 55.96% from 15704 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(15704)
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Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
98th
A perfect piece of storytelling that surpasses its predecessors in every category. The music is better, the special effects more convincing (impeccable, really), the story is tighter, the laughs are funnier and the joy is more heartfelt. Even the closing credits are superior. Cuaron's direction is bold, putting his individual flair into the film while remaining absolutely true to Rowling's world.
Rated 08 Jul 2007
4
70th
Finally. In the first two movies, even though I thought each was solid, I found some of the changes rather odd, and the movies were a bit too hesitant, falling back on the source material instead of willing to take risks. This is by far the best of the series so far; every choice is bold, the movie feels much more alive and confident in itself than the others do. Across the board, everything is better - even the performances by the actors. It's really astounding. Nice job, Cuaron.
Rated 14 Jul 2015
88
75th
A marked improvement over the first two entries. Despite the omission of some significant plot points from the book (the identities of the Marauders, why Harry's patronus is a stag), this is the first time the HP movies really felt magical.
Rated 08 Jan 2022
80
65th
The first two films were too childlike and kid focused for me. So it's awesome that Alfonso Cuaron came onboard and made this a brooding coming-of-age story that matured along the with intended audience. I still think that the villains don't approach James Bond or Batman levels in terms of presenting an ideal conflict for Harry. But it looks cool and has some fun with time travel. Recommended. And it serves as an intriguing reboot as the franchise becomes darker from here on.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
7
84th
A superior Potter. Cuaron's grasp of visuals and mood are leagues beyond the first two films; Hogwarts feels a lot less like a soundstage and a lot more like an enchanted castle. Alan Rickman and Gary Oldman are of course gods. My only problem is actually the fault of J.K. Rowling: I really, really dislike the incorporation of time travel into the Potter universe. Plot hole city. Still, the film series' high point thus far.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
43rd
The best of the HP movies, so far. However, considering the other movies, that's not exactly a hard feat to accomplish.
Rated 20 Sep 2010
95
99th
My personal favorite of the Potter films; we are abruptly thrust into a much darker (yet beautiful) side to the series. Framed the look for all the following films (and several other non Potter films), and helped bring the more mature viewers into the fold.
Rated 29 Aug 2008
85
76th
Some fans criticize the artistic adaptation of the book and a few of Cauron's cinematic concepts, but most realize this was the necessary leap in style and atmosphere that the series needed to make the mature transition from children's fantasy. Oldman is an impeccable choice for Sirius Black and the young trio of stars start to develop as actors here. Quick and enthralling, it's one of the technical high points in the saga and the best film thematically aside from the final two installments.
Rated 09 Feb 2007
85
73rd
While I've enjoyed all of the books, Azkaban remains the best of the lot. It's just the tighest, cleverest and most effective of them all. As for the movie: while it's not without its flaws, I thought it did a good job of recreating the atmosphere of Rowling's universe. It's much better than its predecessors especially in terms of the visuals and the acting. I don't know why they didn't let Cuarón continue directing these.
Rated 26 Jun 2010
0
0th
Rilla Roo = win
Rated 05 May 2012
80
77th
What is with the defense against the dark arts professors. HEY DUMBLEDORE it's called a background check. Yeesh.
Rated 16 Mar 2008
95
80th
My favorite HP film.
Rated 15 Feb 2011
80
71st
Cuaron brings Harry Potter from pink dream to the dark world.. His stylist storytelling is sensible in every moment.
Rated 01 Jun 2010
70
54th
Dark atmosphere and undertones, fantastic (adult) actors and a meticulously laid out plot - this whole Potter thing might just be worthwhile if they got rid of those damn kids!
Rated 16 Jan 2009
63
60th
They all kind of meshed together. You've seen one, you've seen 'em all.
