The “Harry Potter” movie franchise is a series of coming-of-age fantasy films based on J.K. Rowling’s best-selling books of the same name. The story chronicles the adventures of Harry Potter, a talented young wizard, as he learns and practices magic at the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry while battling the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. The franchise spans eight movies from 2001 to 2011 and earned a total of $7.7 billion at the worldwide box office, making it the 4th highest-grossing film series of all time. With its enchanting, magical world-building, original narrative, and relatable themes of friendship and courage, the “Harry Potter” movies have become an enduring cultural phenomenon across generations and remain one of the most beloved franchises in cinema history.
Viewers in Canada can stream Harry Potter on streaming services like Max and Crave. Do take note that some platforms are geo-restricted in certain regions, so you must use a VPN to access them.
You can also buy or rent the “Harry Potter” films on video-on-demand (VOD) services like Apple TV, Microsoft Store, Cineplex Store, Youtube Movies, and Prime Video.
Additionally, you can get the “Harry Potter” movies on home media formats like DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K.
In this article, we will examine each streaming option to determine which platform will give the superior “Harry Potter” streaming experience.
Table of Contents
1. Crave
The complete “Harry Potter” film series is also available to stream on the Canadian streaming platform, Crave. The movies stream in 4K with Closed Captions (CC) and Described Video (D) in English and French.
Crave supports different devices as well, including smartphones, smart TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, media players like Roku and Chromecast, and game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. Crave also offers a 7-day free trial to new subscribers.
To watch the “Harry Potter” movies on Crave, register for an account and subscribe to any of the following membership plans:
Plan | Monthly | Annual | Video resolution | Simultaneous streams |
Basic with ads | CAD$9.99 | CAD$99.90 | 720p | 1 device |
Standard with ads | CAD$14.99 | CAD$149.90 | 4K | 4 devices |
Premium ad-free | CAD$19.99 | CAD$199.99 | 4K | 4 devices |
2. Max
All eight “Harry Potter” films are available to stream on Max, the rebranded version of HBO Max. The movies stream in 4K video resolution with subtitles in several languages.
On Max, you can stream the “Harry Potter” movies on devices like iOS and Android mobile phones, smart TVs, computers, tablets, media players, and game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Max no longer offers a free trial since its relaunch.
Unfortunately, Max is geo-restricted in Canada, so users must subscribe to a VPN to access the platform.
How to Watch the “Harry Potter” Movies On Max In Canada
The only way to watch the “Harry Potter” movies on Max in Canada is by using a VPN service:
- Subscribe to a VPN service. (ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation)
- Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Open the Max website or app, then log in or sign up.
- Prepare a US-issued form of payment. Max accepts credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and PayPal.
- Search for “Harry Potter” in its library, hit play, and start streaming.
Tip: A VPN is not just beneficial for bypassing geo-restrictions, but it also enhances online security by encrypting your data, protects your privacy by masking your IP address, allows safe browsing on public Wi-Fi networks, and can even help save money on certain online purchases.
Using a VPN is legal in Canada, but Max actively blocks IP addresses that are connected to VPNs. But ExpressVPN, our top VPN recommendation, guarantees a secure and reliable process in bypassing Max’s geo-restrictions in Canada.
With ExpressVPN, you are eligible for a 30-day risk-free trial if you use the link below:
To stream the “Harry Potter” movies on Max, sign up for an account and subscribe to any of its membership plans:
Plan | Monthly | Annual | Simultaneous streams | Video resolution | Number of downloads |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ad-Lite | $9.99 | $99.99 | 2 streams | HD | None |
Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | 2 streams | HD | 30 titles |
Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | 4 streams | HD to 4K | 100 titles |
3. Apple TV
All of the eight “Harry Potter” movies are also available for purchase on Apple TV for CAD$14.99, and CAD$4.99 for rent. On Apple TV, you can stream the “Harry Potter” movies in 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby 5.1 surround sound. Accessibility features such as Closed Captions (CC), subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), and Audio Descriptions (AD) are also available. Its subtitles are available in more than 35 languages.
4. Microsoft Store
You can also purchase all eight “Harry Potter” films in 4K at the Microsoft Store for CAD$14.99 or rent them for CAD$4.99. The movies stream in SD, HD, and UDH, all for the same prices. The complete eight-film collection is also available for purchase, which costs CAD$119.92. Closed Captions (CC) in English are also available. Upon renting, make sure to start watching the film within 14 days and finish it in 48 hours.
5. Cineplex Store
You can rent and buy digital copies of all the “Harry Potter” movies at the Cineplex Store. Buying the film costs CAD$8.99, while rentals are priced at CAD$5.99. The movies stream in HD to 4K with Closed Captions in English. Renting at the Cineplex Store typically requires users to start playing the films in 30 days and finish them in 48 hours.
6. YouTube Movies
The “Harry Potter” movies are available for rent on YouTube Movies for CAD$4.99 and CAD$14.99 for purchase. The movies stream in UHD with Closed Captions (CC) in English.
7. Prime Video
Prime Video also offers the “Harry Potter” films for rent for CAD$4.99 and purchase for CAD$14.99. You can stream the films in 4K video resolution, but without subtitles.
What Is the Best Streaming Option to Watch the Harry Potter Movies in Canada?
