From the whimsical score to the uplifting and beautiful characters, there are so many reasons to love theHarry Potterfranchise. This incredible story, full of wizards, love, friendship, loss, and more magical entities than imaginable, all comes from the mind of a British writer who created a fantastical world that has come to define an entire generation. Her first novel in the series,Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,was published in 1997, and by 2001, the first film in the franchise,Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,was released. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint were the talented actors who carried the series, playing the three lead characters, Harry Potter, Hermione Grainger, andand Ron Weasley.
Altogether, theHarry Potterfilms have grossed over $7 billion worldwide and are recognized as the fourth-highest-grossing film franchise of all time. Countless people around the world grew up loving these characters and their adventures, and they consider Harry Potter to be a huge part of their lives. So many continue to connect with the series that there are now various merchandise, amusement parks, flagship stores, Broadway shows, and many otherHarry Potter-themed attractions that can be found around the globe.
There is no bad time to start or re-watch the series, but due to the gloomy and cozy atmosphere of the United Kingdom, the mysterious and dark halls of Hogwarts, along with the themes of magic and wizardry, there is no better time to binge-watchHarry Potterthan the colder seasons. Here are 10 reasons why this is true.
10The Gothic and Dark Atmosphere of Hogwarts
The mysterious, dark, and whimsicalcastle that is Hogwartsperfectly reflects the cozy atmosphere we yearn for during the wintertime. As the days get shorter and nighttime approaches earlier, binge-watching a series that makes you feel warm and safe is more important than ever. Hogwarts is the primary location for the majority of the Harry Potter films, and it’s truly remarkable to see how much detail went into making Hogwarts so spectacular for the screen. The school seems larger than life and represents a haven full of wonder, possibility, and knowledge for Harry and his friends.
9It’s a Comfort Movie Franchise
During the winter, it’s easy to fall into a routine, and we all need something a little special to look forward to at the end of the day.Harry Potterhas always represented hope, friendship, and celebrated the underdog. These films are made to make people feel good. Due to the fact that the first film in the series,Harry Potter and TheSorcerer’s Stone,was released in 2001, there are so many people out there who grew up with these movies. Reconnecting with our childhood heroes and revisiting stories that make us feel safe and happy are so important.
8Peak Season for Wizards and Magic
There is something about the colder months and nighttime that makes the public even more obsessed with wizards and magic than normal. Leaning into the unknown is exciting, andHarry Potteris filled to the brim with magic.
Aside from Harry himself,Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledoreand Lord Voldemort are labeled as the two most powerful wizards in the world. Dumbledore is the headmaster of Hogwarts and guides Harry on his journey to figure out his true powers. Voldemort does not use his powers for the greater good and instead has made it his mission to destroy Harry Potter once and for all. Regardless of which characters you root for, there is no doubt that magic is at the center of these films.
7The Films Take Place During the Fall and Winter
It’s a common theme in the movies that Harry is always at Hogwarts during thefall and winter seasons. The cold weather during these months reflects the harsh and dangerous situations Harry finds himself in. Luckily for the viewer, this time of year offers beautiful landscapes of Hogwarts and incredible on-screen visuals that make the story feel even more magical. The snow, the holidays, and cold weather in the movies are sure to put you in a good mood.
6Themes of Love
There’s nothing more comforting during the wintertime than love stories. Although Harry Potter is about magic and wizardry, one of the greatest themes in the series is love. We see lifelong friendships and relationships grow throughout the course of the franchise, and we can’t help but fall in love with the characters too. One of the best love stories is that of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The two started out barely getting along as friends and grew to realize that they were the most important people in each other’s lives.
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5Dementors and Ghosts
In addition to the public’s fascination with wizards and magic, there is also a huge curiosity when it comes to ghosts and demons. In some of the laterHarry Potterfilms, Harry is visited multiple times by terrifying and mysterious creatures called Dementors. They fly in the sky and swoop down on the living like ghosts. Although they’re scary, they’re also so interesting and spark interest in people, especially those who enjoy the darker side. During the colder months when we’re craving a small scare, the Harry Potter films are the perfect choice to get that fix.
4Scary and Serious Themes
While there are so many lighthearted, comforting, and funny scenes inHarry Potter, a great portion of the story is based on serious and dark themes. One of the first things we learn about Harry is that he’s been essentially on his own since birth; his parents were murdered by an evil wizard when he was a baby, and he never had the opportunity to know his family.
After escaping his emotionally abusive aunt and uncle, Harry discovers that the same wizard who killed his parents is still out there looking for him. Throughout the course of the franchise, everything Harry does always comes back to the fact that he is desperately trying to protect the people he loves and put an end to Voldemort once and for all.Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkabanis known to be the scariest and darkest film in the series and borders, being labeled as a horror-adjacent movie.
3The Films Reflect Cold Weather
In addition to the fact that a majority of the movies take place during the fall and winter,the cozy themeswe see coming up throughout the story perfectly reflect the cozy and warm atmosphere we want to create in the fall and winter. Friendship is at the heart of these movies, and the relationship Harry, Hermione, and Ron build with each other is what keeps the three of them alive during their time at Hogwarts. The bond they build lasts a lifetime and becomes the most important thing in their lives.
If you look for it, you’ll find that love is all aroundHarry Potteras well. Whether it’s the love between Hermione and Ron or the love the professors at Hogwarts feel for their students, there’s beauty, trust, and love around every corner in the franchise.
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2Back to School Season
The back-to-school season can be stressful, but returning to Hogwarts is easy. While you get re-adjusted to your new schedule, the characters inHarry Potterdo the same as well. Almost all the films start out at the beginning of the school year, and we get to see Harry, Hermione, Ron, and all the other students head back to Hogwarts for another year of learning witchcraft and wizardry. We can all relate to the character’s relationship with different teachers in school as well, like Professor McGonagall andProfessor Severus Snape.
1Heavy Influence of the Holidays
All theHarry Potterfilms have dark colors, lots of lights, and warm tones, but the abundant use of the holiday season is apparent specifically inHarry Potter and the Order of thePhoenix.Even though none of the movies in the franchise are specifically labeled as holiday films, the fifth movie in the series definitely comes the closest. There are clear shots of Christmas trees, mistletoe, presents, and snow in the film that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit, making these movies perfect for the colder months.
