Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban turn 20

Revisiting some of our favourite moments from the book and movie

Can you believe it's been over 20 years since the book release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban? Neither can we. And it doesn't make us feel any younger either! Released in 1999, the third instalment of the Harry Potter franchise introduced exciting new characters and magical items. We met Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, loyal friends to Harry's parents that would go on to play pivotal roles in future Harry Potter adventures. 2019 also marks the 15th anniversary of the Prisoner of Azkaban movie. If you're a mad potterhead like us, we know you've already organised a movie night to celebrate this anniversary. To celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, we're counting down our top seven magical facts about the book and movie. Along the way, we'll be sharing some of our favourite prisoner of Azkaban costume ideas! Planning a Harry Potter movie marathon? We've got magical prisoner of Azkaban costume ideas for the night.

1. A visit from Newt Scamander

Blink, and you'll miss it. During the first movie scene where Harry uses the marauder's map, you can see Newt Scamander pacing around the hallways of Hogwarts. At this point of the Harry Potter Franchise Newt was known for being the author of the book 'Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them'. Newt would go on to pay a pivotal role in Fantastic Beasts film franchise based in the same Harry Potter universe. newt scamander azkaban costume Newt Scamander

2. Keeping it casual

Movie director Alfonso Cuarón made the creative decision to have Harry, Ron, and Hermoine wear everyday clothes more often to show more of the characters' personalities. The rest of the Hogwarts students cast were also given permission to wear their uniforms whichever way they wanted. That's why you'll see some students opting to tuck in or leave their shirts and ties hanging out. harry azkaban costume Harry Potter robe

3. Dementors!

Dementors make their first spine-chilling appearance when they board the Hogwarts express train looking for Sirius Black. Harry faints after meeting one for the first time. It's later revealed that dementors feed off joy. Due to Harry's lack of happy memories, the presence of a dementor affects him more than most. With help from Professor Lupin, Harry learned how to conjure a patronus charm to ward off dementors for future encounters. dementor azkaban costume Dementor

4. Winning the quidditch cup

Passionate Harry Potter fans have always complained about the movies leaving out or changing key moments from the book. Harry's team winning the quidditch cup is definitely one of them. In chapter 15, Gryffindor defeats Slytherin in the quidditch cup final. This happy moment of Harry leading his team to victory is used to help him conjure up a powerful patronus charm for warding off dementors. quiddich gryffindor azkaban costume Gryffindor quidditch costume

5. Harry gets a Firebolt broom

In one of the final and most uplifting scenes of the movie, Harry receives a Firebolt broom as a gift from Sirius. Harry takes great joy in blasting off on his new broomstick as the credits roll. To put things into context: the Firebolt is the broom equivalent of getting a Ferrari. It's one of the fastest brooms available in the wizarding world. firebolt prop azkaban costume Quidditch Firebolt broom

6. Meeting Buckbeak

In the first two books, we're introduced to some magical creatures like Norbert the baby dragon and Aragog the giant spider. In Harry's third year at Hogwarts, we're introduced to Buckbeak the Hippogriff. Hippogriffs are a combination of a horse and eagle. Hagrid introduces us to a whole flock of hippogriffs in the book, but sadly we only get to meet one in the movie. Buckbeak turns out to be an excellent judge of character when he decides to take a swipe at Malfoy, who taunts the creature. slytherin robes azkaban costume Slytherin robe

7. Hermoine's one trick for cramming in more classes

During their third year at Hogwarts, Ron started to question Hermoine's uncanny ability to cram extra classes into her day. The ever studious Hermoine Granger revealed she was using a time-turner. Hermoine used this enchanted hourglass to travel through time and attend additional classes at Hogwarts. Using the device became monumental in saving Sirius from getting a deadly dementor's kiss. kids hermoine azkaban costume Hermoine sweater For more magical prisoner of Azkaban costume ideas, apparate to our Harry Potter costume category.