It’s the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, so we are taking a look back at the 7 best moments of the film.
Why is this a top 7 list instead of a top 5 or top 10? Well, because 7 is a magic number of course! It is a number that continuously shows up in the franchise, as Harry’s Quidditch number, the number of Weasley siblings, or even the number of horcruxes. (As you can see, 7 was important.)
So, here are the seven moments I believe to be the best moments of the film, because of their significance, how they looked, or because they were bloody brilliant.
1. “You’re a wizard, Harry.”
This scene is one of the most important scenes in the whole franchise. It is where Harry learns who he is and where he came from. He finds out what really happened to his parents and how they died. Harry’s whole world changes in this moment. He also finds out magic is real and that there is a whole other world full of it. This is where the movie’s whole atmosphere is set.
2.“The Wand Chooses The Wizard”
The Diagon Alley scene! This scene is not just important, it is amazing. It is when we first see the Wizarding World. We see the shops of cauldrons, robes, books, and all things magic. It is when Harry first sees his world as well. The trip to his vault with the goblins. And, the most beautifully shot scene of finding his wand. Not to mention, finding out about You Know Who…
3. “Gryffindor!”
The whole scene from arriving to Hogwarts to getting sorted was important and nicely shot. The first look at Hogwarts from the boats simply takes your breath away. Then, Harry choosing his own house over the hat’s insisting he would be better in Slytherin. This gives us a better insight into who Harry is. It shows that he does not want to be a bad wizard, but a great one. Also, this scene sets up the rivalry between Draco and Harry.
4. “He’s got the Snitch!”
The first Quidditch match. This had to be on the list. It is the ultimate wizard game. And, one of the most important aspects of Harry’s life. He loves playing Quidditch, so winning his first game had to make the top 7. During this scene though, it is not all fun and games. We also get to catch a glimpse of the danger Harry may be in. We see him getting tossed about in his broom, and we see someone is out to get him. Once Hermione saves him, Harry catches the snitch by almost swallowing it. He then wins 150 points for Gryffindor, making everyone, including himself, proud. He gets to show off his worth as well as prove it to himself.
5. “I’ve got presents?”
This scene has many layers to it. It is the first Christmas at Hogwarts, which is a beautiful thing. The Great Hall is lined up with trees and the decorations. The grounds are covered in snow. We also see Harry get actual presents for the first time. Growing up with the Dursleys, Harry never got any presents, and if he did they were mostly hand-me-downs of Dudley’s clothes. Here he gets a hand-knitted sweater from Mrs. Weasley and presents from his friends as well. He also gets an invisibility cloak that belonged to his father. This is the first connection to his parents he receives. Also, the first time we are introduced to the deathly hallows without even realizing it.
6. “Knight to H3”
A giant chess board with pieces that move on their own? Yes please. This is one of the tensest scenes. The three heroes are playing against giant chess pieces that literally beat you if you make the wrong move. It is fun to watch though, seeing them move across the floor. This scene also showcases Ron’s loyalty. No one knew what would happen once he sacrificed himself. They had seen the chess pieces reduced to rubble after being hit, so they didn’t know if Ron would make it. He didn’t hesitate knowing that Harry had to be the one to go through. Sadly, it is one of Ron’s best moments throughout the franchise, until we get to the last films.
7. “Harry Potter. We meet again.”
The most intense scene of them all. The twist at the end where it is not Snape but Quirrell who wanted the stone. The whole movie, the trio think it is Professor Snape who wants to get a hold of the stone to give to Voldemort, but it turns out to be Professor Quirrell. Not only did he serve Voldemort, he had Voldemort in the back of his head. Seeing what Voldemort has been reduced to for the first time was awesome. It really hammered home how much Harry had beat him. Then they have another show down where Harry once again beats him. It is an amazing climatic battle. Shows us that Voldemort, although not back, is still around and still wants to end Harry somehow. A great scene visually as well with all the fire around, and the way Harry burns Quirrell whenever he touches him. Best part was when Voldemort flies towards him as a spirit. Just overall great.
As I said, these 7 scenes are the scenes I think about when I think of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Everyone has different opinions though, so please tell me what scenes stand out to you? Let me know in the comments down below!
