12 Harry Potter Movie Changes That Were Completely Justified

1. Hedwig's Death

In The Book

During the Battle Of The Seven Potters, Harry is discovered when he disarms Stan Shunpike rather than taking more drastic measures against him. It's a moment showing Harry's humanity once more, of course, but the film did it better.

Hedwig is then killed by a Killing Curse aimed at Hagrid as she sits in her cage on the motorbike, dying instantly to Harry's dismay.

In The Film

In the film, Hedwig isn't cooped up in her cage during the battle - she's flying free when Voldemort and the Death Eaters attack, ultimately sacrificing herself to protect Harry from a Killing Curse. And it's her protection of Harry that reveals that he's the real one, as she wouldn't have given her life for the others.

It's a very touching moment and a far more fitting end for Hedwig, who is killed off rather unceremoniously in the book. And it adds an extra emotional piquancy to the end of her story, which is always welcome.

Which other changes to the Harry Potter source do you think improved the movies? Share your own suggestions below in the comments thread.