7 Harry Potter Moments That Are So Much Better In The Film

It’s arguably the most memorable moment in the entire film franchise and has become one of the most iconic scenes in the history of cinema, but Harry et al crossing the lake and getting their first glimpse of Hogwarts is nowhere near as notable in the book.

On the pages of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, this occurrence is encapsulated by a solitary paragraph:

“And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. It towered over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood.”

That’s it.

But in the film, it’s a jaw-dropping scene. As that infamous orchestral score swells, the camera tilts to reveal a layer of mist lingering atop the lake as a stunning castle and all its turrets stands proudly upon a cliff against the cloudy night sky. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it.

The look of wonder on the new intake of first years’ faces may as well be representative of the audience as this scene is wondrous indeed. And yes, it’s so much better in the film.