Harry Potter: Unforeseen Issues That Challenge the Movies' Timeless Appeal

Highlights

Several aspects of the Harry Potter movies have not stood the test of time, notably the portrayal of Snape engaging in physical abuse towards certain students and the uncomfortable bathing scene involving Moaning Myrtle.

With every rewatch, the discrepancies between the books and movies, such as the alteration of Dumbledore's character in Goblet of Fire and the incorrect eye color of Harry, become increasingly apparent.

The absence of LGBTQ+ representation and the problematic depiction of certain characters in the films represent missed chances to foster diversity and enlighten younger viewers.

Based on the popular book series with the same name, the Harry Potter movies continue to captivate audiences today. With a total of eight films, each with its own unique elements and captivating storylines, the series has enjoyed immense popularity. However, not all aspects of the movies have aged well, as certain scenes and creative choices appear problematic by today's standards.

Nevertheless, just as a few flaws do not overshadow the overall excellence, many view these scenes as minor imperfections in an otherwise remarkable franchise. Some scenes even bring humor due to their random and unconventional nature. Still, fans anticipate that the upcoming Harry Potter television series on HBO will offer an even more satisfying experience.

1 Snape Getting Physical with Students

Hidden within the walls of Hogwarts lie numerous perils, causing some to question its suitability as an educational institution. Despite being aware of these dangers, as many of the students' parents are alumni themselves, they still choose to trust Dumbledore and his faculty with the well-being of their children.

However, one cannot help but consider how these parents would react upon learning about instances where teachers handle or strike their children, similar to Snape's treatment of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in The Goblet of Fire. While the movie portrays these actions as comedic, for many, it serves as a somber reminder of the prevalent use of physical punishment in British schools during the sixties and seventies.

2 Dumbledore's Goblet of Fire Freakout

In the book adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore calmly questions Harry about his involvement with the titular goblet. However, in the movie, he completely loses his composure and shouts at Harry uncontrollably, resembling a madman. This sudden and unexpected scene contradicts Dumbledore's established character and demeanor.

Initially, it was relatively easy to overlook this particular scene due to its minimal duration in the overall runtime of the film. However, upon subsequent viewings, it becomes increasingly evident and serves as a prime example of how certain aspects of the Harry Potter movies have not aged well since their initial release decades ago.

3 Moaning Myrtle's Awkward Bathing Scene

The directorial decisions in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire were not just limited to the scene with Dumbledore. In fact, there was another peculiar choice made later in the movie. During a visit to the prefect's bathroom, Harry decides to have a bath. However, things take a strange turn when Moaning Myrtle, who died at the age of 14 according to series lore, unexpectedly joins him. Her inappropriate advances towards Harry become exceedingly uncomfortable. One could argue that perhaps ghosts age after death, although there is no evidence to support this claim. Nonetheless, the idea of a woman in her seventies spying on and making advances towards a naked teenager is even more unsettling.

4 Harry Has His Mother's Eyes

In both the books and movies, it is commonly known that Harry is frequently reminded of his resemblance to his mother, particularly in his eyes. However, the movies present a deviation from this as Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry, found wearing colored contact lenses uncomfortable. As a result, Harry's character ended up having blue eyes instead of his iconic green eyes.

During the days of standard definition, this particular discrepancy might have gone unnoticed by many. However, with the advent of 4K devices, this inconsistency becomes hard to ignore. Admittedly, in the grand scheme of things, it may not have a significant impact (although it somewhat diminishes the emotional impact of Snape's death scene), but it raises the question as to why the filmmakers chose to retain the reference to Harry's eye color in the movies, despite eliminating many other details from the books.

5 The Troll in the Dungeon

Time and technological advancements have not only brought to light the inconsistencies between the Harry Potter books and movies but have also revealed the limitations of the special effects used around the turn of the century. Despite the impressive practical effects that still hold up well in the movies, such as the Basilisk in Chamber of Secrets, there are numerous special effects that have not aged well in the Harry Potter films. One such example can be seen in The Philosopher's Stone, where the Troll that Professor Quirrell warns the faculty about appears unconvincing by today's standards, resembling more of a low-budget B Movie creature rather than a creation worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster.

6 The Straightwashing of Dumbledore

Throughout the first six Harry Potter books, there is a lack of openly gay characters and insufficient representation of LGBTQ+ individuals. While J.K. Rowling attempted to rectify this in the final book by revealing Dumbledore's past romance with Gellert Grindelwald, this storyline was ultimately excluded from the movies along with many others.

The reasons behind the decision to omit Dumbledore's sexuality from The Deathly Hallows are unclear. Considering the inclusion of other non-essential elements in the films, it appears unlikely that runtime was the primary factor. Nevertheless, cutting such a significant plot point seems out of touch in today's society and a missed opportunity to educate young adults about sexuality.

7 Problematic Portrayals

The lack of diversity and representation is evident in both the Harry Potter books and movies, with the latter being arguably worse. Characters like Seamus Finnigan and Padma Patil can be seen as offensive stereotypes of their respective nationalities and ethnicities. Additionally, the female characters in the movies are poorly portrayed.

A notable example is Lavender Brown, who is consistently criticized and belittled for being too feminine. Ron treats her as a means to make Hermione jealous, while Hermione condescends to her due to her perceived lack of intelligence. Furthermore, it is troubling that the character, initially depicted as black in Chamber of Secrets, was replaced by a white actress for the movie where she played a significant role.