Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Movies and Books

In 2025, the Harry Potter franchise remains as beloved as ever. To celebrate this enduring saga, we've meticulously curated a list of the 25 best characters from the Harry Potter films and books. Our selection criteria include fan reactions, impact on both the novels and films, relevance to pivotal moments, and significance in the broader Harry Potter universe. If you find your favorites missing, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

Join us in the Great Hall for this special assembly as we explore the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books.

Note: This list does not include any characters from Hogwarts Legacy and will remain unaffected by the upcoming Harry Potter series.

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

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25. Dobby

"Such a beautiful place... to be with friends." Dobby's poignant last words in Deathly Hallows Part 1 tug at our heartstrings. Initially, Dobby might have seemed like a nuisance with his self-harming habits and interference in Harry's second year at Hogwarts. Yet, his noble intentions and unwavering loyalty to Harry, particularly after gaining his freedom, endeared him to fans. His sacrifice to save Harry and friends from a dire situation, only to fall victim to Bellatrix Lestrange, remains one of the series' most touching moments.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

Once the most feared villain in the wizarding world, Gellert Grindelwald's brief yet impactful appearance in the main series and his prominent role in the Fantastic Beasts films showcase his reign of terror and complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore. His ability to hide in plain sight and his unfinished story due to the truncated Fantastic Beasts series leave fans eager for more.

23. Ginny Weasley

Ginny's journey from a lovesick girl in Chamber of Secrets to a formidable member of Dumbledore's Army captures hearts. Her romance with Harry, though seemingly sudden, feels destined and rooted in the familial bond Harry shares with the Weasleys. In the books, her leadership and courage shine brightly, making her a quintessential heroine.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

Gilderoy Lockhart's charm and charisma mask his true nature as a fraud who uses memory charms to claim others' achievements. His tenure as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts exposes his incompetence and cowardice, providing both humor and a cautionary tale about vanity.

21. Albus Severus Potter

Albus Severus Potter, named after two of the most significant wizards in history, struggles with the weight of his father's fame and his own identity. While the films only offer a glimpse, the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child delves into his adventures, hinting at future cinematic exploration.

20. Molly Weasley

Molly Weasley embodies the perfect, nurturing mother, enhanced by magic. Her treatment of Harry as another son fills the void left by his tragic childhood. Beyond her maternal warmth, Molly's bravery and strength shine through her involvement with the Order of the Phoenix and her fierce protection of her family.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, a grizzled veteran Auror, brings his battle scars and paranoia to Hogwarts as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Despite his tragic impersonation by Barty Crouch Jr., Moody's dedication to the Order of the Phoenix and his ultimate sacrifice highlight his unwavering commitment to good.

18. Minerva McGonagall

Professor McGonagall's strict discipline and occasional leniency make her a beloved figure at Hogwarts. As head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress, she plays a crucial role in Harry's life, from his infancy to his final battle, showcasing her dedication to both her students and the fight against evil.

17. Dolores Umbridge

Dolores Umbridge's presence in the series is as loathsome as it is unforgettable. Her sadistic punishments and forced cheerfulness make her a uniquely detestable villain, perhaps even more so than Voldemort. Imelda Staunton's portrayal in the films captures her essence, though the books delve deeper into her malevolence.

16. Lucius Malfoy

Lucius Malfoy's arrogance and dark machinations set him apart as a formidable antagonist. His actions in Chamber of Secrets and his unwavering loyalty to Voldemort, coupled with Jason Isaacs' compelling performance, make him a character of both fascination and disdain.

15. Newt Scamander

Newt Scamander's unique brand of heroism, marked by his passion for magical creatures, distinguishes him from other wizards. Though the Fantastic Beasts series was cut short, Newt's character offers a fresh perspective on the wizarding world, blending awkwardness with bravery.

14. Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin's gentle nature and personal connection to Harry's parents provide comfort and guidance during Harry's tumultuous years. As a werewolf, Lupin's struggle to control his darker side adds depth to his character, making him a cherished figure in the series.

