On April 18, 2024, fans of Harry Potter across the United States and Canada were delighted to hear that Stephen Fry's recordings of the series—previously only available outside of North America—would be joining the Jim Dale-narrated editions on Audible. Both of these exemplary voice artists are absolute masters of their trade: Their incomparable abilities to craft a wide range of diverse characters in voices rich, vivid, and transportive make them the ideal performers for a setting as dynamic and layered as the wizarding world.
The arrival of Fry's recordings have left many wondering how best to experience the series. Existing fans of Dale's narration may wonder what could possibly live up to such an extraordinary rendition, while newcomers might be simply unsure of what they can expect from the two different versions of this remarkable, fan-favorite tale. While both of these performances are nothing short of world-class, they do showcase a wide range of talents and specialities.
As any longtime fan can attest, Dale's take on Harry Potter is theatric, lively, and full of highly dramatized voice work that will get even the youngest listeners involved as the story unfolds. Fry's narration, while no less enthusiastic, is more keen on warmth and richness of storytelling, playing on the emotive themes so central to the series while remaining appropriate for unwinding at the end of the long day—in this way, it's perfect for audiences who grew up with Potter and are looking to settle in amidst the cozy glow of familiarity.
If you're interested in hearing what makes both of these editions so uniquely special, read on. We've curated samples from all seven of the Harry Potter books that showcase the talents of both Jim Dale and Stephen Fry so you can listen in and choose your favorite for yourself.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's 11th birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
From Chapter 7: The Sorting Hat
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter 7: The Sorting Hat
Performed by Stephen Fry
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter's summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors—and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone. Dobby's sinister predictions seem to be coming true...
From Chapter 2: Dobby's Warning
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter 2: Dobby's Warning
Performed by Stephen Fry
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
When the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and screeches to a halt in front of him, it's the start of another far-from-ordinary year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter. Sirius Black, escaped mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, is on the run—and they say he is coming after Harry. In Harry's first-ever Divination class, Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in his tea leaves. But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds, with their soul-sucking kiss...
From Chapter 6: Talons and Tea Leaves
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter 6: Talons and Tea Leaves
Performed by Stephen Fry
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The Triwizard Tournament is to be held at Hogwarts. Only wizards who are over 17 are allowed to enter—but that doesn't stop Harry dreaming that he will win the competition. Then at Hallowe'en, when the Goblet of Fire makes its selection, Harry is amazed to find that his name is one of those that the magical cup picks out. He will face death-defying tasks, dragons and Dark wizards, but with the help of his best friends, Ron and Hermione, he might just make it through alive!
From Chapter 8: The Quidditch World Cup
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter 8: The Quidditch World Cup
Performed by Stephen Fry
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Dark times have come to Hogwarts. After the Dementors' attack on his cousin Dudley, Harry Potter knows that Voldemort will stop at nothing to find him. There are many who deny the Dark Lord's return, but Harry is not alone: A secret order gathers at Grimmauld Place to fight against the Dark forces. Harry must allow Professor Snape to teach him how to protect himself from Voldemort's savage assaults on his mind. But they are growing stronger by the day and Harry is running out of time...
From Chapter 10: Luna Lovegood
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter 10: Luna Lovegood
Performed by Stephen Fry
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
When Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive one summer night to collect Harry Potter, his wand hand is blackened and shriveled, but he does not reveal why. Secrets and suspicion are spreading through the wizarding world, and Hogwarts itself is not safe. Harry is convinced that Malfoy bears the Dark Mark: There is a Death Eater among them. Harry will need powerful magic and true friends as he explores Voldemort's darkest secrets and Dumbledore prepares him to face his destiny.
From Chapter 6: Draco's Detour
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter 6: Draco's Detour
Performed by Stephen Fry
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
As he climbs into the sidecar of Hagrid's motorbike and takes to the skies, leaving Privet Drive for the last time, Harry Potter knows that Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters are not far behind. The protective charm that has kept Harry safe until now is broken, but he cannot keep hiding. The Dark Lord is breathing fear into everything Harry loves, and to stop him Harry will have to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes. The final battle must begin. Harry must stand and face his enemy.
From Chapter 16: Godric's Hollow
Performed by Jim Dale
From Chapter 16: Godric's Hollow
Performed by Stephen Fry
A few more of our favorite quotes from the Harry Potter series
There are so many memorable moments across the seven books in the series that simply sing in audio. If you're curious about how Jim Dale and Stephen Fry vary in their character work and line reading, listen to the clips of these noteworthy quotes ranging from warm and humorous to totally heart-wrenching.
"We could all have been killed...or worse, expelled!" —Hermione Granger
Voiced by Stephen Fry
"We could all have been killed...or worse, expelled!" —Hermione Granger
Voiced by Jim Dale
"Well, hahaha, what a lovely game I don't think!" —Moaning Myrtle
Voiced by Stephen Fry
"Well, hahaha, what a lovely game I don't think!" —Moaning Myrtle
Voiced by Jim Dale
"You think the dead we have loved ever truly leave us?" —Albus Dumbledore
Voiced by Stephen Fry
"You think the dead we have loved ever truly leave us?" —Albus Dumbledore
Voiced by Jim Dale
"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors—not his equals." —Sirius Black
Voiced by Stephen Fry
"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors—not his equals." —Sirius Black
Voiced by Jim Dale
"Just because you've got the emotional range of a teaspoon, doesn't mean we all have." —Hermione Granger
Voiced by Stephen Fry
"Just because you've got the emotional range of a teaspoon, doesn't mean we all have." —Hermione Granger
Voiced by Jim Dale
"There's no need to call me 'sir,' Professor." —Harry Potter
Voiced by Stephen Fry
"There's no need to call me 'sir,' Professor." —Harry Potter
Voiced by Jim Dale
"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on Earth should that mean that it is not real?" —Albus Dumbledore
Voiced by Stephen Fry
"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on Earth should that mean that it is not real?" —Albus Dumbledore
Voiced by Jim Dale
Get bewitched
Now that you've heard samples of both equally exquisite editions of the Harry Potter series, the choice is yours. Which version will you queue up first?
Discover the magic
Click the banner below to explore the full collection of Harry Potter and Wizarding World audiobooks to add to your Library.
