It’s been nearly 10 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001, the first of the Potter movies was released unto the world. Since then, we’ve had Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), and now the final two movies, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (2010) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (2011). During that time, the 3 main cast which includes Daniel Radclifffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have all become Hollywood megastars and some of the highest paid youngsters in the world.

Why have I loved the franchise so much? I think personally it’s the imagination from the pages that the screenwriters, directors, actors and hundreds more job titles have all managed to bring to life from the original novels written by J.K. Rowling. I also love the fact that SO much British acting and crew talent has been used in the movies and that they were primarily shot in the UK at Pinewood and Leavesden Studios. It really has all been so fantastic for British film.

Why am I telling you all this? Well, last night, Harry Potter finished principle photography and shot it’s final scene. I thought I’d mark this as a moment of triumph for all those who’ve been involved in the Potter franchise.

Over the last 10 years, Harry Potter has overtaken James Bond to become the most successful movie franchise of all time and, according to Wikipedia at the time of writing, has brought in a gross total of $5,412,504,276. Bear in mind there are still two movies to be released but this number is just insane and will continue to climb steeply for the next 2 years.

Warwick Davis who plays Filius Flitwick in the Potter franchise has been involved in the movies for the 10 years which they’ve been made and last night, he put up a few tweets in quick succession telling us that principle photography has now been completed.

The end of an Era – today is officially the last day of principal photography on ‘Harry Potter’ – ever. I feel honoured to be here as…

…the director shouts cut for the very last time. Farewell Harry & Hogwarts, it’s been magic! x

…and goodbye Griphook!

I just wanted to say thanks and congratulations to all involved in the Potter franchise, especially to J.K. Rowling who started the entire thing off.

If you want to put comments below with messages to the Potter cast and crew, feel free as Im sure many of them read HeyUGuys or will come across this post. Also, please tell us your favourite moment(s) from the Potter franchise over the past 10 years.

Congrats to all the people involved in Harry Potter over the last 10 + years.