These Films Are the “Worst Picture of the Year” and the “Best Picture of the Year” Winners Since 1980, and We Couldn’t Agree More

Exploring the Best and the Worst Films in Cinema History

The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, honor the great minds of the film industry. The Golden Raspberry Awards, or the Razzies, is a more fun counterpoint to the Oscars and has been awarding the Worst Picture of the Year since 1980. Here we’re diving deep into the archives of the cinematic world to bring to you the most unforgettable (good and bad) movies the world of cinema has to offer. From iconic classics to cringe-worthy flops, we’ll go through it all together. Get ready for some surprises, hilarious snubs, and much more.

1980: ‘Ordinary People’ and ‘Can’t Stop the Music’

Ordinary People is a true gem of 1980s cinema. It’s a deeply moving family drama that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves a lasting impact. What’s really striking about the film is how it explores the complex dynamics of family relationships.

(Top) Facebook // Ordinary Movies | (Bottom) The Movie Database // Can’t Stop The Music

On the other end of the cinematic spectrum was Can’t Stop the Music. This movie inspired publicist John J.B. Wilson and his friends to organize a new award show that awarded only the worst films of the year. The first Razzies ceremony was held in Wilson’s living room, and since then, the Razzies have become a yearly tradition, giving recognition to the worst movies.

1981: ‘Chariots of Fire’ and ‘Mommie Dearest’

Chariots of Fire is a historical drama film based on the true events of the British Olympic team at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. It explores themes of identity in a way that’s deemed both inspirational and entertaining by the critics.

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Mommie Dearest, however, despite having a serious subject matter, turned out to be a movie that people couldn’t stop chuckling over. Watching Dunaway portray Crawford with those exaggerated eyebrows and over-the-top expressions was like watching a caricature come to life.

1982: ‘Gandhi’ and ‘Inchon’

The film Gandhi chronicles the life of Mahatma Gandhi, an Indian activist renowned for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance. It was praised for accurately portraying Gandhi’s life and his philosophies and is still remembered as one of the greatest biographical films ever made.

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Inchon is, however, the movie that time forgot. While it was intended to be an epic production, it’s widely regarded as one of the most expensive films ever made that didn’t perform well at the box office.

1983: ‘Terms of Endearment’ and ‘The Lonely Lady’

Terms of Endearment is a romantic comedy-drama film done right. The movie deals with dynamics such as love, loss, family, and coming of age and is regarded as a classic of its genre. The film still continues to be a popular choice among fans of romantic dramas.

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The Lonely Lady is a drama film directed by Peter Sasdy that was released in 1983. The film became an unintended comedy, offering a below-average cinema experience.

1984: ‘Amadeus’ and ‘Bolero’

Amadeus is an award-winning historical drama about the rivalry between composers Salieri and Mozart in 18th-century Vienna. It was critically acclaimed upon its release, won eight Academy Awards, and was widely regarded as a landmark achievement in historical dramas.

(Top) Twitter // @ifs_news | (Bottom) Dailymotion // Bolero

On the other hand, Bolero, the Worst Picture of the Year 1984, follows the story of a young American woman named Ayre who travels to Morocco, where she meets several men and experiences various romantic encounters. The movie fails badly at conveying its themes, earning it a golden spot in the Razzies.

1985: ‘Out of Africa’ and ‘Rambo: First Blood Part II’

Out of Africa is a romantic drama film depicting the complex relationships between the Europeans and the native people of Africa. The film is a beautiful tribute to Africa’s beauty and complexity.

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In the same year, the Razzies crowned Rambo: First Blood Part II as the Worst Picture of the Year. Ironically, it was a sequel to an extremely successful film. In the film, Sylvester Stallone is shown single-handedly taking on an entire battalion. How unrealistic do you want to be?

1986: ‘Platoon’ and ‘Howard the Duck’/‘Under the Cherry Moon’

Platoon was considered one of the best movies of the decade. It talks about the psychology of young men in combat, the friendships they developed, and their struggles for survival in difficult times.

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The Razzies had their first tie for Worst Picture in 1986. One was Howard the Duck, a truly strange superhero movie starring Lea Thompson. The other was Under the Cherry Moon, a movie so bad even the music legend Prince couldn’t save it.

1987: ‘The Last Emperor’ and ‘Leonard Part 6’

The Last Emperor is a biographical film that tells the story of the last Emperor of China, Puyi. This masterpiece explored the life of one of the most important figures in Chinese history. It was also the first Western film to be permitted to film inside the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.

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Leonard Part 6, Razzies Worst Picture of the Year for 1987, is a film that has been noted for its unusual title, which implies that it’s part of a larger film series. The movie’s opening sequence suggests that previous parts of the series were kept secret from the public.

1988: ‘Rain Man’ and ‘Cocktail’

Rain Man is a drama film about two estranged brothers, played by Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. The movie was praised for its nuanced exploration of the relationship between the two.

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Ironically, Tom Cruise’s Achille’s heel, also called Cocktail (a movie that might make you cringe), won the Worst Picture of the Year award by the Razzies in 1988. Some die-hard fans argue that it’s an underrated guilty pleasure, but let’s be real, it’s a movie filled with cheesy lines and questionable plot choices.

1989: ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘Star Trek V: The Final Frontier’

Driving Miss Daisy, the 1989 Best Picture of the Year, is a comedy-drama that explores themes of aging and friendship as it follows the relationship between Daisy and Hoke through a series of events from the late 1940s to the early 1970s.

(Top) Pinterest // @imdb | (Bottom) Twitter // @SMERSHPOD

You might have heard the old Star Trek rule that stated that in the franchise, even-numbered movies were good and odd-numbered films were bad. This movie took this adage too seriously. It was a far cry from the success of the previous films and a low point in the history of this beloved franchise.

1990: ‘Dances With Wolves’ and ‘The Adventures of Ford Fairlane’/‘Ghosts Can’t Do It’

Dances With Wolves was a big success upon its release. The movie portrayed the Native American culture with great sensitivity and respect. Its stunning cinematography captured the beauty of the American West like never before.

(Top) Pinterest // @imdb | (Bottom) Twitter // @TheRealDiceClay

We have two winners for the Worst Picture of 1990. First up was The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. The movie is termed “a big mess” by many critics, with a complicated plot and some seriously cringe-worthy dialogue. The second winner was Ghosts Can’t Do It — another cringefest classic.

1991: ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘Hudson Hawk’

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller that has stood the test of time, captivating audiences since its release in 1991 and continuing to do so to this day. With iconic performances by Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, the movie remains a landmark film in the genre.

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Despite the star power of Bruce Willis, Hudson Hawk was a flop. It had a confusing and annoying plot. The movie was marketed as a fun and lighthearted action comedy but had over-the-top humor, leading to disappointing box office results.

1992: ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Shining Through’

Unforgiven was praised for its nuanced and complex portrayal of the Old West, its gritty realism, and the powerful performances of its star cast. The movie explores themes of redemption and the high cost of revenge.

(Top) Twitter // @morgan_freeman | (Bottom) MUBI // Shining Through

1992 also witnessed the release of Shining Through, a movie so forgettable that it’s been almost entirely erased from the public consciousness. This drama movie starred the most nominated actress in Razzie history, Melanie Griffith.

1993: ‘Schindler’s List’ and ‘Indecent Proposal’

Schindler’s List is a historical drama film. The movie has significantly impacted popular culture and education, with many schools using the film as a teaching tool to educate students. Its message of compassion and humanity in the face of evil was appreciated by people worldwide.

(Top) Reddit // u/drak0bsidian | (Bottom) Reddit // u/CommunicationSad4269

Leading the charge for the worst movie of 1993 is none other than Indecent Proposal. This thriller, starring Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson, and Robert Redford, garnered some cultural significance over time but never made it to the list of movies people are eager to re-watch.

1994: ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Color of Night’

Next on the list of Best Movies of the Year is Forrest Gump. Forrest Gump’s narrative spans different eras and multiple intricate themes. The character of Forrest Gump is a beloved part of pop culture, and the movie’s popularity is a testament to its message of perseverance and kindness.

(Top) Reddit // u/Gabee2 | (Bottom) Amazon Prime // The Color Of Night

Let’s learn a bit about the Worst Picture of the Year, 1994, now: Color of Night, one of the many thriller and mystery classics released in the same year. While the movie turned out to be a flop, it was also one of the most rented movies of the year.

1995: ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Showgirls’

Braveheart has a strong emotional core, with themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice strongly woven throughout the story. It’s regarded as one of the greatest historical epics ever made.

(Top) Twitter // @ostrachan | (Bottom) The Movie Database // Showgirls

The Worst Picture of the Year by the Razzies for the year 1995 went to Showgirls. It was supposed to be a serious exploration of the world of showgirls but ended up being hilarious and cringy.

1996: ‘The English Patient’ and ‘Striptease’

The English Patient is a romantic drama film that follows the story of a critically hurt unnamed patient who is being taken care of by a nurse in Italy. The patient gradually begins to recount his past, revealing many secrets. The movie is a storytelling masterpiece.

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Striptease, the Worst Picture of 1996, had great potential but just didn’t live up to the viewers’ expectations. It had Demi Moore in the lead role but failed to live up to the buzz due to its weak plot.

1997: ‘Titanic’ and ‘The Postman’

Titanic is known for its stunning visual effects, including the detailed recreation of the 1912 RMS Titanic, its epic romance, and its emotionally gripping storytelling. The film won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Song for “My Heart Will Go On.”

(Top) Instagram // @easy_learning_movies | (Bottom) Rotten Tomatoes // The Postman

On the other hand, there’s The Postman. The movie stars Kevin Costner in a post-apocalyptic future where the country has fallen apart, and Costner’s character, a pretend postman, becomes a symbol of hope for a group of survivors.

1998: ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and ‘An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn’

Shakespeare in Love is a fictionalized account of William Shakespeare’s life and follows the story of a young playwright who falls in love with a noblewoman while struggling to write his next play. The film is known for its entertaining dialogue and romantic storyline.

(Top) Pinterest // @laranmina | (Bottom) IMDb //  Burn Hollywood Burn

The Worst Picture of 1998, An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn, went on to become a “so bad that it’s good” classic. The movie showcased poor humor and a hard-to-follow plot. It received six Razzie nominations and won five of them.

