If you’re anything like me, finishing the last of the Harry Potter books in order left you in a bit of a magical limbo. One moment you’re in Hogwarts battling Death Eaters, and the next, you’re staring blankly at your bookshelf thinking, “Now what?” Whether you’re reminiscing about the young Harry Potter days or looking for books like Harry Potter for adults, I’ve got you.
This list isn’t just another collection of fantasy titles. It’s a carefully curated vault of books similar to Harry Potter, fantasy fiction series books, and movies like Harry Potter that promise to rekindle your sense of wonder. And yes, I’ve added a little bit of everything—from dragons and chosen ones to secret academies and time travel.
Let’s start with the essentials for any true Potterhead.
📚 First Things First: All Harry Potter Books in Order
Before we dive into magical alternatives, here’s a refresher of all Harry Potter books in reading order:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Whether you’re re-reading or introducing the Harry Potter book collection to a new generation, knowing the correct order is key. And speaking of generations…
🧒 What’s the Harry Potter Reading Level?
A lot of parents ask, “What’s the Harry Potter reading level?”
- Ages 8–12 is generally the recommended starting point.
- The first three books are great for younger readers (8+), but the darker tones of the later books might suit ages 10–13 and above.
- For teens and nostalgic adults, rereading the Harry Potter book series new with adult eyes brings a whole new layer of depth.
Now that we’ve re-established Hogwarts ground, let’s step beyond.
🏰 1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Why you’ll love it: Greek gods, sassy demigods, and Camp Half-Blood.
If books comparable to Harry Potter are what you seek, start with Percy. Imagine Hogwarts, but with gods instead of spells and quests instead of exams. The top book series includes:
- The Lightning Thief
- The Sea of Monsters
- The Titan’s Curse
- The Battle of the Labyrinth
- The Last Olympian
The humor and heart make this one of the best books for kids like Harry Potter, and honestly, adults get hooked too. My 34-year-old cousin binged this and started quoting Poseidon.
🐉 2. Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini
Why you’ll love it: A farm boy, a dragon egg, and a destiny bigger than the skies.
Looking for books like Eragon? Start with… well, Eragon. It’s often seen as one of the books similar to Harry Potter but with more Tolkien-esque dragons.
The series includes:
- Eragon
- Eldest
- Brisingr
- Inheritance
It’s a great book series if you love ancient prophecies, magic languages, and political battles. It gets better with every page, especially if you’re into deep lore and intense battles.
🎩 3. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Why you’ll love it: Parallel worlds, daemons, and truth-telling devices.
Books if you like Harry Potter don’t get much more intellectually rich than this. Lyra Belacqua is the fierce, clever protagonist you didn’t know you needed.
Includes:
- The Golden Compass
- The Subtle Knife
- The Amber Spyglass
This is one of the fantasy fiction series books that raises big questions about religion, science, and identity. It’s dark, beautiful, and haunting—a powerful follow-up for fans of young Harry Potter who’ve grown into deeper themes.
🕯️ 4. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Why you’ll love it: Clever orphans, dark humor, and a literary style that’s unforgettable.
These books are absurd, witty, and delightfully gothic. And while they don’t have wands or spells, they do have codes, secrets, and eccentric villains.
This is one of those cool books for kids like Harry Potter—perfect for fans of the darker side of magic and mystery.
🧛 5. Septimus Heap by Angie Sage
Why you’ll love it: A hidden wizard, a lost royal, and a tower filled with magic.
If you’re looking for books like Harry Potter for adults that still carry that youthful charm, this series is magical enough to scratch that Hogwarts itch. Plus, the world-building is chef’s kiss.
Books in the series include:
- Magyk
- Flyte
- Physik
- Queste
- Syren
- Darke
- Fyre
It’s a whimsical ride through enchanted forests and ancient secrets. Perfect for family reading nights or solo bookworm sessions.
🧙 6. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Why you’ll love it: Think Harry Potter goes to college and falls into Narnia—with much darker consequences.
This one’s for grown-up Potterheads. It’s sarcastic, brutally honest, and often heartbreaking.
- A great pick if you’re wondering books like Harry Potter for adults.
- You’ll see Hogwarts echoes—but through a very adult lens.
Be warned: this is not a warm and fuzzy ride. But it’s a brilliant exploration of magic, depression, and the disillusionment of adulthood.
🎬 Movies Like Harry Potter That Keep the Magic Alive
Sometimes, the craving isn’t for books comparable to Harry Potter—but movies similar to Harry Potter that keep the magic alive on screen.
✨ Fantastic Beasts series
A prequel set in the same universe, with magical creatures and darker plots. The Harry Potter book collection feels complete with these films added on.
✨ The Chronicles of Narnia
If you want movies like Harry Potter with magical doors and destiny, Narnia is always a good shout.
✨ Stardust
Based on Neil Gaiman’s book, this one is whimsical, charming, and surprisingly deep.
🧝♀️ 7. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Why you’ll love it: Two girls. One cursed. One blessed. A fairy tale school where destiny decides if you’re good or evil.
Ever wonder what modern children’s books imitate Harry Potter? This series is a perfect answer. It mixes fairy tale logic with magical schools and unexpected twists.
