Make Movie Night Magic with Harry Potter this Halloween!
I love movies, and this week I’m sharing one of my favorites of all time! If you haven’t read a Movie Night Magic post on our blog before, you’re in for a treat. I’ve got everything you need to make movie nights amazing for you and your family. Here you’ll find a guide to the films, ideas for making the viewing experience more fun, and ideas for post-viewing conversations.
This week, I’ve got the perfect movie series for you to get into the spirit of the spooky season! Harry Potter, the young wizard who captured the hearts of readers and viewers worldwide, continues to captivate audiences year after year. What better way to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hogwarts and the fun of Halloween than by hosting a Harry Potter movie night?
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Viewing Guide
Movie Choice: Start by selecting the Harry Potter film that you’d like to watch. I know a lot of people who watch all 8 films in the month of October on different nights. You could also just watch the first one or watch them all in a marathon. Whether you’re introducing your kids to the series or rewatching it as a family, the magical journey of Harry, along with all the other amazing characters, will keep you spellbound.
Big Ideas in the Film: Believing in Yourself, Perseverance, Friendship, Good over Evil, Heroism
Where to Watch: Peacock, On DVD and Blu-Ray (find it here on Amazon)
Why Watch: I haven’t watched this series with my small children yet, but I watched the first movie with my nephew when he was 11 (the same age as Harry in the first book and film). It sparked some great conversation and made him a fan for life. We often find that we talk about our love of the books and movies whenever we are together and it is something we can share. I love the positive messages of the film, and the world portrayed in these stories is one that is so fun to be immersed in. Be aware that this movie is probably more appropriate for older kids, teens, or adults, but you know your kids, so use your own judgement.
Make Your Movie Night Special
If you want to make an event out of your movie night with a Harry Potter Movie, here are some fun ways to extend the fun!
Fun Snacks
Butterbeer: Create a version of this iconic wizarding beverage using cream soda, butterscotch syrup, and whipped cream. Serve it in mugs for an authentic feel. Here is a recipe from FavFamilyRecipes.
Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans: You can buy these jelly beans here in various flavors and have fun guessing what each one tastes like.
Chocolate Frogs: Make chocolate frogs by using the molds here.
Popcorn with Magical Seasonings: Add different seasonings like cheddar cheese, caramel, and cinnamon sugar to your popcorn, and label them with magical names.
Honeydukes Candy Assortment: Create a candy buffet with a variety of sweets inspired by the Harry Potter series, such as Chocolate Wands, Fizzing Whizzbees, and Pepper Imps.
Fun Activities
Sorting Hat Ceremony: Sort family members into Hogwarts Houses using a homemade sorting hat or have them wear house-themed attire. If you don’t know your house, you can find out here.
DIY Wand-Making: Provide materials for wand-making, such as chopsticks, paint, and glue, and let everyone create their own magical wand.
Trivia Quiz: Test your family’s knowledge of the Wizarding World with a trivia quiz during the intermission. There are tons online.
Costume Contest: Encourage everyone to come dressed as their favorite Harry Potter character and hold a costume contest with prizes for the most creative outfits.
Opportunities for Important Conversations
This movie is great for starting conversations with kids about a variety of important topics. My favorite topic to discuss with this movie collection is perseverance. There are so many storylines that allow for conversation around that. I’ve outlined a few below that I’ve discussed with my nephew. For each, I have some questions you can ask to get the conversation going.
Big Ideas and Questions: Perseverance
- Harry’s Quest to Defeat Voldemort:
- How does Harry demonstrate perseverance in his mission to defeat Voldemort, despite facing numerous obstacles and dangers throughout the series?
- What keeps Harry motivated to continue fighting for what he believes in, even when things seem hopeless?
- Ron and Hermione’s Loyalty:
- How do Ron and Hermione exemplify perseverance through their unwavering loyalty to Harry and each other?
- Can you think of specific instances where Ron and Hermione’s determination played a crucial role in their adventures?
- Neville Longbottom’s Growth:
- How does Neville Longbottom’s character evolve throughout the series, and how does his journey exemplify the theme of perseverance?
- What lessons can we learn from Neville’s determination to face his fears and stand up for what is right?
- Overcoming Personal Challenges:
- Discuss how characters like Hagrid, Luna Lovegood, and Dobby overcome personal challenges and prejudices through their determination and resilience.
- How does their perseverance inspire us to confront our own challenges with strength and courage?
- Learning from Failure:
- Reflect on instances where characters in the series experience failure or setbacks. How do they respond, and what can we learn from their experiences?
- How does the series emphasize the idea that making mistakes is a part of growth and ultimately leads to success?
- Dumbledore’s Wisdom:
- Share Dumbledore’s quotes on perseverance, such as “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Discuss their meanings and relevance in the story.
- Villains and Redemption:
- Explore the character arcs of certain antagonists, like Snape and Draco Malfoy, who show elements of perseverance and redemption. How do they change throughout the series, and what lessons can we draw from their stories?
- Real-Life Applications:
- Encourage your kids to think about how the theme of perseverance in Harry Potter relates to their own lives. Have they faced challenges or setbacks where they needed to persevere? How did they overcome them?
Enjoy your Movie Night!
A Harry Potter movie night is a fantastic way to bond with your family and immerse yourselves in the magic of the Wizarding World. With the right movie choice, themed snacks, engaging activities, and thoughtful questions, you’ll create an enchanting experience that your children will treasure for years to come. So grab your wands, put on your Hogwarts robes, and get ready for a magical night filled with adventure and wonder!
I’d also love to hear from you! What movie should I do next? I’m open to older films or new releases! What’s your favorite to watch with your kids? Drop me a comment and I’ll pick one for next time!
Have a Good Day!
And for more great posts to help you create special family movie night memories, check these out!
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