History of Harry Potter in Timeline
"Harry Potter" is a fantasy series by J.K. Rowling that follows Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his companions, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, during their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The central plot revolves around Harry's struggle against the evil Lord Voldemort, whose goals are immortality, seizing control of the wizarding world, and enslaving all wizards and non-magical people.
1964: The Beatles Dominate Billboard Charts
In 1964, The Beatles achieved unprecedented success on the Billboard charts, holding the top five positions simultaneously. This dominance, similar to Harry Potter's impact on book charts, highlighted their cultural influence and musical appeal.
1986: J.K. Rowling Graduates with a Degree in French Literature
J.K. Rowling graduated from the University of Exeter in 1986 with a degree in French literature, a background that influenced some of the themes and motifs found in the Harry Potter series.
1990: Early Completion of the Epilogue
Interestingly, J.K. Rowling had already completed the epilogue of the final book around 1990.
1990: The Birth of Harry Potter
The idea for Harry Potter came to J.K. Rowling in 1990 while she was on a delayed train journey from Manchester to London.
1995: Completion of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"
J.K. Rowling completed the manuscript for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" in 1995, marking a significant step toward the series' publication.
June 1997: UK Publication of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"
Bloomsbury, the UK publisher of the Harry Potter books, released "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" in June 1997.
June 1997: Release of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"
The first book in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," was released in June 1997. This marked the beginning of the globally successful series.
1997: First Nestlé Smarties Book Prize
The Harry Potter series began its award streak in 1997, winning the first of three Nestlé Smarties Book Prizes.
1997: "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" Wins Numerous Awards
Throughout 1997, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" won nearly every major UK children's book award, solidifying its immediate popularity among young readers.
July 1998: UK Release of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
The second book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," was released in the UK in July 1998.
September 1998: US Publication of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"
Scholastic released "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States in September 1998, marking the series' debut in the American market.
1998: "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" Wins Numerous Awards
Throughout 1998, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" won nearly every major UK children's book award, solidifying its immediate popularity among young readers.
1998: Guardian Children's Award Shortlisting
Adding to its growing list of accolades, the series was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Award in 1998.
June 1999: US Release of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
The US publication of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" took place in June 1999.
July 1999: UK Release of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" hit UK bookstores in July 1999.
September 1999: US Release of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
September 1999 saw the US release of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."
1999: Criticism from Michael Rosen and Anthony Holden
During 1999, the Harry Potter series faced criticism from figures like novelist Michael Rosen, who deemed the books too complex for children, and critic Anthony Holden, who found the writing style unimpressive and the themes overly nostalgic and conservative.
1999: Inaugural Whitbread Children's Book of the Year Award
In 1999, the series' impact was further cemented with the inaugural Whitbread children's book of the year award.
1999: "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" Nominated for Whitbread Book of the Year
In a groundbreaking moment in 1999, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" became the first children's book to be shortlisted for the prestigious Whitbread Book of the Year award, ultimately securing a close second place.
1999: Warner Bros. Acquires Film Rights
J.K. Rowling sold the film rights for the Harry Potter series to Warner Bros. in 1999 for a reported £1 million, marking the beginning of the series' journey to the big screen.
June 2000: Creation of a Separate NYT Bestseller List for Children's Literature
In June 2000, The New York Times established a dedicated bestseller list for children's literature, driven by the immense popularity of the Harry Potter series.
July 2000: Simultaneous Release of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
Both Bloomsbury and Scholastic released "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" simultaneously in July 2000.
2000: The New York Times Creates Separate Children's Bestseller List
In response to the overwhelming dominance of the Harry Potter books on its fiction bestseller list, The New York Times decided to create a separate list specifically for children's books in 2000, acknowledging the distinct readership and market for this genre.
2000: Release of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and the start of Midnight Release Events
In 2000, the release of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" marked the beginning of midnight release events in bookstores worldwide. These events, featuring activities like mock sorting ceremonies and games, became incredibly popular among fans and significantly boosted book sales.
2000: Hugo Award Nomination
In 2000, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" received a nomination for a Hugo Award for Best Novel.
November 2001: Release of First Harry Potter Video Game
Coinciding with the film's release, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" video game was launched in November 2001, marking the beginning of the series' presence in the gaming world.
