6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is based on the widely popular novel by J.K. Rowling and the sixth film of the series. The story follows a determined Harry and Dumbledore as they seek to uncover Lord Voldemort’s weakness. Let’s consider the pros and cons of the sixth film…

Pros: David Yates returns as director and delivers a masterfully crafted and suspenseful entry to the series. This movie gives us insight into one of the more mysterious characters at Hogwarts, Severus Snape. Harry receives a book belonging to the Half-Blood Prince and forms somewhat of a bond with the former owner. The book not only allows him to excel in his potions class, but also teaches him a few devastating spells. When it’s revealed that Snape is the Half-Blood Prince, we understand that Harry may have misjudged his professor, although the movies continue to use Snape as a red herring.

Cons: There is a subplot dealing with Ron and Hermione’s turbulent relationship that doesn’t add as much to the story as it does the runtime. The two characters have hardly any chemistry on screen, yet the movie insists on making this a focal point. We’re also introduced to two new pieces of magic in The Half-Blood Prince: Liquid Luck and the Vanishing Cabinet. Based on how useful both items are, it’s surprising that neither item is ever mentioned or referred to outside of this movie.

I give Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince a B. It’s an important and devastating milestone in Harry’s journey, but the distraction of Ron and Hermione’s relationship makes it less magical than others in the series. Happy Watching!

“Yes… I’m the Half Blood Prince”