Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

January 2004

(1,221)

Synopsis

Harry, Ron & Hermione, now teenagers, return for their third year at Hogwarts, where they are forced to face escaped prisoner, Sirius Black, who poses a great threat to Harry. Harry and his friends spend their third year learning how to handle a half-horse half-eagle Hippogriff, repel shape-shifting Boggarts and master the art of Divination. They also visit the wizarding village of Hogsmeade and the Shrieking Shack, which is considered the most haunted building in Britain. In addition to these new experiences, Harry must overcome the threats of the soul-sucking Dementors, outsmart a dangerous werewolf and finally deal with the truth about Sirius Black and his relationship to Harry and his parents. With his best friends, Harry masters advanced magic, crosses the barriers of time and changes the course of more than one life. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron and based on J.K. Rowling's third book, this wondrous spellbinder soars with laughs, and the kind of breathless surprise only found in a Harry Potter adventure. MPAA Rating: PG Rated PG for frightening moments, creature violence and mild language. HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban & Package Design © 2004 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Reviews

4.5

1,221 total

5 856

4 248

3 72

2 19

1 26

Joe Morgenstern

The right word for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is wondersful -- as in full of wonders, great and small.

Scott Tobias

For the first time, the non-converted may actually see what all the fuss is about.

Bruce Diones

Just like the books that the films are based on, this franchise gets better with each installment.

J. R. Jones

Like the first two movies, this is loaded with computer-generated imagery, but for the first time there's a sense of dramatic proportion balancing the spectacle and the story line.

Wally Hammond

Compared to its predecessors, this is a more wintry, thoughtful and rewarding movie.

Amy Biancolli

This is a luminous movie -- luminous, imaginative and affecting. For Harry Potter, at least, the third time is the charm.

Critic reviews

Joe Morgenstern

The right word for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is wondersful -- as in full of wonders, great and small.

Full Review

Scott Tobias

For the first time, the non-converted may actually see what all the fuss is about.

Full Review

Bruce Diones

Just like the books that the films are based on, this franchise gets better with each installment.

Full Review

J. R. Jones

Like the first two movies, this is loaded with computer-generated imagery, but for the first time there's a sense of dramatic proportion balancing the spectacle and the story line.

Full Review

Wally Hammond

Compared to its predecessors, this is a more wintry, thoughtful and rewarding movie.

Full Review

Amy Biancolli

This is a luminous movie -- luminous, imaginative and affecting. For Harry Potter, at least, the third time is the charm.

Full Review

Peter Rainer

The most powerfully entrancing children's film in years.

Full Review

User reviews

A Google User August 28, 2012

A Work of Art It took me several viewings of this film to actually discover that I like it. The book upon which it is based is my least favorite in the series. However, this film is one of the better films in the series. It's not because of the plot itself, although how the plot was portrayed in the film was actually quite well done for the most part. It is really because it is the most stylish, the most artistic installment in the series. Alfonso Cuarón is a talented and unique director who brought something completely new to the Harry Potter film series. The shots in this film are especially scenic for the series, and it is actually a nice touch. One thing that could have been done better was capturing the seriousness of the plot. There are a lot of little, extraneous scenes and inclusions throughout the film that are out of place and take away from the darkness and the flow of the story. I understand that it was probably an artistic decision on the director's part, but it...could have been executed better. The acting in this film was also the weakest in the series. Overall, this third film is a very unique installment. It's got style! It can be bumpy sometimes, but it is still a great film!

Sam Rothermel April 2, 2014

Many have said it before, but I'll say it again: This series just gets better with age. A new director, more confident leading actors, and probably the best source material from author J.K. Rowling yet lifts this third Harry Potter movie leagues above the first two. It is more than just a "good Harry Potter" movie; director Cuaron actually puts out a fantastic film on its own. John Williams does much to bring a fresh score to his already established themes, and the supporting cast has the most to do yet with a Harry Potter film that sets this one above the others. Definitely the best of the three first films.

A Google User August 4, 2012

Best of the bunch Please ignore the playjobs spam comment from "Wendy".

Clan Clasher October 5, 2014

Best Thing Ever Best harry potter movie ever

Steven Desmoulin October 5, 2014

Favourite of the series No other movie has better graphics or is as entertainig

Da Kidd July 20, 2013

Harry Potter Wish this didn't end... But it did... Really good series ... These actors n .actresses was n is Still good.. No Harry Potter will never end... You know in the year 5659 they make a remake n they be different actresses n actors.. Keep up ths good work .... Thank you Harry Potter `s fan

A Google User August 17, 2012

Harry Potter Awsome Huge fan every thing u do is awsome!!!!

teri stallone June 11, 2013

My favorite series ive read the books, listened to them on audio books, plus seen all the movies and cannot get enough of Harry Potter, Ron, Hermioney and of course house elves

Thaniuska Vivas July 4, 2014

LOVE the book and movie! But I preferred the book I was left a little confused by the movie

Lexi Emery September 24, 2014

Hey Potter I do love you I always do my life I have that movie all done my dad had it I don't worry about it these replies its Lexi she got it the movie I to do the stated you know I got this problem I'm not scared its a I would know I do you know. I watched it with integral Harry Potter it was my favorite will never return I can't we live my life much Deborah Cox

A Google User July 31, 2012

Epic It amazed me so much of how all 8 movies were made just a family favourite plain excellent

A Google User October 23, 2012

it's harry potter.! of course it's gonna be good. haven't actually watched the movie, but hey, it's harry freakn potter.!! word.

