In 2025, the Harry Potter franchise remains as captivating as ever, prompting us to celebrate its enduring legacy by ranking the 25 best characters from the beloved Harry Potter film and book series. Our selection process considered fan reactions, impact on the franchise, relevance to pivotal moments, and their overall significance in the Potter universe. If your favorites didn't make the cut, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
Join us in the Great Hall as we unveil our top picks for the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books. Please note, this list excludes characters from Hogwarts Legacy and will not be influenced by the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.
The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters
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- Dobby
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Dobby the house-elf, though initially annoying, quickly captured our hearts with his noble intentions and unwavering loyalty to Harry. His poignant last words in Deathly Hallows Part 1 and his ultimate sacrifice to save Harry and his friends showcase his selflessness and bravery, making his death one of the most touching scenes in the series.
- Gellert Grindelwald
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Once the most feared villain in the wizarding world, Grindelwald's brief yet impactful appearance in the Harry Potter series, coupled with his more detailed portrayal in the Fantastic Beasts films, cements his place as a formidable adversary. His complex relationship with Dumbledore adds depth to his character, though his story remains unfinished due to the premature end of the Fantastic Beasts series.
- Ginny Weasley
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From a shy, lovesick girl in Chamber of Secrets to a fierce member of Dumbledore's Army, Ginny's growth is remarkable. Her romance with Harry feels both unexpected and inevitable, adding a sweet layer to the series. In the books, she emerges as a true leader and a force to be reckoned with.
- Gilderoy Lockhart
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Charismatic yet fraudulent, Lockhart's charm and memory charms propelled him to fame. His tenure as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts revealed his true colors as a coward and a fraud, making him a memorable and humorous addition to the series.
- Albus Severus Potter
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Named after two of the most significant figures in the wizarding world, Albus Severus struggles with his legacy and identity. While his story is primarily explored in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, his brief cinematic appearance hints at a character ripe for further development.
- Molly Weasley
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The epitome of a loving, magical mother, Molly Weasley's nurturing nature and fierce protectiveness make her a standout character. Her treatment of Harry as another son and her bravery as a member of the Order of the Phoenix highlight her depth and strength.
- Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody
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A grizzled veteran Auror, Moody's paranoia and battle scars belie his dedication to fighting evil. His role as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and his eventual death in service of the Order of the Phoenix underscore his courage and loyalty.
- Minerva McGonagall
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A strict yet caring figure, McGonagall balances discipline with warmth. As head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress, her contributions to Hogwarts and the Order of the Phoenix are invaluable, and her interactions with Harry are both supportive and endearing.
- Dolores Umbridge
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A character designed to be despised, Umbridge's cruelty and sadistic punishments make her a uniquely loathsome villain. Her presence in Harry's life during his fifth year at Hogwarts adds a layer of real-world evil that contrasts with Voldemort's more abstract threat.
- Lucius Malfoy
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A powerful and sinister figure, Lucius Malfoy's influence and actions drive significant plot points, including the events of Chamber of Secrets. His fall from grace and the complexities of his relationship with his son, Draco, add depth to his character.
- Newt Scamander
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A unique hero in the wizarding world, Newt's passion for magical creatures and his role in the Fantastic Beasts series introduce fans to a different facet of the universe. His awkward charm and dedication to his work make him a beloved character.
- Remus Lupin
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A compassionate Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Lupin's bond with Harry provides comfort and insight into his parents' past. His struggle with being a werewolf adds a poignant layer to his character, and his bravery as a member of the Order of the Phoenix is commendable.
- Luna Lovegood
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Luna's quirky charm and unwavering support for Harry make her an endearing character. Her role in Dumbledore's Army and her unique perspective on the world add richness to the series, making her a fan favorite.
- Rubeus Hagrid
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Hagrid's warmth and loyalty make him a beloved friend and mentor to Harry. His emotional connection to the trio and his role in introducing them to the magical world are pivotal, and his scenes evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
- Fred and George Weasley
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The mischievous Weasley twins bring humor and bravery to the series. Their entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering support for Harry, coupled with their ultimate sacrifice, make them unforgettable characters.
- Bellatrix Lestrange
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A sadistic and unapologetically evil character, Bellatrix's actions leave a trail of destruction. Her torture of Neville's parents and her role in key deaths solidify her as one of the series' most terrifying villains.
- Draco Malfoy
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Harry's nemesis at Hogwarts, Draco's journey from a spoiled bully to a conflicted young man adds complexity to his character. His assignment to kill Dumbledore and his internal struggle highlight his moral ambiguity.
- Sirius Black
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Harry's godfather, Sirius's escape from Azkaban and his subsequent relationship with Harry provide a poignant narrative of family and loss. His rebellious spirit and untimely death leave a lasting impact on Harry and the audience.
- Voldemort
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The embodiment of evil, Voldemort's presence looms large over the series. His backstory and relentless pursuit of power make him a formidable and chilling antagonist, whose defeat is a central goal of the narrative.
- Neville Longbottom
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From a shy, seemingly unremarkable student to a courageous hero, Neville's transformation is inspiring. His bravery in the Battle of Hogwarts and his personal connection to the series' themes of resilience and growth make him a standout character.
- Albus Dumbledore
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A wise and powerful mentor, Dumbledore's influence on Harry and the wizarding world is profound. His complex character, portrayed brilliantly by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, adds layers to the series, and his death is a pivotal moment.
John Lithgow has been confirmed to play Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV show, stepping into the iconic role with high expectations.
- Severus Snape
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A deeply conflicted character, Snape's true allegiance and motivations are revealed in a powerful narrative arc. His complex relationship with Harry and his ultimate sacrifice make him one of the series' most compelling characters.
Paapa Essiedu is reportedly in the running to portray Snape in the HBO series, following in the footsteps of Alan Rickman's iconic performance.
- Ron Weasley
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Harry's loyal best friend, Ron's humor and bravery are essential to the trio's dynamics. His personal struggles and growth throughout the series, including his relationship with Hermione, make him a relatable and beloved character.
- Hermione Granger
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The brightest witch of her age, Hermione's intelligence and moral compass guide the trio through their adventures. Her development from a rule-abiding student to a courageous rebel adds depth to her character, making her an indispensable part of the story.
- Harry Potter
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The heart of the series, Harry's journey from an orphaned boy to the chosen one captivates audiences. His struggles, friendships, and ultimate triumph over Voldemort make him a timeless hero. Daniel Radcliffe's portrayal left big shoes to fill, with over 32,000 children auditioning for the role in the upcoming HBO series.
The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters
And that's our list of the 25 best Harry Potter characters. Do you agree with our choices? Is your favorite missing? Let us know in the comments or create your own Harry Potter character tier list using our handy tool above.
Looking for more Harry Potter? Check out our guides to LEGO Harry Potter sets, Harry Potter board games, and more Harry Potter gift ideas. We've also gathered a list of the best books like Harry Potter if you're looking to dive further into the genre.
Upcoming Harry Potter
In addition to the Harry Potter HBO TV show, which promises "big-picture storytelling" and a deeper exploration of the Wizarding World, Warner Bros. has confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy 2 is one of its top priorities following the success of the 2023 action RPG Hogwarts Legacy.
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