All the films in the Harry Potter franchise have long become part of world cinema, but even after years and decades, fans continue to compare one part to another—and the parameters can vary widely. For example, the rating of the films based on their quality differs significantly from the list in which most fans indicate which part they watch more often than the others—the result is both surprising and quite obvious at the same time.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has become the leader in views among fans.
The logic of the fans in this case is understandable—the film served as the beginning for the entire franchise, delighting fans with it's story for another 10 years after the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Moreover, many noted that it is the first film that creates a special, magical atmosphere that sets the tone for all the subsequent films—it's no surprise that The Sorcerer's Stone has earned a reputation over the years as a film for a cozy evening.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban holds the second place—despite being considered the best film in the franchise.
Although Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban falls short of Sorcerer's Stone in creating a unique atmosphere, the third installment, directed by Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, is recognized as the best in the entire franchise in terms of cinematography and depth in the storyline of J.K. Rowling's books. It is in Prisoner of Azkaban that Harry learns about the existence of Dementors, the Marauders, and, more importantly, his godfather Sirius Black—this marks the beginning of the character's immersion into the world of magic, which also includes dark forces.
