Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), directed by Alfonso Cuarón, represents a crucial tonal shift in the franchise, adopting a darker, more mature aesthetic to explore themes of betrayal and justice. The film focuses on Harry's third year at Hogwarts, dealing with the escape of Sirius Black, the threat of Dementors, and the introduction of critical characters like Remus Lupin. Often regarded by critics as a creative high point, it earned Academy Award nominations for its technical achievements and visual direction. Read the full story at Rotten Tomatoes . Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) - IMDb