Finding people who prefer the Harry Potter movies over the books is not common, but that doesn't take away from the overall grandeur of the cinematic version. While the films do have several unnecessary discrepancies —Harry's eye color, Dumbledore's reaction intensity, Hermione's dental transformation— they also enhance the narrative in several ways.
In fact, there are instances in the movies that clearly enhance their book explanations, like the presence of actual actors or when they streamline the narrative (by removing excessive fluff and paring the dialogue down to its pith). What are the most visible improvements, though?
10 The Tightening Of The Storyline
The movies excluded a large fraction of the book narrative which wouldn't have translated very well on the big screen. One of the biggest changes was drastically reducing the number of scenes that take place in classrooms, which may be interesting but aren't exactly fast-paced.
It's unfortunate that comic relief characters like Peeves were cut out of the films, but removing Hermione's S.P.E.W. was, on the other hand, a smart choice because it avoids that unresolved tangle of threads entirely.
9 An Undeniably Classic Musical Score
The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, and The Prisoner of Azkaban were scored by the inimitable John Williams, who was also responsible for "Hedwig's Theme" and its sparkling melody (played on the celesta).
Although other music directors entering the franchise from the fourth movie onwards, it is "Hedwig's Theme" that became permanently associated with the Harry Potter franchise. This tune was popular enough to be constantly parodied, a true sign of its relevance.
8 The Animation Style Of The Tale Of The Three Brothers
Harry Potter boasts of splendid cinematography, and one of its most impressive examples is the Tale of The Three Brothers, a short story by Beedle the Bard revealed in The Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
Rather than depict it using live-action, director David Yates chose to create a unique style of animation that fit the theme of the fable perfectly. While Ron narrated the Tale of The Three Brothers with considerable panache, it paled in contrast with the film's incredible combination of shadow puppetry and paper silhouettes.
7 Hedwig's Death Isn't A Pointless Accident
Hedwig was Harry's source of comfort whenever he felt lost and unable even to express himself to his two best friends, let alone anyone else. The snowy owl didn't appear as often in the movies, but she was present in a number of iconic scenes that are meant to represent Harry's innocence.
She was killed off by J.K. Rowling, almost as an afterthought, when a Death Eater's curse went slightly astray. In the movie, however, Hedwig attacked the Death Eater trying to hurt her beloved Harry, sacrificing her life in the process.
6 The Focus On Quidditch Is Minimized
There was very little Quidditch in the films, at least compared with the books, which have no dearth of the magical sport. As fun as it was to read all the different ways there are to win a match, it really didn't deserve more precious screentime than Quidditch got.
In fact, The Order of the Phoenix had zero Quidditch, despite important events like Umbridge prohibiting Harry, Fred, and George from taking part in future matches, a decision that allowed the story to focus on what actually matters.
5 the films are made so much better thanks to the Choice of Casting
The actors playing the Golden Trio have been immortalized in cultural memory, and for good reason —their character embodiments were as thorough as they were real.
In addition, the films are made so much better by casting Alan Rickman as Severus Snape, Dame Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall, Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart, Helena Bonham-Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange, and, most memorably, Emma Thompson as Sybill Trelawney. It's nearly impossible to form a distinction between the book and movie versions of these characters, such is the accuracy with which they are played.
4 When Harry Gets Some Catharsis From Headmaster Snape
The Hogwarts duel between Snape and McGonagall takes place in the books and the movies, but the former doesn't reveal Harry to the Headmaster, not even when he threatens Professor McGonagall.
It's great that The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 grants Harry a bit of catharsis by having him confront Snape about the night he killed Dumbledore. Harry is nearly drawn into battle but is pushed aside by a newly energized McGonagall (who doesn't need backup from other professors to banish Snape from the castle).
3 The Magical World Is Visualized In All Its Radiance
There are no limits placed on the imagination, but it is always great to have visual and acoustic assistance from high-budget production houses to bring beloved magical worlds to life.
The sparkling spellwork, incredible set design, outlandish but believable outfits, and many other cinematic features make Harry Potter all the more radiant. Of course, several scenes may not have been envisioned according to fan expectations, but the movies do a great job, nevertheless.
2 The Way Several Characters Apparate
Voldemort learns how to fly at some point after his resurrection in The Goblet of Fire, an artform that he teaches Snape and nobody else. However, his Death Eaters can seemingly fly in the movies via Apparition, a process that converts them into thick plumes of smoke capable of moving in all directions.
Members of the Order are also shown traveling in this fashion, which completely deviates from the simplicity of Apparition in the books. Regardless, this version looks a lot more impressive on the big screen.
1 The Case Of The Elder Wand
Harry's decision to discard the Elder Wand is identical in the books and the movies, but the outcome differs in both instances. The original choice returns the Elder Wand to Dumbledore's grave, where Harry intends for it to lie until his own passing.
However, this doesn't prevent anyone else from defeating him (many wizards and witches can) and taking control of the Deathstick for themselves. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense when film Harry breaks the Elder Wand and throws it off a bridge.
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