I just downloaded all 8 soundtracks of the Harry Potter Saga. These movies are such a big part of my childhood and the music gives me chills. I love it. I figured it would be fun to rank and comment on each movie’s sound track.
1. / 2. A Tie between Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban (John Williams) and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Nicholas Hooper).
Prisoner of Azkaban was so new and different after the classic (but still awesome) first two. It has such a great ‘native american’ more ethnic feel. While the Dementor themes had some great Williams classical moments, the inclusion of jazzier stuff for the Knight Bus scene and playful Waltz for Aunt Marge’s theme were also a nice touch. I am sure most of this came about due to the new director. It was a nice edge to the classic John Williams sound.
Prisoner of Azkaban was so new and different after the classic (but still awesome) first two. It has such a great ‘native american’ more ethnic feel. While the Dementor themes had some great Williams classical moments, the inclusion of jazzier stuff for the Knight Bus scene and playful Waltz for Aunt Marge’s theme were also a nice touch. I am sure most of this came about due to the new director. It was a nice edge to the classic John Williams sound.
Order of the Phoenix was so fun. The music in this one is so memorable and you can remember each part of the movie as you listen. From Umbridge’s Theme to the Fireworks scene, the music is very fun and quirky. I just really enjoy the music of this movie.
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 (Alexandre Desplat)
This music makes me tear up EVERY TIME. Many of the pieces include ‘Lily’s Theme’. The most beautiful and haunting vocal melody for these movies. This theme is almost a reminder that the end is near, which for most of us Harry Potter fans is such a memorable feeling from sitting in the theatre at midnight one last time. I love Snape’s story, so the reoccurring ‘Lily’s Theme’ that appears in the look in to his past is my absolute favorite. One of the greatest musical parts of this soundtrack is the music that accompanies the epilogue. It is the same music used when Harry leaves Hogwarts for the first time at the end of the Sorcerer’s Stone. It is such a great touch to the end of the end.
This music makes me tear up EVERY TIME. Many of the pieces include ‘Lily’s Theme’. The most beautiful and haunting vocal melody for these movies. This theme is almost a reminder that the end is near, which for most of us Harry Potter fans is such a memorable feeling from sitting in the theatre at midnight one last time. I love Snape’s story, so the reoccurring ‘Lily’s Theme’ that appears in the look in to his past is my absolute favorite. One of the greatest musical parts of this soundtrack is the music that accompanies the epilogue. It is the same music used when Harry leaves Hogwarts for the first time at the end of the Sorcerer’s Stone. It is such a great touch to the end of the end.
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (John Williams)
This brings us back to the beginning. This is where it all begins and it is so classic. While much of this soundtrack is exactly what you would expect of John Williams, it is the music we all know and love of the series. Everyone loves the musical roots of the entire saga.
5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 (Alexandre Desplat)
While this movie lacked in action compared to some, somehow Mr. Desplat kept the music driving and epic. There are some great themes and and interesting pieces. This one is just unexpectedly good. One part of the soundtrack that once again gets me, is the ‘Farewell to Dobby’. It is one of those pieces that puts you right back into the movie and brings back the emotion of that scene.
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Nicholas Hooper)
Half Blood Prince had such a great variety. There were so many different themes, some bone chilling and some exciting. Dumbledore’s Farewell once again puts you into the emotion of that moment. The quality of this soundtrack as a whole is just overall good. There aren’t many pieces I dislike.
7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (John Williams)
This soundtrack is a little too similar to the first one for my liking. I love the classic music, but in comparison, it needed something more. The two themes that I do very much enjoy are Gilderoy Lockhart’s theme and the ‘Meeting Tom Riddle’ theme. Both are just memorable and interesting.
8. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Patrick Doyle)
Just because Goblet of Fire is last doesn’t mean I dislike it, somebody has to be last. This is also my least favorite movie, but only because every other movie and soundtrack stands out to me and comes to mind first. So Goblet of Fire is the forgotten treasure. The themes of the other wizarding schools in addition to the only soundtrack with rock music are nice additions. My personal favorite part of the soundtrack is the new opening. It is a change from the ‘Hedwig’s Theme’, it is much more foreboding and I love it.
This is the music of my childhood. I went to many premieres and loved every minute of it. John Williams, Nicholas Hooper, Alexandre Desplat and Patrick Doyle are musical geniuses.