The best streaming option to watch the Harry Potter movies in Canada is through Max. Max and Crave share almost the same price point, but we think Max is the better choice. The platform has all eight “Harry Potter” films, streams for up to 4K quality, allows 100 downloads, and boasts one of the best user-friendly interfaces.
If you prefer buying digital copies of films at a reasonable price and you like keeping them on your devices for a long time, then the best option is the Cineplex Store. All “Harry Potter” movies are priced at only CAD$8.99 for purchase, while its competitors sell the movie for CAD$14.99.
What are the Harry Potter Movies About?
The “Harry Potter” movies follows its titular character, a young wizard. He attends the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to master the art of magic with his best friends Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley while confronting the challenges of growing up and battling various threats in the wizarding world. The film series culminates with Harry fulfilling his destiny of defeating the Dark Lord Voldemort. At its core, the “Harry Potter” movies are a magical exploration of universal themes such as friendship, family, and courage.
Who Are the Creators of the Harry Potter Movies?
The creator of the film series is the British producer David Heyman. J.K. Rowling, the author of the eponymous bestselling book series also participated in the production of the film. Each “Harry Potter” film is helmed by different filmmakers: Chris Columbus directed “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”; Alfonso Cuarón directed “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”; Mike Newell directed “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”; and David Yates directed “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” and both parts of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
Who Are in the Cast of the Harry Potter Movies?
The “Harry Potter” movies feature an ensemble British cast that includes young actors like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, and more. Veteran British stars such as Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, Ralph Fiennes, and David Tennant also appear in the movies. Here are the main cast of the “Harry Potter” movies:
- Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
- Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
- Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
- Alan Rickman as Severus Snape
- Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall
- Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid
- Richard Harris (and later Michael Gambon) as Albus Dumbledore
- Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy
- Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley
- Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood
- Gary Oldman as Sirius Black
- Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort
Who Are the Main Characters of the Harry Potter Movies?
The main characters of the “Harry Potter” films are as follows:
- Harry Potter – An orphaned yet strong-willed young wizard, who is also dubbed as The Boy Who Lived, after surviving a fatal attack from Voldemort when he was an infant. .
- Hermione Granger – Harry’s Muggle-born best friend, who strongly values education and knowledge.
- Ron Weasley – Harry’s funny yet loyal best friend who comes from a humble background.
Why Are the Harry Potter Movies So Popular?
The “Harry Potter” movies gained immense popularity mainly for their captivating and richly detailed wizarding world, their faithful adaptations of the J.K. Rowling novels, multi-dimensional characters, quotable dialogues, and the trio’s chemistry. The film’s engaging exploration of relatable themes like friendship and bravery also greatly contributed to its global appeal. Through all these, the characters and dialogues from the “Harry Potter” films have also become universally recognized and consistently quoted references in pop culture.
What Do Critics Say About the Harry Potter Movies?
Critics have generally positive reviews about the “Harry Potter” films. It was praised for its imaginative storytelling, complex characters, and intricate world-building.
The “Harry Potter” films hold a score of 77% to 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. See why critics love the film:
- “For 10 years and eight films we’ve gotten to watch these young actors grow as people, as performers and as characters. It has been a true coming-of-age saga, in the fullest and most moving sense of the term.” — Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- “The filmmakers have created something spectacular, not only with this final sequel but with the entire series.” — Deep Focus Review
How Many Harry Potter Movies Are Available?
The “Harry Potter” franchise spanned eight films from 2001 to 2008. Here’s a brief overview of each film:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Harry begins his magical educational journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry after discovering his wizard heritage. He embarks on a quest with his newfound friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger to confront the dangers of the mysterious Sorcerer’s Stone.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Harry uncovers a sinister secret chamber within Hogwarts that will force him to confront the school’s troubled past and Voldemort’s true identity.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Harry learns more about the truth surrounding his parent’s death and finds a family in a falsely accused criminal on the loose.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
The trio experiences tension in their friendship as Harry gets unexpectedly chosen to join the prestigious yet dangerous Triwizard Tournament. Harry witnesses the return of Voldemort, leading to the tragic death of a student.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
The wizarding community refuses to believe that the Dark Lord is back, forcing Harry and his friends to form Dumbledore’s Army to defeat Voldemort on their own.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Dumbledore reveals to Harry the existence of Horcruxes, ultimately leading to a tragic event and the Dark Lord’s full ascent into power.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)
Harry, Ron, and Hermione leave their families behind as they embark on a perilous journey to find and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. They also learn about the three Deathly Hallows: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)
Harry and Voldemort face each other in a final battle at Hogwarts, where the Dark Lord’s reign of terror concludes.
Where to Buy Harry Potter Merch in Canada?
If you want to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, make sure to check out the Harry Potter Store online and purchase replica fan collectibles like magic wands, Hogwarts robes, Hogwarts acceptance letters, and even the Sorting Hat. You can also find similar and cheaper fan-made items on Amazon.
Harry Potter Fans and Community in Canada
There’s a “Harry Potter” subreddit where you can interact with fellow dedicated Potterheads and engage in online discussions about all things Harry Potter. You can also share your love for the wizarding world, and exchange fan theories on thousands of Facebook groups and pages.