11 Heartbreaking Harry Potter Moments That Will Still Make You Cry

It’s been 20 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone premiered, and the film is as magical as ever. Directed by Chris Columbus, it follows Harry Potter's discovery of his wizardry and all the magic — and horrors — that entails.

It wasn't all spells and (mis)adventures for leads Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, though — powerful, heartbreaking moments also peppered the eight-film franchise. Lean into the nostalgia as we look back on the 11 saddest moments in HP history. Prepare tissues.

When Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised in Sorcerer's Stone, it gives him (imagined) access to his murdered parents. Watching him realize the vision isn't real (especially when Ron sees a different one) but holding on to it anyway is heartbreaking.

Cedric Diggory did not deserve to die a thoughtless death at the hands of Wormtail under Voldemort's orders. But the moment gets especially upsetting when Harry returns his lifeless body and Cedric’s father realizes what happened.

Harry’s future stops looking so grim following Sirius Black’s arrival, especially after he invites Harry to move in with him in Order of the Phoenix. His death, followed by Harry’s silent screams in slow-mo, is arguably the most painful sequence to watch in Harry Potter history.

By the Order of the Phoenix, Harry is clearly plagued by his connection to Voldemort. (Dumbledore’s distance didn’t help.) So when they face off at the Ministry of Magic and the Dark Lord possesses a writhing, pained Harry, it’s difficult not to feel his mental anguish.

The Weasleys' financial situation had always been ridiculed by the snootier Malfoys. So when Death Eaters set fire to the Burrow, their place of residence, it’s gut-wrenching to see them watch as they lose everything — all in the name of supporting Harry.

Albus Dumbledore may have been willing to die in film six when he instructed Harry to leave him if their Horcrux hunt went awry, but seeing Snape send the headmaster tumbling to his death is brutal. The touching tribute after when everyone raises their wands is extra emotional.

While Ron and Harry had fought before in Goblet of Fire, Ron leaving in Deathly Hallows Part 1 really captures the emotional turmoil the three teenage leads are confronted by: Harry's burden, Ron's sacrifice despite his concern for his family, and Hermione's torn loyalties.

Down to their final moments, both Dobby and Hedwig were nothing but loyal to Harry, trying to save his life ’til the very end. Though they’re murdered by Death Eaters in separate films, both their deaths feel equally devastating and unnecessarily dark.

After the Battle of Hogwarts in the eighth film, the school is littered with bodies, including Nymphadora Tonks, Remus Lupin, and Fred Weasley's. To see some of the most beloved characters murdered en masse is nothing short of traumatic. Ron's reaction? Even more so.

When Severus Snape died a gruesome death, not many fans felt for him at first. He betrayed Harry! He killed Dumbledore! But when viewers finally see his side of the story — including his enduring love for Lily — Snape’s heroism shines through. Thank you, Snape, for protecting Harry “always.”