1999: ‘American Beauty’ and ‘Wild Wild West’

American Beauty is known for its striking visual style and incisive commentary on American suburbia. It’s about beauty, desire, and the search for meaning in a society that values conformity and material success above all else.

(Top) Pinterest // @top10films | (Bottom) Forbes // Lindsay Kohler

The worst movie of 1999, Wild Wild West, revolves around two agents tasked with stopping the bad guy from coming into power. The movie’s poor storytelling and extreme reliance on special effects made it over-the-top and cartoonish.

2000: ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Battlefield Earth’

The Academy Award winner for Best Picture of the Year in 2000, Gladiator was set in ancient Rome and follows the story of General Maximus and the emperor’s son.

(Top) IMDb // Gladiator | (Bottom) Reddit // u/scifi

The Worst Razzie Picture of 2000 was Battlefield Earth. It’s a science fiction movie starring John Travolta as the leader of a group of aliens that have taken over humanity. The movie’s failure is credited to its poor script and its connection to L. Ron Hubbard.

2001: ‘A Beautiful Mind’ and ‘Freddy Got Fingered’

A Beautiful Mind won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture of the Year, making it a huge success. It is a biographical drama film directed by Ron Howard and based on the true events of mathematician John Nash’s life. The film really connects with audiences by conveying the message that extraordinary things can happen in life.

(Top) IMDb // A Beautiful Mind | (Bottom) IMDb // Freddy Got Fingered

In the year 2001, Freddy Got Fingered received the Worst Picture of the Year Award. The film’s humor grossed out many audience members and arguably took things too far in some scenes.

2002: ‘Chicago’ and ‘Swept Away’

Chicago is a musical film based on the 1975 Broadway musical of the same name and tells the story of Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart in 1920s Chicago. Its success paved the way for other successful film adaptations of Broadway musicals and solidified the careers of its stars and director.

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Swept Away, the winner of the 2002 Razzies for Worst Picture of the Year, was a total cinematic disaster. The film is full of awkward dialogue and average acting. Critics said, at the time, that “it’s a prime example of how not to make a romantic comedy.”

2003: ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ and ‘Gigli’

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2003. This film was the third and final movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, based on the epic fantasy novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. The movie was a big success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and receiving widespread acclaim.

(Top) Twitter // @FellowshipFans | (Bottom) IMDb // Gigli

On the other hand, Gigli is a film that has been criticized for its approach to comedy and storytelling. Some viewers have found the plot difficult to follow, the dialogues confusing, and the writing insensitive when it came to certain subjects.

2004: ‘Million Dollar Baby’ and ‘Catwoman’

Million Dollar Baby tells the story of an underappreciated boxing trainer who helps a boxer become a successful fighter. The film won Academy Awards in a number of categories, including Best Director for Clint Eastwood, Best Actress for Hilary Swank, and Best Supporting Actor for Morgan Freeman.

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Released in 2004, Catwoman is a superhero movie that takes inspiration from the DC Comics character of the same name. The film garnered criticism from some viewers for its subpar costume design, messy plot, and weird-looking CGI cat ears that look like a first-year graphic design student created them.

2005: ‘Crash’ and ‘Dirty Love’

Crash is a drama film that depicts the lives of various people in Los Angeles whose paths intersect and collide due to their differences. The movie was recognized with Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing.

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Dirty Love, an American romantic comedy, was awarded Worst Picture of the Year in 2005. The movie centers around a photographer named Rebecca, who is grappling with the aftermath of a recent breakup.

2006: ‘The Departed’ and ‘Basic Instinct 2’

The Departed is a drama-thriller film based on the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. The Departed is set in Boston and is a plot-driven film filled with suspense. It’s widely regarded as one of the greatest films of the 21st century, and its memorable scenes have become iconic in modern cinema.

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Basic Instinct 2 is the 2006 Razzie Award winner for the Worst Picture. The movie is often criticized for being an unnecessary sequel and for its over-the-top melodrama, which failed to captivate audiences.

2007: ‘No Country for Old Men’ and ‘I Know Who Killed Me’

No Country for Old Men is remembered for its tense and suspenseful atmosphere, memorable characters, and great themes. It’s also recognized as one of the greatest films of the 2000s.

(Top) Pinterest // @buzzfeed | (Bottom) Shutterstock // Kobal

I Know Who Killed Me, the recipient of a Razzie Award in 2007, is a movie that had a confusing and illogical plot. Despite being marketed as a thriller, the movie’s execution resulted in unintentional laughter rather than suspense.

2008: ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘The Love Guru’

Slumdog Millionaire is a British drama about a young man from Mumbai, India, who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The film’s portrayal of the more difficult parts of India and its uplifting themes of hope and resilience resonated with audiences worldwide, making it an international hit.

(Top) Shutterstock // Kobal | (Bottom) IMDb // The Love Guru

The 2008 Razzie Award winner for Worst Picture, The Love Guru, is a cringe-worthy mess of a film that viewers found to be lacking in humor. The plot revolves around a character named Guru Pitka, a self-help expert specializing in love and relationships.

2009: ‘The Hurt Locker’ and ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’

The Hurt Locker is a drama film based in Iraq. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture. The film made history at the Academy Awards when Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Director award.