Rated 04 Mar 2023
85
80th
Significant jump from the previous two, especially visually. I thought the world was already well established, but it really comes to life here. This is a beautiful movie, so all props to Cuaron. Besides that, as I said with Chamber of Secrets, everybody here just puts in better work. Oldman is great as Oldman often is, and the lore/characters get deeper and deeper. Some of the action still needs a little work, but for the most part they were fine, ultimately.
Rated 27 Jul 2010
90
73rd
Possibly the best of all the series. This film displays the matureness that the latter flms had, but still has the heart an spirit the early films had
Rated 16 Jun 2008
83
78th
The best Potter film.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
70
45th
Best of the Potter movies.
Rated 27 Jun 2009
4
35th
I'm admittedly not a fan of Harry Potter but I was interested to see what Cuaron could do with it. Sadly, it wasn't much. It's really predictable and cheesy a lot of the times and Daniel Radcliffe is a god awful actor. However, it is cool at parts but the CGI has aged very poorly (I write this only 5 years after it came out) and it just felt too rushed, almost like they had to jam as much shit as possible into 2 hours. Also, does Dumbledore look like an old Ricky Gervais to anyone else?
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
83rd
For the first time its entire movie franchise a Harry Potter movie is actually worth watching. Director Alfonso Cuaron bring the franchise to new heights that Chris Columbos would never reach.
Rated 19 Jul 2011
91
78th
In Cuaron's hands, Azkaban has emotional depth to go along with the technical wizardry.
Rated 05 May 2020
88
91st
The only movie in the Harry Potter installments that truly made me appreciate the filmmaking aspect of it. Cuarón made this his own, and I respect him so much for it. Now I can't unsee every single clock shown from the first scene on
Rated 18 Nov 2012
82
77th
There's plenty of gothic horror for kids in here, but there's still enough school-days fun to make it an expertly handled, appealing family adventure movie. One minute you'll see heavy-weight British actors yelling at each other, then plucky school children solving mysteries and saving the day. For me the iconic scene was when Harry, in his Professor's study, discovers that it is within him to hold back the cold chill darkness that would drain him: cgi at the service of story.
Rated 23 Feb 2007
74
66th
My favorite thus far, thanks to Mr. Oldman.
Rated 24 Feb 2007
30
12th
why is new dumbledore so fucking angry?
Rated 24 Feb 2007
65
73rd
Entertaining adventure.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
83
73rd
Easily the best installment in the series, this film found a way to allow the series to grow up and appeal to a more universal audience.
Rated 15 Mar 2008
78
73rd
After two Chris Columbus-directed trainwrecks, Alfonso Cuaron gives me hope for Harry Potter (ironic that his Potter film opens with Harry under his bedsheets, playing with his wand). Azkaban was my favourite of the books, and the movie adapts it admirably, even if the story seems a bit too telegraphed at times. I like it for the nostalgia its conclusion inspires, and not even of reading the book, but of back when I saw it the first time -- when it was called Back to the Future Part II.
Rated 01 Mar 2020
77
82nd
While it may be far from a perfect fantasy movie, it can be the best HP movie adaptation before It All Ended.
Rated 07 Mar 2022
65
28th
Number 1 of first 3 films..
Rated 23 Nov 2013
9
91st
The Prisoner Of Azkaban is my favourite Harry Potter and technically it's the strongest of the series. Director Alfonso Cuaron brings real filmmaking quality to the franchise and perfectly balances the story telling, characters, set pieces and humour. It's much darker than the first two films and caters more for the maturer viewer also. Visually it's stunning and the time travel elements are brilliantly portrayed on screen. And Gambon, Oldman and Thewlis to name a few give great performances.
Rated 30 Jul 2011
65
66th
Well-structured plot let down by some unimaginative reveals - Professor Wolf turning out to be a werewolf, quelle surprise. The quality of acting from the 3 leads has improved dramatically, while everything just seems fresher than the previous two. The combination of a new director and a concerted attempt to inject a sense of 'magic' into the series makes this a great family film and probably the first in the franchise to really hit home.
