Each of the two series has its own set of unique strengths. For starters, the Harry Potter series is crazy unique, jam-packed with wizards and spells that previously existed nowhere save in the upper echelons of author J.K. Rowling’s mind. The series’ story line starts off young and shallow at the beginning, but deepens and darkens as Harry ages. This effect could have gone wrong on so many levels by making HP too complicated for readers, but Rowling balances the series’ convolution by throwing in dose after dose of human emotion: jealousy, loss, platonic love, and, of course, romantic love. These very human emotions, added onto the mystique of Rowling’s magical universe and the series’ action-packed nature, give HP the ability to appeal to not just teenagers, but readers of all ages.
Well, then what about Twilight? If HP is so amazing, then what makes Twilight worthy competition? Two things: romance and sex appeal. Yes, Harry Potter does fall in love at some point in the HP series, but the Twilight Saga practically oozes romance! The entire plot is based on the forbidden-yet-undying romance between the human Bella and the tormented vampire Edward. As if that wasn’t enough love, author Stephanie Meyer adds yet another love interest, the hunky werewolf Jacob Black, into the mix. Way to make all the girls jealous, right? Indeed. The love that occurs within the sexy triangle is unpredictable, romantic, the stuff of dreams. Every human girl (and even a guy or two) in today’s world secretly wishes she was Bella, or at least had someone like Edward or Jacob to pour clichéd love on her day in and day out. Twilight is the epitome of teen angst and love, which is definitely something HP can’t say for itself. Oh, and as for sex appeal… shirtless Taylor Lautner. Enough said.
Both fictional series are unique, successful, and worshipped like cults — so who’s better? As it currently stands, it seems that Harry Potter has the lead: the first six movies of the series have each raked in an average of over $900 million at the box office worldwide. The three movies of the Twilight Saga, on the other hand, have only managed to garner a bit over $500 million — a full $400 million gap behind Harry Potter.
For all the Twi-hards out there, however, all hope is not lost. Both series have one last movie to showcase to the world. Who knows? Maybe those movies could change the game. The outcome of this battle is up to you, the faithful Potterheads and Twi-hards. So once HP and the Twilight saga release their finales, get to the box office ASAP! Their places in history depend on you.