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Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will make you wish you could transform into a different theater. This Razzie Award winner is so confusing that it makes you wonder if they were trying to win a Razzie for it. According to critics, the movie lacks depth and relies heavily on stereotypes.

2010: ‘The King’s Speech’ and ‘The Last Airbender’

The King’s Speech tells the story of King George VI of Britain, his struggle with a speech impediment, and how he worked with a speech therapist to overcome it and deliver a radio address to the nation. The story was inspiring and engaging, and the film struck a chord with audiences worldwide.

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On the other hand, The Last Airbender, the Worst Picture of 2010, is famous for its poor storytelling and misguided direction. The adaptation of the animated show also changed many of the original storylines and characters. It won five Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Screenplay.

2011: ‘The Artist’ and ‘Jack and Jill’

The Artist is a black-and-white silent film that tells the story of a declining silent film actor who falls in love with a young dancer as talkies begin to take over Hollywood. The film pays homage to the silent era of Hollywood and is shot in the style of a silent film.

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Jack and Jill is an American comedy considered one of the worst films of 2011. People criticized the film’s crass and low-brow humor, calling it lazy and over-the-top.

2012: ‘Argo’ and ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2’

Argo is a gripping and intelligent thriller directed by Ben Affleck, based on the true story of a mission to rescue six American diplomats. It was widely regarded as one of the best films of the year and a testament to the power of smart and well-crafted filmmaking.

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The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 was the fifth and final film in the Twilight series. While the franchise had a large and passionate fandom, the film was widely criticized for its wooden acting and lack of substance.

2013: ‘12 Years a Slave’ and ‘Movie 43’

Winner of the Best Picture of the Year award for 2013, 12 Years a Slave, is a drama film that has received critical acclaim for its depiction of the harsh realities of the world and the resilience of the human spirit. It is widely considered an exceptional work of cinema and a significant commentary on the history of the United States.

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The Worst Picture of the Year for 2013 was awarded to Movie 43. It’s a comedic anthology movie consisting of a series of interwoven short stories directed by a team of accomplished filmmakers. It was criticized for its lack of coherence and tastelessness, making it a testament to uninspired filmmaking.

2014: ‘Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’ and ‘Saving Christmas’

The Best Picture of the Year of 2014, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), was a critically acclaimed comedy-drama film praised for its innovative cinematography, excellent cast performances, and exploration of themes such as ego, creativity, and identity.

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In contrast, Saving Christmas, the Worst Picture of the Year, was widely panned by critics and audiences for its heavy-handed messaging and overall lack of quality.

2015: ‘Spotlight’ and ‘Fantastic Four’/‘Fifty Shades of Grey’

Tom McCarthy’s 2015 drama film, Spotlight, bagged the Best Picture of the Year. It’s a gripping story that follows the investigations of the Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team, based on a series of groundbreaking articles. The film delivers a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of courage and dedication.

(Top) IMDb // Spotlight | (Bottom) Twitter // @beautifulcelebz

As for the worst movies of 2015, Fantastic Four and Fifty Shades of Grey took home the Razzie. Fantastic Four is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics characters, and Fifty Shades of Grey is a romantic drama based on the best-selling novel of the same name.

2016: ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party’

The Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Moonlight is a coming-of-age drama that follows the story of a Black man as he navigates the challenges of growing up in a tough Miami neighborhood. The film stands out for its nuanced storytelling, stunning cinematography, and thoughtful exploration of complex themes.

(Top) Pinterest // @leo5738 | (Bottom) IMDb // The Secret History of the Democratic Party

Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party is a documentary film written by Dinesh D’Souza and Bruce Schooley. Despite some criticisms regarding factual inaccuracies, the film has received attention for its examination of past events. Yet, it was still nominated for five Razzies.

2017: ‘The Shape of Water’ and ‘The Emoji Movie’

The Shape of Water won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017. It’s about a mute woman who falls in love with a humanoid amphibian creature being held in a laboratory.

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The Emoji Movie is considered to be one of the worst films of 2017. The film follows the adventures of a “meh” emoji named Gene, who’s out on a journey to become a normal emoji.

2018: ‘Green Book’ and ‘Holmes & Watson’

Green Book is a comedy-drama film based on a true story about the journey of an African-American classical pianist and his Italian-American driver and bodyguard as they travel through the American South in the 1960s.

(Top) IMDb // Green Book | (Bottom) Facebook // Montecable

Etan Cohen’s 2018 mystery-comedy film and the Worst Picture award winner for the year, Holmes & Watson, attempts to offer a comedic spin on the iconic Sherlock Holmes detective stories. The film’s crude humor and language come across as over-the-top and detract from the overall experience.

2019: ‘Parasite’ and ‘Cats’

Parasite won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2019. It revolved around the gap between the lives of different classes. The film’s unique storytelling and social commentary are what really stuck with the audience.

(Top) Twitter // @tastedive | (Bottom) Instagram // @rankernerd

Cats, the recipient of the Worst Picture of the Year, is based on the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which was itself based on the poetry collection of T.S. Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The film, when released, had many CGI errors and glitches, which were off-putting to the audience.

