Top 10 Harry Potter Movie Moments REDUX
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Script written by Laura Keating
Top 10 Harry Potter Movie Moments REDUX
These are the moments that we’ll always remember. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re taking another look at the Top 10 Harry Potter Movie Moments.
For this list, we’ll be going over scenes from the classic movies that Accio all the feels. We’ll be excluding character deaths, which really deserve their own list. As we’ll be going over all eight of the films, spoilers abound. You’ve been warned.
Upon receiving his acceptance letter to Hogwarts, Harry is excited but justifiably nervous. Having grown up with the most muggly of muggles, he expects he’ll be the worst at magic in his class – especially after meeting a certain adept young witch, and a fellow would-be wizard who at least seems to know something. However, in their first Charms lesson, it’s clear that magic involves more than just waving a wand about. The comedic scene helps to set up the world, the reason for magic schools, and provides the spell that later brings the iconic trio together as friends.
Harry’s second year is a bit of a rough ride, beginning with the appearance of a cagey House Elf named Dobby and his brief imprisonment by his aunt and uncle. Every time Dobby shows up with a new shadowy warning something terrible seems to happen, and Harry is justifiably annoyed with his secretiveness, but also feels very bad for the obviously miserable creature. After the day is won, and Dobby’s owners are confirmed, Harry can’t let the big-eared little guy go back with them. Harry’s trick on Lucius Malfoy results in Dobby being presented with clothes. Now a free elf, he goes on to be one of Harry’s bravest and most faithful allies.
Determined to obtain Professor Slughorn’s memory about Tom Riddle, Harry decides to down a luck potion before going to talk to him. The effects are instantaneous, imbuing Harry with a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and an inebriated sense of confidence. Soon enough he isn’t the only one feeling tipsy. Joining Harry at Hagrid’s, Professor Slughorn and the groundskeeper get drunk in a very real sense and not just on good fortune. Deep in his cups, Slughorn at last offers up the precious memory. The whole affair is hilarious but also oddly touching.
On their way to comfort Hagrid, Harry, Ron and Hermione run into Draco and his cronies camped out to watch the execution of Buckbeak from afar. Upon seeing them, the generally mild-mannered Hermione snaps. Pulling out her wand, she looks at first like she’s about to break some serious school rules and curse Malfoy on the spot. As he cowers, however, she seems to reconsider the hex – and then decks him right in the face. The crack of his nose and way the three scamper off is intensely satisfying.
With the school’s defenses are down, it seems like all hope is lost. Voldemort and his forces enter Hogwarts to claim victory, when an unlikely figure steps forward to rally the troops. Despite Harry’s apparent death, the once shy, magically inept Neville wants to remind his comrades why they’re there and what they’re fighting for - something much bigger and more important than any one person. As the other potential Chosen One candidate, Neville really shows his mettle here as he holds the line. The inspiring moment comes to a head when it’s revealed that Harry is back from the dead, and the fight is far from over.
When the barrier to Platform 9 ¾ suddenly fails, sealing Ron and Harry from the Hogwarts Express, they patiently wait for Ron’s parents to return to help them find a sensible, alternative route to school. Ha, just kidding. With a flying car and enough confidence to choke a Hippogriff, the wizards concoct a much more daring plan. Making off with Mr. Weasley’s magically altered Ford Anglia, they sail above the clouds and follow the track of the school train. Their plan goes swimmingly – until of course the train chugs up behind them, and they’re walloped by a willow with some major rage issues. It’s all fun and games until someone breaks a wand.
With a madman on the loose, the Minister of Magic makes a characteristically bad choice when he employs soul-sucking ghouls to protect the students of Hogwarts. While for most the wraithlike Dementors merely provoke feelings of despair, poor Harry is more deeply affected. Fortunately, there’s a defensive spell specifically for warding them off! Unfortunately, it’s incredibly difficult. After he struggled with the spell all year, he’s able to tap into hitherto unknown stores of inner strength to save both himself and his grandfather Sirius. Harry’s third year is all about facing down fears, and in this moment audiences got their first glimpse of the hero he’d become.
