Is it okay to watch fantasy movies like Harry Potter?
Here's the answer:
Some people can watch fantasy movies with no problem, and others are led away from God by watching them. Ask God to give you wisdom to know how you would respond.
First, if your parents have said that you cannot watch a particular movie, then respect that rule no matter what anyone else says. Ephesians 6:1 says, "Children, obey your parents as believers in the Lord. Obey them because it’s the right thing to do." That's pretty clear!
Movies did not exist during the time the Bible was written. But since the Bible is our guide for life, we can still take what we learn there and apply it to this part of our lives.
We could go through the Harry Potter movies, or any other fantasy movie, and give you a list of the good and bad things in them, but what it really comes down to is this question: Are you personally able to tell the difference between reality and fantasy, right and wrong, or good and evil? Would watching movies that involve magic make you confused about God's views or make you want to disobey God?
If you're not sure, then it might be good to skip magical or supernatural movies—at least until your faith is stronger. If you are strong in your belief in God and you know how He feels about the themes in fantasy books or movies, then it is possible that you could watch movies like Harry Potter just for entertainment and still know for sure that it will not influence your faith in God.
If you're wondering whether or not you should be watching or reading something, take this advice: "Don’t worry about anything. Instead, tell God about everything. Ask and pray. Give thanks to him. Then God’s peace will watch over your hearts and your minds because you belong to Christ Jesus. God’s peace can never be completely understood" (Philippians 4:6-7).
God honestly cares about what happens to us, so we should give all of our worries and concerns to Him (1 Peter 5:7). After all, He knows us best and knows what kinds of movies or books we can handle right now and what we cannot.
Bible Truth
"Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things" (Philippians 4:8).
"Don’t live any longer the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:2).