2020: ‘Nomadland’ and ‘Absolute Proof’

Nomadland is a drama film directed by Chloé Zhao that was released in 2020. It realistically depicts the nomad community. It’s considered a moving film that sheds light on the struggles of the working class and the human desire for connection and community.

(Top) Reddit // u/kraftysprouts | (Bottom) Twitter // @kenbensinger

The Razzies winner, Absolute Proof, is a documentary film released in 2020. However, the film has faced significant criticism due to a lack of credible evidence to support its claims.

2021: ‘CODA’ and ‘Diana: The Musical’

CODA stands for “Child of Deaf Adults,” a term used to describe children who grow up with deaf parents. The film tells the story of Ruby as she navigates her desire to pursue a career in music and the expectations of her family, who rely on her as their interpreter and connection to the hearing world.

(Top) Twitter // @NewMexicoCritic | (Bottom) Twitter // @WestminsterATL

Diana: The Musical tells the story of Princess Diana’s life, from her engagement with Prince Charles to her demise in 1997. Its awkward staging and dull performances are often credited as the reasons why the movie failed at the box office and won the Worst Picture of the Year for 2021.

45 Things I Noticed After Rewatching Harry Potter

A Born Seeker

Harry Potter was the best Quidditch Seeker during his time at Hogwarts and this was clear even before playing his first match. Then team captain of Gryffindor House, Oliver Wood, taught Harry Potter the basics of Quidditch, and Harry’s eyes followed the Snitch keenly as soon as it left Oliver’s hand. Oliver, himself a keeper, struggled to catch sight of the Snitch. It was clear to Oliver then that Harry Potter was a born Seeker.

A Born Seeker

Not A Single Spell

A major thing I noticed after rewatching is that Harry Potter did not cast a spell in the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This is quite unbelievable, as Harry Potter was touted as a special boy from the moment he stepped into Hogwarts. Not a single one, and you can watch the entire movie again to confirm.

X // @truepotterfans

Neville’s Remembrall

Being a very clumsy kid, Neville Longbottom’s grandmother sent him a Remembrall to always notify him whenever he forgot to remember something. In this scene in the dining hall, Neville’s Remembrall is failed with red smoke, an indication that he was missing something. A hint as to what he is missing is made available for users, as we can see in this picture that Neville is the only one without his school robes on.

Facebook // Narnians and Potterheads

The Mirror of Erised

The Mirror of Erised was one of the first magical objects which Harry Potter encountered after enrolling at Hogwarts. The mirror showed him the faces of his parents smiling at him, and Harry erroneously thought he could use it to communicate with them. Professor Dumbledore explained to him later on that “the mirror merely showed you, your deepest desires”. One thing that Harry and a lot of viewers missed is that the scribbling on the mirror are the words “I show not your face but your heart’s desire” written backward.

X // @euphoricshame

Professor Snape’s Battle With Professor McGonagall

In the later part of the series, we found out that Professor Snape was indeed a double agent, as his loyalty was to Professor Dumbledore. A hint came earlier in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II in his battle with fellow teacher, Professor McGonagall. If you look closer, it will become clear to see that not only was he not attacking Professor McGonagall, he was also deflecting her spells to the Deatheaters who were behind. This act was deliberate as Professor Snape was one of the most talented wizards until his death.

Facebook // “Piertotum Locomotor! I have always wanted to use that spell!”

Gilderoy Lockhart is Bald

Gilderoy Lockhart, once the professor of Defence Against The Dark Arts at Hogwarts, is known to be a very vain individual. Instead of teaching, he spent long periods talking about his exploits and achievements, part of which is contained in a book he wrote. For all his good looks, it might interest you to know that Gilderoy Lockhart is actually bald. In this scene in Harry and the Chambers of Secrets, Lockhart’s wig can be spotted on the desk.

X // @PotterWorldUK

Sherbet Lemon

In a scene in Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets, Professor McGonagall opened the door to Professor Dumbledore’s office with the password “Sherbet Lemon.” In reality, Sherbet Lemon is the name of a candy, which tastes a lot like lemon drops. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, a couple of these candies can be found in a bowl in Professor Dumbledore’s office. This goes to show that wizards just like muggles, choose passwords based on their favorite things.

Facebook // Brooklin Candy Company

Divine Magic

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Professor Dumbledore appears in front of a billboard in a particular scene. Taking a closer look at the billboard, one can see that it is an advertisement for a perfume; its name? Divine Magic. This is a very subtle name for a wizard perfume and it shows that they take copywriting very seriously in their universe.

Pinterest // @buzzfeed

Ministry of Magic Code

Bill Weasley accompanied Harry Potter to his hearing in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and one event is very significant. Mr. Weasley and Harry Potter had to get into the Ministry of Magic through the red telephone booth. This booth required a code to be dialed on the telephone. The number which Mr. Weasley dialed is 6-2-4-4-2, and this number spells out the word m-a-g-i-c (magic) on a telephone pad. Not a strong code.

Facebook // Harry Potter

The Deathly Hallows

In the fourth installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Professor Dumbledore took Harry into his office to warn him about the dangers that lay ahead. In this scene, one can spot a symbol of the Deathly Hallows in the background. While this is not unusual as the role of the Deathly Hallows was later revealed to the viewers, it came too early. The book which contained the origin of the Deathly Hallows had not been published then, thereby making this bit input from the author herself, J.K. Rowling.

