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sweetpinkpixie · 01-03-2019, 05:11 PM

Which do you prefer, the films or the books?
And why?

Both hold special places in every Potterhead's heart, but which do you prefer? Do you enjoy revisiting Hogwarts on paper in the original 7 novels written by J.K Rowling or as a feast for the eyes in the 8 screen adaptions? Let us know and why!

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This is not a questions thread. If you don't understand something and/or have a real question, go to The Question Thread.

This is not a discussion thread. Rather, this is a place for you to share your personal preference on which platform you most enjoy experiencing the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Have another way you like experiencing this magical world (audiobooks, etc.)? Feel free to share those here as well!

No spam. This means no posting off topic or posting multiple times in a row.

WonderingWizard · 04-16-2024, 03:59 PM

At my age, one learns to enjoy things for what they are, rather than what they are not.

For me, the books are always more detailed, and are the 'canon' from which all else springs, given they come first and define 'the rest of the story.'

Often however, I see many who hold themselves forth as a bit of 'book purists,' and are upset with changes in movies, etc. I find this unfortunate.

As with the Potter movies, there is so much so very well done, great scene settings, cinematography, acting, character development within the movies, etc. to be enjoyed - to deprive oneself from extracting from them all they have to offer is just unfortunate.

Answer to the thread's question: the books are my preference. But the World is incomplete without the movies as well.

RoastWanky · 04-19-2024, 01:42 AM

Definitely the books. I read the entire series before watching any of the films so I had a very different impression of the potter world and was somewhat disappointed with the films. That's not to say I don't enjoy them, but certain characters and places were different in my head-canon.

Ramon Ravenclaw · 04-29-2024, 04:25 PM

While I'm only on Book 1, I very much prefer it over the movie.

SlytherinCharityCase · 05-06-2024, 09:55 PM

I like reading the books more because they give so much more detail about characters’ feelings and actions. Also, so many side plots that I adored weren’t included in the movies.

flowerchild · 06-05-2024, 03:18 AM

i personally love the books. I am so lucky to have different versions, included Jim Kay's illustrated pages (loveeee, especially given the size and my lack of ability to see without my glasses) and the minalima illustrated versions. I feel like aside from the deprivation of details the movies have, the books themselves are extremely wholesome and forgiving. The recap in each book, the attention to each character are basically sentimental love letters to their identity. I could go on forever. I must sound so dramatic and dorky. I guess that's why I'm here in the first place, a place to relentlessly and most authentically express my love for this series...

ThePotterVault · 08-14-2024, 11:21 AM

The Books. No contest. The films are great and full of wonderful actors. The looks of the world is really good too but you just don't get the depth of the story as you do with the books. I would also say that not being a big reader all those years ago I resorted to the audio books (Jim Dale over Stephen Fry, just) which seems to be a wonderful sweet spot between the imagination used to read a book and bringing the characters to life as in the films.

Wyldstar · 09-16-2024, 09:36 PM

Love them both. love the books with all the in depth story telling. and love the the movies for putting it all in a visual aspect.

Hansel · 09-29-2024, 04:31 AM

The films, I dont like reading for too long because I get headache

Kit · 10-25-2024, 02:15 AM

The books! I love being able to imagine what happens and interpret the story for myself lol

CrazySnape · 01-18-2025, 12:29 AM

I would say that I probably don't prefer one over the other as I think it's quite hard to distinguish sometimes. I love the books and the movies missed quite a lot and didn't portray the characters quite as well as they could have but also on the other hand the actors and the way they were portrayed is still amazing and I absolutely love them both

Yodatc · 04-11-2025, 08:10 PM

The books, since they contain the full story

badger_boy_93 · 04-28-2025, 06:32 PM

Im afraid Im going to have to be difficult and say (technically) neither. I am a huge fan of the audiobooks. I listen to them over and over again in my car as Im driving.

Astrophel · 05-05-2025, 04:37 PM

I'm not finished all the books yet (almost there, though!) but I'd have to say the books. I really love how much more detail they give compared to the movies. However, I will say, the movies are still just absolutely stunning, and I really do love the soundtracks and how fitting they are!

Nyami · 05-13-2025, 09:04 AM

As much as I loved the books, I feel more familiar with the movies so it's gotta be them.

DarkOminisCorridors · 05-31-2025, 10:18 PM

Books obviously.
They are more detailed and developed and I have a grudge against a lot of the things the movies left out.

That said, I don't hate the movies, in fact, I am watching them now for the umpteenth time, currently on the second one. The casting, sets and animations are all phenomenal.

Arthur MacMillan · 06-21-2025, 10:38 PM

The books are much more detailed, but the movies are great too.

YewQuest · 06-22-2025, 03:54 AM

I think the books and films are both good.

I read the books in my childhood though, very far back to when I was living in my house I grew up in, and so the books just hold more sentimentality for me.

Philosopher / Sorcerer's Stone was quite a revolutionary film for me, though, I watching with my family. The moment where Quirrell reveals he has Voldemort in the back of his head was shocking to me and the audience at the time.

pearlwitch · 08-22-2025, 11:27 AM

I love the Dramione fanfiction so much. I'm waiting for an AI tv series on Dramione!

Luviesbb221 · 08-25-2025, 07:22 AM

I generally enjoyed the books more because it contained more immersive experience and I generally felt like the movies could've done better

TheJiltedOutlaw · 09-13-2025, 11:00 AM

Books, but let's be real the movies are amazing in their own way I just wish they didn't omit important things from the books or give character lines/actions to other characters

learnednoble · 09-15-2025, 11:22 PM

I truly enjoy both, I just can't choose. I'm also excited for the television series!

Osama George · 09-18-2025, 04:25 PM

I would prefere the books. Much more details on them.

Alexia Lestrange · 09-19-2025, 08:28 AM

The book cause obviously more detailed and the characters are what they are instead of the movie making them seem weak or or fragile which I hate that the movies does. Just my opinion I think the movies cut down the characters true potential.