Every Wizarding World Movie Ranked

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is where the franchise's overarching conflict finally comes into focus, as Harry finds himself trapped in a dangerous competition and forced to confront the evil that's followed him for his entire life.

Consisting of a far darker tone than previous instalments, the drama unfolds at breakneck pace, first putting our heroes in the crosshairs of a growing new threat, then thrusting Harry into a fresh adventure that tears his friendships and worldview apart.

The Goblet of Fire is where the franchise really leaned into its more mature elements, highlighting the horrors of its vile antagonists and the complicated histories of its heroes with equal parts clarity and mystery.

There are issues - the more you think about Barty Crouch's deception, the less sense it makes - but nothing that overcomes the film's excellence. The final twist remains a visceral gut-punch, the horror elements making every step of the journey feel impossibly grim. From here, things would never be the same again.