It's hard to believe that Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone will be turning 20 later this year. To celebrate, we're counting down our picks for the top ten best moments in the Harry Potterfilms.
10. Aragog's Funeral - Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince
This scene became an instant classic among Harry Potter fans simply because of Daniel Radcliffe's hilarious delivery of the iconic line: "Not to mention the pincers." You can't help but laugh at Harry's spider impression. This scene is immediately followed by Hagrid's eulogy which we would consider to be an honorable mention. You want to cry with Hagrid but you can't help laughing at Harry and Slughorn's awkwardness as they approach the dead spider's body.
9. Harry and Voldemort Battle - Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
There are so many things that make this scene great, we don't even know where to start. First of all, this is the first time we see Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort on screen. With his chilling delivery of lines like, "I want to see the light leave your eyes", the audience gets a glimpse of his masterful performance as the main villain of the franchise. Also, it's just awesome to see battles like these on screen and this one in particular is one of the most intense of the entire series. Finally, this is the moment that the series really shifts and we see Harry being forced to mature into an even more courageous young man. You can see in Harry's eyes, he is unsure whether or not he can handle the responsibility of taking down Voldemort. The spirit of Harry's mother, Lily perfectly sets up the second half of the series when she says: "Sweetheart. You're ready."
8. Oliver Wood Explains Quidditch - Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone
You can't have Harry Potter without quidditch. You can't seem to wipe the smile off your face when you watch this scene. There's just something about it that's so fun. Maybe it's Oliver Wood's accent as he says words like quaffle and things like "you'd make a fair beater!" Maybe it's the curiosity and amazement in Harry's eyes Or maybe it's just because this scene really makes you appreciate J.K. Rowling's imagination. Whatever it may be, this is one of our all time favorite scenes.
7. Dobby is a Free Elf - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
One of our personal favorite characters will always be Dobby. We all cry when he's fatally wounded in the Deathly Hallows just as much as we cheer for him in this scene where Harry helps him earn his freedom. This scene also showcases just how clever Harry really is. And you just love to hate Lucius Malfoy.
6. "Always" - Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2
If you're a fan of Harry Potter, chances are, the word 'always' makes you think of Snape and the late, great Alan Rickman portrays Snape in this scene in a way that we don't think any other actor could have been able to. Snape's composure while speaking with Dumbledore, directly contrasted with the visible heartbreak while holding Lily is just one example of Rickman's range throughout the series and particularly in this movie. This moment is not only essential to the plot of the entire series, but as a standalone scene, it is just amazing to watch. Not to mention, it is scored perfectly with a song aptly titled: "Severus and Lily." Rest In Peace Alan Rickman.
5. Wizard Chess - Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone
The Golden Trio finds themselves in a giant game of wizard chess. We love this scene because after having seen all of the movies, going back to this scene makes us appreciate how much they've grown. The three of them just look so young to us and yet they were all such great actors at the time and they only got better as the years went on. The way Ron commands the game and eventually sacrifices himself just perfectly captures his character. Not to mention Rupert Grint delivers one of our favorite lines: "Not me, not Hermione, you!" which has become kind of a meme among Harry Potter fans.
4. Boggart - Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban
Who doesn't love a good montage? In this scene, we get a peek inside everyone's greatest fears. For example, Neville is afraid of Snape, and Ron, of course, is afraid of spiders. Some of our favorite scenes take place in the classroom, whether it be Snape's class, Slughorn's class, or in this case, Lupin's class. Also, here, Lupin proves himself to be one of the best supporting characters in the whole series. You really get a sense of how complex his character is when he steps in front of the boggart and learn that his biggest fear is... the moon? This of course makes sense when we learn that Lupin is a werewolf. But, in this scene, seeing that moon just adds to the mystery of Lupin's character. Finally, the song that Lupin plays on the record player just perfectly compliments the playful and fun nature of the scene.
3. Yule Ball - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The dynamic between Harry and Ron is so key to the entire series. Their dialogue in this scene is so perfect and we crack up every time when Ron begs Harry to murder him after he sees his outfit. Also, one of the advantage that the movies have over the books is the stunning visuals. As beautiful as the descriptions are in the book, being able to see the Yule Ball is breathtaking. From the costumes to the decorations to the music, everything about this scene made us want to be right there with all of the characters
2. The Golden Trio Meets For The First Time - Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone
The scene in which Harry first meets his two best friends is one of the best in movie history. It's such a joy to watch Ron and Hermione innocently experimenting with magic and trying to impress each other. Who would've thought that this unlikely trio who bumped into each other on the train would end up saving the wizarding world? You don't know what to love more, Ron's failed spells or Emma Watson's delivery of lines in which she is just disgusted by him, like "and... you are?" All in all, this scene is just an instant classic.
1. Epilogue - Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part Two
There is only one scene that tops the trio meeting for the first time: the epilogue. After an emotionally taxing film filled with death and destruction, it's cathartic to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione, 19 years later. Obviously, it is a comfort to know that Ron and Hermione ended up together and that Harry and Ginny ended up together. But the dialogue between Harry and his son is what really makes this scene the best for us. First of all, the reveal that Harry named his son after Dumbledore and Snape always makes us choke up. Before sending him onto the train, Harry assures Albus Severus Potter that no matter what happens, everything will be okay. Then, the camera pans to Harry, Ron and Hermione and although no words are spoken, we know by the looks on their faces...
All is well.
Happy 20th, Harry Potter!
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