'Harry Potter' Movies For Every Mood

The final installment of the Harry Potter film franchise may have come out four years ago this month, but that doesn't mean the movies aren't still a massive part of many people's lives — including mine. I own all of them on DVD and still tune in every time ABC Family has one of their infamous "Harry Potter Weekend" events (which, thankfully, happens often). I've probably seen all the movies hundreds of times in total and I'm still not tired of them, because they're amazing, obviously, and for some reason, they just never get old. There are certain Potter movies I tend to watch more than others depending on what mood I'm in, so I kind of consider myself an expert when it comes to recommending them to others (and yes, this is serious business).

I love J.K. Rowling's writing and the Harry Potter books hold a special place in my heart, but there's something about the movies that have really resonated with me, particularly because they do such a wonderful job with bringing the magic of the story to life, so to speak. I could seriously watch them over and over (and often find myself doing just that) and be completely happy, and I'm sure there are plenty of others that feel the same. But not just any HP movie will do at any time — you've got to match it to your mood.

When You're Feeling Angsty: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

OOTP is probably my favorite movie for reasons I can't really put my finger on. It's really sad, for one, hence the angsty recommendation. Sirius is killed and there's that legendary and beautiful bit at the Ministry of Magic at the end that always makes me cry, particularly when Dumbledore is all like, "It's not how you're alike, it's how you're different." Ugh, I could cry right now! If you're PMSing hard or just need a good sob, this is for you.

When You're Feeling Nostalgic: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

It's so funny to see Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint being so young and innocent and adorable in The Sorcerer's Stone. They're just babies! Also, everything in the HP universe is as simple as it's ever been and it's really sweet and not at all dangerous just yet, so it's a lovely little break from the death and destruction that comes later. If you're feeling nostalgic for happier times, pop this one in.

When You're Feeling Philosophical: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

HBP raised as many questions as it answered. It's when we found out more of Snape's backstory and learned that we'd sorta been wrong about him all along, in a lot of ways. It certainly complicated things and forced us to think, to look beyond what things seem to be on the surface, because there's often so much more underneath.

When You're Feeling Heroic: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Both Parts)

It should go without saying that the final installments of the franchise are the most heroic. It's when the battle against Voldemort is truly and finally waged, and when good triumphs over evil. In other words, it's a pretty big boost for the good guys, but it comes at great cost.

When You're Feeling Spooky: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

POA as a movie was definitely the dark, creepy one. I wouldn't go so far as to call it scary, given that it is indeed a children's story at the end of the day (at least at that point), but it definitely has a seriously sinister undertone and is perfect for when you want something lightly chilling

When You're Feeling Defiant: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry was never supposed to be entered in the Goblet of Fire since he was too young, but fate has a funny way of changing things, and Harry decided to not only dedicate himself to the competition, but to completely shut everyone down that thought he was going to fail.

When You're Feeling Silly: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

CoS is when we first meet Dobby, who causes quite a lot of trouble upon his arrival to the Dursley house. Yes, things have kicked up a notch from The Sorcerer's Stone, but Dobby is just too hilarious to feel too worried. If you want something that's still light-hearted and will put a smile on your face, this is it.

Whatever the mood, there's a Harry Potter movie for you. Or, be like me, and just watch them all again and again as often as possible.

Images: Warner Bros. Pictures; Giphy (6)