In the late 1990s and 2000s, the Harry Potter book series sparked a moral panic in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, with some religious groups accusing the books of leading children into witchcraft and occultism. The panic was fueled by the novels' themes of magic and witchcraft, as well as anti-occult activism against the series. Despite the opposition, the Harry Potter books became a global phenomenon and a cornerstone of children's literature.

The Harry Potter panic has been the subject of numerous literary and cultural studies that explore the dynamics of censorship and the power of popular culture. The event has inspired writers to examine the psychology of fear and the role of religion in shaping public perception, and it has been used as a backdrop for works that critique the suppression of artistic freedom. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral panic and the importance of protecting free expression.