Harry Potter: 10 Changes From The Books That Ruined The Movies

6. The Prophecy

Whenever turning a dense work into a brief two-and-a-bit hour feature, it's only natural some of the more meandering plot points would be simplified. As the longest of the books, this is certainly true of Order Of The Phoenix, although it does feel like the more middling teenage elements could have been toned down a little so more focus could be put on the prophecy.

The driving force of the plot (although in a twist of convention the audience and Harry don't realise until the third act), the prophecy foretold of a child who would be capable of defeating Voldemort: a boy, born at the end of July to parents who have thrice defied the Dark Lord. But it comes with a caveat that Voldemort didn't know; he chooses his adversary.

You see, not only Harry, but also Neville Longbottom, fit the description, with Voldemort unknowingly capable of deciding who his opposer could be; it's only going to Godric's Hollow that seals his fate. The film discards the bulk of the Neville chat in favour of foreshadowing a big final showdown between boy wizard and big bad. That's kinda good in the broad sense of the series, but leaves Order Of The Phoenix being another film all about set up.