13. Luna Lovegood

Luna Lovegood's eccentricity and resilience in the face of adversity make her a standout character. Her friendship with Harry and pivotal role in Dumbledore's Army highlight her importance, showcasing her as a beacon of hope and acceptance.

12. Rubeus Hagrid

Rubeus Hagrid's warm-hearted nature and unwavering loyalty to Harry provide a comforting presence throughout the series. His role as a surrogate family member and his emotional moments with the trio underscore his significance in their journey.

11. Fred and George Weasley

Fred and George Weasley's mischievous spirit and entrepreneurial flair bring joy and laughter to the series. Their bravery, particularly in standing against Umbridge and Fred's ultimate sacrifice, cement their status as beloved characters.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

Bellatrix Lestrange's sheer delight in evil deeds makes her a chilling antagonist. Her torture of Neville's parents, murder of Sirius Black, and sadistic treatment of Hermione solidify her as one of the series' most terrifying villains.

9. Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy's journey from school bully to conflicted young man tasked with killing Dumbledore adds complexity to his character. His internal struggle and eventual refusal to murder highlight his human side amidst his villainy.

8. Sirius Black

Sirius Black's transformation from a feared fugitive to Harry's godfather and father figure is one of the series' most compelling arcs. His rebellious spirit and tragic end leave a lasting impact on Harry and the audience.

7. Voldemort

Lord Voldemort's pure malevolence and fear-inspiring presence make him the ultimate villain. His relentless pursuit of power and inability to comprehend love or friendship drive the series' central conflict, making his defeat all the more satisfying.

6. Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom's transformation from an awkward, unsure student to a brave hero is inspiring. His pivotal role in the Battle of Hogwarts and personal connection to the series' darker themes make him a standout character.

5. Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore's role as a wise mentor and powerful wizard places him among the greats of literature and film. His whimsical nature belies his immense skill, and his complex relationship with Harry, marked by guidance and eventual revelation, adds depth to the narrative. John Lithgow's casting in the upcoming HBO series promises to bring a new perspective to this iconic character.

4. Severus Snape

Severus Snape's enigmatic presence and complex motivations make him one of the series' most debated characters. His apparent cruelty to Harry, contrasted with his ultimate sacrifice and loyalty, showcases his depth. Alan Rickman's iconic portrayal is set to be succeeded by Paapa Essiedu in the HBO series, promising a fresh take on this multifaceted character.

3. Ron Weasley

Ron Weasley's unwavering loyalty to Harry and his comedic relief make him an essential part of the trio. His bravery, despite his fears, and his evolving relationship with Hermione add layers to his character, making his journey deeply relatable.

2. Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger's intelligence and moral compass drive much of the trio's success. Her growth from a rule-abiding student to a fearless advocate for justice, combined with her dynamic relationship with Ron, makes her an indispensable character.

1. Harry Potter

Harry Potter's journey from an orphaned boy to the Chosen One resonates universally. His struggles, friendships, and ultimate sacrifices encapsulate the heart of the series. As we await the HBO series, with over 32,000 children vying for the lead roles, the anticipation for a new portrayal of Harry is palpable.

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

That concludes our list of the 25 best Harry Potter characters. Do you agree with our selections? Or is there a favorite of yours that didn't make the cut? Share your thoughts in the comments or use our handy tool above to create your own Harry Potter character tier list.

Interested in more Harry Potter content? Check out our guides on LEGO Harry Potter sets, Harry Potter board games, and other Harry Potter gift ideas. For those looking to explore similar genres, we've also compiled a list of the best books like Harry Potter.

Upcoming Harry Potter

In addition to the eagerly anticipated Harry Potter HBO TV show, which promises expansive storytelling and a deeper dive into the Wizarding World, Warner Bros. has confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy 2 is a top priority following the success of the 2023 action RPG Hogwarts Legacy.