Pinterest // @buzzfeed

Green Is For Slytherin

In the first movie of the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (also called Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone), Harry visited the zoo with his aunt’s family to celebrate Dudley’s birthday. The main event which caught everyone’s attention was Harry Potter speaking Parseltongue to the snake, but one detail might have been missed. The kids coming out of the reptile house wore green. Green is the color of the Slytherin House, and it makes sense that the kids wearing green were fascinated by snakes.

reddit // u/harrypotter

Newt Scamander

Newt Scamander is a character in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a movie based on the same wizard universe as the Harry Potter series. What many do not know is that Newt Scamander’s name came up in the Harry Potter series itself. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Newt Scamander’s name came up on the Marauder’s Map when the Weasley twins, Fred and George show it to Harry Potter, as he was in Hogwarts at the time.

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All Dragons Remained Safe

The Harry Potter crew made it clear that all the dragons used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire were kept safe from harm. This can be viewed in the end credits which read “No dragons were harmed in the making of this movie.” Whether the dragons were real or not, is another topic entirely.

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Mad-Eye’s One

One of Professor Dumbledore’s loyal soldiers and a member of The Order of the Phoenix, Alastor Mad-Eye Moody enjoyed the privilege of having his real-life son on set. The son played the role of Bill Weasley, son to another actor on set. Their real names are Brendan Gleeson and Domhnall Gleeson. In this picture, one can see clearly that they share a striking resemblance.

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Moaning Myrtle

Moaning Myrtle’s character is a ghost that haunts the toilets at Hogwarts having died at the age of 14. Moaning Myrtle is often seen crying or wailing while splashing water as she dives into the toilet. Although the character was a teenager, it was played by Shirley Henderson who was 37 at the time the series was filmed. Shirley Henderson is around 54 now.

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The Number 7

The number 7 played a significant role in the Harry Potter series, and one just has to look closely to recognize this. First off, there are seven Harry Potter books, Voldemort also had seven Horcruxes. There are also seven players on a Quidditch team, there are seven snakes on the door to the Chamber of Secrets, amongst other significant parts of the movie that involved things in sevens.

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Ron and Hermione

Ron and Hermione end up together in the series, and the signs were there from the start. However there is one sign that a lot of us failed to note, and that is their Patronuses. Hermione’s Patronus is an otter, while Ron’s Patronus is a Jack Russell terrier. What is special about this is that otters belong to the weasel family, and are also known to be chased by Jack Russells.

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Harry Potter’s Scar

This scar that Harry Potter got when Lord Voldemort killed his parents, served as a connection between the two arch-enemies. The scar usually becomes more prominent and burned painfully whenever Lord Voldemort was around. However, in the final cut of the series (in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II), after Voldemort has been defeated, Harry’s scar has become quite faint and barely noticeable.

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Hermione’s Hair

Throughout Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I, Hermione’s hair keeps growing in length. This signified the length of time which she, Harry, and Ron traveled looking for the Horcruxes. This detail is not hidden, but it is one which most viewers failed to take note of.

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Who Goes There?

The end credits of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban is done on the Marauder’s Map. This is quite impressive in itself and highly captivating as well. However one special detail bears mentioning, there were two pairs of footprints in the bottom left corner. While some have never taken notice of this, others have, and theories abound on who the footprints belong to. The footprints appear very close together, signifying a possible romantic connection.

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Knight in Shining Armor

In the movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone; Harry, Ron, and Hermione played a game of Wizard’s chess in which the Knight was captured by the Queen. They happened to play a life-size version of the game, and Ron who played the role of Knight sacrificed himself to the Queen. This move was very crucial as it ensured their survival.

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Professor McGonagall’s Skills

Professor McGonagall was the teacher who first discovered Harry Potter’s talent as a Quidditch player, but it appears she played during her time at school as well. This discovery happened in an incident that involved Harry saving Neville Longbottom’s Remembrall. After she asked him to join the team, Harry Potter had hesitations, and Hermione took Harry alongside Ron to Hogwarts’ trophy room, showing Harry his father’s awards. Here we can see that Professor McGonagall also got a Quidditch award. Who would have thought?

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Ron’s Robes

Ron Weasley came from a large family, and with his father being a modest worker at the Ministry of Magic, it was tough supporting Ron and his six siblings. This is why Ron’s school robes as well as books were usually hand-me-downs from his brothers. In this picture from a scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Hermione and Harry’s robes are clearly lighter than Ron’s.

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Harry Potter Novels

The Harry Potter novels made an appearance in the movies. In Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets, there is a scene where Harry and Hagrid are around a bookstore, after meeting at Knockturn Alley. Copies of the Harry Potter books can be seen in the bookstore. Who knows what might have been different if Harry read about the future before it occurred?

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Lucius Malfoy’s Curse

Many do not know this, but Lucius Malfoy almost cast one of the three unforgivable spells on Harry Potter. In the scene at the end of Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets, in which Harry tricks Lucius into giving Dobby a sock, Lucius can be seen attempting to cast a spell. Lucius Malfoy was angered as Harry’s action had made Dobby a free elf, and he already worded “Avada”, the first part of the “Avada Kedavra” spell. He was interrupted by Dobby, who in essence saved Harry’s life.