November 2001: Philosopher's Stone Movie Release
The first film adaptation, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," premiered on November 14, 2001, captivating audiences worldwide.
2001: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Wins Hugo Award
In 2001, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" won the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Novel, solidifying its place in literary history.
2001: 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' and 'Quidditch Through the Ages' Released for Charity
In 2001, J.K. Rowling delighted fans with two new books set in the Harry Potter universe: 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' and 'Quidditch Through the Ages.' These books were released to support the charity Comic Relief.
2001: Harry Potter Series Featured on ALA's Top 10 Banned Book List
The Harry Potter series appeared on the American Library Association's list of most frequently challenged books in 2001, facing criticism and calls for censorship due to its depiction of magic and witchcraft, along with concerns about its suitability for children.
November 2002: Chamber of Secrets Movie Release
The second film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," hit theaters on November 15, 2002, continuing the magical journey on the big screen.
November 2002: Chris Suellentrop's Critique of Harry's Privilege
In November 2002, Chris Suellentrop criticized Harry Potter's character, portraying him as overly reliant on wealth and privilege for his success.
2002: Harry Potter Series Featured on ALA's Top 10 Banned Book List
The Harry Potter series appeared on the American Library Association's list of most frequently challenged books in 2002, facing criticism and calls for censorship due to its depiction of magic and witchcraft, along with concerns about its suitability for children.
2002: Harry Potter: A British Pop Culture Icon
Sociologist Andrew Blake recognized Harry Potter as a British pop culture icon in 2002, placing the series alongside other iconic figures like James Bond and Sherlock Holmes.
June 2003: Worldwide Release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the longest book in the series, was published worldwide in June 2003.
2003: Cuarón Takes Over as Director
In 2003, Alfonso Cuarón took over as director for "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," bringing his unique vision to the series.
2003: Featured in BBC's "The Big Read"
In 2003, four Harry Potter books were featured in the top 24 of the BBC's "The Big Read" survey, showcasing their immense popularity among readers in the UK.
2003: BBC's "Big Read" Survey Highlights Shift in Reading Tastes
The 2003 "Big Read" survey conducted by the BBC revealed a notable shift in reading preferences in the UK, with popular fantasy series like Harry Potter and Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" ranking highly, while classic literary works received fewer votes, indicating a potential change in literary tastes towards plot-driven narratives.
2003: Harry Potter Series Featured on ALA's Top 10 Banned Book List
The Harry Potter series appeared on the American Library Association's list of most frequently challenged books in 2003, facing criticism and calls for censorship due to its depiction of magic and witchcraft, along with concerns about its suitability for children.
2003: "Muggle" Enters the Oxford English Dictionary
The word "Muggle," originating from the Harry Potter series to denote non-magical individuals, became so widely recognized and used that it earned a place in the Oxford English Dictionary in 2003, illustrating the series' impact on language and popular culture.
June 2004: Prisoner of Azkaban Movie Release
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" was released on June 4, 2004, captivating audiences with its darker tone and stunning visuals.
2004: Popular Read-Aloud Choice in San Diego Schools
A 2004 study revealed that Harry Potter books were frequently chosen for read-aloud sessions in elementary schools in San Diego County, California, reflecting their engaging narratives for young audiences.
2004: The New York Times Splits Children's Bestseller List
In 2004, due to the continued success of the Harry Potter series, The New York Times further divided its children's bestseller list into separate categories for series and individual titles, ensuring a more diverse representation of books.
July 2005: Release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" was released in July 2005.
November 2005: Goblet of Fire Movie Release
Mike Newell directed "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," released on November 18, 2005, marking the beginning of the series' exploration of more mature themes.
2005: Real-Life Quidditch Sport Created
Inspired by the fictional sport of Quidditch in the Harry Potter series, a real-life adaptation was created in 2005, captivating fans and growing into a competitive sport played by enthusiasts worldwide.
January 2006: Order of the Phoenix Production Begins
Production for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" commenced in January 2006, with David Yates taking the helm as director.
2006: WHSmith Book of the Year
The Harry Potter series continued to receive acclaim, earning the title of WHSmith book of the year in 2006.
March 2007: Fan Fiction Frenzy
In March 2007, "Harry Potter" was the most searched fan fiction subject online, demonstrating the series' widespread impact and inspiring creative expression among fans.
