Part of the reason the Harry Potter movies are so popular across the globe is that they cover a range of genres within themselves. There are action-packed moments, with the Battle of Hogwarts in the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 particularly standout. There are sad parts, too, such as the heartbreaking deaths of beloved characters such as Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, and Cedric Diggory. And there are also plenty of funny moments along the journey as well, even after Lord Voldemort's dramatic and dangerous return.
So, with that the case, it's time to look back at the eight Potter movies that released between 2001 and 2011 and pick out the funniest scene from each one. Going chronologically, that means starting with The Sorcerer's Stone...
The Sorcerer's Stone: Ron's Brilliant Response To Hermione
In the first book and movie, Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger find themselves looking to hide from the loathsome Argus Filch and his sneaky sidekick, Mrs. Norris. So, in their blind panic, they completely lose their bearings and end up hiding in an abandoned classroom on the third floor - despite Dumbledore making it clear at the start of the year that the area is off-limits.
Except it's not abandoned, instead occupied by Fluffy the Three-Headed dog. The trio very nearly perish and are able to escape the creature just in time. In the aftermath, Hermione then claims she's going to bed before the other two either get them killed or, worse, expelled. That's where Ron steps up to produce a moment of comedic gold, telling Emma Watson's character she 'needs to sort out her priorities.' He's got a point, too. Being killed by Fluffy, instead of being expelled, would definitely have been the nightmare scenario - and not the other way round.
The Chamber Of Secrets: Dobby's Justification
There are definitely some amusing parts during 2002's The Chamber of Secrets. Gilderoy Lockhart is funny throughout, with the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher's shortcomings evident for all to see. Colin Creevey is amusing by obsessing over Harry, making the Boy Who Lived feel rather uncomfortable as a result. And the same can be said for Dobby the House Elf, who is a mischievous menace despite his good intentions.
Dobby nearly kills Harry when he bewitches Bludgers to fly after the Chosen One and attack him. Later, in the hospital wing, he then hilariously states he didn't want to kill Harry but only to 'seriously maim' him instead. This forces Daniel Radcliffe's character to snap but, before he gets a chance to really vent his fury at Dobby, the little creature vanishes. This is due to the presence of Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, and Madam Pomfrey who then carry a petrified Colin into the room.
The Prisoner Of Azkaban: The Boggart
Like the other Potter movies, the Prisoner of Azkaban contains numerous scenes capable of making audiences laugh. Any scene with Emma Thompson as Sybill Trelawney in a hoot, with the Divination teacher regularly predicting Harry's death. It's also funny when Harry goes to Hogsmeade and pelts Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, and Gregory Goyle with snowballs, too.
But taking the top spot is when, during Defence Against the Dark Arts class, Neville Longbottom turns a Boggart into Severus Snape wearing his grandmother's clothes. It's hard to imagine the Potions Master wearing such attire, which is why it's so hilarious. The whole class finds it funny but Snape doesn't seem to, coming down hard on the students when he briefly replaces Lupin at a time where Remus is sidelined through illness as a result of his transformation into a werewolf.
The Goblet Of Fire: Ron's Dress Robes
The Goblet of Fire was definitely the darkest Potter movie to date upon hitting theatres back in 2005. With the Triwizard Tournament commencing, and Harry thrown into the mix against his will, the blockbuster gives off the impression that anything could happen. It's also the film where Lord Voldemort returns to full power, murdering Cedric Diggory and kickstarting yet another era of sheer terror for the wizarding community.
However, even though the movie has a somber tone, it still manages to produce some funny moments. And Ron getting his dress robes takes top spot. Rupert Grint's character is clearly disgusted at the clothes he must wear for the Yule Ball, especially when he sees Harry's own robes are far smarter in comparison. And it's no surprise he cuts a frustrated figure throughout the whole evening, making date Padma Patil feel unwanted and making Hermione cry.
The Order Of The Phoenix: Fred And George's Big Escape
The Harry Potter movies and books are littered with an array of villains. There's Lord Voldemort, of course, and his horrible tribe of Death Eaters too. Severus Snape isn't exactly nice, either, while the same can be said for Cornelius Fudge. But, when it comes to the bad guys and girls of the wizarding world, Dolores Umbridge is right up there with the very best.
Umbridge is horrendous, using her position as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher then Hogwarts High Inquisitor to make life as difficult for her students as possible. So that's why it's so funny when Fred and George Weasley decide to leave Hogwarts behind, terrorizing Imelda Staunton's character as they trash the Great Hall and disrupt Harry's O.W.L exams. It's a moment that perfectly captures the brilliant personalities of both Fred and George, with the duo simply not caring as they cause absolute chaos. Even the other teachers back their actions, with Professor Flitwick seen celebrating their grand escape.
The Half-Blood Prince: Harry On Felix Felicis
During the Half-Blood Prince, Harry has to contend with many things. There's the return of Voldemort, who is now operating out in the open. He's also got to suffer Ron's relationship with Lavender Brown, which forces him to fall out with Hermione Granger. And, to make matters even worse, the Boy Who Lived is given the difficult task of retrieving an old memory from Horace Slughorn - who is initially unwilling to give it up.
Harry then takes Felix Felicis, the potion he won from Slughorn earlier on in the story. And it's amusing to see the effects take control of the Boy Who Lived, giving him a floaty demeanor as though he's had too many Butterbeers down at the Three Broomsticks. This is the closest fans get to seeing Harry drunk but, while he's pretty strange on the potion, it ultimately helps him get the memory he needs - moving the world one step closer to defeating Voldemort once and for all in the process.
The Deathly Hallows Part 1: The Seven Potters
The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is a movie that produces rare laughs with Harry, Ron, and Hermione all embarking on their serious mission to hunt down and destroy Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. But that's not to say it's completely devoid of comedy, with the Seven Potters scene at Number 4 Privet Drive definitely hilarious to see play out.
Harry is embarrassed as all of his friends transform into him. And the way different characters react is brilliant to watch, too. Twins Fred and George joke that they're now identical, feigning surprise. Fleur Delacour is repulsed at having to change into the hero, telling Bill Weasley she looks 'hideous.' And Hermione mocks Harry for his poor eyesight, being surprised at just how bad the Boy Who Lived's visibility is. It's a clever plan to shock the Death Eaters in the event of an ambush and it ends up saving the majority of their lives, with Alastor Moody the only person to perish.
The Deathly Hallows Part 2: McGonagall Shows Her Light Side
The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is a bloodbath of a Harry Potter movie. Fred Weasley, Remus Lupin, and Nymphadora Tonks are just three of the characters who meet their end over the course of the movie's runtime. Yet while there are plenty of casualties, there are a couple of moments of light relief.
And the one that stands out is when Minerva McGonagall claims she 'always wanted to do that' in a light-pitched, giggling voice when she calls down Hogwarts' statues to defend the castle. It's so out of character, with McGonagall often strict towards her students. It's nice seeing her adopt a softer tone, especially given everything at stake. And, after the war, it's no surprise she was made Headmistress at the school after so many years of loyal service.