How to watch Wizards of Waverly Place in order: Chronological watch guide

How to watch Wizards of Waverly Place in order: Chronological watch guide
How to watch Wizards of Waverly Place in order: Chronological watch guide (Image Via Disney+)

Wizards of Waverly Place, created by Todd J. Greenwald, was a defining series for Disney Channel in the late 2000s, capturing the audience's imagination with its blend of fantasy, humor, and the everyday life of the Russo family. Set in the heart of New York City, the show revolves around Alex Russo (Selena Gomez) and her siblings, Justin (David Henrie) and Max (Jake T. Austin).

They all share the extraordinary responsibility of learning magic. However, only one of them will eventually keep their powers, leading to rivalry and growth as they navigate both family bonds and teenage struggles.

Across four seasons, a movie, and a special, Wizards of Waverly Place weaves an intricate and entertaining story that resonated with fans young and old.

The Russo family’s journey doesn’t follow a typical standalone episode format; instead, character growth and key plot developments connect across episodes and seasons.


Chronological watch order for Wizards of Waverly Place

The chronological watch order includes four seasons, a movie, and a special, providing a seamless storyline that captures the full arc of the Russo family's magical journey. Starting with Season 1 and progressing through each season, followed by the movie. Here is the full list,

  • Wizards of Waverly Place – Season 1 (2007-2008)
  • Wizards of Waverly Place – Season 2 (2008-2009)
  • Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009)
  • Wizards of Waverly Place – Season 3 (2009-2010)
  • Wizards of Waverly Place – Season 4 (2010-2012)
  • The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex – Special (2013)
  • Wizards Beyond Waverly Place – Series (2024)

1) Wizards of Waverly Place– Season 1 (2007-2008)

The first season introduces the Russo family: Alex, her responsible older brother Justin, and their mischievous younger brother Max, who all train under their father, Jerry, a former wizard himself. This season explores their efforts to master magic while managing the typical challenges of adolescence, like friendships, school, and family expectations.

Alex struggles to balance her newfound powers with her teenage life, often creating magical mishaps along the way. The season sets the foundation for the series’ core themes: family loyalty, responsibility, and the growing tension over which sibling will ultimately retain their powers.


2) Wizards of Waverly Place– Season 2 (2008-2009)

Alex Russo (Image Via Disney+)
Alex Russo (Image Via Disney+)

In season 2, the plot thickens as Alex’s friendships and budding romances add complexity to her life. This season marks a turning point for Alex and Justin as they each encounter love interests. Justin’s relationship with vampire Juliet introduces a fantastical subplot that continues in later seasons.

Alex, meanwhile, reveals her powers to her best friend, Harper, resulting in memorable crossover episodes like Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana, a special event that ties together characters from The Suite Life on Deck and Hannah Montana.

The season continues to build the rivalry between Alex and Justin, while Harper’s involvement deepens the show’s emotional core.


3) Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009)

Justin, Max, Alex Russo (Image Via Disney+)
Justin, Max, Alex Russo (Image Via Disney+)

After season 2, the Russo family’s story expands with a feature-length adventure that takes them on vacation to the Caribbean. In a moment of frustration, Alex accidentally casts a spell that erases her parents’ history together, threatening her family’s existence.

Justin and Alex team up to undo the spell, culminating in a magical showdown that challenges their sibling rivalry and forces them to cooperate to save their family. The film stands as a critical moment in the series, emphasizing the stakes of magic and the importance of family unity.


4) Wizards of Waverly Place– Season 3 (2009-2010)

Returning from the events of the movie, season 3 sees Alex and her brothers continuing their training as they approach the final stages of the wizard competition. Alex’s romance with Mason, a werewolf, and Justin’s reunion with vampire Juliet add layers to the story, showing how relationships complicate the siblings’ journey toward wizard mastery.

Max’s evolution is also highlighted as he becomes more active in the wizard competition. Season 3 builds momentum for the series’ endgame, showing how each sibling’s path diverges based on their unique personality and magical strengths.


5) Wizards of Waverly Place– Season 4 (2010-2012)

The Russo family (Image Via Disney+)
The Russo family (Image Via Disney+)

Season 4 ramps up the competition, as the stakes for the Russo family grow more intense. This final season is driven by the impending family wizard competition, where only one sibling will keep their powers. Alex and Justin quit the competition temporarily, leaving Max as the unexpected frontrunner.

However, their magical skills are put to the ultimate test when government agents learn of the family’s powers, leading Alex to take charge in high-stakes situations. This season brings Alex’s growth to the forefront, challenging her character’s evolution and leadership qualities as the family’s protector.


6) The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex (2013 Special)

The Russo siblings (Image Via Disney+)
The Russo siblings (Image Via Disney+)

Set after the conclusion of season 4, The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex serves as a true finale to the series. Alex and her family travel to Italy, where she creates a magical doppelganger of herself in an attempt to balance her personal life with her wizard responsibilities.

However, the doppelganger turns out to be an evil version of Alex, leading to a confrontation that tests her maturity and commitment to her family. The special is an essential part of the story, providing a satisfying conclusion to Alex’s journey as a wizard and the Russo family’s legacy.


7) Wizards Beyond Waverly Place – Series (2024)

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is an American comedy television series serving as a spin-off and sequel to Wizards of Waverly Place. It premiered on October 29, 2024, on Disney Channel.

The series stars Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, Max Matenko, Taylor Cora, Mimi Gianopulos, and David Henrie. Henrie, Selena Gomez, Jed Elinoff, Scott Thomas, and Andy Fickman executive-produce the series alongside Gary Marsh and Jonas Agin.


Wizards of Waverly Place and all related content, including the movie and the special, are available on Disney+, offering fans a chance to experience the series in full.

Following the chronological order gives a more immersive understanding of the Russo family’s journey, ensuring that fans don’t miss key character developments and plot threads.

Quick Links

Edited by Prem Deshpande
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications