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

[sweetpinkpixie]

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

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]

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]

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

[SlytherinCharityCase]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Kit]

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