Harry Potter: 10 Most Heart-Breaking Movie Moments
The most poignant and gut wrenching moments in the Harry Potter films - accio tissues!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not always full of whimsy and magic, even if there are plenty of fun light-hearted moments scattered throughout the early entries of the series.
Teenage wizard Harry Potter is no stranger to death and our young hero is put through many difficult and often life threatening trials as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry each year. From losing both parents to the evils of Lord Voldemort, to battling a giant snake and fighting off Death Eaters, Harry certainly experiences his fair share of trauma for a lifetime.
Both the books and films grow progressively darker as our characters age and the threat of war looms over the Wizarding World. The narrative deals with many mature themes like torture, racism, murder and death, putting up schoolchildren against insurmountable odds to overcome.
Beloved characters are killed and an evil wizard plots to take over the Ministry of Magic by any means necessary, resulting in plenty of tear-jerking and unforgettable movie moments in this captivating series. Which have us reaching for the tissue box?
10. Hedwig’s Death
Hedwig is one of the first companions for eleven year-old Harry Potter as he is introduced to the brand new, exciting world of magic. Hagrid gifts the snowy white owl to Harry for his first proper birthday present during their visit to Diagon Alley and she remains at Harry's side for the next six movies.
Hedwig was always there for Harry throughout his time at Hogwarts, as well as the awful summers when he would be sent back to the Dursley household. She was the one friend he could always rely on, especially when he feared Ron and Hermione no longer wished to write to him during the summer taking place before the Chamber of Secrets.
The moment when Hedwig sacrifices herself to protect Harry from a killing curse aimed at him during the flight of the seven Potters is brief, but nevertheless packs a firm punch in the gut when we reflect on what a tremendous loss this is for our lead. She protected him and was always by his side until the very last moment.