Main Themes and Theme Songs Throughout the Harry Potter Series
Riding on a broom and flying, controlling flames, opening any door with a key—magic really makes you dream, doesn’t it?
In this article, I’d like to introduce the main theme and insert songs from the globally popular film series Harry Potter.
Many of you probably remember the boom when Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released.
A magical world right next to where we live… it’s so romantic, isn’t it?
Listen to the songs featured here, and you’ll surely feel like watching the movies again!
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[Harry Potter] Series Main Theme Songs (21–30)
Harry’s Wondrous WorldJohn Williams
The string-led phrases make me imagine the beginning of a story.
It’s a main theme–type piece used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Its structure feels like a combination of several pieces of background music from the films, so you might picture different scenes as it plays.
True to the title, the sound conveys Harry’s excitement and sense of anticipation as he finds himself living in a mysterious world.
If you’re thinking of diving into the series’ music, this is the one to start with!
Severus and LilyAlexandre Desplat
This piece centers on Severus Snape—who appears from the early installments as an antagonist and is also a teacher at Hogwarts—and Harry’s mother, Lily Potter.
It plays during a pivotal scene in the series’ final chapter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
For those who watched it, the content was probably quite shocking.
It feels as if loneliness and sorrow seep in through your ears and into your mind.
Severus Snape’s way of life is packed into the sound.
ObliviateAlexandre Desplat
“Obliviate” is a spell that erases memories.
It’s also the title of a track from the final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
You can hear it in the scene where Hermione uses magic to erase herself from her parents’ memories.
As for why she does this—well, I’ll leave that to you to discover by watching the film—but one can only imagine the turmoil in Hermione’s heart that made it necessary.
At the same time, her resolve and determination come through, making this a piece of background music that truly stirs the emotions.
Entry into the Great Hall and the BanquetJohn Williams
This is the background music used in the scene where Harry and the other first-years enter the Great Hall—often featured in the film series—for the first time.
The melody conveys Harry’s fluttering excitement at discovering the wizarding world as well as a hint of nervousness about what kind of school life awaits him.
And “Banquet” means “feast.” If you’ve seen the movie, as you listen you can’t help but have the image come back to you of everyone seated in rows at the long tables, eating together.
The Norwegian Ridgeback and a Change of SeasonJohn Williams
First, about the title: the dragon that appeared as Hagrid’s pet, Norbert.
The species name of this dragon, as a dragon, is the Norwegian Ridgeback.
And the latter half of the title translates directly as “the turn of the seasons.” It’s BGM that expresses the cuteness of a baby dragon and the passage of everyday time.
Listening to this piece might bring to mind how Harry and his friends usually spend their days at the wizarding school.
Don’t you just want to visit the magical world?
Christmas at HogwartsJohn Williams
Christmas is a major winter event for people all over the world—and it’s the same in the magical world.
This piece, used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, plays during the scenes set at Hogwarts as the Christmas season arrives.
Harry had never experienced a happy Christmas before.
The sound arrangement, which seems to overflow with his joy at “receiving so many presents,” is particularly memorable.
Its atmosphere makes us smile along with him.
Hogwarts Forever! and The Moving StairsJohn Williams
Hogwarts, the storied school of magic.
This piece pays tribute to its narrative richness and sense of wonder.
The horn section’s expansive tone feels great, doesn’t it? The “The Moving Stairs” in the latter half of the title refers to the moving staircases—stairs that change position on their own so you suddenly can’t reach places you could before, like capricious living creatures.
It’s such a uniquely magical-world concept, isn’t it? Makes you want to set foot in the magic school yourself.