10 Details from the Harry Potter movies that make them more appealing than the books

Harry Potter movies are undoubtedly a global phenomenon, bringing in millions of fans together. The beloved books have been adapted into the movies, which provide a rich and detailed tapestry of the wizarding world. The movies offer a different and often equally compelling experience.

Though the books are more detailed and tend to offer a more immersive experience, there are certain moments when the movies have surpassed the books a little. The films are the outcome of time constraints; it is inevitable all the details of the books are not going to be present in the movies.

Sometimes, movies also have added small details or enhanced certain scenes, which add to the overall appeal. This exploration delves into the times when the movies have done a bit better than the books. Though it is a subjective analysis, opinions are bound to vary. There is no intention to diminish the value of the books. The books are brilliant. However, the cinematic artistry has added to the overall viewing experience of the viewers.

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1)Harry’s words to Dolores Umbridge

In the movie Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, when Cho revealed about the Room of Requirement to Dolores Umbridge, she took Harry to her office. She asked Harry about his plans, but he did not want to answer. However, Hermione decided to take Umbridge to the forest in order to get her off their backs. As they reached the forest, they said the Grawp had broken the rope he was tied with.

When inquired about the weapon by Umbridge, a group of centaurs arrived. Umbridge told them to go away from that place, but they refused and attacked Umbridge. This made her angry, and she cast a spell on a centaur. As a result, the centaurs captured Umbridge.

In the book, Umbridge was taken away, but she did not ask Harry to help. However, in the movie, we see Umbridge telling Harry to tell the centaurs that she means no harm. On hearing this, Harry replied that he must not tell lies. This line has been added in the movies, which made the scene even better.

2)Hedwig’s death

In the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hedwig’s death has been shown in a different manner. Many viewers have pointed out that Hedwig’s death in the movie was portrayed in a better manner than in the movies. In the book, Hedwig was in the cage with Harry, and she died and fell on the cage’s floor after she was struck with the spell.

However, in the movie, during the battle of the seven Potters, Hedwig came to save Harry and was struck with the spell and died. She died saving Harry’s life. It resonated with the viewers as it showed Hedwig and Harry’s bond in a better manner. Although it is a subjective point and the opinions may vary.

3)Draco’s character

Many fans have pointed out that Draco Malfoy’s character in the movies is more relevant and sympathetic than in the books. It has sparked numerous discussions among the viewers. The movies have streamlined Draco’s character and portrayed it in a redeemable manner. This resulted in a less cruel and more vulnerable aspect of him being seen.

Along with this, Tom Felton’s performance has breathed life into Draco’s character and helped the viewers to view his character in a newer light. For instance, his fear and reluctance in the movie Half-Blood Prince are very much palpable and make the viewers sympathize with his character more.

The visual medium of the movies adds to it. Though in the books Draco’s antagonistic side is overtly distinctive, many viewers think that the movies did a better job of portraying his character.

4)Bellatrix torturing Hermione

The torture scene in the movie Deathly Hallows is intense. Many viewers have pointed out that the scene with Helena Bonham Carter and Emma Watson heightens the whole moment.

Especially the addition of Bellatrix writing Mudblood on Hermione’s arm is a great detail that was not present in the book but was added in the movie. Though both the movie and the book scenes are filled with tension and are undeniably harrowing. The visual representation of the events has amplified the horror of the scene.

5)The use of radio

Yet another distinct moment that has been done in a better manner in the movies is the way Ron listens to the radio in Deathly Hallows. While they were hunting for horcruxes, we could see Ron was constantly listening to the radio. Though in the book this is not depicted in the same manner.

The movies have taken a minor detail from the book and transformed it into a powerful visual and emotional element. This has been appreciated by many viewers. It allows the audience to connect with Ron in regard to his anxieties and frustrations.

6)Viktor Krum

An interesting difference in which the movies have definitely done a better job is the portrayal of Viktor Krum. In the book, Viktor Krum is depicted as thin, dark, and sallow-skinned. He had a large, curved nose and thick, black eyebrows. This description was completely different in the movies.

In the movie, Viktor is depicted as an athletic and brooding celebrity Quidditch player. His physical prowess has been emphasized in the movies, which made him mysterious and attractive. Though his interactions with Hermione are brief, these moments are charged with romantic tension.

As a result, many viewers were disappointed when Hermione and Krum did not work out. In the books, Krum’s character is more nuanced. His interactions with Hermione have been more drawn out. His personality has been delved into in the books in a deeper manner. The movie’s Krum is polished, which had an appeal to a wider audience.

7)Voldemort’s robe

In the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, when Harry and Cedric reach the graveyard using the portkey, they see Wormtail. Wormtail kills Cedric and captures Harry. He then uses Harry’s blood, his severed arm, and the bone of Tom Riddle’s father to raise Voldemort.

Voldemort rises, and he is magically robed with the black smoke that surrounds him. In the book, however, Wormtail robs him. This difference makes the movie’s moment more visually compelling. Wormtail physically cloaking Voldemort does not have the same effect as the dramatic effect of the movie. The movie’s scene adds to the dread and threat Voldemort poses. The book highlights Voldemort's momentary weakness, while the movie prioritizes the sheer horror of his return.

8)Death Eaters were able to fly

Yet another aspect that has been done better in the movies, according to the viewers, is the ability of the Death Eaters to fly unaided. In the book, only Voldemort and Severus Snape have the ability to fly without using a broomstick or other aids, while others do not.

However, in the movies, all the Death Eaters were able to fly. The movies opted for a more dramatic approach, which added to the menacing nature of the Death Eaters. Though the books have maintained a sense of exclusivity on the unaided flight, the movies have created a frightening image of the Death Eaters.

9)Dumbledore’s reaction

A highly debated topic is Dumbledore’s reaction after Harry’s name comes up in the Goblet of Fire for the Triwizard Championship. In the book, Dumbledore asks Harry in a calm manner, while in the movie, Dumbledore storms toward Harry and, in an almost violent and aggressive manner, demands Harry’s answer.

The force of his question in the movie leaves Harry stunned. Not just Harry but the others in the room are also shocked at Dumbledore’s reaction. While many have pointed out that the movie should have stuck to the original source material, others have pointed out that the movie’s reaction amplifies the gravity of the situation as Harry is just 14 years old, much younger than the other players. The movie’s Dumbledore sounds concerned while the book’s Dumbledore sounds accusatory.

10)Quidditch matches

Harry Potter books are magical and allow the readers to have their own liberty to visualize the scenes. The Quidditch matches in the movies, however, have often added to the visual spectacle of the books.

This does not diminish the books’ storytelling but rather adds to the unique strengths of cinema. The movies bring Quidditch matches to life. The sweeping camera angles and aerial choreography create an immersive experience.

It makes the matches more immediate and exciting. The movies also add to the realism of the matches. While the books rely on imagination, the movies provide a tangible, visually rich representation.

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