Harry Potter films are an annual Yuletide tradition for many.

I haven't even watched the extended US versions of PS (SS) and CoS yet. I'll have to remember to acquire them.

I always catch one or two on TV.

Counter example: Die Hard

Gremlins. And Anna & The Apocalypse.

Had those in Ukraine on TV, too, as a kid. Harry Potter and Home Alone

Two films that have quite a lot in common

Little kid get abandoned by his family.

An adult gets set on fire at one point.

Another adult suffers a lot of pain due to a kid.

There's a creepy old guy that you don't know whether they are good or evil until the end.

And both are made by Chris Columbus with music by John Williams.

Could say the same again about Star Wars

Also with music by John Williams.

There is a definite pattern developing here :)