Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Riveting fifth movie finds Harry angry, brooding.
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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 51 parent reviews
Parents say that this installment is notably darker and more intense than previous films in the series, featuring themes of friendship and bravery amidst a backdrop of violence and emotional turmoil. Many reviews suggest that while the film is captivating and well-acted, it may not be suitable for younger children due to its frightening and graphic scenes, such as the presence of creatures like dementors and the depiction of death and violence.
- darker themes
- suitable for older kids
- intense and emotional
- strong character development
- graphic scenes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 220 kid reviews
What's the Story?
From the opening scene of HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, in which Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his cousin Dudley (Harry Melling) are attacked by Dementors, our courageous young hero has an ever-heightened awareness -- and acceptance -- of how his destiny is entwined with You Know Who's. In the fifth installment of J.K. Rowling's seven-volume phenomenon, Harry, who survived his last confrontation with Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) but watched school favorite Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson) perish, is no longer a popular wizard genius. The Ministry of Magic mounts a smear attack against him and Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), he's nearly expelled, Dumbledore avoids him, and new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) tries to squash the idea that the Dark Lord is back. Sweetly odious Umbridge refuses to teach any defensive spells, so Hermione (Emma Watson) convinces Harry to hold secret classes in combat magic. Meanwhile, Umbridge -- a child-hating, Ministry-approved enforcer -- installs herself as dictator and launches a fascist campaign. Before the credits roll, a climactic battle will pit Harry and friends against their most fearsome opponents yet. But Potter lovers know that Harry isn't ever alone: He has an entire world of devotees on his side.
Is It Any Good?
With this gripping film, there's no longer a doubt that Harry Potter -- the character, as well as the film series -- has grown up. In the dark (even by Potter standards) and captivating adventure of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the teens face increasing peril, and the thrills intensify right up to the explosive ending. The gravity of the situation takes a front seat, with bureaucratic intrigue and boot-camp magic lessons overshadowing the brief romantic interest between Harry and Cho (Katie Leung). Sure, Harry finally enjoys his first kiss, but the infatuation doesn't last.
And forget about Quidditch, because director David Yates doesn't include any game sequences in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix -- or much of the Hogwarts social scene outside of the clandestine magic lessons. Those who haven't read the novels might hope for a Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione hook-up, but apparently that's just not in the books ... yet, anyway.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix's increasingly mature themes as Harry grows into a full-blown adolescent. Why is Harry so angry? Do you think Harry and his friends act and feel like real teenagers?
Even though this movie and the last one are rated PG-13, they're heavily marketed to younger kids. Do you think that's OK, or are the later movies too scary for little kids?
Potterheads: What parts of the book this movie was based on were best depicted in the film? What got left out that you would have included? What scenes included heavy foreshadowing of things to come?
How do the characters in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, especially the members of Dumbledore's Army, demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 10, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : December 11, 2007
- Cast : Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson , Rupert Grint
- Director : David Yates
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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