The magic of Hogwarts: here’s why the Harry Potter franchise will live on
Although it’s been more than 20 years since the first Harry Potter movie was released, fans still hold the franchise dear to their hearts. Although the series was created for older children, the magical world of Hogwarts also captivated adults. We are pretty sure that readers of this article can recall a moment when they wished to receive their own Hogwarts acceptance letter and learn how to do a spell. Each fan likely did an online test to see which Harry Potter house they’d belong to.
Indeed, the movies have given comfort, love and joy to children and adults alike, and there is no doubt that fans’ appreciation and love for the boy who lived is timeless. Harry Potter is more than just a story – it has an entire community of devoted fans built around it. The books and movies went mainstream, resulting in the creation of different Harry Potter products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, hoodies, and much more. But what are the reasons why Harry Potter hasn’t lost its popularity even after all these years? Stay with us to find out.
Unparalleled movie cast
The characters of the Harry Potter series are one of the main aspects that contributed to the success of the books and movies. J.K. Rowling did an excellent job of creating complex yet lovable characters, portraying their growth to readers. They all relatable to fans in one way or another: for example, many have talked about how Harry Potter helped them overcome rejection coming from family members.
The series follows the three friends as they go through typical teenage situations that everyone faces in real life as well. The characters are portrayed in a realistic manner as they experience teenage crushes, breakups, feuds, and beautiful and challenging friendship moments. This creates a sense of belonging among the audience, making viewers feel like they are part of the story.
Exceptional plot twists
What sets a great movie apart from an iconic one is how well the plot twists are used in terms of placement and quantity. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a movie with some unexpected turns? Well, Joanne added enough enigmas and iconic reveals that blew viewers’ minds. Just think of the characters everyone hated at the franchise’s beginning – no one would have ever anticipated crying in waterfalls because of them in the last parts of the series. And there are also the unexpected deaths that broke everyone’s hearts.
One of the saddest twists in the series is the one related to Professor Snape – a villain who turns out not to be the monster everyone thought him of. In the last part of the series, it is revealed that Snape was always motivated by his love for Lily, Harry’s mother. He did everything with only one purpose: to protect Harry. But, of course, this wasn’t the only shocking plot twist of the series – who would have expected Tom Riddle to be Voldemort or Harry to be a Horcrux? Indeed, the Harry Potter movies are phenomenal in terms of plot, no matter the direction it was taken into.
Gorgeous scenery
Another aspect that made Harry Potter extremely popular is its iconic landscapes and effects. If it hadn’t been for them, perhaps the series wouldn’t have succeeded in building such a massive fanbase. Luckily, the movie series has done justice to the books, portraying a scenery just as gorgeous as the one described by J.K Rowling. The movie was filmed in the UK, in famous locations such as the Borough Market and the King’s Cross Station (the 9¾ platform).
The Willow Tree, with its large brambles, the Forbidden Forest and the terror it generated among viewers, as well as the impressive lighting effects whenever characters cast a spell, will all remain forever in the memory of those who enjoyed losing themselves in the unique magical world of Harry Potter.
Houses of Magic
As opposed to the traditional Lores of magic, which include arcane, celestial, and so on, the Hogwarts Houses of Magic aren’t characterized by what kind of magic they teach. Instead, they are defined based on students’ personality traits. While Gryffindors are known for being brave and chivalrous, Ravenclaws display characteristics like intelligence and strong wit. Those belonging to the Hufflepuff house are fair, patient and hardworking, while Slytherins are cunning, ambitious and resourceful.
It’s common for Harry Potter fans to ask each other the question, “Which house do you belong to?” when they first meet. After all, everyone who has watched the movie has fantasized about how they’d fit in the fantastical world, and even if no talking Sorting Hat can help you figure this out, at least Harry Potter House Quizzes were created with the same purpose.
Challenges and trials
Throughout the Harry Potter series, characters go through thematic challenges that have a remarkable replay value, putting the characters in an action-packed and dramatic environment that keeps viewers alert all the time. The magic chess in The Philosopher’s Stone, the Triwizard Tournament in the Goblet of Fire, and the chase that revolves around Sirius Black in the Prisoner of Azkaban are all legendary scenes of the series.
One reason Harry Potter is so beloved is that the characters overcome all the obstacles they face in the most unexpected ways. They face hard truths and mature as they go through all the challenges that cause them insurmountable suffering at times, and yet, Ron, Hermione, and Harry never give up.
Wrapping it all up
The Harry Potter movies transport viewers from their daily lives into a magical universe that brings them a sense of friendship, love and comfort. In such a busy and sometimes scary world, everyone feels the need to escape from time to time. And what better way to do so than by immersing yourself in the Harry Potter land? The characters with energetic and witty personalities, the impressive scenery, and impressive plot twists make the series a masterpiece, so there is no doubt that the popularity of Harry Potter will last for many generations to follow.