While blockbuster films tend to put the focus on the visuals and high-impact action sequences, music is equally important in order to make these films the powerhouses they are. The Harry Potter series certainly accounted for this aspect, delivering incredible soundtracks in its franchise.
These are theme songs that accompany scenes and make them appear as they are intended. If these are supposed to be anything from tragic, happy, curious, and grand, the soundtrack ensures the audience feels exactly this way. There are definitely top contenders among these themes. Let’s see which ones rank among the very best in the series as a whole, with these tracks listed by their titles.
"When Ginny Kissed Harry"
Fans are still unsure where the film version of Harry and Ginny rank among the best couples. However, the theme that plays during their first kiss in the movie can make one steer toward this pair as it makes the setting seem so intimate and romantic.
It brings out the feeling that there’s something secretive going on, with only the people in love aware of just what it is. Like Ginny says in the film, their kiss can be a secret if Harry likes and the song perfectly reflects the same emotions.
"Voldemort's End"
The final clash between Voldemort and Harry had to carry mixed emotions. This is because there were so many ways Voldemort could have won and the scene was supposed to be his as much as it was Harry’s. With this in mind, the theme absolutely rocks this aspect.
It has both a sense of dread and triumph, with Voldemort’s defeat felt about the same way as Harry’s victory. It also carries a sense of scale in it, as the rushing of the track signifies how everything that happened in the series was culminating right here.
"Buckbeak's Flight"
In-universe, Buckbeak was branded as one of the dangerous things kept at Hogwarts. Harry knew that wasn’t the case, though, and the music in this scene served as evidence of the connection between him and Buckbeak.
The sense of wonder Harry felt flying on Buckbeak’s back would never have been as majestic if the track hadn’t accompanied it so well. The music builds up in the initial phases to match Harry’s nervousness and curiosity, eventually reaching a high point where it’s all about that feeling of elation Harry felt with Buckbeak.
"Double Trouble"
There was a different look of Hogwarts for viewers in Prisoner of Azkaban due to new director Alfonso Cuaron bringing in his vision. His intent was to make things a lot more mischievous this time and it was set in fans’ minds the second this track began playing.
It encompasses everything from the uncertainty of Sirius Black’s escape, the threat of the dementors, and Harry’s own trepidation. Hearing “Double Trouble” gets one in the mood for some rule-breaking, along with opening up a new way to experience Hogwarts in all its eccentricity.
"Hogwarts Hymn"
Heard sparingly during Goblet of Fire and fully during the film’s end credits, this theme arrives to signal the shift in tone for the series. It’s both an inspiring tune and a sad one, as the music remains at a friendly pace before going all-out.
Hearing “Hogwarts Hymn” reminds the listener that Harry will now have to grow up due to Voldemort’s return, but that he can still take heart from the fact that he has friends. Its emotional aspect comes from the realization that the theme is so gentle but raw because it’s time to grow up and face reality.
"Fawkes The Phoenix"
Fawkes was a hero in many ways, such as providing the feather for Harry’s wand, saving his life, then taking the heroes back to Hogwarts. This track began right after Harry was cured of his poisoning, with the sudden uplifting tone bursting into the scene.
As Lockhart best described, it felt “just like magic,” with the euphoria of victory free to be experienced by Harry and his friends. It’s hard not to get emotional when the track rises, as the tune blends it with such sentiment that one can still remember all the hardships it took to get to this moment.
"Dumbledore's Army"
The story of Order of the Phoenix was how Harry trained the faction called Dumbledore’s Army into the powerful wizards they became. The most uplifting sequence was during the scene where they created Patronuses, which highlighted the power of positivity.
It’s appropriate that the soundtrack shares the name with the group, as it evokes that feeling of unity and young energy. It also highlights the characters’ rebellious natures but has a friendly tune that allows it to be so catchy. Listening to this track makes one want to stand for what’s right and be encouraged by this notion.
"Opening"
The beginning moments of Half-Blood Prince show Harry being escorted by Dumbledore away from the press, right after Sirius’ death. The track is used again at the end for Dumbledore’s own demise, solidifying it as the theme dedicated to loss.
It’s still hauntingly beautiful, however, with the composition light but hitting the exact emotional points. It’s like a personification of what depression feels like; absolute sadness crashing down and the sorrow still palpable. Despite the grim note, there’s no doubt the music is magnificent at heart.
"Hedwig's Theme"
What else could be the name of the series’ theme song other than that of Harry’s most loyal pet? This is the music that every Harry Potter song has not only listened to but completely memorized. Everything about the magic, the mystery, and the incredibleness of the series can be found here.
The theme is like an escape into another world, one where anything can be possible. Fans identify the series with this soundtrack and it is very well deserved. After all, like Hedwig, it makes one feel like soaring in the Hogwarts skyline.
"Leaving Hogwarts"
This soundtrack was heard in the first two movies and in the final moments of the very last one. It brings to a close every characters' endings and the series as a whole. More than anything, the sense of grandeur it brings makes you think of Hogwarts as the home Harry always saw it to be.
The music is touching in its composition, with the build-up and the climax both stirring up emotions. It’s pretty much impossible for any Harry Potter fan to avoid feeling a mixture of happiness, nostalgia, and wonderment through this track. And no fan worth their salt would have it any other way.