Rated 10 Jul 2012
88
86th
In Cuaron's hands, Azkaban has emotional depth to go along with the technical wizardry.
Rated 19 Jan 2020
90
91st
Harry Potter gets contemplative. Phenomenal direction from Alfonso Cuaron, who should have taken over the whole series. Music, cinematography, superb. New art design for this movie that came to define the series. Plenty of script problems, but never not entertaining.
Rated 02 Feb 2012
80
80th
This is one of e the best in the Harry potter series. Gary Oldman is a great addition to the cast. Michael Gambon is also very good in this film.
Rated 14 Dec 2008
80
77th
A more mature book (my personal favorite of the series) given an appropriately mature adaptation. Cuaron is not afraid here to make a film, not just an adaptation, and the film's more engaging and eclectic for it. The effects are also better and/or less intrusive this time around. It hurts to lose Richard Harris as Dumbledore but Michael Gambon is a fine replacement and the character hasn't suffered.
Rated 23 Jul 2008
49
19th
This is the same guy that made "Children of Men"? I guess the source material is ... Gotta hand it to him though, a GREAT improvement on the preceding horrors they dare call 'films'
Rated 13 Sep 2008
79
62nd
One of the best Potter films thus far and a high point for Cuaron. I'm proud and confident to say that Potter is back!
Rated 16 Jun 2019
77
67th
Time travel.
Rated 11 Dec 2008
70
76th
good movie
Rated 18 Oct 2007
80
94th
The best of the HP series to date. Very well-paced, well-written and cast. Really great special effects and appealing story.
Rated 13 May 2020
90
67th
The best Potter film, without a close second.
Rated 30 Oct 2009
75
13th
OK movie that is fun, but little more. This one is the most stylize of the Harry Potter films as of yet. At first this may seem to be a turn-off since we are expecting a style that fits with the other films, but over time I grew to appreciate the divergent style of this film.
Rated 13 Dec 2021
70
42nd
It would be fair to say that I simply do not get this series at all. It strikes me as for children in the worst sense, essentially childish in tone filled with really terrible, excessively broad humour. I like the darker tone that Cuarón brought to this film, but it's really not enough for me.
Rated 20 Jan 2012
94
79th
A damn good movie. I don’t much care for the fatphobia in the beginning, and I would have loved more focus on the growing pains stuff from the book, but it’s otherwise a pretty faithful adaptation, and my oh my is it a gorgeous movie. Cuarón never misses. All of his movies are great. Also the best visual effects of the first three. Also the best cinematography and music of the first three. Also the best movie of the first three. Emotionally engaging, fun entertainment!
Rated 04 Sep 2018
100
97th
Not as fun as the first film, but Cuaron's dark take on the Harry Potter world has an amazing time travel storyline with great acting.
Rated 21 Nov 2010
75
42nd
I just can't stand quidditch. So I was quite happy about his broom being destroyed.
Rated 15 Feb 2012
93
93rd
I would say it's the best in the series. The special effects are great (George Lucas could learn a thing or two about proper use of green screen), story is really strong, and Gary Oldman is...as expected: fantastic.
Rated 03 Mar 2008
85
45th
It's impossible for me to not-enjoy an HP film, especially when so many of the actors are back. But, I felt the director took a very dark approach to the material (while the book certainly is dark in places, it also has a great deal of humor that the film lacks) and I feel Michael Gambon is terribly miscast as Dumbledore. I did appreciate their choice of David Thewlis as Lupin (a fav from the book!) and Gary Oldman as Sirius (I like Sirius better in the movie than the book, in fact!)
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
94th
The very best of the series. The entire cast is at their best here, with fantastic special effects and an exciting story.
Rated 14 Sep 2020
82
45th
Haunting! One of the greatest adventures I had the pleasure of viewing as a child, a triumph against fear itself, readying young harry to fight against a true evil that produces it.
