One of the Greatest Movie Franchises of All Time Ended 15 Years Ago Today
Everyone loves a movie franchise; those that start from humble beginnings to reaching into space - we're looking at you, Fast and the Furious. While it didn't quite reach space, the Harry Potter franchise delivered the wonderful wizarding world created in JK Rowling's novels to its audience.
Each of the eight Harry Potter films received at least a 77% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes while the eighth and final installment in the series (before the Fantastic Beasts additions), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 received the best score of any of the films.
"A clash between good and evil awaits as young Harry, Ron and Hermione prepare for a final battle against Lord Voldemort. The friends must search for the Horcruxes that keep the dastardly wizard immortal. Harry and Voldemort meet at Hogwarts Castle for a showdown where the forces of darkness may finally meet their match," reads the synopsis for the film.
'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' Released 15 Years Ago
The film received a near-perfect 96% from 332 critics on Rotten Tomatoes after it was released on this day 15 years ago.
Legendary film critic Roger Ebert raved about the film, giving it 3.5 out of 4 stars.
"After seven earlier films reaching back a decade, the Harry Potter saga comes to a solid and satisfying conclusion in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2." The finale conjures up enough awe and solemnity to serve as an appropriate finale and a dramatic contrast to the lighthearted (relative) innocence of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" all those magical years ago," he said.
Business Insider ranked the Harry Potter franchise at No. 3 on its list of the greatest movie franchises of all time.
Related: One of the Greatest Comedy Movies of All Time Was Released 21 Years Ago Today
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 2:52 PM.