Can You Be Too Old to Enjoy ‘Harry Potter’ Books and Films?

Can you be too old to enjoy something? For a long time now, I have been hearing people say that Harry Potter books and films – the amazingly magical world created by JK Rowling – are only for young people. Yes, these wonderful stories do draw the attention of young people because of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and company being young students in a special school for wizards; however, there is more to this world than just young people growing up and experiencing the pangs of adolescence while coming into their magical powers.

Get Over It?

What got me starting to think about this more closely was an article about actress Miriam Margolyes – who played Professor Sprout in the films – saying that adult fans should “grow up” and get “over it.” She was reacting to people having Harry Potter-themed parties and weddings.

For a person who had a relatively small role in the films, it seems possible that her feelings come for not being the first person anyone thinks about when someone says, “Harry Potter.” I am not certain why she would want people who loved the books when they were younger not to continue loving them as adults, but obviously they have no intention of getting over it.

Growing Up with Harry Potter

I for one strongly disagree because I have seen my children grow up with the books and the films, and they still love them. My older nieces and nephews (now in their mid-20s to early 30s) they literally grew up with the characters. I recall them standing in long lines outside of Barnes and Noble waiting to buy the latest book in the series as it came out. It was an experience that stoked their love of literature, and they spent their days reading – and not looking at their devices.

As for me, I read the books as my kids read them and then watched the films with them. Over the years we have had binge-watches of the movies – usually during Christmas vacations. Each viewing of the series brings greater respect for the actors and directors who lovingly brought Rowlings’ creation to life. There is at the core of the stories a heart that is bigger than Hogwarts and love that is so enduring that it brings a glow that radiates happiness.

Adults Can Relate

We adults have plenty of characters we can relate to in the books and films. I, for one, enjoyed Sirius Black (played by Gary Oldman in the films) and appreciated his fatherly approach to helping Harry (Daniel Radcliffe). I could understand how emotional he felt and protective of the Boy Who Lived, and was very sad about what happened to his character.

Adults can find themselves in some form or other in Professors Dumbledore, Slughorn, McGonagall, and Lupin, and Ron’s parents Arthur and Molly Weasley as well as others who are loving or kind. We see shades of ourselves in them and recognize the ones who treat the younger characters the way they should be treated.

We love to hate Snape (until he redeems himself), Lestrange, Malfoy, Pettigrew, and most of all Voldemort. This gives us a rich base of characters who act in very adult ways, but they also give children a window into human nature and a better understanding of adults – in the wizarding world and in daily life.  

Enduring Themes

I will always be a Harry Potter fan – and I dare say so will my children and hopefully their children. Harry Potter’s enduring themes are about living life well and treating others well; it is also a story of good versus evil, doing what is right and not wrong, and how love is at the core of all that happens in our lives.

I feel sorry for anyone who thinks that they are too old for Harry Potter. They are leaving behind something that delights all ages and brings a spark from a magic wand that illuminates what is meaningful in life.  

 Take a look at what the cast reveals about moments they love and hate in the films.