Rated 13 Jul 2011
70
65th
Starting out poorly (aunt inflation, bus ride), this gets really good every time Thewlis hits the screen. The talented actor, unfortunately, by contrast makes it all too clear how horrible Radcliffe was back then. The time travel subplot is overly rushed.
Rated 11 Aug 2015
75
17th
This is by far the best of the Harry Potter movies. Harry's growing up and in keeping with that, this third film has more of a coming-of-age feel to it. There's the hint of a budding romance, and even though these kids aren't your normal teens, their efforts to define themselves are relatable - even in our Muggle world. Great effects, spot-on direction, and terrific performances make this a must-see movie.
Rated 25 Oct 2017
75
91st
The best entry in the film series, and the only one I'd recommend watching.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
31st
Good acting by the grown-ups, great directing by Cuarón and frankly a quite horrible screenplay. I've never been into HP and this movie didn't change that.
Rated 29 Feb 2008
85
62nd
The best entry into the "Potter" saga stands out because of a mature look and feel and the confident guidance of Alfonso Cuaron.
Rated 02 Jan 2021
80
99th
One of the more visually blinding of the Harry Potters. And so much going on. The time-thing was a little cheap story-wise, but otherwise I was fully drawn to the 3rd Potter.
Rated 20 Apr 2009
40
54th
My favourite Harry Potter film. Alfonso Cuaron takes the established story and somehow makes something undeniably creative using it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
87
80th
My favorite of the Harry Potter films. Alfonso Cuaron's knows exactly what visual tone to use, and it looks great.
Rated 20 Feb 2021
76
73rd
After a flop with the second Harry Potter movie, its great to see that Cuaron did occupy the directors chair. He makes his own magic and film start to live in much better pace where events are having some sense. This movie is not so childish as previous ones and that is a good thing.
Rated 23 May 2009
9
91st
The best Harry Potter film to date.
Rated 26 Jul 2010
90
88th
Here we go. This is the best Harry Potter movie (So far, hopefully) Cauron did an amazing job on this movie, he redesigned the entire franchise and kicked John William's ass into doing an amazing score. Amazing film based on amazing content.
Rated 08 Sep 2015
75
64th
Cuaron deftly matures the series by visually capturing Harry's emotional struggle that resonated so strongly in the novel. He also deviates from the source material, which is a welcome change from the previous two films.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
66th
The best one yet, if only because Cuaron is willing to explore outside the previously-formidable walls of J.K. Rowling's world. Aware of the characters' maturation into adolesence, the film features some pretty tongue-in-cheek sequences. Full marks to doing my favorite book of series justice, Alfonso.
Rated 30 Mar 2021
75
43rd
Good
Rated 30 Mar 2021
79
73rd
The perfect Harry Potter movie.
Rated 15 Aug 2007
82
69th
My favorite of the Harry Potter movies, and I hate the Harry Potter movies. I feel this is the only movie with a bona fide director. It is the movie that most resembled art.
Rated 18 Oct 2013
75
77th
Very good entry in the Harry Potter series, a step-up from the previous two. The world feels richer and darker and the plot feels more important as well. Most characters are now already well established leaving more room for other things. Gary Oldman is great as Sirius Black.
Rated 27 Nov 2006
80
46th
Best movie in the series, actors are maturing and not smacking of "child actors" as much, if only Radcliffe could learn more facial expression than dead-panned, teeth-gritting anger and over-exagerrated smile..
Rated 06 Jun 2011
83
68th
Probably the best adaptation in the entire series so far, as they stayed faithful to the novel and didn't really cut anything that I deemed necessary. Pretty enjoyable, but again, it pales in comparison to the book.
Rated 18 Sep 2009
45
24th
Think the fact that it's one of the weaker books in the series made for one of the weaker movies.
Rated 17 Nov 2007
90
38th
the best HP movie until now
Rated 01 Feb 2007
90
89th
the best harry potter film, brilliant visuals and finally, an atmosphere with effort and style that isn't afraid to be both creepy and a family film....somewhat rushed towards the end but still my favourite...
