20 Biggest Things The Harry Potter Movies Left Out

In The Book

As the Hogwarts ghosts play a far more significant part in the actual plot of the books, giving them their own narrative quirks made a lot of sense. First we had the revelation that they celebrate Deathday with parties, as Sir Nicholas is thrown a 500th occasion that Ron, Hermione and Harry go to.

Then there's the strange case of the Headless Hunt - another part of Sir Nick's story excised to make him a less important figure - that he wished dearly to join but couldn't on account of him head still being partially attached. The story is mostly inconsequential to the overall drive of the narrative but it adds colour to the castle ghosts and depth to Sir Nick's personal story.

In The Film

Not a dickie bird: Sir Nick is still a victim of the Basilisk in the Chamber Of Secrets movie, but there's nothing of his party, its foul banquet or the Hunt. As a result, he's not that important even as a victim.

Was It A Positive Cut?

If they were looking for impressive set-pieces a ghostly banquet and ball that gets interrupted by a Headless Hunt playing Headless Hockey would have been incredible, but as it didn't really advance the plot you have to suggest that it probably wasn't a difficult cut to make.