Books
Some people enjoy both the Harry Potter books and movies, but when it comes down to it, many fans pick a side. Are you more of a Harry Potter book person or movie person? You can’t sort everyone into good people and death eaters, but you can sort people into Harry Potter book-lovers or movie-lovers (though of course, we all stay up to date on Rowling's current projects).
If you’ve chosen a side, you know that there are some major differences between the two types of people. Of course, it’s possible to love both. Most HP book fans went to all the movie premieres, probably in costume, and if you talk to them you know that they have many strong opinions about the films. Maybe HP movie fans have also read the books, or at least a couple of them, but they just prefer seeing it on the big screen.
If you are a HP movie fan and you haven’t read the books, though, there are some pretty major differences between your Potter experience and a Potter book-lover experience. Though it’s the same story, the books and movies aren’t the same. The movies contain plot points and things that the books don’t, and vice versa. Whichever one you favor, here are some of the ways you have to admit that HP movie fans are different than HP book fans.
1
They're OK Knowing Less Information About The Canon
One of the biggest differences between the Harry Potter books and movies is that the books have way, WAY more information. There are characters and entire plot lines in the books that there simply isn't time for in the movies, so HP movie fans have to be content with knowing less info about the magical world.
2
They Might Miss References
Because the movies have less info, sometimes HP movie fans will miss references within the films that HP book fans will instantly get. For example, Fenrir Greyback appears in the films briefly, but only book fans will know his full backstory and significance.
3
They Don't Have To Compare Books Vs. Movies
If you always read the books first, you probably can't help comparing the movie to the book. Did it faithfully portray your favorite character? Were all the plot points correct? Does it have the same feel as the book? HP movie fans don't have this worry — if they didn't read the series first, they could go into the films with fresh eyes and without high expectations.
4
They Had To Be Careful To Avoid Spoilers
Book fans knew what was going to happen in the movies long before the premieres. Movie fans, however, had to be careful to avoid spoilers. And if they managed to avoid all the spoilers, there were probably several moments that were a big shock when watching the films.
5
They Have Different Opinions About Certain Characters
Several characters are a bit different in the HP movies than they are in the books. For example, Ron Weasley is a little wittier and has much more depth in the books, Hermione is a little rougher around the edges, and Ginny Weasley is a totally different person. HP movie fans have pretty different opinions about certain characters because of this discrepancy.
6
They Didn't Have Mental Pictures Of The Characters Before Seeing The Movies
I still remember seeing the first Harry Potter movie, and desperately hoping that the cast of characters would match the mental pictures I had in my head. HP movie fans don't have to worry about this; since they don't have prior mental pictures of the characters, they can just take them as they come in the movies.
7
They Have More To Look Forward To
HP book fans have had some new things to enjoy, from Cursed Child to the Hogwarts eBooks. But the truth is that nothing can replicate the excitement of a new Harry Potter book. HP movie fans, on the other hand, have years of Fantastic Beasts to look forward to, so times are good for them.
