Brooke Shields decided to end the year with a bang and donned a super cute bikini! The mother of two captured a trendy mirror selfie on December 31st, standing in a floral two-piece swimsuit from Adore Me.

The actress looked fit and fine as she glowed in the photo! She still rocks a bikini just as well as she did in her claim-to-fame movie Blue Lagoon, in which her bikini scene became an iconic one.

This image perfectly shows off Bebe Rexha’s simple but truly amazing swimsuit. The singer uploaded a photo of herself wearing a two-piece swimsuit that’s greatness lies in its simplicity.

The ensemble featured a black top with skimpy floral bottoms, giving off perfect vacation vibes. The addition of the multiple layers of quirky golden chains around her neck only added to the outfit, making it the complete package!

The Real Housewives of New Jersey celeb sizzled in the Cancun sun, and not just because of the sun! Gorga’s choice of attire truly made her shine at the beach. The two-shade nude and tan bikini was a trendy piece unlike any other.

The multitalented lady, who is an author, singer, and designer, as well as a reality star, has been a part of the famous show since 2011.

Kendall Jenner truly knows how to rock the minimal aesthetic to the best of her ability! The cool girl of the Kardashian clan is known to rock an effortless style, and this swimsuit shot is proof of that fact.

The printed, minty blue bikini is as flirty as it gets. It’s adorable without being childish. What else would you expect but the best of fashion from one of the world’s highest-paid models?

Supermodel Molly Sims rocked a blue crocheted bikini during a family vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Taking to Instagram, Sims shared a series of photos in the gorgeous and trendy swimsuit.

In one photo, the model also added a matching skirt along with a white overshirt and a straw bag, elevating her outfit to the next level. The model then mentioned in her caption that she was assuming a spring break position!

This Real Housewife of New York City alum went all out in her swimsuit, and she looked amazing doing it! Luann de Lesseps donned a classy black bikini that was a step away from traditional designs.

The 58-year-old rocked the strapless top with the fun detailing of the golden clasp in the front. It’s a piece that most people would definitely want in their swimsuit collection!

This celebrity knows how to make a swimsuit look cool! On a trip to Anguilla, Sofia Richie Grainge looked gorgeous in her orange and blue two-piece swimsuit.

The socialite and model sported the colorful and printed swimsuit for a day at the beach in the Caribbean and looked like she was having some fun under the sun. If a tiger wants to change the color of its stripes, we totally recommend trying out this adorable color combination!

Rita Ora continues to be a magnetic force in both music and fashion, leaving a trail of starstruck fans and fashionistas wherever she goes. She recently set Sydney’s beaches ablaze with a sizzling fashion statement.

She flaunted her envy-inducing physique in a daring yet playful abstract glitter print bikini. The “I Will Never Let You Down” singer’s swimsuit moment says it all – she’s daring and adventurous – and we love every moment of it!

This queen of the Upper East Side has proven time and again that she knows her way around fashion. After all, she didn’t play Serena Van Der Woodsen for six seasons and not learn anything!

Blake Lively’s choice of a simple white bikini may look a little too minimalist, but that’s before you factor in the wearer. This white top is the perfect style for those looking for a bikini top that reveals a little less. It’s a stylish yet conservative option!

White seems to be a favorite color among celebs for when they want to step out onto the beach! Gabrielle Union looks like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day, all smiles as she walks the beach in her stylish get-up.

The color might be simple, but the swimsuit definitely isn’t, and it’s one that would look amazing on everybody. The Bring it On actress even added some cool shades to up the ante!

If you wanna run with Dua Lipa, you know the way to her heart now! The singer is all about her swimsuits, and it turns out quirky prints are her style.

The “Levitating” singer spent her time by the pool lounging in this printed bikini set. The puka shell necklace only added to the beachy vibes of the outfit. The singer has also sported a Hello Kitty-themed bikini in the past, proving that she does indeed love her beach outfits to be all kinds of fun and flattering.

This Black-ish actress knows that flowers make everything better – including swimsuits! Sick of sweater weather, Ross put up a photo from her trip to Jamaica, reminiscing about beach days.

The trendy bikini was adorned with flowers and had a myriad of colors all over. Makeup-free and relaxed, the actress looked as if an hour in the pool really had rejuvenated her spirit!

The fitness guru of the Kardashians rocked a metallic gray swimsuit in a photo. If there was a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for swimsuits, this one would surely win the award for the glamor category!

The matching glasses and nails truly bring out the best in this attire. Kim Kardashian accompanied Khloé to the beach in a metallic gray bikini set. Now, that’s what we call some bonding sister time at the beach!

Shay Mitchell knows how to slay, whether it’s in her workout gear or her beachwear. For this fashionable diva, a simple swimsuit just wouldn’t do. Instead, she upped the ante with a white structured bikini.

She accessorized her swimsuit with a printed shirt adorned with pine trees, trendy glasses, a hat, and dainty jewelry. Now, this is what we call a well-thought-out moment for lounging on a yacht!

For Irina Shayk, every day is a runway moment, and this swimsuit photo proves that fact. The supermodel sported this itty-bitty colorful piece on her tropical vacation.

Shayk’s photos from her tropical vacation had fans fawning over her swimsuit, and it’s easy to guess that a lot of them wanted something similar in their wardrobe. The neon pop of color balanced by the animal print is a moment unto itself.

The youngest of the Kardashian brood has captured the world with her charm. Whether it’s a makeup line or her fashion on the streets, Kylie knows how to bring it!

Kylie, at only 26, is at the top of her game! No wonder she’s relaxing by the pool in this crochet beige bikini! Despite the tame color, the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan knows how to amp up the look.

This bikini is plain and simple, but absolutely stunning. Bella Hadid donned this black two-piece for a beach trip. She even braided her hair, giving her outfit a young and fun vibe.

The swimsuit seems like the kind that people would love in an instant, and this photo probably increased the demand for it. The model loves the runway, and the runway loves her back, which is proven by her ease of pulling off all kinds of outfits!

This reality TV star rocked a Chanel swimsuit on her vacation beside the pool. The monogrammed two-piece screams ‘luxury’ on all levels.

Tessa Guidice, who’s starred in The Real Housewives of New Jersey since the first season, is also the author of many cookbooks and even a memoir. She most recently also participated in the 2022 season of Dancing With the Stars, as well as a Real Housewives franchise spinoff.

Sofia Vergara got her start by modeling before transitioning into one of the best comic actresses in Hollywood. And, throughout all that, her swimsuit game has been on point!

The Modern Family actress donned this printed one-piece for a tropical vacation, giving the term ‘trendy’ a new definition. She added some sunglasses to up the allure. The print is the perfect balance between quirky and elegant, making it a must-have swimsuit for everybody.

Gina Rodriguez, the beloved star of Jane the Virgin, recently took to Instagram to delight her fans with a glimpse of her impeccable style. She flaunted her stunning abs in a delightful red and white striped short-sleeve bikini, embodying the essence of fun and sun-soaked glamor.

The ensemble exuded a timeless yet playful charm, showcasing Gina’s radiant personality. The little white strings dangling from the bikini only make it all the more fun and cute.

The vivacious co-host of CBS This Morning brought the fun and sun vibes to her Instagram during her Mexican getaway with her niece Mackenzie Schwab. In a series of cheerful snaps, she sported a trendy striped rainbow one-piece adorned with a playful silver heart-shaped necklace.

King’s caption added a lighthearted touch, wherein she added a message of embracing herself and enjoying life. We love a lady who isn’t afraid of bright colors!

Kate Beckinsale brought a touch of glamor to the beach scene during her recent getaway. With her unmatched swimsuit style, she rocked a trendy two-piece ensemble featuring a chic printed top and crisp black bottoms.

This ensemble further solidified the Underworld actress’ status as a fashion icon who knows how to make a statement – even in the sand and surf.

Adriana Lima, the iconic former Victoria’s Secret model, made waves with a jaw-dropping beach moment. She flaunted her model-esque features in a floral bikini, exuding confidence and natural beauty.

In a recent caption that resonated with wanderlust, Adriana expressed her longing for a return to her cherished homeland, adding depth to her sun-soaked snapshot. Her post not only showcased her enduring appeal but also hinted at her love for travel and a connection to her roots.

Alessandra Ambrosio showcased her flair for stylish swimwear, even on the sandy beaches, strolling by in a bikini that screamed ‘fashionista.’ The model effortlessly slayed in a chic black bikini as she hung out on a beach.

The bikini was simple and elegant. The model added a casual flair to her swimwear with a cap and a pair of sunglasses, as well as a gold bracelet.

The Model Squad star stunned fans with a photo from a beach in Miami, where she unleashed her inner animal in this printed bikini. Cutting an impressive figure in her intriguing cut-out swimsuit, Devon Windsor rocked this look at the beach in Miami!

Devon’s swimsuit also featured some fun colors, adding a pop of brightness to the outfit. The model captioned her photo, “Much needed vitamin D” as she sipped on her beverage, while sporting sunglasses.

Supermodel and skincare entrepreneur Hailey Bieber fearlessly flaunted her style in a cute Instagram pic. Bieber sported a black and white bikini that brought some wildness to the beach.

The zebra print bikini showcased the model’s fun and sassy side, and we love her for it! It’s amazing to see celebrities wearing bikinis that are wearable by everyone, and this one hits all the right spots.

Katharine McPhee recently had a picture-perfect moment. The actress slayed in a one-piece swimsuit as she flounced around happily.

The image epitomized #VacationGoals, showcasing her knack for combining travel and fashion. Katharine’s chic swimwear choice not only highlighted her impeccable taste but also her love of nature.

Disney’s new Ariel sure knows how to make a splash while looking utterly perfect! Halle Bailey, our mermaid sensation, is here to prove herself in this ethereal mint-green bikini.

She’s not just channeling her inner siren; she’s practically singing underwater hits! This vibrant swimsuit adds a playful flair to her beachside charm, leaving no doubt that Halle’s got the Disney magic both on and off the screen.

She might have started off by being the best in tennis, but that’s not the only court that she dominates. The superstar athlete has served up some serious style goals in recent times, as seen with this chic two-piece.

Serena Williams rocked it at the beach in this green and black swimsuit, which was the perfect balance of style and comfort. It’s true that this is a lady who can do everything!

Demi Lovato, the powerhouse “Skyscraper” singer, turned heads in a sassy leopard-print bikini. The bandeau top is the definition of chic, while the black strip adds an extra dimension to the outfit.

In a style that’s as bold as her music, Demi effortlessly pulled off wild patterns at the beach, where she went for some much-needed downtime. The singer continues to embrace her individuality with flair – even in swimwear choices!

This Girls actress and writer radiated warmth and sunshine, donning a plunging yellow one-piece that lit up Labor Day. Posed against the ocean backdrop, she exuded confidence, capturing the essence of a perfect beach day.

Her fun and humorous caption, complete with a playful nod to Labor Day, added a touch of fun to the post. Lena’s vibrant one-piece showcased her vibrant personality and flair for making even the simplest moments memorable.

This fashion-forward sensation sizzled in a printed green swimsuit during a pool day out. With unapologetic confidence, the model owned her beachside look, making a bold statement in vibrant fashion. The ALT Swim bikini beautifully blended in with the green of Jordyn Woods’ poolside area.

The model continues to inspire with her bold fashion choices, proving that confidence is the ultimate accessory when it comes to making waves – both on and off the beach.

Elizabeth Hurley was the epitome of rest and rejuvenation as she posed along the beachside. The actress was a clear example that the best way to recharge is by embracing the simplicity of a sun-soaked beach day in a fabulous swimsuit.

The Royals actress graced us all with a simple but classy white bikini that she accessories with a floral transparent shrug. She truly is a superhero, even if her cape is just a beachside cover-up.

Former Bachelor contestant Ashley Iaconetti turned lemons into a zesty fashion statement during her romantic Amalfi Coast honeymoon with Jared Haibon. She didn’t just pose next to the iconic Italian lemons; she transformed them into a vibrant, sunshine-yellow bikini that perfectly matched the fruit in her Instagram snap.

It’s proof that when life gives you lemons, you can channel your inner fashionista as Ashley did, and turn them into a fun and refreshing swimsuit!

Elsa Hosk, renowned for her killer modeling skills as a former Victoria’s Secret Angel, effortlessly showcased her allure on August 19th. In her Instagram post, she dazzled in a high-waisted fuchsia pink bikini, proving once again why she’s a fashion icon.

Elsa’s successful career spans high fashion runways, magazine covers, and brand campaigns, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the modeling industry. The model was also a basketball player – talk about range!

The iconic supermodel showcased her timeless beauty and beach-ready style during a vacation. In a picture-perfect moment, Heidi Klum was on a boat in a funky bikini, patterned with orange and blue colors.

However, even models need some downtime sometimes, and Klum did just that by adding a casual cap and sunglasses to her outfit. The model was the perfect balance between classy and funky!

Renowned country star LeAnn Rimes recently decided to hit the waters, and she did it in style! The singer sported a striking nude-colored bikini with some fun gold detailing, and her accessory was a simple pair of sunglasses to add some glam.

LeAnn’s career has spanned decades, including numerous chart-topping hits, acting roles, and philanthropic endeavors. Her playful choice of swimwear only adds to her fun and playful persona.

Multi-talented cookbook author and TV personality Chrissy Teigen brought her unique blend of style and humor to a recent Instagram post. Teigen rocked a multicolored knitted bikini, which she paired with some unique choices.

Teigen added a matching vest to her top, finishing off her look with a white wrap-around for her bottoms. The fun-loving and witty personality brought her own flavor and style to the pool.

Kris Jenner, the ever-stylish Kardashian matriarch, stole the spotlight during the family’s sunny vacation. She made a fashion statement with a sleek two-piece, all-black swimsuit, which she paired with a sheer cover-up and a hat.

The “momager” has always had an impeccable sense of style, a fact that has always been a source of inspiration for her daughters, evident in the confidence and fashion-forward choices they all share.

The beloved star of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before brought her adorable charm to Instagram while enjoying a boat outing with friends, including on-screen boyfriend Noah Centineo.

She was looking cuter than ever, sporting a multicolored striped one-piece that featured a swooping, low back. Lana’s real-life persona mirrors her beloved character, Lara Jean, proving that her endearing qualities aren’t confined to the screen. Her fun-filled photos captured the essence of a perfect day out with friends.

Jennifer Lopez set Instagram on fire with a scorching photo that left fans in awe. She confidently rocked a cropped Guess sweatshirt paired with daringly tiny bikini bottoms, epitomizing sizzling glamor. Her caption, “Mediterranean,” transported followers to her world of chic coastal elegance.

The “Waiting for Tonight” singer has always known how to set high standards for fashion and has been an icon to many people. She’s proven time and again that she’s the perfect balance between effortless charm and cool elegance.

Singer-songwriter Camila Cabello lives quite a hectic life. So, like anyone else, she makes sure to set time aside for herself to relax and decompress in between the pressures that come with her glam Hollywood lifestyle.

Here, Cabello basks in the sun during a getaway to Athens, Greece. Even with a simple bikini like this black and red one, we have no doubt that Cabello turned heads, thanks to her natural beauty and curvaceous figure.

It’s hard to believe that Millie Bobby Brown was just 12 years old when she first gained fame from her portrayal as Eleven on Netflix’s Stranger Things. Now 19 years old, Brown has certainly made a name for herself as an actress.

Aside from acting, though, she was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and even launched her own beauty product line. Moreover, she’s a New York Times best-selling author, thanks to her book Nineteen Steps — which you can spot Brown reading here as she lounges by the pool in a classic white bikini.

Let’s be real — none of us are strangers to Kim Kardashian’s bathing suit pictures. That’s why it’s only fair to include her in this list. While she’s known to sport black or silver bikinis to the beach, every once in a while, she pulls out a showstopping look.

Take this one-piece, for instance. A SKIMS original, the TV personality and businesswoman took a classic one-piece bathing suit and totally Kimmi-fied it. We love it!

New Jersey native Alix Earle is often referred to as TikTok’s “It Girl” — and rightfully so, considering she has almost six million followers on social media. With that kind of popularity, it goes without saying that Earle is highly influential.

So, it’s only fitting that we include her here on this list. She may be only donning a simple, blue bikini but she wears it extremely well. Then again, maybe she looks that good because of the “Alix Earle effect.” We can’t be too sure…

Like Alix, Addison Rae first gained popularity through TikTok, amassing 88 million followers over the years. Since then, Addison’s career has completely blossomed. Not only has she released music and tried her hand at acting — starring in films such as He’s All That — but she also co-founded a beauty line and launched her own podcast.

When she’s not busy with her several ventures, she poses for beautiful shots like this one. Between her sunkissed skin and floral bathing suit, it goes without saying that Addison is goals…

Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney is an extremely busy person. Aside from her very successful acting career, she’s also the founder of the production company, Fifty-Fifty Films.

With that, it makes sense that she captioned this very cute photo — taken in O’ahu, Hawaii — “72 hours off, let the fun begin.” With a schedule as demanding as hers, we can’t blame Sweeney for wanting to let loose once in a while.

This Golden Barbie just knows how to turn a plain outfit into something glamorous and worth coveting. Jasmine Sanders rocked this floral swimwear, and we can’t say who in the photo is blooming better – her, or the plants!

The two-piece swimsuit set also came with a matching coverup. She added layers of necklaces and some cute, preppy braids to add some quirkiness to the look.

Heather Graham’s cheetah-printed bikini is the perfect outfit for anybody looking to go on an adventure. The actress loves to indulge in yoga, pilates, and other exercises in order to stay fit. She captioned the photo with, “ocean meditation.”

However, it might not be the best outfit for a jungle outing. Wear it for a day by the beach, though, and you’re surely going to be the animal ruling over all the others!

One of the world’s biggest supermodels, Gigi Hadid, knows how to make a simple two-piece swimsuit look like it belongs on a runway. The model donned a printed bikini which she paired with some chunky and funky necklaces.

Adding to the beach vibes, she added a bag and a yellow and white striped towel. Hadid was lounging on the beach as part of her vacation that she took with her girlfriends.

Nicki Minaj doesn’t do anything halfway, and her swimsuit moment is a testament to that fact. The plunging swimsuit featured cut-outs all over the front, making the one-piece black swimsuit look like something straight off the runway.

If the swimsuit itself wasn’t daring and trendy enough, the rapper accentuated her look with gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, not to mention those chunky heels! The “Super Freaky Girl’ singer truly does know how to make an impression!

Can you believe that more than two decades have passed since the world first fell in love with Harry Potter, Hermione, Ron, and their fellow Hogwarts students? Today, we’ll look at some rare behind-the-scenes photos from the films. So, grab your scarf, wand, and Quidditch stick as we prepare to board the Hogwarts Express, which leaves from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

After spending much of his life in his aunt and uncle’s cupboard under the stairs, Harry is accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, our protagonist and Ron travel by train, meet Hagrid, cross the castle’s moat in a rickety rowing boat, and are greeted by Professor Minerva McGonagall.