April 2007: "Deathly Hallows" Breaks Pre-order Records
In April 2007, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" shattered pre-order records at Barnes & Noble, with over 500,000 copies pre-ordered through their website.
July 2007: Release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
The highly anticipated final installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," was released in July 2007.
July 2007: Order of the Phoenix Movie Release
July 2007 saw the theatrical release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," further immersing fans in the complexities of the wizarding world.
July 2007: Criticism Regarding Harry's Moral Compass and the Series' Impact
In July 2007, critics like Sameer Rahim and Jenny Sawyer expressed concerns about the Harry Potter series. Rahim found it disappointing that teenagers were engrossed in it over classic literature, while Sawyer argued that Harry lacked moral struggles and ethical development.
August 2007: Christopher Hitchens' Praise for Series' Themes
In August 2007, Christopher Hitchens commended J.K. Rowling for creating a world of "youthful democracy and diversity" in the Harry Potter series, contrasting it with traditional English school stories focused on class and wealth.
2007: Harry Potter Stamps Released by Royal Mail
In 2007, the Harry Potter series was celebrated on a series of UK postage stamps issued by the Royal Mail, featuring the iconic covers of all seven books.
2007: Handwritten 'Tales of Beedle the Bard' Auctioned for Charity
In 2007, seven handwritten copies of 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard' were created by J.K. Rowling, with one being auctioned to raise funds for the Children's High Level Group.
2007: Recognized in NEA's "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children"
Based on a 2007 online poll, the US National Education Association included the Harry Potter series in its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children," highlighting its value in educational settings.
December 2008: 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard' Published
'The Tales of Beedle the Bard,' a collection of fairy tales mentioned in the Harry Potter series, was published globally on December 4, 2008. This book provided further insights into the wizarding world.
July 2009: Half-Blood Prince Movie Release
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" premiered in July 2009, captivating audiences with its exploration of love, loss, and the looming threat of war.
2009: Launch of the Harry Potter Exhibition
A traveling exhibition dedicated to the world of Harry Potter premiered in Chicago in 2009, offering fans an immersive experience.
June 2010: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opens at Universal Orlando Resort
On June 18, 2010, Universal Orlando Resort in Florida celebrated the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an immersive Harry Potter-themed expansion at the Islands of Adventure theme park.
November 2010: Deathly Hallows – Part 1 Game Release
November 2010 witnessed the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1" video game, allowing players to experience the first part of the epic conclusion.
November 2010: Deathly Hallows – Part 1 Movie Release
The first part of the epic conclusion, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1," premiered in November 2010, setting the stage for the series' final battle.
July 2011: Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Game Release
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2" video game was released in July 2011, offering players a chance to step into the final battle.
July 2011: Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Movie Release
The Harry Potter film series reached its epic conclusion in July 2011 with the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2," leaving a lasting legacy on the world of cinema.
March 2012: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Opens
March 2012 marked the grand opening of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, offering fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the beloved film series.
2012: Release of Digital Editions on Pottermore
Rowling launched Pottermore in 2012 and made digital editions of the Harry Potter books available.
2012: Ranked Among Top Chapter Books by School Library Journal
Three Harry Potter books secured positions among the "Top 100 Chapter Books" of all time in a 2012 School Library Journal survey, further solidifying their place in literary history.
2012: Quidditch Featured as Exhibition Tournament at London Olympics
In recognition of its growing popularity and cultural significance, Quidditch, the sport inspired by the Harry Potter series, was showcased as an exhibition tournament during the 2012 London Olympics, highlighting its global reach and appeal.
2012: Pottermore Website Launches
J.K. Rowling launched the interactive website Pottermore in 2012, allowing fans to delve deeper into the wizarding world. Users could get sorted, find their wand, play games, and uncover exclusive content.
2012: Opening of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
Fans were granted access to the magic of filmmaking in 2012 with the opening of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, allowing visitors to explore the behind-the-scenes world of the beloved films.
2012: Lord Voldemort Featured in 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony
A 100-foot tall rendition of Lord Voldemort graced the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, showcasing the series' prominent place in UK culture.
