Ignore the Netflix predictive algorithm this weekend and instead use your Hogwarts House to decide what movies to watch next!
There are few things worse than when you want to watch a movie and you have no clue what to choose. We are all too familiar with that feeling of scrolling…scrolling endlessly through Netflix recommendations, Hulu’s popular page, Amazon’s Prime Video section. Our search for a movie, just a single movie, ends up occupying too much time. So much in time, in fact, that sometimes you just give up and deal with reruns of Friends.
To make your life a little easier — and a little more fun — check out these movie recommendations based on your Hogwarts House. Let the Sorting Hat be your home viewing guide for a night or two. Check it out below!
Ravenclaw
When you think of a Ravenclaw, you think about traits like intelligence, creativity, and individuality. These characteristics are essential to what it means to be a Ravenclaw; not only are they academically-minded, but they are investigative and inquisitive, applying their desire for knowledge to a wide variety of situations — some thrilling, some banal, and many in between. They are also headstrong, carrying with them an enviable confidence, one that allows their individuality to shine. That individuality means that there are lots of different kinds of Ravenclaws — ranging from the shy and quirky to the loud and outspoken. With that in mind, here are five movies that every Ravenclaw should check out.
- Broadcast News (1987) directed by James L. Brooks
- Rope (1948) directed by Alfred Hitchcock
- The Shining (1980) directed by Stanley Kubrick
- The Last Days of Disco (1998) directed by Whit Stillman
- Inherent Vice (2014) directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Hufflepuff
By now, anyone who says that Hufflepuff’=s are “boring” or “weak” are just flat out wrong. With over 20 years having passed since the first Harry Potter book came out, the argument that Hufflepuff is the lamest of Hogwarts Houses has long been antiquated. What’s so admirable about Hufflepuffs is their intense loyalty, dedication, and patience; they are, more than any other house, famous for their warm hearts and dedicated souls. When looking for movies with these qualities, it’s best to turn to those movies that have a protagonist that embodies them. When the central character demonstrates those traits, you can’t help but feel them yourself. They allow you to latch on and see through the eyes of that character, adopting their dedication and loyalty as if it were your own. These five movies are perfect for every Hufflepuff:
- All the President’s Men (1976) directed by Alan J. Pakula
- Another Year (2010) directed by Mike Leigh
- Lady Bird (2017) directed by Greta Gerwig
- Defending Your Life (1991) directed by Albert Brooks
- The Birdcage (1996) directed by Mike Nicols
Slytherin
Slytherins, desperately fighting against a history full of bad eggs, are certainly not a bad Hogwarts house. However, the traits affiliated with the house are ones that walk the line between good and bad, inhabiting a special gray area that makes them so formidable…it’s also what makes movies for Slytherins so good. Known for their ambition, shrewd and cunning sensibilities, and strong leadership capabilities, Slytherins are a force to be reckoned with. When applied to movies, you end up with some pretty wild choices — that range from clever screwball comedies to three hour epics about musical geniuses. Check out our recommendations below!
- Amadeus (1984) directed by Milos Forman
- Trouble in Paradise (1932) directed by Ernst Lubitsch
- A New Leaf (1971) directed by Elaine May
- Gone Girl (2014) directed by David Fincher
- Blade Runner (1982) directed by Ridley Scott
Gryffindor
As the Harry Potter series focuses predominantly on Gryffindors, they tend to be the most well regarded house as well as the house we know best. Gryffindors are known for, first and foremost, their courage. That trait is a guiding principle for this house. Courage — to do what is right, to do what is hard, to face dangerous adventures, to risk one’s life to help another, to explore the unseen. Their courage, however, often brings on a bit of an ego. That ego can make Gryffindors emotionally fragile and overly concerned with their reputations. This is a fascinating blend that gives way to some really incredible movies. For those Gryffindors looking for a movie that might match their sense for adventure, check out our recommendations.
- Lawrence of Arabia (1962) directed by David Lean
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) directed by Steven Spielberg
- All That Jazz (1979) directed by Bob Fosse
- To Be or Not to Be (1942) directed by Ernst Lubitsch
- Erin Brockovich (2000) directed by Steven Soderbergh