Accessibility Links
Skip to Main Content
Skip to Main Navigation
Skip to Footer
Magazine subscription offer
Holidays
Money
Newsletters
RT shop
RT Puzzles
Daily Deals
Sign In
Register
Sign In
Register
Settings
Sign out
My account
On TV
On TV
Now
On TV
Tonight
Search
On TV
On TV
Now
On TV
Tonight
TV Guide
News
News
View all News
Soaps
Soaps
View all Soaps
Coronation Street
EastEnders
Emmerdale
Hollyoaks
Streaming
Streaming
View all Streaming
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Drama
Comedy
Entertainment
Sci-Fi
Fantasy
Sport
Documentary
Film
Gaming
Technology
Streaming
Streaming
View all Streaming
Disney+
Apple TV+
UKTV Play
Netflix
Britbox
Acorn TV
Amazon
NOW TV
Sky Box Sets
Film
Film
View all Film
Film news
Film picks
Sport
Radio
Mag Offer
Magazine subscription offer
Holidays
Money
Newsletters
RT shop
RT Puzzles
Daily Deals
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Alfonso Cuaron
(2004)
135min
PG Certificate
ADVERTISEMENT
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Email to a friend
Review
Our Score
by
Dave Aldridge
The franchise holders took a real risk by handing this third Harry Potter film to a Mexican director who was then best known for the smart, sexy but low-budget road movie
Y Tu Mamá También
. (He's since gone on to win Oscars for
Gravity
and
Roma
.) But the decision has paid dividends. Alfonso Cuarón brings a darker, edgier, scarier feel to this instalment, which has boy wizard Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) contending not only with Gary Oldman's escaped convict, but also with the difficulties of becoming a teenager. But there's still plenty of fun to be had, with ghosts, ghouls and gadgets galore, the most striking gizmo being a shape-shifting triple-decker bus that, were it real, would solve London's traffic congestion at a stroke. David Thewlis, Emma Thompson and Timothy Spall join the list of cameoing celebrities, while the young leads are all growing into their roles. The film has the odd dull patch, and there are scenes weighed down by too much plot, but, by and large, this adventure is on a par with its predecessors, and, in many respects, is even better. Potter fans will not be disappointed.
Summary
The teenage wizard is alarmed to learn a dangerous fugitive sorcerer is searching for him. Meanwhile, a new teacher at Hogwarts helps the bespectacled youngster to protect himself from the school's soul-sucking security guards. The third in the fantasy adventure series, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane and Alan Rickman.
Cast & Crew
Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe
Hermione Granger
Emma Watson
Ron Weasley
Rupert Grint
Sirius Black
Gary Oldman
Remus Lupin
David Thewlis
Albus Dumbledore
Michael Gambon
Hagrid
Robbie Coltrane
Severus Snape
Alan Rickman
Minerva McGonagall
Maggie Smith
Prof Trelawney
Emma Thompson
Mrs Weasley
Julie Walters
Peter Pettigrew
Timothy Spall
Madam Rosmerta
Julie Christie
Director
Alfonso Cuaron
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
Warner Bros
Guidance:
Some violence.
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Drama
Children's
Full Episode Guide
ADVERTISEMENT
Harry Potter fans can now buy butterbeer to enjoy at home - how to get yours online
The famous warm (vegan) butterbeer is available to buy in bottles, bottom up!
Is Harry Potter on Netflix? Where to watch the movies by region
Meet the real-life muggles named Harry Potter
Why Harry Potter's legal system needs a serious muggle overhaul
No, there’s not going to be a Harry Potter prequel TV series
JK Rowling releasing new Harry Potter books that will "delve deeper into the rich history of magic"
Ralph Fiennes almost turned down playing Voldemort in Harry Potter
JK Rowling has the perfect response to a fan who says Quidditch makes "zero sense"
ADVERTISEMENT
Related News
JK Rowling confirms why her Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers are all cursed
15 Mar
Harry Potter is Mastermind's most popular specialist subject – but there's a problem
29 Jan
Happy birthday, Harry Potter! The Chosen One turns 37 today
31 Jul
Britain is a nation of Hufflepuffs – even though we really want to be Gryffindors
26 Jun