8 Harry Potter Audiobooks That Will Transport You to Hogwarts

Narrator: Andrew Lincoln

On March 15th, 2018, Audible is releasing an audiobook of Quidditch Through the Ages, narrated by The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln. Available for preorder now, the book includes everything you ever wanted to know about the magical sport Quidditch, and some things you never even thought to wonder about. You'll learn Quidditch history, rules, and trivia, plus hear coverage of some of the greatest Quidditch games ever. Will Lincoln’s narration live up to fans' expectations? We'll have to listen to find out. 

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Narrator: Stephen Fry

Fry is known for his leisurely and nuanced reading of the U.K. audiobook edition of the entire Harry Potter series. His deep voice, coupled with a knack for pacing, makes for an engaging listen. Whether he’s reading inner dialogue or vocalized lines, Fry gives each character a distinct voice and tone. 

For example, in the opening scene of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Fry makes it evident that the Dursleys, who believe themselves to be absolutely normal, are actually quite strange. The story starts on a dull, grey Tuesday morning, and Fry adopts a bewildered tone when describing Mr. Dursley’s bizarre drive to work. Listeners know what Vernon Dursley sees is peculiar, and Fry’s narration sucks them into this weird and welcoming tale. 

Narrator: Jim Dale

Die-hard Harry Potter audiobook fans will list the ways in which Dale differs from Fry. We love both of their performances, but some fans are firmly Team Dale or Team Fry. 

There's so much to love about Dale's interpretation in the U.S. edition of the audiobooks. From his voicing of a whiny Draco to the wispy, heartless tones of Voldemort, he gives each character a life of their own. 

Using only his voice, Dale creates a world you’ll want to stay in forever. There’s an energetic, otherworldliness about his tone which invites readers to slip into the story like they themselves are students at Hogwarts, and going on adventures with Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

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Narrator: Eddie Redmayne

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is read by none other than Eddie Redmayne, who plays Newt Scamander in the movie adaptation. With each introduction of a new beast, listeners can hear the creature lurking in the background. The titular beasts are huffing, stomping, flapping their wings, or wreaking havoc, all while Newt reads about their background, characteristics, and the potential harm should they be released in the magical or Muggle world. While listening to this audiobook you’ll feel like you’re being taught by Newt himself. 

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Narrator: Jack Goldstein 

This 17-minute audiobook is filled with fascinating facts about the books, films, actors and world of Harry Potter. For instance, even some of the greatest Potterheads may be shocked to learn that Dumbledore’s name actually means bumble bee. Or did you know that Daniel Radcliffe went through 160 pairs of glasses while filming? Some facts are fun and light-hearted while others are purely commentary. Listeners will get a nice balance of humor and seriousness.

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Narrator: Jack Goldstein

If after 101 Amazing Harry Potter Facts you still want more, check out 101 More Amazing Harry Potter Facts! This sequel takes a more narrative approach rather than listing the facts like its predecessor. The narrator engages with readers by saying things like, “Don’t believe us? Watch the movie again, and keep your eye out.” The background music provides an eerie ambiance that invites listeners to explore this bizarrely wonderful world of J.K. Rowling. 

Narrator: Susan Duerden

This title is a listener’s one-stop shop for all things intellectual about Harry Potter. Magical beasts and flying broomsticks aside, it looks at different elements of the world, their origins, and their real-world implications. Susan Duerden's voice is accentuated in the right places so it feels like you’re sitting in a Hogwarts-like university philosophy lecture. 

One chapter examines the soul. As we know, Voldemort divided his soul into eight pieces, or Horcruxes, that all have to be destroyed in order for him to finally be defeated. Souls are repeatedly referenced throughout the series, and the book looks back in history to examine different cultures’ definitions of a “soul,” and how these were incorporated into Rowling’s creation.  It looks at the big picture from Muggle history to try understand key parts of the Harry Potter world with a tone that’s warm, welcoming and informative. 

Narrator: Renee Raudman

Like most of us, you probably hoped to receive your Hogwarts acceptance letter on your eleventh birthday... And your twelfth, maybe even your thirteenth. As it became apparent you unfortunately are not a witch or wizard, you were likely disappointed. When Platform 9 ¾ isn’t your next stop, author Melissa Anelli has your back. As the webmistress of The Leaky Cauldron, the ultimate Harry Potter fansite, Melissa chronicles 10 years of Pottermania in Harry, A History. 

Anelli examines the Harry Potter phenomenon, and how it grew to be a global movement. With input from Rowling’s agents, editors, publicists, fans, and the creator herself, she dives into fandom culture to understand the jokes, arguments, book clubs, and all-around hysteria that came with the cultural eruption of Harry Potter.