Is Harry Potter A Christmas Movie?
Die Hard, Mean Girls, Harry Potter… Where do we draw the line?
Debates of this nature are nothing new.
I have friends who claim Die Hard is their favorite Christmas movie. Others adamantly shut these claims down and state Die Hard does not even qualify.
Lately, the debate has shifted to the Harry Potter movies.
So ladies and gentlemen of the jury… here are my opening arguments for both sides:
Defendant: Yes Harry Potter Is Absolutely A Christmas Movie!
Harry Potter may not immediately scream “Christmas” in the way a Hallmark movie or “Christmas Vacation” does. However, if we dig a little deeper, you’ll find the HP movies actually have a lot in common with many of our fav holiday staples.
Evidence A:
Christmas is about love, friendship, family, and good winning over evil. Isn’t this exactly what the Harry Potter series gives us?
J.K. Rowling’s story is rooted in themes of unity and the power of love. From our trio of BFFFs, Harry, Ron, and Hermione — to the warmth of the Weasley family, the series is a celebration of the human (and wizard) spirit. And what better time to indulge in these themes than during the season of giving and goodwill?
Evidence B:
Harry Potter focuses a lot on the Magic of Traditions.
The sight of Hogwarts in the snow, the Yule Ball, and the enchanting decorations of the Great Hall all contribute to the sense of wonder that we associate with Christmas.
Haven’t we all dreamed of joining in with the Gryffindor boys’ Christmas snowball fight?
Playing chess in one of the squishy armchairs by the fire in the common room?
Unwrapping one of Mrs. Weasley’s sweaters of chocolate frogs?
Bribing the house elves for that good-good butter beer?
Harry Potter screams Christmas traditions and leaves us with a sense of Christmas cheer after a wholesome 7 movie holiday binge watch.
Closing Arguments
Harry Potter is not just a series of books and films but a reflection of the timeless themes that define the holiday season. The essence of Christmas, the magic of tradition, the lessons in friendship and family… all these elements weave together to make a compelling case that Harry Potter is a quintessential Christmas movie.
Plaintiff: Harry Potter Is In No Way A Christmas Movie!
Harry Potter is in no way a Christmas movie! In fact, the first part of each book/movie takes place in the summer!
Evidence A:
Taking a look at the Harry Potter series, we find that the core narrative doesn’t even revolve arount the Christmas season.
Sure, Christmas appears at times as a backdrop. A charming setting for certain events? Yes. But not a central theme. The series spans years at Hogwarts, and doesn’t revolve around Christmas like most of our favorite true Christmas movies.
Evidence B:
There are a lot of dark and gritty undertones to Harry Potter that aren’t found it the, dare I say merry? vibes of most Christmas movies.
The dark and scary vibes of the Harry Potter series do not align with the lighthearted and uplifting spirit characteristic of Christmas movies.
The saga is full of themes of prejudice, loss, sacrifice, and the constant looming threat of Lord Voldemort. Show me where He Who Must Not Be Named pops up in Santa’s workshop…!
While Gremlins might have set a precedance for some scary Christmas movies, it at least revolves specifically around the holiday.
Closing Arguments
Christmas magic typically involves miracles, goodwill, and the transformation of characters through the spirit of the season. The magical elements in Harry Potter are very different to the specific brand of Santa magic.
Conclusion
We’ll leave it to you the reader. Is Harry Potter a Christmas movie? Is Die Hard? Is Mean Girls? Let us know in the comment section.
Happy Holidays! Startup Lab
Startup Lab
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