That along with the death of Sirius Black leaves the series on a satisfyingly somber note. Seeing Harry and a good portion of his team take on the Death Eaters was cool, but nothing compares to Dumbledore (and sort of Harry) take on Voldemort. To me, it's one of the finest sequences this series has ever given us. Just simply taking a look at the gorgeous cinematography and production design of the final showdown at the Department of Mysteries. Unlike Goblet of Fire, we get to spend much more time at Hogwarts as well as getting a look at a few new sets outside the campus. It's a complicated character to like, but it fits in with the tone of the movie in a strangely satisfying way.Īnother strongpoint in The Order of the Phoenix is the impressive set design. Umbridge is easily one the easiest characters to hate in the series, but I can't picture anyone else bringing more to the role than Imelda Staunton did. This all isn't taken too well from the newly appointed Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dolores Umbridge. It's probably the first time in the series' history where Harry willingly takes on a leadership role in order to get ahead of Voldemort's plans.

Alas, Harry starts 'Dumbledore's Army' with the help of Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Neville, Cho, and the new cast member, Luna Lovegood among others. We've seen plenty of great adventures from the main trio thus far, so I guess it was about time the team expands a bit.

But Dementors are only the beginning to what is probably Harry's most difficult task in the series to that point, defeating the dark lord and his 'army' he's been recruiting. It's another truly eerie opening as the dementors nearly killed Harry and Dudley. Harry faces a difficult case against him at the ministry after it's revealed to them that Harry used magic in the presence of muggles. The ministry refuses to believe that that the dark lord has returned, while Harry and a select few at Hogwarts are truly preparing for what's to come. After the horrific events at the end of Goblet of Fire, Hogwarts, its students, and the rest of the Wizarding World are at a split feeling surrounding the reemergence of Lord Voldemort. That journey is perhaps most drastic in Order of the Phoenix. I didn't read the books, so I can't specifically comment on the quality of the adaptation, but I do know that Order of the Phoenix is one damn good film.Īs much as I love the inevitable singular adventures each film in the Harry Potter series brings, I think Harry's emotional journey in each film is equally as intriguing.

I'm sure it's difficult for any filmmaker to adapt a beloved novel, but David Yates had an extraordinary task attempting to cut down the longest Potter novel into what happens to be, the second shortest film in the series.

5th harry potter movie