'Best ever' Harry Potter film that left fans 'crying' airs on ITV today

In this day and age, it's a rare find to come across someone who isn't familiar with the Harry Potter phenomenon.

The blockbuster book series by author JK Rowling was transformed into one of the most lucrative film franchises in history, with the first Harry Potter film hitting the big screen in 2001.

Fans of the magical saga are in for a treat as one of the most cherished chapters of the eight-part franchise is set to air on television this afternoon.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One will be shown on ITV 1 today (Sunday, November 2) at 3.45pm. The film, which stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, was released in 2010 under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four films in the series.

Penned by Steve Kloves, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One marked the beginning of the two-part cinematic conclusion based on Rowling's 2007 novel, reports the Mirror.

As the seventh film in the original series, it raked in an impressive $960million at the worldwide box office, securing its place as the third highest-grossing Harry Potter film and the 10th highest-grossing film of all time upon its release.

The film received two Oscar nominations - Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects - at the 83rd Academy Awards and earned praise from both critics and audiences, achieving an 85 per cent audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie was succeeded by its sequel, which also marked the final chapter in the original Harry Potter film saga: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two (2011).

One enthusiastic audience review declares: "Against the majority of fans, I find this to be the best film of the whole series. As it is the first part of the Deathly Hallows story, this movie is the first one that feels like it isn't rushed and has time to explain things. The main characters are tested and their friendship comes out triumphant.

"Harry and Hermione really have a close relationship for the first time and Ron shows his bravery and courage. The whole movie they are anxious and scared and very sad, but together they stay strong and I think that's the whole point of this story, it's about them and their journey."

Meanwhile, another viewer comments: "Once again, it sent the story in a whole new direction that feels so different from the first few films. The story was really compelling and intense, and it was really fun to watch. I definitely recommend it!" Critics delivered a somewhat divided verdict, achieving a 76 per cent approval rating on the review aggregator website.

One declared: "Part 1, like its predecessors, has been made with great care, craft and attention to detail. It is also darker and more foreboding."

Another penned: "Deathly Hallows is the first Harry Potter film that fully delivers on the promise of JK Rowling's works, expertly balancing a tricky and expansive narrative, along with quiet character moments and some rollicking action sequences."

One underwhelmed critic remarked: "It feels like the longest, deathliest panto ever made --and still it isn't over," whilst another commented: "Beautifully shot but a soulless cash machine, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"delivers no dramatic payoff, no resolution and not much fun. "".

However, there were sufficient admirers of the film, as one reviewer penned: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I is the first entry of the franchise to really capture the essence of JK Rowling's masterworks."

Meanwhile another observed: "Judging by this first half, this touchstone series is well on its way to getting the sendoff it deserves."