Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Movies and Books

In 2025, the Harry Potter franchise remains as enchanting as ever, captivating fans worldwide with its timeless magic. To celebrate this enduring legacy, we've curated a list of the 25 best characters from the Harry Potter books and films, based on fan reaction, impact on the franchise, relevance to pivotal moments, and their significance in the Potter mythos. While we've excluded characters from Hogwarts Legacy and the upcoming Harry Potter series, we invite you to share your thoughts and favorite characters in the comments section below.

Join us in the Great Hall as we unveil our selection of the most beloved characters from the Harry Potter universe.

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

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25. Dobby

Dobby, the loyal house-elf, embodies the spirit of selflessness and courage. Introduced in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," his initial antics may have been frustrating, but his heart was always in the right place. Dobby's ultimate sacrifice in "The Deathly Hallows Part 1" to save Harry and his friends is one of the series' most poignant moments, showcasing his unwavering dedication and love.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

Gellert Grindelwald, a formidable dark wizard, casts a long shadow over the wizarding world. Though his presence in the main series is brief, his impact is profound. The "Fantastic Beasts" series delves deeper into his reign of terror and his complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore, revealing a villain whose charisma and power are matched only by his ambition.

23. Ginny Weasley

Ginny Weasley's journey from a shy, lovesick girl to a fierce warrior is inspiring. Her romance with Harry feels both unexpected and inevitable, grounding Harry in the warmth of the Weasley family. As a member of Dumbledore's Army, Ginny's bravery and leadership shine, making her an essential part of the fight against evil.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

Gilderoy Lockhart, the charming yet fraudulent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, adds humor and intrigue to the series. His vanity and false heroics are exposed by Harry and his friends, revealing a man whose charisma masks his incompetence and cowardice.

21. Albus Severus Potter

Albus Severus Potter, Harry's son, embodies the struggle between legacy and individuality. Named after two of the most significant wizards in history, he grapples with the weight of his father's fame and the expectations that come with it. His story, explored in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," adds depth to the Potter family saga.

20. Molly Weasley

Molly Weasley, the heart of the Weasley family, exemplifies maternal love and courage. Her nurturing nature extends to Harry, offering him the warmth and support he lacked. Yet, she is no mere homemaker; her fierce protection of her children, culminating in her battle against Bellatrix Lestrange, showcases her strength and bravery.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, a grizzled and paranoid veteran Auror, brings a sense of hardened experience to the series. His brief stint as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and subsequent role in the Order of the Phoenix highlight his dedication to the fight against Voldemort, despite his eccentricities.

18. Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall, the stern yet caring head of Gryffindor, is a pillar of Hogwarts. Her strict discipline is balanced with moments of warmth, making her a beloved figure among students and readers alike. Her dedication to the school and the Order of the Phoenix underscores her commitment to the fight for good.

17. Delores Umbridge

Dolores Umbridge, the epitome of bureaucratic evil, elicits a visceral reaction from fans. Her sadistic methods and infuriating demeanor make her a uniquely detestable villain. Her role in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" highlights the dangers of unchecked power and tyranny.

16. Lucius Malfoy

Lucius Malfoy, the cunning and arrogant father of Draco, is a key player in Voldemort's inner circle. His actions, such as slipping Tom Riddle's diary into Ginny Weasley's cauldron, drive pivotal plot points. His fall from grace in "The Deathly Hallows Part 1" adds complexity to his character, showcasing the consequences of his choices.

15. Newt Scamander

Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the "Fantastic Beasts" series, introduces fans to the broader wizarding world. His passion for magical creatures and his unique perspective on heroism make him a compelling character. While the series was cut short, Newt's adventures leave a lasting impression on the franchise.

14. Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin, a compassionate and skilled wizard, brings stability and warmth to Harry's life during his third year at Hogwarts. As a werewolf and a member of the Order of the Phoenix, Lupin's struggles and bravery resonate deeply, offering Harry valuable insights into his parents' world.

