For more than a decade we were under Harry Potter’s spell. Fans of the books were in the millions and they were delighted when the story of the wizarding boy was brought to the big screen. With a film for each book released throughout the 2000s, except for Deathly Hallows, which was split into two films, Pottermania swept through the decade.
Some grew up with Harry, Ron and Hermione, as they moved through school at Hogwarts, year after year. The films and books provided a wonderful escape from their own growing up off-screen. The wait for each film to come out seemed unbearable. If only you could watch them back-to-back across one weekend in the cinema…
Well now you can! As part of National Cinema Week, Cineworld is showing all eight Harry Potter films across the weekend. From the first moment they step onto the Hogwarts Express to the final battle with he-who-shall-not-be-named, you can relive it all in one go. Check out the line-up and the dates by clicking the link below.
There are so many scenes it’ll be great to rewatch on a big format, so let’s conjure up a few of our faves to relive now.
The Sorting Hat’s life-changing decisions
We first meet the magical gang in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on their first day at Hogwarts. They walk into the Great Hall, where rows of lit candles float above the tables. With Dumbledore, Hagrid and the teachers looking on, the first years are being told which house they are in. This being Hogwarts, the method is unusual – the Sorting Hat decides.
The hat is placed on each student’s head and, after a little preamble, announces Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. Harry, Ron and Hermione all end up in Gryffindor, of course, though Harry narrowly misses being placed into Slytherin, where his nemesis, Draco Malfoy, is assigned.
BOOK HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE TICKETS
A magical house full of heart
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry visits the Weasleys in their house for the first time. There’s magic, of course. The boys arrive in a flying car, but the real wonder of this scene lies in the normality of their home. Harry is wide-eyed as he walks into the cosily chaotic living room. There’s magic, of course: the pans wash themselves and the knitting does itself, but seeing orphan Harry, who was brought up by his cruel uncle and aunt at the kitchen table, chatting to Ron’s mum and dad is truly heartwarming.
BOOK HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS TICKETS
Harry’s most powerful spell
Fighting off the Dementors who have been hovering ominously over Hogwarts, Harry and Hermione travel back in time to watch as a Patronus, the white stag Harry believes represents the spirit of his father, drives away hundreds of Dementors. The big revelation is not that his father cast the spell that saved them from the Dementors, but that he did. He doesn’t need anyone to save him – he can save himself. For many, this is the emotional heart of the entire film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
BOOK HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN TICKETS
Harry versus the Hungarian Horntail
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire sees Harry competing in the Triwizard Tournament. He’s pitted against a Hungarian Horntail in a terrifying contest. We fear for Harry’s life as he dodges flames and a charging dragon using his wits and the rocky landscape, before using a charm to call his broomstick, which flies to the rescue. He’s able to overcome the beast, seize the egg and win the day.
BOOK HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE TICKETS
The Weasley twins steal the show
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the OWL exams are in progress under the beady eye of Professor Umbridge. It’s heads down and quills at the ready until Umbridge hears a noise at the door and, when she investigates, comes face to face with a firework. The Weasley twins interrupt the silent hall with a surprise display of Wildfire Whiz-bangs – thoroughly entertaining and uplifting.
BOOK HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX TICKETS
One of Dumbledore’s darkest moments
Harry and Dumbledore travel to a dark cave to retrieve a Horcrux in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Horcruxes are key to overcoming Voldemort. The lengths Voldemort went to in concealing his Horcruxes nearly defeat the young wizard and his headmaster. Dumbledore drinks a potion that leaves him weak. He confronts painful memories that are nearly his undoing; it’s unnerving to see him so vulnerable.
BOOK HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE TICKETS
The Ministry infiltration mission
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, we see Harry, Ron and Hermione in disguise, with the help of Polyjuice Potion. We love this scene because the three friends must rely on their own wits as they sneak into the Ministry, which is now under Voldemort’s control. Mastermind Hermione saves the day with her awesome preparation skills, which help them swerve any unexpected danger.
BOOK HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 TICKETS
Hogwarts prepares for war
‘I’ve always wanted to use that spell,’ says McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. It’s the beginning of the end (we still get goosebumps at the thought of this scene) and McGonagall leads the charge, pulling out all the stops and spells to protect Hogwarts from the ultimate threat.
BOOK HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2 TICKETS
It's all aboard Hogwarts Express to Cineworld this weekend, for a marathon Harry Potter screening. See you there!
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