Getting to the end of the Triwizard Tournament was hard enough, but Harry could have no idea what truly lay in store for him. When he and Edward Cull – er, Cedric Diggory - take hold of the Triwizard Cup in what should be a victory for Hogwarts, they’re instead transported to a shadowy graveyard. Cedric is murdered, a shocking moment that’s almost eclipsed by what happens next, as Harry becomes instrumental in the resurrection of Voldemort himself. His grotesque body slowly growing out of smoky air, He Who Must Not Be Named is suddenly back, opening a dark new chapter in the wizarding world.
Snape’s doesn’t hide the fact that he dislikes Harry, his petty torments stemming from his unquenched hatred for Harry’s dad, who, yeah, was a huge jerk to him. Not knowing the full story, Harry was never able to understand why Dumbledore trusted the Potions Master. After Snape flat-out kills the headmaster, there are few people Harry hates more. However, at the moment of his death, Snape provides him with memories that reveal the truth: Snape’s childhood friendship with his mother, his regrets, his role as a double-agent, and his agreement with Dumbledore. Not a one-dimensional bully at all, there are few characters a complex as Snape.
Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions
Weasley Twins Fireworks
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (2007)
Broomstick Dogfight
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1” (2010)
Harry and Dumbledore at the Cave
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” (2009)
Vanishing glass, owls, and mysterious letters . . . We all knew what was up going into the theatre, but for Harry it was still a mystery. When Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, shows up on the scene, he spells the truth out with four little words that changes Harry’s life forever. The wizarding world is unlocked, and we were right there with him, stepping out into an enchanting new world. It’s the moment when the adventure really begins and a line that’s become synonymous with magic.
Top 10 Harry Potter Movie Moments REDUX
Top 10 Harry Potter Movie Moments REDUX
These are the moments that we’ll always remember. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re taking another look at the Top 10 Harry Potter Movie Moments.
For this list, we’ll be going over scenes from the classic movies that Accio all the feels. We’ll be excluding character deaths, which really deserve their own list. As we’ll be going over all eight of the films, spoilers abound. You’ve been warned.
#10: Wingardium Leviosa
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” (2001)Upon receiving his acceptance letter to Hogwarts, Harry is excited but justifiably nervous. Having grown up with the most muggly of muggles, he expects he’ll be the worst at magic in his class – especially after meeting a certain adept young witch, and a fellow would-be wizard who at least seems to know something. However, in their first Charms lesson, it’s clear that magic involves more than just waving a wand about. The comedic scene helps to set up the world, the reason for magic schools, and provides the spell that later brings the iconic trio together as friends.
#9: Dobby Is Free!
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (2002)Harry’s second year is a bit of a rough ride, beginning with the appearance of a cagey House Elf named Dobby and his brief imprisonment by his aunt and uncle. Every time Dobby shows up with a new shadowy warning something terrible seems to happen, and Harry is justifiably annoyed with his secretiveness, but also feels very bad for the obviously miserable creature. After the day is won, and Dobby’s owners are confirmed, Harry can’t let the big-eared little guy go back with them. Harry’s trick on Lucius Malfoy results in Dobby being presented with clothes. Now a free elf, he goes on to be one of Harry’s bravest and most faithful allies.
#8: Harry High on Liquid Luck
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” (2009)Determined to obtain Professor Slughorn’s memory about Tom Riddle, Harry decides to down a luck potion before going to talk to him. The effects are instantaneous, imbuing Harry with a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and an inebriated sense of confidence. Soon enough he isn’t the only one feeling tipsy. Joining Harry at Hagrid’s, Professor Slughorn and the groundskeeper get drunk in a very real sense and not just on good fortune. Deep in his cups, Slughorn at last offers up the precious memory. The whole affair is hilarious but also oddly touching.
