How do the Harry Potter books compare to the films?

Smurfin

Well like most people I've seen (most) of the movies.  Enjoyable fantasy, if not the best movies out there.  The big question...how do the books compare?

I usually make a point of reading the book before watching any film version, but the Potter books passed me by.  Any views?

richardb70

I'm in my ... ahem ... "early forties" and I've read all the books. I've also seen all of the films apart from the last one.

Verdict: the books are a whole order of Better. I can't honestly say any of the films have done the books justice; 3 and 4 being the cream of the crop IMHO. So read the books, you'll love 'em.

noiseboy72

The earlier books are better, having been more thoroughly edited. They are aimed at a younger audience though, with simpler language and plot lines. The later books (4 onwards) are over long in places, but are still enjoyable.

its_all_Greek

read all the books and watched all the films.

Found the books very enjoyable to the extent that i have read some of them several times (got into them when the third was was released, then re-read the series each time the next book was released). and will happily read them again.

littlesheepy

I'd highly recommend the books. It took me two attempts at starting them but then I was hooked. Stick with the first book for at least 5 or 6 chapters while it sets the scene then you'll be hooked

Singh400

They are miles better. Read them, you won't be disappointed.

BT Bob

I've seen the movies and read the books. Love them.

I've also listened to both sets of audiobooks - Stephen Fry reads the UK versions & Jim Dale does the UK ones - both excellent.

Greg Hook

I don't think a film can ever do a book justice. The films are great, but you just can't fit it all into a film and there are lots of places where parts of the book don't translate to film properly anyway.

Although I don't mind at all that one of the films missed out the boring 100 or more pages of the Quidditch World Cup, that part of the book just dragged on and on for me.

andyk

The books are ok for their target market - children between 10 and 14 or so.

Greg Hook

Could you be any more condescending?