Next week is a big one for serious Harry Potter fans as the legendary literary and film character turns 44 on Wednesday.
The main character of the young adult book series authored by JK Rowling has been around since the first book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” hit stores in 1997. Four years later, the first movie, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” hit screens, and millions of people around the world have been captivated by the fantasy stories involving wizardry and witchcraft ever since.
Harry Potter: The Franchise Wizard
Over the years, Rowling’s seven books became the basis for eight movies, which grossed a total of $2.88 billion in box office receipts. According to Box Office Mojo, the Harry Potter film franchise is the fifth-biggest in the world, behind only the Marvel universe, Star Wars, Disney’s live-action reboots, and the Spider-Man series.
Rank | Harry Potter Movie | Level of Interest |
|---|---|---|
1 | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | 31 |
2 | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | 12 |
3 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | 11 |
4 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | 10 |
5 | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | 9 |
6 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 | 8 |
7 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | 7 |
8 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 | 4 |
In preparation for our own Harry Potter birthday bash, we at BetCarolina.com took a break from its normal North Carolina sports betting to determine what movie in the franchise was the most popular among North Carolina residents. The results below are based on search data within the state from July 18, 2023, to July 18, 2024.
Favorite Harry Potter Movies Of North Carolina Residents
North Carolina Potterheads are most interested in the first movie, and the data shows it’s not really close. The remaining seven films – for those who don’t know, Harry Potter series producer and distributor Warner Bros. Pictures split Rowling’s final novel into two films – are bunched together in popularity based on their search scores.
Interestingly, while the last film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” ranks last among area fans in terms of interest, it is by far the highest-grossing film in the franchise. Since its initial release on July 15, 2011, the final chapter of the saga has grossed $381 million. “Sorcerer’s Stone” is second among Harry Potter films with a box office total of $317.6 million since its debut on Nov. 16, 2001.
North Carolina sports betting operators have been approved to offer odds on leagues and events within 47 sports. Quidditch, though, is not one of them. Be sure to visit BetCarolina.com for information on gaming in the state and for the latest reviews on North Carolina sportsbook apps.
Author
As a writer and analyst for BetCarolina.com, Steve not only covers gaming news and developments in North Carolina but also provides insights into what they mean for bettors, licensed operators and the state. A veteran journalist with 25 years of experience covering sports, politics and business, Steve has reported on the gambling industry intently over the past five years.
