Harry Potter is a series of fantasy novels written by British author J.K. Rowling. The series chronicles the life of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The story focuses on their adventures, the maturation of Harry, and the ongoing battle against the evil wizard Voldemort, who aims to become immortal, conquer the wizarding world, and destroy all who stand in his way, particularly Harry.
The main series comprises seven books, each corresponding to a year in Harry's life:
The books were adapted into a highly successful series of films, with the first two directed by Chris Columbus, followed by Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates directing the remaining films. These films were produced by Warner Bros. and have contributed significantly to the franchise's global popularity.
Harry Potter has had a profound impact on popular culture. It has been translated into over 80 languages, sold over 500 million copies worldwide, and has inspired theme parks, video games, and numerous fan conventions. The series has also been credited with revitalizing interest in fantasy literature and has influenced numerous other works in the genre.
Despite its widespread acclaim, the series has not been without controversy. Issues include the portrayal of certain themes like racial and cultural stereotypes, the treatment of house-elves, and debates over the series' moral messages. Additionally, J.K. Rowling's statements on social issues, particularly regarding transgender topics, have stirred significant debate and have influenced the public perception of the series over time.