William Quiñones November 21, 2013

Thumbs up See all of them and your would not be unsatisfied.

A Google User April 10, 2012

awesomenessssssss this book was amazing thannks for writing the book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Google User July 30, 2012

Harry potter 3 It is my third favorite i think and it was excellent

Lizeth Contreras March 17, 2013

Excellent My favorite part is Harry and Hermione are with Sirus XD

Dakidd Ofoaklandcalifornia March 27, 2013

Harry potter fan The greatest movies n books of harry potter. Thank you.

A Google User March 14, 2012

Dval I love all the Harry potter's I have to dwnld the last one part 2

Layne Jagodowski April 12, 2014

Expecto Patronum! Sorry I just love the movie!

Steven Mcquagge August 11, 2014

Love

Cast and credits

Actors	Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Richard Griffiths, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Gary Goldman, Fiona Shaw, Richard Harris (i), Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Mark Williams
Producers	David Heyman, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe
Director	Alfonso Cuaron

Additional information

Rotten tomatoes® score

91%

Audio language

English (Stereo)

Subtitles

English

Rental period

Start within 30 days, finish within 48 hours.

Info cards

Enabled

Run time

141 minutes

Rating

Similar

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Action & Adventure

In this enchanting film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's delightful bestseller, Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned first son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. He learns the high-flying sport Quidditch and plays a thrilling game with living chess pieces on his way to face a Dark Wizard bent on destroying him. MPAA Rating: PG Rated PG for some scary moments and mild language. HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone & Package Design © 2001 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Action & Adventure

Emboldened by the return of Lord Voldemort, the Death Eaters are wreaking havoc in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Dumbledore is intent upon preparing Harry for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. He needs Harry to help him uncover a vital key to unlocking Voldemort's defenses--critical information known only to Hogwarts' former Potions Professor, Horace Slughorn. Meanwhile, teenage hormones rage across the ramparts as Harry's long friendship with Ginny Weasley is growing into something deeper. But standing in the way is Ginny's boyfriend, Dean Thomas, not to mention her big brother Ron. Ron's got romantic entanglements of his own to worry about, with Lavender Brown lavishing her affections on him, leaving Hermione simmering with jealousy yet determined not to show her feelings. One student, however, remains aloof with far more important matters on his mind. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. MPAA Rating: PG-13 HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince © 2009 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

Action & Adventure

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2," is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. The much-anticipated motion picture event is the second of two full-length parts. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 "© 2011 Warner Bros. Ent. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K.R. Harry

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Action & Adventure

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts only to discover that much of the wizarding community has been led to believe that the story of the teenager's recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort is a lie, putting Harry's integrity in question. Worse, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, has appointed a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, the duplicitous Professor Dolores Umbridge. But Professor Umbridge's "Ministry-approved" course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the Dark Forces threatening them, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry is convinced to take matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves "Dumbledore's Army," Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead. MPAA Rating: PG-13 Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images. HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and (c) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishin g Rights (c) J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix & Package Design (c) 2007 Warner Bros. Entertainment In

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Action & Adventure

Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the Horcruxes the keys to Voldemort's immortality. On their own, without the guidance or protection of their professors, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile, the Wizarding world has become a dangerous place for all enemies of the Dark Lord. The long-feared war has begun and Voldemort's Death Eaters seize control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting anyone who might oppose them. But the one prize they still seek is the one most valuable to Voldemort: Harry Potter. Harry's only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him. But as he searches for clues, he uncovers an old and almost forgotten tale--the legend of the Deathly Hallows.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 © 2010 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Action & Adventure

After a long summer with the horrid Dursleys, Harry Potter is thwarted in his attempts to board the train to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his second year. Harry's only transportation option is a magical flying car, but, unfortunately, it crashes into a valuable Whomping Willow.Still, all this seems like a day in the park compared to what awaits Harry that fall within the haunted halls of Hogwarts. Chilling, malevolent voices whisper from the walls only to Harry, and it seems certain that his classmate Draco Malfoy is out to get him. Soon it's not just Harry who is worried about survival, as dreadful things begin to happen at the school. The mysteriously gleaming foot-high words on the wall proclaim: "The Chamber of Secrets Has Been Opened. Enemies of the Heir, Beware." But what exactly does it all mean? Harry, Hermione, and Ron do everything that is wizardly possible, including risking their own lives to solve this 50-year-old, potentially deadly mystery.