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The Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge in London, as the name suggests, was opened in the year 2000. This timing, therefore, creates a mystery in the sixth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Voldemort was back at this time, and his army was wreaking havoc in the wizarding world. The Millennium Bridge was one of the landmarks which they made sure to destroy. The problem with this is that the story was set in the 1990s, and the Millennium Bridge did not exist at this time.

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Mooney

The Marauder’s Map is quite significant in the franchise as Harry Potter put it to use a good number of times. Here we can see the filming crew having a little joke on the map. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, after Harry Potter is handed the map, the nicknames of the men that created it are visible. The nicknames are Prongs (James Potter) Wormtail (Peter Pettigrew) Padfoot (Sirius Black) and Moony (Remus Lupin). However, Moony is spelled as Mooney, and while some might discard it as a mistake, it is a deliberate misspelling, aimed as a joke at Karl Mooney (the movies’ visual effects supervisor).

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Equus

This has no effect in the Harry Potter story but it bears mentioning. In this scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I, one can see behind Hermione a poster for a play called “Equus”. It is a play that starred Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and his on-screen uncle, Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley). Richard Griffiths died in 2013.

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The 7th Horcrux

While we have discussed the recurrence of the number 7 in the Harry Potter franchise, one significance was left out. Harry Potter’s Quidditch number when he became captain was 7. This could well have been an indicator of his status as Voldermort’s seventh Horcrux.

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Muggle Books In The Wizarding World

Aside from the scenes that show Harry Potter with the Dursleys, wizards hardly use muggle objects and things in the Harry Potter franchise. Here, we have a wizard in Leaky Cauldron reading a muggle book in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. While reading a muggle book is in itself a big deal, the book in his hands is very significant. It is A Brief History of Time, a Stephen Hawking book that discusses the idea of time travel amongst other things. It might interest you to know that elements of time travel are contained in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

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Professor Slughorn’s Wand

Wands have a connection to their owners usually showing personality, trait, spirit, and character. In this case, Professor Slughorn’s wand had a very interesting structure. The tip of the handle of the wand, has two round prong-like shapes. These shapes can be interested to be the head of a slug or even a pair of horns. This is not surprising as his name is Slughorn.

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Professor Snape’s Death

One important detail that many may have missed in Snape’s death scene is the Gryffindor cardigan. This might serve as an indicator of his noble heart and bravery. It also gives credence to Professor Dumbledore’s opinion in the books that students are usually sorted a bit too soon.

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The Scarves

In the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the way Harry, Ron, and Hermione tie their scarves is different and a clear indication of their distinct personalities. Hermione’s scarf is neatly done, highlighting her close attention to detail. Ron’s scarf is left completely undone, highlighting his nonchalant attitude, while Harry’s scarf is tied loosely highlighting his clumsiness.

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Anne Boleyn

This is one detail in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone which almost everyone missed. The portrait of Anne Boleyn hangs in Hogwarts, and Anne was the second wife of King Henry VII and former Queen of England. You might wonder what significance her portrait being in the school has. Well, she was accused of witchcraft by her husband, King Henry VII. It only makes sense that her portrait showed up in a school of wizardry.

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Sirius’ Words to Harry

The words of his godfather, Sirius Black before he died in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, was what foreshadowed Harry’s use of the Resurrection Stone in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I. Sirius’ words assured Harry that those that love us always stay in our heart.

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Voldermort’s Appearance

As each Horcrux was getting destroyed, Voldermort’s robes became more faded and unclean. This shows how his power was dimming and he was losing his strength as well as his calm. This is clear in some of the rash decisions he took, such as killing Professor Snape.

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Tom Riddle’s Room

In the scene where Professor Dumbledore goes to visit a young Tom Riddle at the orphanage in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, there lies an important detail. A picture of some cliffs is in the room, between Tom Riddle and Professor Dumbledore. These are the same cliffs that Professor Dumbledore and Harry Potter travel through to get the locket, which happens to be one of Voldermort’s seven Horcruxes.

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The Warner Brothers Logo

Through the Harry Potter movies, the Warner Brothers logo becomes darker and decayed. This is an indication of the series becoming much more intense and dark as Voldermort continues to increase in strength. The mood switches gradually from being a bit comedic to becoming very grave, as the fate of the wizarding world lays on Harry Potter’s shoulders.

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Son of His Father

In a flashback scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix that showed James Potter disarming Severus Snape, Sirius Black’s remark is “Nice one, James”. While watching James’ son (now his godson), Harry disarm a death eater, and Sirius Black passed the same remark.

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Dolores Umbridge’s Clothing

We saw Dolores Umbridge became a teacher at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and she instantly became one of the strictest teachers, enforcing rules that made the students uncomfortable. Known for her love of pink dresses, the shade of her clothes deepened as she became more powerful and evil. This can be seen in the picture.

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Wizard-Themed Cereals

It’s not exactly the most subtle Easter Egg on this list, but it’s worth mentioning! What the Harry Potter books and movies do so well is world-building. This can be seen in virtually everything, from the characters and clothes to the spells and even the food. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, there is a scene where the trio is walking down the Great Hall and a box of “Cheeri-Owls” is in plain sight on one of the tables.