2014: Harry Potter-Themed Areas Open at Universal Studios Florida and Japan
In 2014, Universal opened a Harry Potter-themed area at Universal Studios Florida, featuring Diagon Alley and the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts roller coaster. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka also debuted their Wizarding World, complete with Hogsmeade and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.
2015: Pottermore Redesigned as WizardingWorld
In 2015, the Pottermore website underwent a significant redesign and was relaunched as WizardingWorld. While still offering information and insights, the redesigned platform focused more on existing content rather than interactive exploration.
June 2016: Cursed Child Previews Begin in London
Previews for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," a two-part play serving as a sequel to the book series, began at London's Palace Theatre in June 2016.
November 2016: Premiere of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"
November 2016 saw the premiere of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," expanding the Harry Potter universe with a new trilogy of spin-off films.
November 2016: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Movie Release
Expanding the wizarding world, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" premiered in November 2016, marking J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut.
2016: Diana C. Mutz's Analysis of Harry Potter and the 2016 Election
In 2016, Diana C. Mutz drew parallels between the themes of the Harry Potter series and the political climate surrounding the 2016 Donald Trump presidential campaign, suggesting that both tapped into similar societal anxieties and aspirations.
2016: Harry Potter Franchise Valuation
In 2016, the Harry Potter franchise was estimated to be worth $25 billion, underscoring its status as one of the most lucrative media franchises ever.
2016: Three New Harry Potter E-books Released
J.K. Rowling expanded the Harry Potter universe further in 2016 with the release of three new e-books: 'Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide,' 'Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists,' and 'Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies.'
2016: Wizarding World Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood
The magic of Harry Potter arrived at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2016 with the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
2017: Portkey Games Studio Established
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment established Portkey Games in 2017, a studio dedicated to developing Harry Potter-themed games.
November 2018: Estimated Revenue from Book Sales
By November 2018, it was estimated that the Harry Potter book series had generated around $7.7 billion from book sales alone.
November 2018: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Movie Release
The sequel to "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," was released in November 2018, further exploring the wizarding world before Harry Potter.
2018: Hogwarts Mystery Game Launch
Developed by Jam City, "Hogwarts Mystery" was launched in 2018, allowing players to experience life as a Hogwarts student before Harry Potter's time.
November 2019: BBC's 100 Most Influential Novels
The BBC recognized the significant cultural impact of the Harry Potter series by including it in its list of the 100 most influential novels in November 2019.
2019: Harry Potter Series Featured on ALA's Top 10 Banned Book List
The Harry Potter series appeared on the American Library Association's list of most frequently challenged books in 2019, facing criticism and calls for censorship due to its depiction of magic and witchcraft, along with concerns about its suitability for children.
January 2021: Live-Action Harry Potter Series Early Development Reported
In January 2021, news broke that HBO Max was in early development of a live-action Harry Potter television series. However, there were complications due to existing rights agreements with Warner Bros.
April 2022: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Movie Release
April 2022 saw the release of "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore," continuing the prequel series and delving deeper into the history of the wizarding world.
November 2022: One Billion Hours Listened on Audible
By November 2022, the audiobook versions of the Harry Potter series had surpassed a billion hours listened to on Audible.
February 2023: Milestone: Over 600 Million Copies Sold
By February 2023, the Harry Potter books had achieved a remarkable milestone, selling over 600 million copies worldwide, solidifying their position as the best-selling book series in history.
April 2023: Live-Action Series Confirmed for Development
In April 2023, the development of the live-action Harry Potter series was officially confirmed. It was announced that the series would be streamed on the newly rebranded streaming service Max.
2023: Hogwarts Legacy Game Release
Developed by Avalanche Software, "Hogwarts Legacy" was released in 2023, offering players an immersive open-world experience set in the Harry Potter universe.
February 2024: Series Debut Announced for 2026
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced in February 2024 that the live-action Harry Potter series would debut on Max in 2026.
June 2024: HBO Streaming Announced
In June 2024, it was announced that the live-action Harry Potter series would also be available for streaming on HBO, in addition to Max.
April 2025: Warner Bros. Rights Deal Expiration
A seven-year rights deal between Warner Bros. and another entity for US broadcast, cable, and streaming rights to the Harry Potter franchise is set to end in April 2025.
2026: Live-Action Series Set to Debut
The highly anticipated live-action Harry Potter series is scheduled to premiere in 2026.