With a franchise made up of eight movies, there’s much to know about anyone’s favorite character in the Harry Potter universe. For some, it may not necessarily be Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) himself but instead, his best friend in the whole world, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint).
Ron is also Harry’s first-ever acquaintance at Hogwarts. In fact, the first thing Ron ever says in the movie is addressed to Harry when they were on board the Hogwarts Express. Since then, the boys went on plenty of magical adventures together. How proud of himself would book Ron be if he came across his movie counterpart?
Hate: Needing Hermione’s Instructions To Handle A Troll
Even as children, Harry, Ron, and Hermione (Emma Watson) were already getting in some serious trouble while attending Hogwarts. For instance, they come face to face with a troll in Sorcerer’s Stone, one that would have nearly killed Hermione if Harry and Ron hadn’t gone looking for her.
Much like in the book, Ron refers to the troll as a “pea-brain” in the movie. He also eventually cast the spell that would knock the creature out with a club. However, Ron only casts the spell after Hermione tells him, “Swish and flick.”
Proud Of: Stealing His Dad’s Car Just To Rescue Harry
In Chamber of Secrets, Harry gets locked up in his bedroom after Dobby causes trouble in the Dursley household and frames Harry for everything. Determined to make sure that Harry is able to return to Hogwarts, Ron recruits his twin brothers, Fred (James Phelps) and George (Oliver Phelps), to pull off a rescue plan.
This involved the use of Arthur Weasley’s (Mark Williams) flying car, much to their mother (Julie Walters) Molly’s displeasure. Later on, in the movie, Ron also ends up driving the car himself after he and Harry realize that the train had left them.
Hate: He Didn’t Provide Any Input About Dealing With A Devil’s Snare
In the Sorcerer’s Stone, the friends encounter the Devil’s Snare, a magical plant that is capable of strangling anything or anyone it gets hold of. In the movie, Harry, Ron, and Hermione become trapped and Hermione tells the boys that the key to get out of it is to stay calm.
However, that proved to be impossible and Hermione remembers that fire can be used to make it stop. In the book, however, she doesn’t remember that she could make fire and Ron reminded her that a witch could do just that. In the movie, Ron remained completely helpless.
Proud Of: Sacrificing Himself During Wizard Chess
Ron has proven himself to be an impressive wizard chess player, almost comparable to The Queen’s Gambit’s Beth Harmon. In fact, it was precisely his chess skills that allowed Harry, Hermione, and himself to get past a room that was being guarded by a life-size wizard chess set.
For Harry to advance though, Ron knew that he had to sacrifice himself. And so, just as in the book, Ron allows himself to be taken so that Harry could checkmate the king. It was certainly a valiant effort on Ron’s part.
Hate: Failing To Defend Hermione From Snape’s Insults
Hermione was one of the smartest students at Hogwarts during Harry’s time. In the movies, she was the first one to master the art of casting spells, sometimes teaching Harry and Ron about them. And although Ron was rather annoyed with Hermione when they began attending Hogwarts, the two would eventually fall in love and even start a family together.
Perhaps, this is why it was hard to accept that Ron would not defend Hermione when Snape insulted her in the movies. Even worse, Ron remarks, “He’s got a point, you know.”
Proud Of: Defending Hermione From Draco Even His Spell Backfired
Draco (Tom Felton) managed to get on the Slytherin quidditch team after his father makes a sizable contribution in the form of the highly prized racing broom model, Nimbus 2001. Draco was more than happy to brag that his father could afford to buy expensive things.
Upon hearing this, Hermione pointed out that he had to buy his way into the team. Draco retorted by referring to her as a “mudblood.” This angers who attempts to cast a spell on Draco. Unfortunately, it backfires spectacularly, and slugs start to come out of Ron’s mouth.
Hate: Failing To Supposedly Defend Harry From Sirius Black
When word reached Hogwarts that Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) had escaped Azkaban, Ron and Hermione were convinced that Sirius would attempt to kill Harry. And so, when they finally encounter him, both were desperate to keep Harry safe.
In the movie, it was Hermione who steps forward, telling Sirius that he’d have to kill herself and Ron before he could ever get to Harry. In the book though, it was Ron who boldly remarks, “If you want to kill Harry, you’ll have to kill us too!”
Proud Of: Insisting That They Had To “Do Something” After Hearing Hermione Scream While Getting Tortured
Around the time that Voldemort is preparing to go after Harry and Hogwarts, his accomplishes managed to hold Harry and his friends hostage (although they weren’t sure if they really had Harry due to his disfigured face). Nonetheless, they recognized Hermione quite easily and tortured her for information while Harry and Ron were locked away in the basement.
Upon hearing Hermione’s screams, Ron felt compelled to act immediately so that they could rescue Hermione before she got tortured some more. His insistence clearly showed how much he cared for her.
Hate: Not Engaging In Discussions With Harry And Hermione
At some point in the story, Harry, Ron, and Hermione came into possession of Regulus Black’s locket, a piece of jewelry that negatively affected the mood of anyone who wore it. To make sure it didn’t affect them too much, the three friends decided to take turns wearing the locket.
However, it still affected Ron badly. In fact, there comes a point that Ron even appears withdrawn from his friends. Ron also didn’t appreciate that Hermione and Harry were discussing things more often without him. In the book, however, Ron was more engaged. However, he still abandons Harry and Hermione.
Proud Of: Saving Harry From Drowning
Regulus Black’s locket was one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes and the only way to destroy it was by using the sword of Gryffindor. Harry soon discovers that the weapon was laying at the bottom of an icy pool and that it could only be retrieved by a true Gryffindor.
Upon realizing what he had to do, Harry enters the water as he tries his best to get the sword. As he swam though, the chain from the locket starts to strangle him. Fortunately, Ron emerges out of nowhere and rescues Harry. He grabs the sword and destroys the locket too.