Books include:
- The School for Good and Evil
- A World Without Princes
- The Last Ever After
- …and more!
This is definitely a contender for one of the most popular fantasy fiction series books for kids and teens today.
🔮 8. Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
Why you’ll love it: A cursed child whisked away to a magical city where she must compete in trials to earn a place in a magical society.
Sounds a bit like Harry’s Hogwarts letter, doesn’t it? But Nevermoor has a charm of its own, and Morrigan Crow is a powerful protagonist in her own right.
Ideal for anyone who devoured the Harry Potter books in order and still wants more magic, mystery, and mischief.
🏰 9. The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell
Why you’ll love it: Sky pirates, floating cities, and a world unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
This is one of those fantasy fiction series books that feels like stepping into an entirely new dimension. With quirky characters, bizarre creatures, and stunning illustrations, this is a great book series for both young readers and grown-ups who want a dash of quirky magic.
The series is divided into trilogies based on different protagonists—but you can start with:
- Beyond the Deepwoods
- Stormchaser
- Midnight Over Sanctaphrax
If you liked the fantastical elements and creativity in books comparable to Harry Potter, you’ll be blown away by this world.
👻 10. Lockwood & Co. by Jonathan Stroud
Why you’ll love it: Teenage ghost hunters in a haunted London—need I say more?
If you’re craving books similar to Harry Potter but with more of a ghostly twist, this is your next stop. Lockwood, Lucy, and George are an unforgettable trio—witty, courageous, and constantly in over their heads.
It’s thrilling, eerie, and surprisingly heartfelt. Also now a Netflix series, making it one of those books like Harry Potter for adults that also works as a movie similar to Harry Potter (in vibe, at least).
🪄 11. The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
Why you’ll love it: Djinni, sarcasm, ancient magic, and political intrigue.
Stroud makes the list again because, honestly, this trilogy is gold. While Harry Potter has Hogwarts, Bartimaeus has a dystopian London where magicians rule and summoned spirits do their bidding—reluctantly.
It’s smart, funny, and rich in world-building. Highly recommended for readers looking for books like Harry Potter for adults that still capture the magic.
Start with:
- The Amulet of Samarkand
- The Golem’s Eye
- Ptolemy’s Gate
🧞 12. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Why you’ll love it: A teenage criminal mastermind, high-tech fairies, and nonstop action.
If you liked the cunning minds in books like Eragon or the layered moral complexity of Snape vs. Harry, Artemis will intrigue you. This is one of the most popular fantasy fiction series books for clever kids and witty adults alike.
What makes this unique is that the protagonist isn’t your typical hero—he’s a boy-genius anti-hero. But as the series unfolds, you see real growth and some unforgettable action.
📚 13. Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke
Why you’ll love it: Characters that come out of books (literally) and the consequences of playing with stories.
If you’re a reader who’s ever wanted to live inside your favorite book (cough Harry Potter book series new reprint cough), then this trilogy is your dream—and nightmare—come true.
- Inkheart
- Inkspell
- Inkdeath
Meggie’s journey is magical, dangerous, and deeply meta—perfect for literary-minded Potterheads looking for books if you like Harry Potter that take the love of stories to a whole new level.
🌌 14. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
Why you’ll love it: Telepathic elves, hidden cities, secret abilities—and a fierce girl at the center of it all.
This top book series is often dubbed as “the next Harry Potter” by fans who adore its magical academy, complex friendships, and slowly unraveling secrets.
The series has already become a Harry Potter reading level favorite among kids aged 10+, and the fandom is growing fast. For those wondering what modern children’s books imitate Harry Potter, this is a top pick.
🔥 15. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Why you’ll love it: Vintage photos, time loops, and a school for kids with strange abilities.
If you love movies like Harry Potter with gothic aesthetics and mysterious powers, the Tim Burton adaptation of this book might already be on your radar. But the book series goes so much deeper, with haunting prose and strange magic that clings to you long after the last page.
This one is perfect for readers seeking books like Harry Potter for adults with a dark, historical fantasy twist.
🎥 Bonus: Movies Similar to Harry Potter That Deserve a Weekend Binge
When you’re not in the mood to read (rare, but hey—we all get there), these movies similar to Harry Potter bring the charm, magic, and wonder back to life:
- The Spiderwick Chronicles – magical creatures + family secrets
- The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials) – parallel worlds and destiny
- The House with a Clock in Its Walls – spooky wizardry and old-school charm
- Bridge to Terabithia – not magical in the usual sense, but full of wonder and imagination
- The Hunger Games – not magical, but excellent for older Harry Potter fans craving high-stakes narratives
✨ Wrapping Up the Magic
Leaving Hogwarts is tough—we all miss the classes, the feasts, the duels in the corridors. But the truth is, the magic never really ends. Whether you’re diving into books comparable to Harry Potter, exploring great book series filled with magical lands and brave hearts, or rewatching movies like Harry Potter for the tenth time, the world is brimming with stories that rekindle that same wonder.
This guide from Riya’s Blogs is just the beginning. Keep exploring, keep imagining, and most of all—keep believing in magic.
Because once you’ve stepped into a world like Harry Potter’s, your heart never really leaves.
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
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