Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Movies and Books

In 2025, the magic of Harry Potter continues to captivate fans worldwide, celebrating one of the most enduring franchises in entertainment history. Our comprehensive review of both the Harry Potter film and book series has led us to compile a list of the 25 best characters that have left an indelible mark on the saga. These selections are based on fan reactions, their impact on the franchise, their role in the series' most memorable moments, and their significance within the Harry Potter universe. If your favorite character didn't make the cut, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Now, let's gather in the Great Hall for a special assembly as we delve into the 25 best Harry Potter characters from both 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

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Dobby, the loyal house-elf, first appears as an endearing yet somewhat irritating figure in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." His heartfelt desire to protect Harry, despite the consequences, showcases his bravery and selflessness. While his role in the films is smaller, Dobby's sacrifice in "The Deathly Hallows Part 1" remains one of the series' most poignant moments, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty to Harry.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

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Gellert Grindelwald, though often overshadowed by Voldemort, was once the most feared dark wizard. His brief yet impactful appearance in the main series and his central role in the "Fantastic Beasts" films highlight his complex character and his tumultuous relationship with Dumbledore. Despite the premature end of the "Fantastic Beasts" series, Grindelwald's legacy remains significant.

23. Ginny Weasley

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Ginny Weasley's journey from a shy, love-struck girl to a formidable member of Dumbledore's Army showcases her growth and strength. Her romance with Harry, which blossoms naturally within the Weasley family, adds depth to the series. In the books, her leadership and courage are even more pronounced, making her a beloved character.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

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Gilderoy Lockhart, the charming yet deceitful Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, entertains with his vanity and false bravado. His exposure as a fraud by Harry and friends in "The Chamber of Secrets" adds humor and a lesson about authenticity to the series.

21. Albus Severus Potter

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Albus Severus Potter, named after two of the most influential wizards in history, struggles with the weight of his legacy. While the films only hint at his story, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" fully explores his journey, highlighting his internal conflicts and growth.

20. Molly Weasley

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Molly Weasley embodies the perfect, nurturing mother, extending her warmth to Harry, who finds a family in the Weasleys. Her fierce protectiveness and courage, especially evident in her battle against Bellatrix Lestrange, showcase her strength and depth beyond her maternal role.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

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Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, the grizzled Auror, brings a gritty realism to the series. His paranoia and battle scars reflect the harsh realities of the wizarding world, yet his dedication to protecting Harry and fighting for good remains unwavering until his tragic end.

18. Minerva McGonagall

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Professor McGonagall, the stern yet caring head of Gryffindor, balances discipline with kindness. Her pivotal role in Harry's life and her dedication to Hogwarts and the Order of the Phoenix make her a cornerstone of the series, admired for her strength and integrity.

17. Delores Umbridge

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Dolores Umbridge, the series' most detestable villain, evokes strong emotions with her oppressive rule at Hogwarts. Her cruel punishments and forced sweetness make her a uniquely loathsome character, contrasting sharply with the more distant threat of Voldemort.

16. Lucius Malfoy

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Lucius Malfoy, the arrogant and manipulative father of Draco, embodies the darker aspects of the wizarding world's elite. His actions, from planting the diary in "The Chamber of Secrets" to his fall from grace, reveal his deep-seated loyalty to Voldemort and his own ambitions.

15. Newt Scamander

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Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the "Fantastic Beasts" series, offers a fresh perspective on the wizarding world. His passion for magical creatures and his quirky, yet heroic nature, make him a beloved character, despite the series' early conclusion.

14. Remus Lupin

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Remus Lupin, the compassionate Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, provides Harry with much-needed support and insight into his parents' lives. His struggle with being a werewolf adds depth to his character, making him a symbol of resilience and acceptance.

13. Luna Lovegood

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Luna Lovegood, the quirky Ravenclaw, brings a unique perspective and unwavering loyalty to Harry and his friends. Her acceptance of her own "oddness" and her bravery in joining Dumbledore's Army make her a cherished character among fans.

12. Rubeus Hagrid

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Rubeus Hagrid, the lovable giant, serves as Harry's first friend in the wizarding world. His warmth, loyalty, and occasional clumsiness endear him to fans, while his history with Harry, Hermione, and Ron adds emotional depth to the series.

11. Fred and George Weasley

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Fred and George Weasley, the mischievous twins, bring humor and joy to the series. Their entrepreneurial spirit and bravery, especially during their stand against Umbridge, showcase their courage and loyalty, making their ultimate sacrifice deeply felt.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

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Bellatrix Lestrange, the sadistic Death Eater, revels in her cruelty. Her heinous acts, from torturing Neville's parents to murdering Sirius and Dobby, cement her as one of the series' most feared and hated villains.

9. Draco Malfoy

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Draco Malfoy, Harry's nemesis, represents the darker side of privilege and prejudice. His complex journey, especially his reluctance to kill Dumbledore, reveals layers to his character, making him more than just a schoolyard bully.

8. Sirius Black

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Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, embodies the rebellious spirit and the pain of wrongful imprisonment. His bond with Harry, though cut short, provides the young wizard with a glimpse of the family he lost, making Sirius's death all the more tragic.

7. Voldemort

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Lord Voldemort, the series' ultimate villain, is a chilling embodiment of pure evil. His relentless pursuit of power and immortality, coupled with his inability to understand love, make him a formidable and terrifying adversary for Harry.

6. Neville Longbottom

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Neville Longbottom's transformation from a timid boy to a brave hero is one of the series' most inspiring arcs. His courage in facing Bellatrix and his pivotal role in the Battle of Hogwarts highlight his growth and resilience.

5. Albus Dumbledore

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Albus Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic headmaster, serves as Harry's mentor and guide. His complex character, marked by both brilliance and flaws, adds depth to the series, making his death a profound loss for Harry and the wizarding world.

3rd Rock from the Sun's John Lithgow has been confirmed to portray Professor Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV show, stepping into the iconic role previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

4. Severus Snape

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Severus Snape's enigmatic nature and his ultimate sacrifice for love make him one of the most debated characters in the series. His complex relationship with Harry and his loyalty to Dumbledore, despite his own dark past, add layers to his character, making him unforgettable.

While Snape hasn't officially been cast for the HBO show, I May Destroy You's Paapa Essiedu is reportedly a front runner for Rickman's iconic role.

3. Ron Weasley

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Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend, brings humor and heart to the series. His journey from a somewhat insecure boy to a brave and supportive friend showcases his growth and the strength of his bond with Harry and Hermione.

2. Hermione Granger

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Hermione Granger, the brilliant and compassionate witch, is much more than a sidekick. Her intelligence, courage, and moral compass make her an essential part of the trio, often driving the narrative forward with her actions and decisions.

1. Harry Potter

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Harry Potter, the series' protagonist, embodies the classic underdog story. His journey from an orphaned boy to a hero who defeats Voldemort is filled with growth, friendship, and sacrifice. Despite his flaws, Harry's courage and heart make him a timeless character.

Daniel Radcliffe has left big shoes to fill, but over 32,000 children answered an open casting call for the HBO series' lead roles (including Hermione and Ron). Filming for the new TV show is due to start in Spring 2025, with the show to premiere on HBO Max in 2026.

The 25 best Harry Potter characters

And that's our pick of the 25 best Harry Potter characters. Do you agree with our picks? Or 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? Take a look at 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 will boast "big-picture storytelling" and "explore the Wizarding World more in depth than you can in a two hour film," Warner Bros. has confirmed Hogwarts Legacy 2 is one of its "biggest priorities" following the success of 2023's action RPG Hogwarts Legacy.