Whether you’re a Gryffindor or a Hufflepuff, a Ravenclaw or – heaven forfend – a Slytherin, the magical world of Harry Potter has a huge fandom. From the books to the films – and the spin-off Fantastic Beasts series – the Potterverse is full of adventure, thrills, fabulous imagination, intrigue, romance and friendship.
One of the main ingredients that made the films such a stand-out was their terrific soundtracks. Music for film and trailers helps to set the scene, power up your emotions and, of course, add to the magic onscreen.
So, how do the Harry Potter soundtracks rank in terms of the best movie soundtracks? We’ve picked our top Harry Potter songs, and done a deep dive on the soundtracks – showcasing the composers and what their unique contributions were to the franchise.
For great movie music, check out our trailers and film styles playlists.
The Top Harry Potter Songs
Lily’s Theme – Alexandre Desplat
‘Lily’s Theme’ appears in Deathly Hallows Part 2 and was written by Alexandre Desplat, who also composed the soundtrack for Deathly Hallows Part 1.
He said that the theme, ‘kind of ghosts the film all along and [will] be the music thread that will take us from the beginning to the end of the film.’
The composer revealed that his goal, when writing the theme was ‘to find something as sweet and as kind as a lullaby… it’s a very simple melody that anyone can hum, child or adult, and we found this incredible singer, Mai, who has a very pure voice, almost like liquid gold. So it will haunt the film and Harry all along the last episode.’
The theme is ethereal, and plays over an opening sequence showing Snape at a window, and then segues to Harry, subtly showing that Lily – whom they both loved – links the two together.
Leaving Hogwarts – John Williams
‘Leaving Hogwarts’ appears at the end of the first film, The Philosopher’s Stone, and is also in the final moments of Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
The first time the track appears, Harry is at Hogwarts station, leaving for the summer holidays and saying an emotional goodbye to Hagrid. The track brings in various themes from the soundtrack, including ‘Harry’s Theme’ and ‘Hedwig’s Theme’, suggesting that Harry will return to his magical world soon.
Coming full circle at the end of Deathly Hallows: Part 2, it marks a poignant end to the series, as Harry and his friends send their own children off to Hogwarts…
Harry’s Wondrous World – John Williams
Played by a full orchestra, this is the track that opens Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Magical and majestic, it really sets the tone for the audience’s entrance into a world of wonders.
It features ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ in the first few bars, before diverging into a new theme created just for Harry. The theme is used in the closing credits of both The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.
It’s both lyrical and hopeful, and full of excitement, joy and triumph, with a heroic feel.
Fawkes the Phoenix – John Williams
Our second-favourite bird in the Harry Potter films has to be the majestic, heroic phoenix, Fawkes.
Fabulous Fawkes has healing tears and proves his worth in the Chamber of Secrets, when he helps Harry to recover from the basilisk’s poison. It’s another beautiful, soaring piece by maestro John Williams.
Professor Umbridge – Nicholas Hooper
Ah, dear Dolores, with her pastel-coloured cardis and fondness for felines. Has there ever been a character in literature who looked so cuddly, but underneath was so viciously spiky?
Nicholas Hooper’s bouncy theme is introduced early in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and pops up throughout the rest of the film.
Need funny background music? Check out our expert comedy playlist.
So, there you have it – all our favourite Harry Potter songs, Hogwarts music and their soundtracks!
If you’re looking for emotional, action-packed or heroic music for a project, then we have all the tracks you need – plus fantastic trailer music, perfect for creating big screen anticipation.
Want more in-depth takes on movies? Get a deep dive on the best sports movies, our showcase of brilliant female directors and see what made our list of the definitive Disney songs.
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This page was updated 23/05/2024.
