It may not come as a surprise that the Harry Potter films remain incredibly popular. Despite the first film being released nearly 25 years ago, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is still among the top streaming titles of 2024. According to data from Digital-I (via Deadline), the film garnered over 40 million views on the Max streaming platform last year. While it might not be considered the best installment in the series, it still reached nearly 20% of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total subscriber base, which is significant.
These statistics were derived from the 2024 Digital-I UK Streaming Export List, which tracks viewing figures across Netflix, Disney, Prime Video, and Max in various regions, including the UK, Japan, Korea, Canada, Australia, Latin America, and Europe.
This phenomenon is an example of “Newstalgia,” showing that older films can regain popularity through streaming platforms. Such numbers reinforce the universal appeal of Rowling’s story about a magical boy. While many new films and series come and go on streaming services, this classic from 2001 continues to attract a large audience.
The controversy surrounding Harry Potter continues to persist
Warner Bros.
This popularity could explain why Warner Bros. Discovery is proceeding full steam ahead with the “Harry Potter” TV series slated for release in 2026. The franchise has been overshadowed by J.K. Rowling’s controversial statements regarding transgender issues, which have made her a polarizing figure. Despite calls for the franchise to move beyond her influence, she retains creative control.
Although controversies surround the franchise, its popularity remains intact. For instance, the video game “Hogwarts Legacy” emerged as the best-selling game of 2023, raking in over $1 billion for Warner Bros.
While the “Fantastic Beasts” spin-off series struggled after its third installment, the franchise as a whole remains commercially viable. Warner Bros. has clear financial incentives to continue exploring the Harry Potter universe, particularly in a Hollywood landscape filled with uncertainty.
