This installment marks a big change in the Harry Potter series. Aside from a new director and filming locations being moved from the UK to New Zealand, Prisoner of Azkaban marks the dark turn of the series.

Even though it’s not as lighthearted as the previous 2 movies, it does occasionally have some humorous moments. It also has some fun parts.

Below are my top picks of moments from the movie that stand out to me and why.

1: When Harry blew up Aunt Marge

I found this funny when I first saw it on the trailer as a kid in 2004. Besides its humor, it shows how mad Harry was at Aunt Marge for talking badly about his father.

Another reason this stands out is because Harry violated the underage wizardry law by using magic outside school before age 17. He also should have known how to control his magic after 2 whole years at Hogwarts.

Nevertheless, Aunt Marge got what she deserved.

2: When he used magic at the Dursleys under his blanket

This scene was exclusive to the movie. Fans also pointed out how Harry was breaking the law forbidding underage wizards and witches from using magic outside school.

Despite the plot hole, it makes a dramatic opening. And maybe Harry gets away with it because no muggles saw him, not even his own relatives.

3: The choir in the great hall

This is another moment that is only in the film and not the book. In fact, there doesn’t seem to be any music classes at Hogwarts in the novels.

The choir may have practiced over the summer. They sing a song about trouble coming using lines from Shakespeare’s Macbeth (i.e. “Something wicked this way comes.”).

They also had mature singing voices. Even though it is possible for kids their ages to sound older when singing, it’s rare. It’s also possible that special sound effects were used to make their voices sound more mature.

I’ve seen real choruses with children around their ages, and they sounded younger when singing.

4: When Harry rode Buckbeak

That part was particularly thrilling—watching Harry ride Buckbeak all over the Hogwarts campus, including the Black Lake. That must’ve been fun.

Like other moments, the version in the book was different. I believe Harry was more scared.

But I’m glad it looked exciting on the screen.

5: When Hagrid carried Draco to the hospital wing 

I don’t know why Hagrid felt the need to carry Draco if he just had a scratch. Unless he was completely injured or immobile, it’s really not appropriate for a school staff member to carry someone Draco’s age. Even the first years, who are only 11 – 12 years old are too old to be carried by teachers.

Draco must’ve been embarrassed.

6: When Harry ate Neville’s lollipop under his invisibility cloak 

Because Harry failed to get his permission slip for Hogsmeade signed by Uncle Vernon, he was forbidden to go. So, he decided to sneak out there under his invisibility cloak.

He went into Honeydukes and took a bite out of Neville’s lollipop while invisible. I have to admit that that was funny. And I don’t think it happened in the novel.

7: When Hermione punched Draco

This was a big fan favorite. After Draco talked badly about Buckbeak, Hermione got so angry that she punched him.

I don’t remember if this was in the book (it’s been years since I read all the novels). But it was fun to watch.

8: When Sirius pointed out how long Scabbers has been alive

When Ron tried to tell Sirius how long Scabbers has been in his family, Sirius finished his sentence by saying, “Twelve years.” He also added that that’s a long time for a rat to live.

Unlike the previous parts on this list, I’m going to mention a part that was in the book, but not the film. I don’t recall who said it, but the novel’s text revealed that rats only live for 3 years.

Conclusion

If you enjoyed the moments listed above, too, that’s great. Maybe you have some favorite scenes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. If so, let me know in the comments if you wish.