The first instalment of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone (The Sorcerer’s Stone to readers in the USA), first landed on bookshelves way back in 1997, introducing young readers to Hogwarts and the larger Wizarding World. The book defied expectations to become a monumental success, capturing the imagination of readers around the globe, and launching one of the most iconic, beloved and popular fantasy stories of all-time!
In 2001, Warner Bros. Pictures recruited Chris Columbus (Home Alone) to direct a film adaptation of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, which gave fans of the books an entirely new way to experience the magic of the Wizarding World. The film, which beautifully adapted Rowling’s first Wizarding World adventure, was a monumental success at the worldwide box-office, sparking one of the most successful film franchise’s of all-time!
While the film delivered a faithful adaptation of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, there were a number of fan-favourite moments that didn’t make it into the final cut. For our latest post on The Blog That Must Not Be Named, we’re looking at Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone and discussing five scenes from the book that should have been included in the movie!
Check out our list below:
5. Harry Meeting Draco In Diagon Alley
In the film, Harry doesn’t encounter Draco Malfoy, his school nemesis, until moments before the sorting ceremony. This is very different in the book, as Harry and Malfoy first meet in Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions in Diagon Alley, where they are both being fitted for school robes. Malfoy, who doesn’t know he is talking to the famous Harry Potter, is quick to note that he believes Hogwarts shouldn’t let students attend unless they are from all-wizarding families.
4. Sending Norbert Away
In the film, Norbert is sent away by Dumbledore when Harry, Ron and Hermione are caught sneaking-out by Draco Malfoy. The book takes a completely different approach, however, with the trio arranging to smuggle the dragon out with Charlie Weasley. Harry and Hermione use Harry’s invisibility cloak to travel safely to the Astronomy Tower, where they successfully transfer the dragon to Charlie. It’s not a total success though, as Harry and Hermione are caught walking back to Gryffindor tower and given detention.
3. The Wizarding World Celebrating Voldemort’s Defeat
While the film opens with Dumbledore and McGonagall leaving baby Harry on the Dursleys doorstep, the book opens by following Mr. Dursley through what he believes to be a perfectly ordinary day. As the day progresses, however, Mr. Dursley observes some extremely peculiar behaviour and comes across more a number of strange individuals wearing cloaks. It isn’t until he overhears some of the cloaked individuals mention Lily, James and Harry that Vernon realises what’s going on.
2. The Midnight Duel
In the film adaptation of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, the golden trio stumble across Fluffy when they accidentally enter the third-floor corridor. In the book, however, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are out of bed for a very different reason. They have arranged to meet Draco Malfoy in the trophy room for a midnight duel, but find themselves in a spot of trouble when they see that Filch and Mrs. Norris are waiting instead. They run away and mistakenly land in the third-floor corridor, where they encounter the terrifying three-headed dog!
1. THE POTION RIDDLE
When it comes to the final act of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, the book gives fans much more to enjoy! After successfully passing Fluffy the three-headed dog, the flying keys, devil’s snare and McGonagall’s outrageously violent chess board, Harry and Hermione encounter a deadly potion riddle left by Professor Snape. With a number of potions before them, Harry and Hermione must figure out which potions will leave them dead on the floor, and which potion will allow them to move forward. will allow them to move forward safely, and which will leave them dead beneath the castle. Hermione is able to solve Snape’s potion, giving Harry a chance to stop Voldemort and save the day!
Is there a moment from the Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone book that you believe should have made it into the movie? Let us know in the comments section below this post or alternatively, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
If you enjoyed this post, check back next week as I’ll be discussing five moments from Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets that should have made it into the movie!
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Harry and Draco meeting was one moment I was waiting for in the movie, but was disappointed when it wasn’t there……….
Cool post by the way!
Thanks! I agree, it would have been a cool moment in the movie
Awesome post! And all of these should have been there in the movies! I T-O-T-A-L-L-Y agree!