The Lego Movie

Family

The first-ever full-length theatrical LEGO movie follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Action & Adventure

Magic is everywhere in Disney's THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE! Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) is a modern-day sorcerer with his hands full defending Manhattan against dark forces. When a seemingly average kid shows hidden potential, Balthazar takes his reluctant recruit on a crash course in the art and science of magic to become the ultimate sorcerer's apprentice.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Action & Adventure

The roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow's idyllic pirate life capsizes after his nemesis, the wily Captain Barbossa, steals his ship, the Black Pearl, and later attacks the town of Port Royal, kidnapping the governor's beautiful daughter Elizabeth. In a gallant attempt to rescue her and recapture the Black Pearl, Elizabeth's childhood friend Will Turner joins forces with Jack. What Will doesn't know is that a cursed treasure has doomed Barbossa and his crew to live forever as the undead!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Action & Adventure

Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley set sail for uncharted adventure in this epic swashbuckler. Captain Jack Sparrow has a blood debt to pay: He owes his soul to ghastly Davy Jones unless he can cheat death -- and eternal damnation -- by seizing the fabled "Dead Man's Chest." Tremble in terror as the mighty "Kraken" roars from the ocean depths to split planks, crush hulls and snap bones!

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Action & Adventure

Just when he's needed most, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), that witty and wily charmer of a pirate, is trapped on a sea of sand in Davy Jones' Locker. In an increasingly shaky alliance, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) and Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) begin a desperate quest to find and rescue him. Captain Jack's the last of the nine Pirate Lords of the Brethren Court who must come together united in one last stand to preserve the freedom-loving pirates' way of life. From exotic Singapore to World's End and beyond, from Shipwreck Island to a titanic battle, this adventure's filled with over-the-edge action, irreverent humor and seafaring myth and magic.

Adventures Of Shark Boy And Lava Girl

Action & Adventure

Another family adventure from the hit-making director of Spy Kids, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl is non-stop fun and stars Hollywood favorites David Arquette, Kristin Davis, and George Lopez. Everyone always knew that Max had a wild imagination...but no one believed that his wildest creations- a boy raised by watchful great white sharks and a girl with the force of a volcano- were real! Now, these two pint-sized action masters will show Max that even an ordinary kid has what it takes to be extraordinary! Bursting with cool, eye-popping 3-D speacial effects- even the smallest dreamers can become the biggest heroes in this entertaining motion picture!

Alice in Wonderland

Action & Adventure

Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice for a fantastical adventure! Inviting and magical, Alice In Wonderland is an imaginative new twist on one of the most beloved stories of all time. Alice (Mia Wasikowska), now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny. This Wonderland is a world beyond your imagination and unlike anything you've seen before. The extraordinary characters you've loved come to life richer and more colorful than ever. There's the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), the White Queen (Anne Hathaway), the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), the White Rabbit (Michael Sheen) and more. A triumphant cinematic experience, Alice In Wonderland is an incredible feast for your eyes, ears and heart that will captivate audiences of all sizes.

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

Family

Meet McKenna Brooks, a determined and confident young gymnast, in this all-new, modern-day adventure. McKenna is on track to make the regional competitive gymnastics team, but off track in school, where she's suddenly struggling to keep up. When her teacher suggests a tutor, she's embarrassed and desperate to keep it a secret from her friends. Then a bad fall at the gym sidetracks her from her favorite sport. Will she recover in time to make the team? Can she succeed in school, too? McKenna needs to focus on her strengths to overcome her challenges—and, with the help of family and friends, find a way to believe in herself again. Starring Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Ian Ziering (TV's "Beverly Hills, 90210"), and gymnastics champion Cathy Rigby, this heart-warming story will have the whole family cheering!

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Family

The magical world of C.S. Lewis' beloved fantasy comes to life once again in PRINCE CASPIAN, the second installment of THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA series. Join Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, the mighty and majestic Aslan, friendly new Narnian creatures and Prince Caspian as they lead the Narnians on a remarkable journey to restore peace and glory to their enchanted land. Continuing the adventure of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE with more magic and a brand-new hero, PRINCE CASPIAN is a triumph of imagination, courage, love, joy and humor your whole family will want to watch.

G-Force

Family

Buckle up for thrilling edge-of-your seat action and laugh-out-loud fun in Disney's family comedy adventure G-FORCE. Just as the G-Force -- an elite team of highly trained guinea pigs -- is about to save the world, the F.B.I. shuts the secret unit down. But these next-generation action heroes -- Darwin, loyal team leader, Blaster, weapons expert with attitude to spare, Juarez, drop-dead gorgeous martial arts diva, and tag-along Hurley -- won't be stopped. Armed with the latest in high-tech spy equipment, and with the F.B.I. on their tails, the fur flies as they race against the clock to save the world. Filled with high-octane action, daredevil stunts, cutting edge special effects and outrageous comedy, G-FORCE is fantastic fun for the whole family.