Why You Need to Watch the Harry Potter Reunion Special

The cast of Harry Potter is reunited in a room with luggage.

The cast of Harry Potter is back to discuss the impact of the Harry Potter universe 20 years after the first film was released. Image courtesy of HBO Max.

 
 

It’s been 20 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was released, and the cast has been reunited to discuss the profound impact the franchise has had on their lives.

Here are the reasons why you need to watch Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.

Nostalgia

It’s almost unreal that 20 years have passed since the first Harry Potter movie was released in theater. I still remember sitting in a dark movie theater and being awestruck by seeing my favorite books come to life on screen. It is hard to describe just how profound of an impact this series has had on my life, but luckily I don’t really have to. Every millennial knows how big of a deal the books and movies were. Even the ones who didn’t read the books knew lots about them because they were everywhere! And for a generation who was obsessed with video games and computers, it’s a bit ironic to also be known as the first generation to obsessively read books so long that some of them weighed over 2 lbs!

all of the harry potter books stacked on top of each other

Photo by Madalyn Cox on Unsplash

Look behind the scenes at how it all began

The movie franchise had a lot to live up to since the books were wildly popular. But the director of the first two films, Chris Columbus, brought the books to life so beautifully that it laid the foundation for the success of the rest of the franchise. From critical casting choices, transcendent set design, and a playful atmosphere on set, every detail established in the first film was critical in bringing us into the wizarding world and making us never want to leave.

The reunion special has interviews with director Chris Columbus and important actors like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in which they describe what it was like becoming a part of the Harry Potter universe, and what the books meant to them personally before they ever knew that they would star in the movies.

director chris columbus and actor daniel radcliffe sitting in the set of Dumbledore's office

Director Chris Columbus and actor Daniel Radcliffe reminiscing about Harry Potter in the set of Dumbledore’s office. Image courtesy of HBO Max.

Interviews and personal stories

The reunion special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts on HBO Max is really special because it includes interviews with almost every living cast member, a beautiful tribute to the cast and crew who have passed away, movie clips of some of the most important moments in Harry Potter, and old footage from on set when the films were originally shot.

We get to learn about what life was really like on set, some of the off screen crushes like Emma Watson and Tom Felton, and what life has been like living with the fame that comes from starring in such a well-known franchise.

Emma Watson and Tom Felton admit that they will always love each other.

Emma Watson and Tom Felton admit that they will always love each other. Image courtesy of HBO Max.

This insightful and well produced reunion special made me laugh, made me cry, and brought back all the fond childhood memories I have from reading these books and watching these movies. Be sure to catch the Harry Potter reunion now on HBO Max!