#7: Hermione Punches Draco
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004)On their way to comfort Hagrid, Harry, Ron and Hermione run into Draco and his cronies camped out to watch the execution of Buckbeak from afar. Upon seeing them, the generally mild-mannered Hermione snaps. Pulling out her wand, she looks at first like she’s about to break some serious school rules and curse Malfoy on the spot. As he cowers, however, she seems to reconsider the hex – and then decks him right in the face. The crack of his nose and way the three scamper off is intensely satisfying.
#6: Neville's Speech and Harry's Resurrection
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2” (2011)With the school’s defenses are down, it seems like all hope is lost. Voldemort and his forces enter Hogwarts to claim victory, when an unlikely figure steps forward to rally the troops. Despite Harry’s apparent death, the once shy, magically inept Neville wants to remind his comrades why they’re there and what they’re fighting for - something much bigger and more important than any one person. As the other potential Chosen One candidate, Neville really shows his mettle here as he holds the line. The inspiring moment comes to a head when it’s revealed that Harry is back from the dead, and the fight is far from over.
#5: The Flying Car
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (2002)When the barrier to Platform 9 ¾ suddenly fails, sealing Ron and Harry from the Hogwarts Express, they patiently wait for Ron’s parents to return to help them find a sensible, alternative route to school. Ha, just kidding. With a flying car and enough confidence to choke a Hippogriff, the wizards concoct a much more daring plan. Making off with Mr. Weasley’s magically altered Ford Anglia, they sail above the clouds and follow the track of the school train. Their plan goes swimmingly – until of course the train chugs up behind them, and they’re walloped by a willow with some major rage issues. It’s all fun and games until someone breaks a wand.
#4: Expecto Patronum!
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004)With a madman on the loose, the Minister of Magic makes a characteristically bad choice when he employs soul-sucking ghouls to protect the students of Hogwarts. While for most the wraithlike Dementors merely provoke feelings of despair, poor Harry is more deeply affected. Fortunately, there’s a defensive spell specifically for warding them off! Unfortunately, it’s incredibly difficult. After he struggled with the spell all year, he’s able to tap into hitherto unknown stores of inner strength to save both himself and his grandfather Sirius. Harry’s third year is all about facing down fears, and in this moment audiences got their first glimpse of the hero he’d become.
#3: Voldemort's Return
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005)Getting to the end of the Triwizard Tournament was hard enough, but Harry could have no idea what truly lay in store for him. When he and Edward Cull – er, Cedric Diggory - take hold of the Triwizard Cup in what should be a victory for Hogwarts, they’re instead transported to a shadowy graveyard. Cedric is murdered, a shocking moment that’s almost eclipsed by what happens next, as Harry becomes instrumental in the resurrection of Voldemort himself. His grotesque body slowly growing out of smoky air, He Who Must Not Be Named is suddenly back, opening a dark new chapter in the wizarding world.
#2: The Truth About Snape Is Revealed
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2” (2011)Snape’s doesn’t hide the fact that he dislikes Harry, his petty torments stemming from his unquenched hatred for Harry’s dad, who, yeah, was a huge jerk to him. Not knowing the full story, Harry was never able to understand why Dumbledore trusted the Potions Master. After Snape flat-out kills the headmaster, there are few people Harry hates more. However, at the moment of his death, Snape provides him with memories that reveal the truth: Snape’s childhood friendship with his mother, his regrets, his role as a double-agent, and his agreement with Dumbledore. Not a one-dimensional bully at all, there are few characters a complex as Snape.
Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions
Weasley Twins Fireworks
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (2007)
Broomstick Dogfight
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1” (2010)
Harry and Dumbledore at the Cave
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” (2009)
#1: You're a Wizard, Harry!
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” (2001)Vanishing glass, owls, and mysterious letters . . . We all knew what was up going into the theatre, but for Harry it was still a mystery. When Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, shows up on the scene, he spells the truth out with four little words that changes Harry’s life forever. The wizarding world is unlocked, and we were right there with him, stepping out into an enchanting new world. It’s the moment when the adventure really begins and a line that’s become synonymous with magic.
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