The magical world created by Rowling is full of wonder and hardships but has captured imaginations since the first book was published in 1997.
Whether you’re looking to reread the books or experience them for the first time, the Harry Potter series is the perfect choice for a long road trip.
If you’re spending the journey driving or a passenger that doesn’t want to read a physical book, then audiobooks are a great way to experience the Potter stories.
We can’t start this list without starting with the first of the Harry Potter novels.
This is the book that started the Harry Potter phenomenon and whether you’re starting the books for the first time or are dipping back into them, it’s the best place to start.
Harry Potter is an orphan that lives with his abusive aunt and uncle. He’s shocked to discover that he’s a wizard and has a place reserved at the prestigious wizarding school Hogwarts.
As Harry begins his magic education he discovers the truth behind his parent’s death and has to face the evil wizard Voldemort.
The fourth book in the series focuses on the Triwizard Tournament, a competition held between the students of Hogwarts and two other wizarding schools.
Only wizards aged 17 and over are allowed to participate in the tournament, but when the magical Goblet of Fire chooses Harry’s name to be one of the participants, Harry’s problems are only just beginning.
The Ministry of Magic may not want to believe it, but Harry and his friends all know that Lord Voldermort is back.
Harry’s year at Hogwarts becomes his toughest yet when the Ministry appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who thinks Harry is a liar and a troublemaker.
Harry has to rely on his friends like never before to get through the year.
With Lord Voldemort growing ever stronger, Professor Dumbledore begins to prepare Harry for the inevitable battle ahead.
His private lessons with Harry take Harry through Voldemort’s past in the hope of arming him with the knowledge he needs to defeat the Dark Lord for good.
Thankfully, Harry’s schooling is progressing more easily than in previous years.
With a new Potions professor and the aid of an annotated textbook once owned by the mysterious Half-Blood Prince, Harry is outperforming even Hermoine.
However, not all of the Prince’s modifications should be followed, as Harry soon finds out.
Throughout the main Harry Potter series, numerous references are made to classes taught at Hogwarts and the textbooks students are expected to study from.
One of the books most commonly referred to is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by noted magizoologist Newt Scamander.
The book introduces the numerous magical creatures that inhabit the wizarding world and became the basis for the movie series of the same name.
For the added sprinkle of authenticity, the audiobook is read by the actor Eddie Redmayne who plays Newt Scamander in the movies.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a popular anthology of stories read by many wizards to their children.
The Tale of the Three Brothers becomes an important plot point in the novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and this book includes this story, as well as four others.
Each tale is read by a different narrator and they are all actors from across the Harry Potter movie and stage series.
Expect to hear Warwick Davies (Professor Flitwick), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Jude Law (Albus Dumbledore), and Noma Dumezweni (Hermoine Granger.)
Every wizard loves the sport of Quidditch and this book from the Hogwarts library takes a deep dive into the history of the game and how it developed into the exciting sport it is today.
The book is narrated by the actor Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead, Love Actually) and includes a special bonus of a commentary on the Quidditch World Cup Final.
You’ll feel like you’re actually watching the game instead of on a road trip!
It’s narrated by actor Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski) and includes interviews with the cast and crew from the set of the second movie in The Fantastic Beasts franchise.
If you’re in a car full of Potterheads and you want a fun activity to help the hours pass by, then why not test your knowledge with this quiz?
The audiobook has two sets of tracks that allow you to play the quiz by writing down answers and checking them later, or going question by question. The latter option is the best for long journeys!
