The newly released Harry Potter franchise still reminisce about their first evil wizard supremacist: Lord Voldemort. His distinct tone, absent nose, and overall snake-like appearance were brought to life on-screen by Ralph Fiennes - an impressive adaptation of the series' dark and ruthless antagonist.
However, the movies cut out a lot of Voldemort's lines that established him as a more complex and perhaps even more easily-hated villain. Whether it was his troubling musings as a boy, his persuasiveness as Tom Riddle, or his dark humor and outright arrogance as the Dark Lord, the movies lacked many great quotes that added to the antagonist's character.
Acknowledging irable Qualities
"I always value bravery."
While Voldemort is mostly ed as the most evil character in the series, it is easy to forget just how influential he was. Even long after the disappearance of his boyish charm and rugged good looks, he had mastered the ability to manipulate and lead others. The Death Eaters - terrible morals and deeds aside - were followers whose loyalty and abilities Voldemort often prided on.
Although this quote from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is meant as a tactic to get Harry to forego the stone, it also shows Voldemort's deep-rooted acknowledgment of Harry's desirable qualities as well. Despite his rivalry with the boy, he was still able to appreciate the young wizard's formidable traits and talents.
Zero ability
"I suppose the real reason Ginny Weasley's like this is because she opened her heart and spilled all her secrets to an invisible stranger."
Never one to take responsibility for the havoc of his actions, Tom Riddle states this line in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, after Harry asks him what is wrong with Ginny. Rather than blatantly reveal his hand in Ginny's state, Riddle starts by placing the blame on her foolish naivety.
This quote reaffirms Voldemort's refusal to accept the consequences of his actions, and his tendency to feign ignorance when faced with his sins. It also further demonstrates his delusional belief that whatever he does is for the good, and those who fall prey to his tactics have only themselves to blame.
Childhood Arrogance
"I knew I was different... I knew I was special. Always, I knew there was something."
Dumbledore's first interaction with Tom Riddle, shown in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, proved Tom's peculiar nature, even as a child. The Tom Riddle of the orphanage was independent, defiant, secretive but also alone. Tom's isolation mostly stemmed from his own belief that he was destined for something else, for something more.
Tom recognized the difference between him and the muggle children around him, wrongfully attributing it to superiority, which ultimately grew into his disgust for the Muggle world. While the films hint at his gradual rise to power, they neglect to show just how far back his views go and how important his wizard calling was to him.
Self-Awareness
"If I say it myself, Harry, I've always been able to charm the people I needed."
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Tom tells Harry just how aware he is of the power he holds over others. Which shouldn't surprise Harry, really, given his own brief fascination with his diary. With Tom being seen as "poor but brilliant, parentless but so brave," it was easy for anyone to fall for whatever lies he spun.
While Lord Voldemort had some truly terrifying scenes throughout the movies, it was easy for viewers to forget just how calculated and powerful his words were. Despite knowing his powers and strength as a wizard, Voldemort also was always acutely aware of the way he could charm others, outside of his usual fear tactics.
Independent
"I don't need you... I'm used to doing things for myself."
When Dumbledore offers to accompany Tom Riddle to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Riddle immediately rejects the offer. This quote shows his early distrust in people, perhaps a result of being alone and misunderstood for so long.
It also hints at character development, as a future Lord Voldemort relies heavily on his Death Eaters, especially once he comes back to destroy Harry. While a young Tom did not trust Dumbledore, a future Voldemort learns of the power in numbers and shares the work amongst his henchmen.
Dark Comedy
"Will you babysit the cubs?"
Apart from being the Dark Lord, Tom Riddle is also shown to be quite the jokester. While his terror as Lord Voldemort doesn't have much comedy involved, he does have a very dry, twisted sense of humor that the Death Eaters love, as shown in this line from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
After roasting the marriage of Remus and Tonks, Voldemort asks Draco if he will babysit their children who he jokingly claims will be werewolf cubs. This quote not only displays Voldemort's knack for sick comedy but also highlights his ability to revert into a high-school bully, a side that is not shown as much in the films.
Wanting A Father-Figure
"Was my father a wizard? He was called Tom Riddle too, they've told me."
While Voldemort's origins aren't shown much in the films, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince explores them extensively. Having just learned about Hogwarts and magic, he bursts out this question after musing about how ordinary his name seems. It is clear from early on that he was obsessed with his lineage and discovering his roots.
Tom assumes his mother could not "have been a witch, or she wouldn't have died," but he eventually learns the truth. He grows to hate his father for his abandonment, adding to his rage for muggles. While the Voldemort of the films accurately portrays this hatred, there are still many things about Tom Riddle that audiences don't know, including how he once longed for a wizard father to look up to.
Found Family
"Listen to me reliving family history... But look, Harry! My true family returns..."
After being brought back to full form in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Voldemort speaks briefly of his family history - including his revenge upon his father - before his team of Death Eaters arrive. Upon seeing them, Voldemort is content, proclaiming them to be his real family.
It is mentioned multiple times in the books that Hogwarts is where Voldemort first felt like he belonged, having lived a lonely life at the orphanage. Although others see the Death Eaters as his followers, Voldemort sees himself as the head of this found family, an intimacy that isn't shown in the Harry Potter movies.
Despising Mortality
"There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!"
Voldemort is established as being obsessed with the idea of immortality, to dominate the world for all of eternity. Above all else, he fears death, as shown by this quote from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This fear is what drives him to create Horcruxes, seek the Philosopher's Stone and attempt to kill Harry.
While the movies eventually clue viewers into his aspiration to live forever, this quote in the books directly and accurately portrays the intensity of Voldemort's desire. Despite Dumbledore's objection, he insists there is no worse fate than ceasing to exist. Death is his one ultimate enemy, and this fear motivates many of Voldemort's actions.
Ridiculing The Power Of Love
"Is it love again? ... Dumbledore's favorite solution, love, which he claimed conquered death, though love did not stop him from falling from the Tower and breaking like an old waxwork? Love, which did not prevent me from stamping out your Mudblood mother like a cockroach, Potter - and nobody seems to love you enough to run forwards this time, and take my curse. So what will stop you from dying now when I strike?"
Voldemort's greatest weakness was constantly underestimating the power of love. As Dumbledore explained, he did not know or understand it, therefore dismissing it. This proved to be his downfall every time, and his ignorance is emphasized especially in this quote from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Ironically, Harry does not believe love is the only thing that will save him this time, and Voldemort again negates the power of love to focus instead on Harry's explanation of the Elder Wand's ownership. While most of the final battle dialogue between them was deleted on-screen, it would have been nice to see this quote included as it proves Voldemort's arrogance and the triumph of love one last time.