The two wide-eyed kids are blown away by the ancient, spooky, and impressive Scottish castle. Then, they’re blown away again when they meet Hermione Granger.

Now, here’s a blast from the past! It’s a young Daniel Radcliffe goofing around on set at the start of his Hogwarts journey. The actor was only 12 years old when he rose to global fame playing the most famous boy wizard of them all. Even before he was a teenager, Daniel was a millionaire, reportedly earning a million bucks for the first movie.

Over the course of the eight movies, Radcliffe made a staggering $95.6 million. But, that’s nothing compared to what J.K. Rowling made. She was the world’s first billionaire author.

This scene from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix sees our boy Harry ask his cousin Dudley Dursley — who he lives with at number four Privet Drive — and his gang if he’d been picking on another 10-year-old. The oversized bully then taunts Harry about his late mother, which triggers the boy wizard to attack Dudley, holding his wand to his throat.

Immediately, the sun disappears behind dark storm clouds. The kids are forced to run, and Harry saves Dudley from a deadly Dementor’s kiss in the tunnel.

Here’s a BTS shot of filmmaker David Yates directing Daniel Radcliffe and Harry Melling, aka Harry and Dudley Dursley, getting ready for their fight scene. Did you know that Dudley’s surname comes from a town in Gloucestershire, England near where J.K. Rowling is from?

David Yates obviously did a fantastic job, as Warner Bros. invited him back to the franchise six times. He directed the final four films in the Harry Potter series and helmed all three Fantastic Beasts movies.

The Knight Bus appeared in the third film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Riffing on the quintessential red, London double-decker bus, it was a purple triple-decker bus with seats during the day and four-poster beds at night. Harry accidentally summoned the Knight Bus by raising his wand arm when escaping Privet Drive.

To make up for a rather bumpy ride to the Leaky Cauldron, extra comfy beds, toothbrushes, and mugs of hot chocolate are available. Thanks for choosing the Knight Bus.

Here’s Alfonso Cuarón directing Daniel Radcliffe after he accidentally summoned The Knight Bus. The Mexican filmmaker made The Prisoner of Azkaban one of the best films in the eight-film franchise and was asked back to make the fourth.

However, Alfonso had to decline to direct Goblet of Fire, saying committing to another Harry Potter film so soon would mean he wouldn’t have time to wouldn’t finish Azkaban. While we’d have loved another Cuarón film, it’s probably better that he perfected scaring us all with those terrifying Dementors.

Who could forget Dumbledore’s chilling speech during the feast at Hogwarts? He’s warning the witches and wizards about another young student who studied at the school many years ago — Tom Marvolo Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort. The Dark Lord chose that name as it’s an anagram of “I am Lord Voldemort.”

Why do supervillains always have to give clues as to their real identity? He could have chosen any name like Keith Smith, which would have left him much less likely to get rumbled!

Here’s Sir Michael Gambon between scenes filming his speech at the feast. Alan Rickman’s Severus Snape, Jim Broadbent’s Professor Horace Slughorn, and the witchy-named Sally Mortemore’s Hogwarts librarian Irma Pince and Hagrid all appeared at the feast, though there probably wasn’t much food left once Hagrid showed up.

Sadly, the actor who played Hagrid, Robbie Coltrane, is another Harry Potter alum who’s departed. Robbie passed away in 2022, aged 72.

On August 12th, 1995, the Ministry of Magic charged Harry with using underage magic outside of school at a disciplinary hearing. He’d been forced to conjure a Patronus Charm to save himself and Dudley Dursley from Dementors in the Muggle town of Little Whinging 10 days earlier.

The disciplinary hearing, of course, is a ruse. Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge and the Wizengamot were trying to discredit Harry and Dumbledore’s claims that Lord Voldemort had returned. Harry was eventually cleared of all crimes.

Here’s a beaming Daniel Radcliffe preparing to shoot his scenes at the Ministry of Magic, up on charges of using magic while he was not at school at Hogwarts. Perhaps Daniel looks so happy as he knows something that the Wizengamot do not… that Dumbledore is wise to their plans.

The Wizengamot had tried to trick Dumbledore by moving the venue, but the canny wizard guessed their underhand tactics by turning up three hours early and guessing where they’d moved the hearing to. Way to go, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore!

After startling Professor Horace Slughorn, who’s rummaging among some plants in Professor Pomona Sprout’s greenhouse, causing him to respond with “Merlin’s Beard!” Harry says he’s venturing off the grounds to visit his friend Hagrid. But, what was Horace doing in there?

Well, he might have been talking to Professor Sprout’s Felix Felicis plants. These plants are the source of “Liquid Luck,” a potion that makes the drinker lucky for a period of time… or a game of Quidditch!

This BTS photo perfectly demonstrates how different studios are from what we Muggles see on screen. Here, the set of Professor Sprout’s greenhouse stretches high above the actors’ heads to incorporate dozens of powerful lights.

Those stone walls are made of styrofoam, that grass is astroturf, and Daniel Radcliffe isn’t really a wizard! That’s why they call it the magic of film! To fully shatter the illusion, you can visit Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse, and many more Harry Potter sets at London’s Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

When we finally get to see the mythical Thestrals, we realize that despite their reptilian-like faces, leathery bat wings, and dangerous reputations, they’re actually kind of cute. Harry encounters a herd of them in the forest and sees a bare-footed Luna Lovegood talking to a Thestral after all her shoes have mysteriously disappeared.

Luna suspects Nargles are behind this heinous crime. Luna explains to her wizard school friend that he’s not mad as she has been able to see Thestrals since losing her mom.

Here’s Evanna Lynch and director David Yates getting in a little acting practice before petting a Thestral in the forest and giving Harry a lesson on Thestrals, Voldemort, and life. Of course, the magical yet different-looking flying beasts were computer generated and added later by VFX artists, but the actors need to act and look towards something.

That’s why the art department knocked up this plastic model of a Threstral’s head — so Evanna and Daniel could ensure their eye-lines were all ship shape and Bristol fashion, as J.K. Rowling might say.

Here’s Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny Weasley, and Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) preparing to ride Thestrals. These rare, invisible, skeletal, winged horses can fly and are only visible to people who have witnessed death. But, Thestrals aren’t all bad…

Thestrals can be mounted and ridden, so make a great alternative if you’ve lost your broom or forgotten your Apparition spell. Since only Harry and Luna could see them, though, they had to help Hermione, Ron, and Neville mount them.

Here’s the gang getting ready for their Thestral ride from the forest outside Hogwarts to London to find Sirius Black, whom Harry believed to be in danger in the Ministry of Magic. It must have been a fun scene to film, as they weren’t real.

VFX Senior Supervisor Steve Rawlins from Industrial Light and Magic explained that the Thestral Flight was one of the trickiest scenes to film in the whole franchise. They green-screened the actors riding a bucking bronco-type mount against helicopter shots of Scotland and London.

Remember the famous scene in Order of The Phoenix where Professor Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) fires Sybill Trelawney, played by Emma Thompson? Well, you might also recall Professor Minerva McGonagall was waiting in the wings to rush to Trelawney’s aid before Dumbledore saved the day.

That’s some fine British and Irish acting talent. Maggie Smith and Emma Thompson are both Dames, Imelda Staunton is a Commander of the British Empire, and Sir Michael Gambon was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Here’s Maggie Smith taking a breather before she gets back into character as Professor Minerva McGonagall. While the professor is Scottish, Dame Maggie is English. She must have been taking dialect lessons from Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who made a right meal of his West Country English accent as Hagrid!

Fun Fact — did you know the actresses who played Sybill Trelawney and Mafalda Hopkirk are sisters? The always wonderful Emma Thompson played Sybil, while Mafalda was portrayed by her sister, Sophie Thompson.

During the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, the first major skirmish of the Second Wizarding War, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) shows up to help Harry and his cohorts fight off Voldemort. He holds off the spells and attacks while the gang escapes.

But then, an inexperienced Harry tries to help his friend Sirius. Just as it looks like Sirius has defeated Lucius, Bellatrix Lestrange turns up to polish off her cousin, Sirius. Oh, darn — we forgot to say spoiler alert!

Here’s the omnipresent David Yates giving some instructions to Jason Isaacs and Gary Oldman. Hilariously, Isaacs wrote himself out of a bigger part. The actor confessed he came up with a great idea of how to end Lucius’ story, an idea that Yates loved.

So they filmed the scene, and Isaacs waited in his trailer to be called. Then, the First Assistant Director knocked on his door and informed Isaacs he wouldn’t be required again. Jason Isaacs said, “Argh! I’ve changed my mind! It was a terrible mistake!”

Remember earlier when we mentioned how Harry was dragged before the Ministry of Magic disciplinary panel for daring to suggest that Lord Voldemort was back in the land of the living? Well, spoiler alert. Harry was right!

He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named returned and fought Dumbledore in a fantastic fight scene at the Ministry. He breathed fire and turned it into a giant flaming snake. But, Dumbledore was equal to his wizardry and conjured a ball of water to encase You-Know-Who.

If you thought actor Ralph Fiennes spent hours in makeup getting that Voldemort nose job, think again. The Dark Lord’s messed-up, reptilian features were achieved with a different kind of witchcraft… computer wizardry. But, while he didn’t need to spend hours in the makeup trailer, this meant Ralph Fiennes had to wear those dots all over his face and head.

The most famous instance of these blue dots is the motion capture polka-dotted suit that Andy Serkis wore to play Gollum in The Lord of the Rings films.

