I sometimes find it hard to believe that it’s been 12 years since we were introduced to the Harry Potter series. 12 seemingly short years which passed in the twinkling of an eye; years of Potter mania and eager anticipation as we awaited either a book or film.  It’s almost over, just two more years until the epic conclusion. Thinking of it now, my Harry Potter collection is the closest thing to a Pensieve that I will ever have, each well-worn, dog-eared page bearing testament to hours of devotion. In some ways, it’s slightly alarming how quickly time flew, nothing makes it more apparent than the above picture of some of the most distinguishable  faces of the past decade. Here’s a walk down memory lane for all you Potter fans!

Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone

2001, our first introduction to the gang- Radcliffe, 11; Watson, 9 and Grint, 13.  A recurring theme that comes up with each of these actors is how ill-equipped they were to comprehend the magnitude of being cast in the lead roles. Out of thousands of children, Rowling personally picked the three unknown stars that she felt would best portray her characters. Directed by Chris Columbus of Mrs Doubtfire and Stepmom fame, the highly anticipated Philosopher’s Stone was clearly targeted towards children but the $976 million it yielded was no trifling figure.

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Following the success of the first film and the affinity between the cast and the general public, it was no surprise that Columbus was back at the helm.  Though, still intended for a young audience, The Chamber Of Secrets grossed $879 million worldwide, unfortunately Richard Harris (Dumbledore) passed away two weeks before the premiere.

Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban

Say what you will about Rowling but you can’t deny that the woman’s imagination is superb Even if you aren’t a fan of the series, you have to respect the fortune she amassed from the cult of Potter. In the third installment of the series directed by Alfonso Cuarón (Great Expectations, Y Tu Mamá También, Children Of Men) the childish elements that characterized the previous movies were eliminated, Hogwarts and London are dark and foreboding and our characters have finally entered adulthood. Furthermore, we  have the sublime Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. Eventually, The Prisoner Of Azkaban grossed $795.6 million worldwide making it the second highest grossing release of 2004.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Definitely one of the most visually spectacular films of 2005, The Goblet of Fire was at the time the darkest rendition that Harry Potter fans had ever been introduced to. Directed by  Mike Newell (Donnie Darko), the film earned over $895 million worldwide and became the highest grossing film of 2005. The Goblet Of Fire, heralded Voldemort’s return- portrayed superbly by Ralph Fiennes and also introduced the world to an uncomplicated Robert Pattinson.

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Leaner, deliciously darker and foreboding, The Order Of The Phoenix was until now (yes, I’m making a prediction) the highest grossing Harry Potter film, earning over $939 million worldwide. Of particular mention were the superb performances of Imelda Staunton and Helena Bonham Carter. Furthermore, the characters had truly come into their own both on screen and off.

Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince

Ah, so delectable- chaos and villainy, witches cackling “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble”, that’s the heady and intense brew that director David Yates serves to the audience. We’ve waited a long time for this movie and it can only be topped by two upcoming installments of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, definitely worth seeing in IMAX!

Conclusion
According to Rowling, there will be no further Harry Potter books in the future- The Tales of Beedle the Bard was the last thing that she wrote, don’t be too surprised if that gets made into a movie of some sort in the future. We can only hope that she will get the desire to put pen to paper once again.