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Bauxbatons Do the Macarena!

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, students from the Bauxbatons Academy of Magic from the Pyrenees come to the Triwizard Tournament to do some cheerleading for their contender Fleur Delacour. While they do some impressive dance routines early on in the movie, their dancing, later on, appears to be a lot more familiar. This is because they end up performing an improved version of a certain muggle dance. They are basically reenacting the Macarena, albeit in a more stylish way.

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The Mic Boxes Fail

Directors are always trying to cut corners in order to make the filmmaking process as straightforward as possible. This also applied to Alfonso Cuaron, who was at the helm for the third movie in the franchise, Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban. The talented filmmaker decided to use microphone packs for some of the main actors during certain scenes. However, this ended up backfiring on him as there were a couple of times when the packs showed up in the final cut.

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Hermione, Where Were You?

Ron and Hermione’s romance gradually develops as the series progresses, but there are hardly any signs of it during the first couple of movies. With that said though, the Prisoner of Azkaban might be the first time that we see any indication that Ron has a thing for his best friend. One of the big plot points of the movie sees Hermione using the Time-Turner to jump to various points in time. Ron becomes the only person who picks up on Hermione’s elusiveness.

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Harry’s Dancing Trick

Daniel Radcliffe did struggle for one particular scene where he was expected to dance. During the Yule Ball scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, it turns out that unlike his co-stars, who were given three weeks to practice for the scene, Radcliffe only had four days. “Because I was doing another scene,” he said. “I’m quite proud of what I was able to do, but it was very hard.” In the end, though, the director decided to shoot him from the waist up to avoid any mistakes.

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Snape’s Coded Message

All the way back in the first movie, Professor Severus Snape appears to be a nasty individual who only wants to make Harry’s life a living hell. He asks Harry what would result from adding asphodel to wormwood. It turns out though that Snape was trying to give Harry a coded message. This is because Asphodel is a lily, which, in Victorian flower code, means demise. As for wormwood, this symbolizes loss and absence. From this, we can deduce that Snape was referencing Harry’s mother, who was also called Lily.

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She Dyed His Uniform Grey!

It might not be the most important Easter Egg in the series, but nevertheless, it is worthy of being on the list. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, there is a scene early on where Aunt Petunia can actually be seen in the background dyeing Harry’s uniform into a grey color. She basically takes one of Dudley’s old pieces of uniform which Harry can use at Hogwarts. While it isn’t spoken of in the movie, it is described in detail in the book.

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Nagini Appears in the Opening Credits

As previously mentioned, every WB logo gets darker in tone corresponding to the tone of each movie. However, there is another interesting detail in the opening credits of Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. Not only is the logo dark, but a scaly, shiny thing can be seen in the reflection of it. This is alluding to Nagini, Voldermort’s snake who then appears during the opening scene, creeping toward her master, the Dark Lord.

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So That’s Why His Scar Was Burning

During one of the scenes in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, many viewers wondered why Harry’s scar started to burn after Snape started looking at him. Of course, this makes Harry suspect that Snape is a nefarious being and might have even caused the scar. However, seeing that Quirrell is standing next to Snape, with his back turned to Harry, it is later revealed that Voldermort is hiding under the head-covering. So that’s why.

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An Homage to All the Movies

In Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2, there is an awesome sequence during the Battle of Hogwarts that seamlessly harks back to all of the movies that came before it. As the battle begins, Harry, Ron, and Hermione go to confront Snape but are interrupted by a number of familiar faces, with each one referencing one of the previous movies. They see a troll, giant spiders, a werewolf, a dead Lavender Brown, Dementors, and finally Snape.

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Nymphadora Tonks

In the Harry Potter books, Nymphadora Tonks is known for her love of pink hair. One might then wonder why she had purple hair in the movie. The reason is simple, the color of her hair was changed to allow viewers to easily identify her, and tell her apart from Dolores Umbridge who wore pink clothing.

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Bellatrix Was Pregnant

Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix) was pregnant during the filming of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and this necessitated certain improvising. She dressed in loose clothing on set, as well as hid her figure behind objects including furniture to avoid close-ups.

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The Hagrid Factor

The first and the last Harry Potter share a certain symmetry in which Hagrid plays a major role. In the first Harry Potter movie, it is Hagrid who takes Harry Potter away on Sirius Black’s bike to start school at Hogwarts. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I, when the time comes to take Harry away from the Dursleys, it is also Hagrid who comes to take him away on the same bike, albeit with a passenger’s seat attached this time.

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Cho Chang

Cho Chang is a year older than Harry Potter, which makes her appearance in the last Harry Potter movie quite baffling. Harry Potter was in his last year at Hogwarts, meaning that Cho Chang should have graduated from Hogwarts. She however appeared in her school uniform which is unexplainable. A lot of people certainly missed that bit.

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Draco Malfoy’s Wife

In the last part of the last Harry Potter movie, we see the characters now grown-up with kids of their own; ready to start school at Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) was also there with his wife and son. The woman who played the role of Astoria Malfoy, Draco’s wife was Tom Felton’s actual girlfriend at the time. Her name is Jade Gordon and she was part of the production crew before being convinced by Tom Felton to take the role.

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