Speaking of The Lord of the Rings, here’s Professor Albus Dumbledore looking more like Gandalf than Mithrandir himself. Irish actor and hellraiser Richard Harris played Hogwarts headmaster in the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — or Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

But sadly, Richard Harris passed away in 2002, and the slightly less hell-raising actor Sir Michael Gambon was brought in to play Dumbledore in the second film, The Chamber of Secrets.

While the Ministry of Magic Battle was all about Dumbledore and Voldemort, some other characters were present. First, Dumbledore apparated Bellatrix Lestrange in a flash of green flame so she couldn’t use her indomitable powers against him.

But, did you notice that Dumbledore had to keep using his magic to slide Harry out of harm’s way? Here are Jason Isaacs, Daniel Radcliffe, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sir Michael Gambon smiling for a behind-the-scenes snap before getting into character and wreaking havoc.

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry follows Draco Malfoy to the Hogwarts boy’s bathroom. Malfoy is about to cast a Cruciatus curse, so Harry is forced to defend himself by using the Sectumsempra spell without fully knowing its effects.

If you don’t know its effects either, Severus Snape created the Sectumsempra spell, which cuts its victims with an invisible blade. Harry’s devastating attack leaves Draco covered in lacerations and lying on the floor. However, Severus Snape turns up to magically heal him.

Using the Sectumsempra spell was one of Harry’s most reckless actions. Without knowing anything about the spell nor its power, he expected a funny outcome, like with other spells he found in his second-hand potion book — like Levicorpus, which levitates the victim by lifting them into the air by the ankle.

But instead, Harry nearly wiped Draco off the face of the earth. Here, young actor Tom Felton receives some direction from David Yates while filming the famous Sectumsempra scene.

In Half-Blood Prince, Severus Snape, Narcissa Malfoy, and Bellatrix Lestrange make an Unbreakable Vow to destroy Harry Potter and protect Narcissa’s son Draco. In order for the vow to work, two parties have to be kneeling or standing opposite each other and clasping each other’s right hands.

A third party holds their wand and stands quite close to the pair holding hands. Alan Rickman delivered a scene-stealing performance, but then again, didn’t he always?

Yet again, here’s producer and director David Yates coaching his actors before yelling, “Lights, camera, action!” Not that Alan Rickman or his co-star in this scene, Helen McCrory, needed any coaching. They were both masters of their craft.

Tragically, both actors playing Severus Snape and Narcissa Malfoy have passed away. Alan Rickman passed away in 2016, aged 69. Helen McCrory passed just a few years later, in 2021. She was only 52.

Grawp might stand a mighty 16 feet tall, but that’s only tall if you’re a Muggle. He’s pretty short amongst his kind. You see, giants in the Harry Potter series average between 20 and 25 feet. That’s why we said they might be giants.

While standing almost five meters tall, Grawp is a dim-witted, gentle giant. However, Harry and Ron don’t know that when the colossus swipes and picks up Hermione for a closer inspection. They think he could snap their friend in half as if she were a matchstick. And they were probably right!

Here are the Harry, Hermione, and Ron stand-in actors setting up the shot in which Grawp grabs Hermione. To give the impression her arms are resting on the giant’s hand, actress Flick Miles holds on to a bicycle handlebar while a crewmember pulls a blue rope.

While Hagrid also appears in this scene with Harry, Hermione, and Ron, he doesn’t appear in this shot since he’s a half-giant; actor Robbie Coltrane was digitally added in post-production.

In Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger trick Professor Dolores Umbridge into the Forbidden Forest. And there, an army of Centaurs aim their bows and fire an arrow at the trio.

However, the half-blood witch and Senior Undersecretary of the British Ministry of Magic enacts her revenge by casting a spell and tying the leader of the Centaurs up with a rope. Until that is, good old Grawp intervenes and picks Umbridge up. Then, the Centaurs carry her away. It’s what she deserved!

We all know that the film and TV industry use body doubles to block shots and set up lights and cameras. But, what some people don’t know is that stand-in actors often appear on film. When you think you’re looking at an over-the-shoulder shot of the famous actor, those shoulders probably belong to their double.

Emma Watson’s body double, Flick Miles, even appeared in a full Chamber of Secrets scene in which Hermoine turns into a cat. Watson had an allergic reaction to some glue, so Flick had to stand in.

After Grawp snatches Hermione, heroic Ron swings into action. He picks up a log and smacks the giant with it. But human-sized Ron only comes up to Grawp’s knees, so he smashes the giant in the calf, breaking the log in half.

Then Grawp swipes measly Weasley away like we’d swat a mosquito, kicking poor Ron to the forest floor. But this was one of many times when we saw Ron rush to Hermione’s aid… when he wasn’t outright bullying her, that is!

Hermione didn’t even need Ron Weasley’s gingerly heroic defense as she ended up saving herself, sternly telling Grawp, “Put. Me. Down. Now!” While Ron fearfully looks up at Grawp after he’s just been knocked to the ground by the behemoth, actor Ruper Grint looks happy to have just had the wind knocked out of him.

