The New York Times has just launched its inaugural Children’s Audio Bestseller list, and if you thought any other series stood a chance at the top, well… have you met Harry Potter?
J.K. Rowling‘s wizarding saga has claimed a staggering 13 spots out of the list’s entries, making its debut on this brand-new chart nothing short of a total takeover. It’s the kind of result that probably surprised absolutely no one in the fandom, but still feels incredibly satisfying to see in black and white.
Full-Cast rules the top
The five highest-ranked titles are all from the modern Full-Cast Audio Editions: the immersive, multi-voice audiobooks released by Pottermore/Audible. Order of the Phoenix sits at #1, followed by Goblet of Fire at #2 and Philosopher’s Stone at #3. Honestly, seeing Order of the Phoenix (the longest book in the series) take the crown is a statement. And a personal victory, as it’s my favorite!
- 1. Order of the Phoenix (Full-Cast)
- 2. Goblet of Fire (Full-Cast)
- 3. Philosopher’s Stone (Full-Cast)
- 4. Prisoner of Azkaban (Full-Cast)
- 5. Chamber of Secrets (Full-Cast)
- 7. Philosopher’s Stone (Jim Dale)
- 8. Half-Blood Prince (Jim Dale)
- 9. Deathly Hallows (Jim Dale)
- 11. Prisoner of Azkaban (Jim Dale)
- 12. Chamber of Secrets (Jim Dale)
- 13. Order of the Phoenix (Jim Dale)
- 14. Goblet of Fire (Jim Dale)
Jim Dale holds his ground
Meanwhile, the beloved classic narrations by Jim Dale are far from forgotten. His versions of Philosopher’s Stone, Half-Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows, Prisoner of Azkaban, Chamber of Secrets, Order of the Phoenix and Goblet of Fire all make the list too, proof that for a huge chunk of the fandom, Jim Dale’s voice is still Harry Potter.
The fact that both editions are charting simultaneously says a lot about how the series continues to reach new generations while remaining a comfort listen for longtime fans. Whether you grew up with Jim Dale or discovered the series through the Full-Cast Audio Editions, you’re apparently not alone, and you’re definitely still pressing play.
So here’s to the audiobooks that got us through long car rides, tough days, and countless re-reads. May they keep climbing!
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: The Full-Cast Audio Edition will release this month!



Leave a Reply