The eight installments of the Harry Potter franchise have become the perfect live-action adaptation of J.K. Rowling's iconic novel series. It's hard to find a person today who hasn't seen these movies.
More than that, it has become a tradition for millions of Wizarding World fans to binge the Harry Potter series during the holiday season. Even after many years and re-watches, the movies still offer plenty of emotional moments.
Some are sweet and heartwarming, others tear-jerking and heart-wrenching. But there are also scenes that can best be described as second-hand embarrassment.
So as you re-watch Harry Potter this year, pay attention to these moments. Are you as uncomfortable watching them as we are?
1. 'I can touch you… NOW!'
Movie: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Voldemort's return is a truly shocking and tragic moment. But the 'I can touch you' line makes Voldemort sound more like an old creep than a powerful Big Bad.
It is a good thing that the moment has become something of a meme in the fandom and has been made fun of dozens of times, including by Ralph Fiennes, who has called it his favorite line in the entire franchise.
2. The First Kiss
Movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The coming-of-age movie has to have teen angst and an awkward first crush. But the first kiss scene between Harry and Cho is a little too awkward. Especially if you watch it as an adult.
3. Tying Shoelaces
Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
To be honest, almost all the scenes between Harry and Ginny are a bit cringeworthy. Just think of their kiss in the middle of the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry is the king of uncomfortable kissing, isn't he?
However, the most embarrassing scene between the future husband and wife is undoubtedly the one where Ginny kneels down to tie Harry's shoes. It's so out of the blue and has such obvious sexual implications that many viewers just can't keep a straight face.
4. Give me Harry Potter
Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The scene in which Voldemort demands that Harry be brought to him and Pansy Parkinson screams for someone to seize Harry has been changed from the book.
Rowling's Harry is defended by the wall made up of all the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students, which is a very touching moment. In the movie, only Ginny and Hermione come forward to protect Harry. If this was an attempt to add romance... well, it failed completely.
5. The Hug
Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Probably the most difficult moment to watch in the final installment is a hug that Voldemort gives Draco when he joins the Death Eaters. Tom Felton recalled in his memoir that the scene was improvised by Ralph Fiennes in the 50th cut.
When Fiennes suddenly grabbed Felton in an awkward way, Tom felt a shiver run down his spine. And who wouldn't?