11 things the Harry Potter movies actually did right

Quidditch

Early 2000s CGI aside, Quidditch is an enthralling component of the film adaptations, just as it is a major source of excitement in the books. First-year flying lessons were included in Sorcerer’s Stone, and it was a relief to see that Harry’s talent on a broomstick was untouched in the adaptations. The scene where Harry rescues Neville’s Remembrall from Draco Malfoy matches its book twin.

Maggie Smith nails McGonagall’s reaction to Harry’s bit of rule breaking, a mixture of displeasure and admiration. Once Oliver Wood shows up, it became clear that the films planned to stick with Harry’s Quidditch career at Hogwarts. He becomes the youngest Seeker in 100 years.

Thankfully, the wizarding sport is depicted as Rowling intended it. The Quidditch balls and the game’s rules are taken straight from the novels, as are the members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Most of the Quidditch matches are also extracted from the books, right down to which houses Gryffindor plays against.

While Quidditch was removed from the later films, Goblet of Fire leaves things on a high note. The Quidditch World Cup, an iconic affair in both versions, encapsulates the enthusiasm surrounding the sport as well as the books did. Ireland and Bulgaria show off their strange mascots, put on performances, and play an intense game that leaves our characters in awe.