The series have been fortunate to have some great directors. Two of them for me have done exceptional job:

Alfonso Cuaron and Mike Newell.

Cuaron introduced the world of Harry Potter to a more darker tone and it worked great. Also he done great job with the time travel.

Complaint for Cuaron: The first scene. Harry using lumos at Private Drive. He.Can't.Use.Magic.Outside.SChool!

Newell also introduced some great drama and the franchise best action sequences.

Complaint for Newell: Terrible treatment for Dumbledore.

Columbus was great for the first two movies, Yates was terrible with Order of the Phoenix, but got better with the rest.

My ranking of the films in terms of directing:

1. Prisoner of Azkaban
2. Goblet of Fire
3. Half-Blood Prince
4. Deathly Hallows Part 2
5. Deathly Hallows Part 1
6. Chamber of Secrets
7. Philosopher's Stone
8. Order of the Phoenix.