Rated 04 Mar 2007
75
59th
Add a dash of Gary Oldman and you've got a much better movie than the last two.
Rated 09 Mar 2011
69
27th
Makes the mistake of equating darker with more serious. In the end the plot is almost entirely pointless: Why a werewolf? Why anything? Ultimately makes for an unsatisfying feature. [Rifftrax faces a better made film so there's less for the boys to poke fun at so it makes for the weakest of the series yet still enjoyable.]
Rated 03 Jan 2009
75
49th
Potter films peak with 3-4. Darker, more serious, and more interesting than it's predecessors but not altogether coherent. I'm not sure what I would think if I hadn't read the book.
Rated 08 Jun 2007
75
71st
Best story of the Harry Potter books, but a bit of a shame that Alfonso Cuaron goes a bit far in trying to leave his own mark on the films. As a result, the film is jarringly different from the others in the series, and lacks some of the warmth of the other installments.
Rated 12 Jul 2007
90
66th
Pretty good.
Rated 11 Jul 2011
34
25th
I saw this 4 weeks ago. My initial thoughts were: After watching The Chamber of Secrets, this felt more like a come-back to the series, comparable to The Sorcerer's Stone.
Rated 18 Aug 2009
85
36th
Harry Potter returns in this darker and more mature book of the series. Compared to the previous 2 movies, this one is not a happy-happy-joy-joy story. Bad things happen and they are brilliantly portrayed. A more mature movie than the first two. The continuity of the movie series is jerky at places as some characters have been changed and for an example, the innkeeper at the Diagon Alley place has been changed into a hunchback in a futile attempt at comedy. The special effects are quite good.
Rated 22 Apr 2009
38
33rd
The best adaptiation of the series so far, although it still feels slightly rushed and deeply flawed undrneath the massive budget used to spit and polish over some rough extremities. It manages to redeem itself by providing some more interesting scenes and a darker undertone carried through in the adaptation. The direction is also much better and the films strays away from the throroughly predictable for the first time, although it does have a tendancy to stress over minor points for too long.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
92nd
Alan Rickman owns. That is all.
Rated 13 Dec 2010
62
33rd
See, this is much better than the two previous ones. Why? The story is better, the kids are growing up a bit so are acting more. Also, Oldman takes it seriously.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
36th
blah blah harry potter
Rated 21 Jun 2008
65
12th
Boring. Soulless.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
26th
Lord of the Rings for kids.
Rated 29 Jun 2009
45
27th
Overall Enjoyment: 20/40, Plot/Themes: 10/20, Cinematography/Direction: 5/20, Acting/Writing: 10/20 The worst of the Harry Potter Films. Far too rushed.
Rated 28 Nov 2008
50
14th
not nearly as good as the books
Rated 25 Apr 2024
80
0th
Great Movie, would have been better if they didn’t miss some of the events from the books.
Rated 15 Sep 2007
75
79th
Well directed and entertaining, though it lags a bit during the finale.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
77th
Second best in the series so far, it works well on its own as a movie, and also as a part of the series.
Rated 14 Nov 2010
57
59th
Better than the average Harry Potter movie, in my opinion, thanks to the seriousness alongside the magic, the well-handled time travel plot, and a couple of great aerial visuals by Cuaron.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
80
96th
The first movie that took a shift into darkness. Stunning and almost as dear to my heart as the books.
Rated 22 Jan 2010
60
35th
oh, the awkward teenage years...
Rated 27 Mar 2010
75
44th
One of the best Harry Potter movies to date. Very intense, excellent photography, plot and overall, one of the most consistent parts of the saga.
Rated 23 Jun 2010
66
12th
76
Rated 06 Oct 2008
65
8th
was very interesting... lol
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
63rd
Cinematic adaptation finally works on the Harry Potter franchise thanks in large part to Cuaron.
Rated 29 Apr 2008
95
73rd
My favourite movie of Harry Potter.

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