John Williams/Chris Columbus extreme irony

I wouldn't say they were the best films in the series, but I do think they did the best job of translating their source books.

How about that. Lol.

But actually! Those who consider the first and second film the best in the series are absolutely not in the majority. I myself am very fond of the first two films and I’ll gladly take them over a bunch of the sequels (I’ve always considered “Chamber of Secrets” underrated and one of the best in the series). But my fondness for them aside, the truth is fans and critics alike hold most of the sequels in higher regard. Personally, I think the look, charm and feel of the Columbus movies was unique and wondrous. Something about them felt more, dare I say, magical. However, the sequels really captured the spirit of the books better. And I mean, the series naturally had to evolve as Harry and his friends got older and the Voldy situation grew more dire, so the sequels justifiably were darker; Chamber of Secrets itself was darker than the first movie.

Now when it came to “Prisoner of Azkaban”, that was the film that completely set the tone for all future Potter films. The direction, cinematography, special effects and overall tone of that film arguably defined this series. As it is, many to this day view POA as the strongest entry in the series. While Chamber of Secrets remains my favorite, I can see why the third film is regarded as the best by many.

Back to the OP’s issue... the supposed “no American” rule meant that only British actors could appear and talk IN the movies (with some minor exceptions). The same didn’t apply to those BEHIND the camera. But funnily enough, the director & composer for the third entry were also not English. The uber talented Alfonso Cuarón is Mexican and, of course, the returning John Williams is American. At any rate, though it’s safe to say most fans don’t share the OP’s opinion, many clearly continue to make the case that Prisoner of Azkaban remains at the top. Why should it matter tho...

I agree that I enjoy the first film the best. That was Chris Columbus’s work. I was disappointed he stepped away but what I heard in an interview on the Blu ray version I think is he wanted more time with his family. I’m sure it was hard to step away. But as I understand it was it was his decision.

I loved the first two movies,but the best movie of all is the third one,directed by Alfonso Cuaron. By the way the "only english people" rule (it wasnt a "no americans" rule,but a "only english" rule) was only about the actors,not the directors. In fact they also offered the role of director to Spielberg before going to Columbus.

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Did the source material have American kids in the school? If not, then there's nothing smug about it not featuring any. As an American it's refreshing to not see a youth fantasy film without any annoying angsty American kids.

She never said "no Americans", she wanted the films made in Britain rather than Hollywood, and with a British cast. She was certainly right about casting!

Because Spielberg wanted to make the films in Hollywood with an American cast, and change Hogarts into an American school. Can you imagine how much chutzpah it took to say "no" to Spielberf's big plans? And to turn down the truckload of money he offered?

When I heard about they only wanted an all-English cast I was kind of annoyed. However, when I thought about it made more sense to me. It would be the same if the series was American. If the shoe was on the other foot I get it.