Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.
Paul reviewed
November 9, 2025•
Prisoner of Azkaban is where the Harry Potter series finally grows up and earns some respect. This isn’t just another kids’ fantasy, the production and cast are visibly ramped up, with big-name actors pulling their weight and a world that feels lived-in rather than cardboard. The soundtrack drops the whimsical fluff and gets moody, showing off depth and tension you won’t find in the previous entries.
Cuarón’s direction gives Hogwarts real presence, with expansive shots that make you want to roam the grounds, something the game Hogwarts Legacy, inspired by this film’s vibe, takes even further. The stormy Quidditch match and genuinely dark moments crank the suspense; it’s a story that finally embraces complexity, mixing eerie and humour in equal measure. If nostalgia strikes, it’s for a reason: this is the film where Potter stopped being just for the kids and started offering something for the rest of us. Easily the standout of the series so far.