Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spectacularly epic, poignant end to a magical series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 97 parent reviews
Parents say that this film serves as an intense conclusion to the series, featuring significant violence and darker themes that make it more suitable for older teens and adults rather than younger children. While many appreciate the film's strong character development and emotional depth, there is a consensus that parental guidance is advised for viewers under 12, and it is suggested that younger audiences should be familiar with the book's content beforehand to better understand the story's heavier moments.
- intense conclusion
- parental guidance advised
- appropriate for older teens
- familiarity with books recommended
- strong character development
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 472 kid reviews
What's the Story?
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 2 begins when we last saw Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) convalescing at Shell Cottage after Dobby died rescuing them from certain death at Malfoy Manor. Harry enlists injured goblin Griphook (Warwick Davis) to help them break into Bellatrix Lestrange's (Helena Bonham Carter) vault at Gringotts in search of more missing horcruxes. But after a death-defying escape, Harry realizes that they must return to Hogwarts to find the final items they seek. With aid from Aberforth Dumbledore (Ciarán Hinds) and Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), who's assembled all of their friends, the central trio goes back to a Death Eater-run Hogwarts, now led by Headmaster Severus Snape (Alan Rickman). Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) declares all-out war on Harry, whom he's desperate to kill before Harry can destroy all of the remaining horcruxes and render him mortal again. Thus begins the climactic Battle of Hogwarts, in which Harry makes life-changing discoveries, while his friends take up wands to help him save the wizarding world.
Is It Any Good?
Director David Yates has been at the helm of the Harry Potter series since the fifth film, and he sends it off with a spectacular finish. He switches from Part 1's sparse, atmospheric tone to a relentlessly intense war film in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Grint and Watson add some much-needed levity with their sweet romantic overtures, but while they're off fighting Death Eaters hand-in-hand, it's Radcliffe's big moment to propel the action to Harry's final confrontation with Voldemort. Also shining brightly are Lewis' Neville, who, after years of being the class wallflower, proves just how brave a Gryffindor he is, and Kelly Macdonald, who plays a ghost with fiery intensity. Rickman gets his best scenes ever in a series of flashbacks that explore his true nature, and Maggie Smith is surprisingly gleeful as Professor McGonagall in warrior mode.
For once, Yates and screenwriter Steve Kloves' adaptation could have been even longer to properly represent crucial moments like Molly Weasley (Julie Walters) taking on Bellatrix Lestrange, or Ron and Hermione finally admitting their feelings through a kiss (neither scene is quite as heart-stopping in the film as on the page). Other sequences, like Harry's momentous walk in the Forbidden Forest, the Weasley family convening in grief, a look through Snape's memories, and even the controversial-to-readers epilogue, are all handled quite beautifully -- poignant moments of the heart to punctuate the nonstop action of the battle. Much of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is either a tearjerker or an epic battle scene -- sparks flying, wizards dueling, creatures crushing each other. It all builds up to a last indelible shot ... one that reminds us while all may be well, it's sad to know that the Harry Potter series has ended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is age-appropriate for young kids, even if they've already read the books or are familiar with the characters. How does the tone and subject matter of the series change over time?
Which characters reveal different parts of themselves in this movie? Why did they make the choices they made? How do those decisions affect Harry?
How does the development of Ron and Hermione's relationship contrast to most other teen love stories? Is a slow-burning romance as believable or exciting to watch as love at first sight?
Did the final movie live up to your expectations? Are there any other book sagas you'd be as excited to see turned into movies, or do you think it's unlikely another franchise would hold as much magical appeal?
How do the characters in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 demonstrate perseverance, teamwork, and courage? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 15, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : November 11, 2011
- Cast : Alan Rickman , Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson , Rupert Grint
- Director : David Yates
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate