Harry Potter: 10 Most Anxiety-Inducing Movie Moments
2. The Dementor Searches The Train – The Prisoner Of Azkaban
Harry will never forget the journey to Hogwarts at the start of his third year. After informing his two best friends about the dangers of Sirius Black, the train comes to an abrupt halt and an unexpected visitor climbs aboard.
What makes this moment especially scary is the almost-silent atmosphere. When the Dementor first appears, everyone inside the compartment is paralysed by fear and uncertainty. The only sound is the slow click of the compartment door and the rattling breath of the hooded creature in front of them.
Williams’ score is quite subtle, yet it’s still effective. The strings carry a chilling quality in line with the icy presence of the Dementor, and the echoing percussion really builds up the tension.
The Dementor’s search of the train is stopped, however, when Lupin finally wakes up and casts the Patronus Charm. But even after the danger has been removed, the image of this dark-hooded figure is hard to shake off.