Overview
- ITV announced on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 that all eight main Harry Potter films and the three Fantastic Beasts movies are now available to stream for free on ITVX.
- The agreement also includes planned linear broadcasts on ITV1 and ITV2, and ITV's head of content acquisitions Darren Nartey said the move aims to make the films available to old and new fans during the summer holidays and beyond.
- The licensing comes as the franchise marks its 25th anniversary in 2026 and with an HBO Max series—one season per book—scheduled to debut on Christmas Day 2026.
- The announcement does not change ongoing public discussions about J.K. Rowling's past comments on sex and gender, which have prompted public responses from cast members who have spoken on both sides of the issue.
- The free, high-profile deal expands UK access to legacy franchise films and could increase viewership ahead of the new series while setting a template for how major studios license established franchises to free streaming platforms.