13. Luna Lovegood

Luna Lovegood, the quirky and insightful Ravenclaw, adds a unique charm to the series. Her unwavering belief in the extraordinary and her loyalty to her friends make her a beloved character. Luna's role in Dumbledore's Army and her unwavering support for Harry highlight her courage and kindness.

12. Rubeus Hagrid

Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle giant of Hogwarts, is a constant source of comfort and friendship for Harry. His loyalty and love for magical creatures, combined with his unwavering support for Harry, Hermione, and Ron, make him an indispensable part of the trio's journey.

11. Fred and George Weasley

Fred and George Weasley, the mischievous twins, bring humor and light to the darkest moments of the series. Their entrepreneurial spirit and bravery, especially during their departure from Hogwarts and their role in the Order of the Phoenix, showcase their courage and loyalty.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

Bellatrix Lestrange, a sadistic and fanatical Death Eater, is one of the most terrifying villains in the series. Her brutal actions, including the torture of Neville's parents and the murder of Sirius Black, cement her status as a formidable adversary. Her ultimate fate in the Battle of Hogwarts is a satisfying conclusion to her reign of terror.

9. Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy, Harry's school rival, evolves from a petty antagonist to a complex character. Tasked with killing Dumbledore, Draco's struggle with his conscience and his eventual refusal to murder highlight his internal conflict and the weight of his choices.

8. Sirius Black

Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, represents the family Harry never knew. His escape from Azkaban and subsequent role in Harry's life bring a sense of rebellion and warmth. Though his time with Harry is cut short, Sirius's impact on Harry's life is profound and lasting.

7. Voldemort

Lord Voldemort, the embodiment of evil, is the ultimate antagonist of the series. His dark past and relentless pursuit of power make him a terrifying and compelling villain. His battles with Harry and his ultimate defeat underscore the triumph of love and courage over fear and hatred.

6. Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom, the underdog who becomes a hero, embodies resilience and bravery. His transformation from a timid student to a key member of Dumbledore's Army and a leader in the Battle of Hogwarts is inspiring. Neville's courage and loyalty make him a fan favorite.

5. Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts, is a guiding light for Harry. His mentorship, combined with his own complex history and flaws, adds depth to his character. Dumbledore's battles against Voldemort and his ultimate sacrifice for the greater good cement his place as a legendary figure in the wizarding world.

4. Severus Snape

Severus Snape, the enigmatic potions master, is one of the most debated characters in the series. His complex relationship with Harry and his ultimate loyalty to Dumbledore reveal a man torn between love and duty. Snape's tragic backstory and his selfless actions make him a deeply compelling character.

3. Ron Weasley

Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend, brings humor and heart to the series. His bravery, loyalty, and growth from a sidekick to a hero in his own right make him an essential part of the trio. Ron's journey, including his relationship with Hermione, adds depth and relatability to his character.

2. Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger, the brilliant and compassionate witch, is the moral compass of the trio. Her intelligence, courage, and willingness to break the rules for the greater good make her a formidable ally. Hermione's development from a rule-bound student to a leader in the fight against Voldemort is both inspiring and empowering.

1. Harry Potter

Harry Potter, the boy who lived, is the heart of the series. His journey from an orphaned boy to a hero fighting against the darkest forces is a tale of courage, love, and resilience. Harry's imperfections and his growth throughout the series make him a relatable and inspiring protagonist.

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

And that concludes our list of the 25 best Harry Potter characters. Do you agree with our selections? Is there a favorite of yours that didn't make the cut? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or create your own Harry Potter character tier list using the tool above.

For more Harry Potter content, explore our guides on LEGO Harry Potter sets, Harry Potter board games, and other Harry Potter gift ideas. If you're eager for more magical adventures, check out our list of the best books like Harry Potter to delve deeper into the genre.

Upcoming Harry Potter

In addition to the enduring legacy of the original series, fans can look forward to the upcoming Harry Potter HBO TV show, promising "big-picture storytelling" and a deeper exploration of the wizarding world. Warner Bros. has also confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy 2 is a top priority following the success of the 2023 action RPG, Hogwarts Legacy.