The Harry Potter movies are certainly no strangers when it comes to killing off characters, often leaving fans in tears as a result. Beloved characters such as Cedric Diggory, Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore and Fred Weasley all heartbreakingly perish over the course of the series in events that could easily have rocked the Boy Who Lived. Fortunately, for the sake of the wizarding world, he refused to let the incidents get the better of him and was able to defeat Lord Voldemort, ending his villainous rule once and for all.
However, that's not to say there aren't any other emotional moments. In fact, there are quite a few heartbreaking moments within the franchise that go under the radar in comparison. But which one stood out the most in each movie?
The Sorcerer's Stone: Looking Into The Mirror Of Erised
In The Sorcerer's Stone, it's revealed that Harry was raised by the Dursleys after his parents, James and Lily, were ruthlessly executed by Lord Voldemort. Obviously, the flashback scene where the Dark Lord kills them is rather sad. But a moment that's arguably even more tear-inducing is when Harry gazes upon his deceased relatives via the Mirror of Erised (the magical object that shows the deepest desires in our hearts).
For Harry, the chance to visit his parents regularly is appealing to him for obvious reasons. But Albus Dumbledore tells the Gryffindor student that it's unwise to dwell on these things due to the fact it can affect a person's health deeply. The Mirror ends up being moved to protect Nicolas Flamel's stone from Voldemort, who uses Quinius Quirrell to try and obtain it.
The Chamber Of Secrets: Hermione Petrified
During the events of The Chamber of Secrets, Hogwarts finds itself under attack from a mysterious and unknown entity - which later turns out to be a Basilisk controlled by the Heir of Slytherin. Mrs Norris is the first to be attacked, with Argus Filch then wrongly accusing Harry of being behind it. Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Nearly Headless Nick also fall victim to the Basilisk, but the saddest of the lot is Hermione Granger.
Hermione is attacked towards the end of the movie, meaning it's left to just Harry and Ron to save the day. Without their intelligent friend to help, it's certainly a tall order and represents a major setback. Luckily they're able to get the better of Tom Riddle without Emma Watson's character being present, though she does give them some help even in her petrified state.
The Prisoner Of Azkaban: Freeing Sirius Black
In The Prisoner of Azkaban, Sirius Black is seen as a criminal throughout most of the movie and book. The wizarding world believes him to be a mass murderer, somebody who murdered muggles as well as Peter Pettigrew, his old childhood friend. This isn't the case, however, with Pettigrew the true villain.
It looks as though Sirius would have his name cleared when this information comes to light, with Gary Oldman's character, as well as Harry, Ron, and Hermione, set to take Pettigrew back to Hogwarts to face the music. Unfortunately, in a tragic twist, Pettigrew escapes following Remus Lupin's transformation into a werewolf. This deprives Harry of the chance to leave the Dursleys behind, robbing him of the parental figure he's been craving for many years.
The Goblet Of Fire: Ron Swearing At Harry
Up until the events of The Goblet of Fire, Harry and Ron's friendship blossoms. After first meeting on Platform Nine and Three Quarters, they're inseparable and don't even have the slightest falling out. But things change after Harry's name is plucked from the Goblet of Fire itself, with Ron accusing his friend of doing it deliberately to further enhance his fame and reputation.
Obviously, he's in the wrong. But it's sad seeing the two friends clash, especially given how Harry is left rather isolated as a result. Ron eventually realizes the error of his ways and apologizes to the Boy Who Lived, with their relationship then mending in the process. However, that wouldn't be the only time they fall out over the course of the series.
The Order Of The Phoenix: Arthur Weasley's Snake Attack
Arthur Weasley is a great guardian to Harry, treating the Chosen One as though he's one of his own. So that means that, when he's attacked by Nagini while guarding the prophecy at the Ministry of Magic during the Order of the Phoenix book and movie, it's a sad incident for all involved.
It's also emotional because of the way Albus Dumbledore treats Harry in the aftermath. The Boy Who Lived clearly needs assurances that he wasn't responsible for the attack in any way, despite witnessing it from Nagini's perspective. But Dumbledore gives him the cold shoulder, failing to give him any warmth or compassion whatsoever. This just makes Harry feel even worse, boosting Voldemort's chances of victory as a result.
The Half-Blood Prince: The Burrow Burning Down
The Burrow is one of the best settings within the whole of Harry Potter. Though Ron is embarrassed about the shabby nature of his home, Harry thinks it's one of the best places he's ever seen. It's a cozy, towering building that gives off a warm and sweet atmosphere - perfectly reflecting the Weasleys themselves.
However, in the Half-Blood Prince movie, Death Eaters Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback set it alight. The Weasleys and Harry look on heartbroken as flames rip through the building, destroying their home. This didn't happen in the book of the same name, with the movie doing it for dramatic effect. There's a continuity error, too, because the place looks like it's never been touched in the following movie. Magic can mend things, sure, but it looks exactly the same as it did before.
The Deathly Hallows Part 1: Ron Leaving
Just like in the Goblet of Fire, the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 sees Ron's relationship with Harry take a giant knock. Rupert Grint's character becomes paranoid after wearing Lord Voldemort's Locket Horcrux around his neck, wrongly believing Harry and Hermione to be growing closer behind his back. In his jealous rage, he then storms off, leaving his two friends in the lurch.
It's sad to see Ron go, especially given how it leaves Harry and Hermione struggling to cope. The duo goes to Godric's Hollow without their friend and come precariously close to dying. Ron later does realize the error of his ways and returns, leaving Hermione enranged. However, after destroying the locket, he does begin to worm his way back into their good books.
The Deathly Hallows Part 2: Snape's Memories
The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, simply put, is a bloodbath of a Potter movie. Fred Weasley perishes, Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks pass away as well, while Voldemort himself is finally defeated after many years of constant fighting. But the saddest moment of all may be seeing Severus Snape's memories following his own death, with the flashback scenes fleshing out the character and painting him in a far more sympathetic light.
Fans see Snape as an awkward young teenager, who falls in love with Lily Potter the moment he first looks at her, only to end up being spurned in favor of James Potter. He's left crushed when the pair die but is soon convinced to look after Harry from afar. It's a revelation that completely changes the way Snape is seen and Harry later ensures his former Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher and Potion Master's sacrifice is made known to the rest of the community. He's a hero, instead of a villain.