Harry Potter’s Every Year at Hogwarts, Ranked Worst to Best

Almost every ’90s kid grew up waiting for their Hogwarts letter, wanting to spend their school years in the world of magic. But then, we also know that every school year in Harry Potter is different, and every session feels like its own mini-adventure. From the first time Harry stepped into the Great Hall to the final battle that shook the castle, Hogwarts wasn’t just a school, it was the heart of the entire story.

So today, let’s take a look at Harry’s year at Hogwarts and rank them based on how magical, fun, and chaotic they were. But before we dive into the rankings, here’s one important note: Deathly Hallows: Part 1 isn’t included in the list because Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent that whole year outside of Hogwarts, getting chased and attempting to destroy Horcruxes. So, here’s Harry’s every year at Hogwarts, ranked from worst to best.

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Starting with Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Harry’s final year at Hogwarts is easily the most chaotic, dangerous, and heartbreaking, which is why it ranks last. There’s barely any “school” left; Hogwarts has become a battleground after Dumbledore’s death, and instead of learning things, students are constantly tortured by the Carrows.

The year is filled with fear as Voldemort takes over and many familiar faces go missing. That’s when Harry, Ron, and Hermione finally return, but it’s not for classes or Quidditch. They come back for the final showdown. The castle that once felt warm and magical starts to break apart under attacks.

Beloved characters like Fred, Lupin, and Tonks die, making it one of the darkest chapters in the entire series. There are heroic moments, yes, but not much joy or wonder. So, while this year is important, emotional, and epic, it’s not a “magical school year”. That’s why it lands at the bottom. It’s Hogwarts, but at its saddest and most destroyed.

6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Next in line we’ve Order of the Phoenix, which marks Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts. But once again, even this year is filled with stress, frustration, and anger, mostly because of Dolores Umbridge. Instead of learning real defensive magic, students get stuck reading textbooks while Umbridge ruins everything with her strict rules and awful punishments.

Soon, Harry and his friends begin the rebellion through Dumbledore’s Army, which marks a brief moment of fun. But the overall mood at Hogwarts is still heavy. Meanwhile, Harry also struggles with his connection to Voldemort, nightmares, and being ignored by the Wizarding World. He sees his friends fight, teachers getting pushed around, and everyone on edge.

In fact, the atmosphere at school becomes so strict that even Fred and George’s iconic fireworks feel like a desperate attempt to escape the tension. And by the end, the battle at the Ministry leaves the year on a sad note with Sirius’s death, making it one of the worst years ever. Naturally, Harry losing his Godfather makes this year rank low on the list.

5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Goblet of Fire marked yet another grieving year for Harry at Hogwarts. But overall, his fourth year has a mix of excitement and danger, which gives it a middle position in the ranking. The story begins with the Quidditch World Cup, followed by the Triwizard Tournament, which brings huge energy to Hogwarts.

There are dragons, mermaids, mazes, and visiting schools make everything feel fresh and grand. But for Harry, this year becomes stressful the moment his name comes out of the Goblet. He’s forced into life-threatening tasks, his best friend Ron stops talking to him for a while, and the school treats him like he cheated.

Still, there are fun moments like the Yule Ball, extra Quidditch athletes visiting, and magical competitions. But the year turns dark fast when Voldemort returns during the final task, leading to the shocking death of Cedric Diggory. But overall, it’s exciting and memorable while simultaneously being dangerous and emotionally heavy.

4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Half-Blood Prince, marking Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts, is messy, emotional, and mysterious, while appearing like the lull before the storm. Personally, it feels the darkest of all films in the franchise. But then again, we can’t deny how Hogwarts feels alive after the events of the fifth book.

Students enjoy classes, Quidditch returns, and teenage romance runs wild, especially with Ron and Lavender, plus Harry’s growing feelings for Ginny. At the same time, the mystery of the “Half-Blood Prince” adds fun twists. Harry actually enjoys Potions for once, thanks to the Prince’s help.

But the year also has a darker side as Dumbledore privately prepares Harry for battle by showing him Voldemort’s memories. And then comes the biggest shock of all: the tragic night when Draco lets Death Eaters into Hogwarts and Snape kills Dumbledore. It’s like, after Goblet of Fire, a curse befell Harry, killing everyone close to him.

Meanwhile, the school lost its greatest protector, making it a bittersweet but strong chapter in the Harry Potter lore, landing in the fourth spot.

3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Despite being only Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, the Chamber of Secrets holds its fair share of mystery, danger, and school spirit. And that’s what makes it one of the most memorable and fun Hogwarts years despite the risks. Like, yes, students panic over the mysterious attacks, but Hogwarts still feels magical, colorful, and adventurous.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione dive into detective mode, sneaking around to uncover the truth behind the Chamber of Secrets. Gilderoy Lockhart adds silly chaos, Quidditch returns with more action, and Harry learns more about Voldemort’s past. And amid all, there are scary moments, petrified students, strange messages on walls, and a deadly basilisk.

But the trio’s bond shines stronger than ever. The year ends with one of the most satisfying victories: saving Ginny, defeating Tom Riddle, and freeing Dobby. The mix of danger, fun classes, humor, and mystery gives this year its high ranking, making it one of Harry’s most iconic Hogwarts adventures.

2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry’s third year at Hogwarts, marked by the events of Prisoner of Azkaban, is one of the most magical and emotionally rich years at Hogwarts, which is why it ranks so high. For the first time, Hogwarts feels like a blend of fun classes, great friendships, and powerful storytelling. Plus, there’s also Professor Lupin.

Harry’s father’s childhood friend becomes the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, providing students with confidence and teaching them real skills. Then there’s the rule-breaking Hogsmeade trips that add a cozy, charming layer to school life. Plus, this is the last year for the students before Voldemort returns.

However, even though the Dark Lord is yet to rise, it doesn’t mean Hogwarts is devoid of threats. For this year the main threat appears in the form of Sirius Black, even though we later learn that it was all a misunderstanding, which ultimately leads Harry to his emotional discovery of family and hope.

Plus, there’s also the Time-Turner adventure, Buckbeak’s rescue, and the shocking truth about Wormtail, which makes the story exciting without drowning it in darkness. It’s a year full of warmth, surprises, and emotional growth, making it one of the most beloved Hogwarts years ever.

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Hands down, Harry’s first year at Hogwarts is the most magical of them all, earning the top spot with ease. In Sorcerer’s Stone, everything feels new, bright, and full of wonder, from the floating candles in the Great Hall to secret staircases and enchanted feasts. It’s the year Harry finds friendship, confidence, and a home he never had.

Classes are fun, Quidditch is thrilling, and even the challenges beneath the trapdoor feel like magical games rather than deadly missions. There are no major losses, no heartbreaks, and no dark battles, just pure adventure, which is why, Sorcerer’s Stone is the year that made fans fall in love with Hogwarts.

Not to mention, we also explore Diagon Alley, meet iconic characters, and learn the rules of the Wizarding World. It’s the foundation of all the magic that follows, wrapped in innocence and excitement. No other Hogwarts year captures that sense of wonder like this one, making Sorcerer’s Stone the clear winner.