And so would you if you were on Rupert’s salary! Rupert Grint is believed to have made $56 million from his eight Harry Potter film appearances. And Ron ended up with Hermione!

Here’s Imelda Staunton playing Dolores Umbridge in the Forbidden Forest scene, just before she’s introduced to the Centaurs and Grawp. Also known as the Dark Forest, the wooded area near Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Scottish Highlands is so named because it’s strictly off-limits to Hogwarts students.

While the Forbidden Forest looked much more real than the computer-generated Centaurs and Grawp, these scenes were filmed in a studio in Watford, northwest of London.

Here’s that man again, director David Yates, giving orders to Emma Watson and Imelda Staunton. Notice the difference in the colors between the movie still and this behind-the-scenes still. The gray/blue color was added in post-production.

In years gone by, this effect would have been a physical blue filter on the camera. On the set of Tim Burton’s similarly washed-out Sleepy Hollow, they had to use bright orange fake blood, as normal red fake blood didn’t register on the camera.

After crossing dangerous seas and spilling blood to enter, Dumbledore and Harry make it to the Cave Inferi to continue their Horcrux search. With its crystals, the cave resembles Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. Harry collects water from a pool before being attacked by Inferi — gaunt, skeletal zombie-like beings — who drag him into the icy water.

Luckily, Dumbledore is on hand to save Harry by summoning a whirlwind of fire. We’re not sure how that defeats the Inferi, who are underwater, but sometimes you have to just go with the magic.

While filled to the brim with Inferi, the underground cavern is simply named “The Cave” in the Half-Blood Prince book and film. Here’s David Yates talking to Daniel Radcliffe and Sir Michael Gambon on a less spooky-looking set. All that smoke and fire was computer generated.

At least we hope it was, else Dumbledore would have singed his beard in a health and safety nightmare! While designing the set, the art department took their inspiration from a real-life salt crystal cave near Frankfurt, Germany.

The Weasley family home, “The Burrow,” is first introduced in The Chamber of Secrets. The wonky house with lopsided chimney stacks lies near Ottery St. Catchpole, deep in the Devon countryside. In Half-Blood Prince, Death Eaters attacked The Burrow on Christmas Day, planning to lure Harry out of his safe house and capture him.

But, Harry had a secret weapon up his sleeve. With help from Ron, Ginny, and Arthur Weasley, the four magicians fend off the Death Eaters, but the Burrow is burned down.

Now, as any true Harry Potter fan knows, the Burning of the Burrow doesn’t happen in J.K. Rowling’s books. Director David Yates added the scene to remind the audience that our protagonists are in the middle of the Second Wizarding War and that the stakes are high.

Here, brave Harry and Ginny (Bonnie Wright) fend off a Dementor attack. Given the Burrow’s countryside location, it’s very reminiscent of the Scouring of the Shire in The Lord of the Rings.

After being poisoned, Ron Weasley ends up in Hogwart’s hospital wing. And while being poisoned is a grave crime, the scene provides some much-needed comic relief when Lavender Brown shows up saying she’s Ron’s girlfriend. Naturally, Hermione has something to say about that.

While half professing she’s Ron’s girlfriend, Hermione calls Lavender a “Dumb dimbo!” Ron whispers Hermione’s name, and Lavender runs off in tears, heartbroken. Dumbledore surmises, “Oh, to be young and to feel love’s keen sting.”

While Ron in the hospital wing scene is fraught with emotion — again showing the high stakes of the wizarding war — behind the scenes, the mood on set is much lighter. Here’s Jessie Cave, who brilliantly portrayed Lavender Brown and Bonnie Wright having a laugh with Rupert Grint at Ron’s bedside.

Wherever this scene was filmed, it looks pretty darned cold as poor bed-ridden Rupert had to wrap up in a winter coat between scenes. Filmmaking is nowhere near as glamorous as people think!

When Harry and Dumbledore returned to Hogsmeade, the Dark Mark appeared above Hogwarts. And what followed was soul-destroying. Draco Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Severus Snape see to the demise of Dumbledore. Hogwarts headmaster sacrificed himself to keep Harry safe during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower.

But, what Harry didn’t know was that Dumbledore and Snape had an agreement as Dumbledore only had a year left to live after a blast of cursed energy from one of Voldemort’s seven Horcruxues in Marvolo Gaunt’s ring damaged his hand.

Here’s Sir Michael Gambon preparing for the scene that spells the end of Dumbledore. Get it? Spells the end! According to producer David Heyman, most of this battle was left out of Half-Blood Prince, so the Battle of Hogwarts in the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 didn’t feel repetitive.

While Gambon looks like Gandalf, the way he falls from the Lightning-Struck Tower is more like Saruman falling from the Tower or Orthanc in The Return of the King. And that spells the end of our behind-the-scenes photos!