Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Movies and Books Ranked

In 2025, the Harry Potter series remains as captivating as ever, celebrating its enduring legacy across books and films. We've carefully curated a list of the 25 best characters from this beloved franchise, considering fan reactions, their impact on both the novels and movies, their significance in key moments, and their role in the overarching Harry Potter mythos. If you don't see your favorite on the list, 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

Dobby, the endearing house-elf, touches hearts with his poignant final words, "Such a beautiful place... to be with friends," in Deathly Hallows Part 1. Initially appearing in Chamber of Secrets, Dobby's quirky and self-sacrificing nature might have been off-putting, but his unwavering loyalty to Harry, especially after gaining his freedom, showcased his noble spirit. His tragic sacrifice to save Harry and friends from Bellatrix Lestrange remains one of the series' most emotional moments.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

Gellert Grindelwald, once the most feared dark wizard before Voldemort, makes a brief yet impactful appearance in the main series. His full menacing presence is realized in the Fantastic Beasts films, detailing his reign of terror and his complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore. Although the series was cut short, Grindelwald's legacy as a formidable villain remains strong.

23. Ginny Weasley

Ginny Weasley's journey from a shy, lovesick girl in Chamber of Secrets to a courageous member of Dumbledore's Army is inspiring. Her romance with Harry, though seemingly sudden, felt inevitable and heartwarming. In the books, Ginny emerges as a fierce leader against the forces of evil, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

Gilderoy Lockhart's charm and vanity mask his true incompetence, as revealed when he becomes the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. His exaggerated tales of heroism crumble when confronted by the real dangers at the school, showcasing a humorous yet cautionary tale of false bravado.

21. Albus Severus Potter

Albus Severus Potter, the son of Harry and Ginny, carries the weight of his famous namesakes. His struggles with identity and legacy are explored in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, hinting at a rich backstory that fans hope to see on screen someday.

20. Molly Weasley

Molly Weasley embodies the perfect, nurturing mother figure, extending her warmth to Harry, who finds a family in the Weasleys. Her fierce protectiveness and bravery shine through her role in the Order of the Phoenix, culminating in her iconic confrontation with Bellatrix Lestrange.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, the grizzled Auror, brings a wealth of experience and a touch of paranoia to Hogwarts as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. His dedication to fighting evil and protecting Harry, even at great personal risk, underscores his heroism.

18. Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall, the stern yet caring head of Gryffindor, balances discipline with a subtle warmth. Her dedication to Hogwarts and the students, especially Harry, as well as her pivotal role in the Order of the Phoenix, make her an unforgettable figure in the series.

17. Dolores Umbridge

Dolores Umbridge's villainy is uniquely detestable, perhaps more so than Voldemort's. Her sadistic approach to discipline and her oppressive regime at Hogwarts make her a character fans love to hate, highlighting her as a masterfully crafted antagonist.

16. Lucius Malfoy

Lucius Malfoy's arrogance and malevolence set the stage for many pivotal moments in the series. His actions, such as slipping Tom Riddle's diary to Ginny, and his confrontations with Harry, illustrate his dedication to Voldemort and the dark side of wizarding society.

15. Newt Scamander

Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the Fantastic Beasts series, offers a fresh perspective on the wizarding world. His passion for magical creatures and his awkward charm make him a unique and beloved hero, despite the premature end of his film series.

14. Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin provides Harry with much-needed comfort and guidance as his Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. His battle with his werewolf nature and his deep connection to Harry's parents make him a poignant and relatable figure in the series.

13. Luna Lovegood

Luna Lovegood's quirky charm and unwavering loyalty to her friends make her a fan favorite. Her unique perspective and bravery, especially as a member of Dumbledore's Army, add depth and joy to the series.

12. Rubeus Hagrid

Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle giant, serves as a constant source of comfort and friendship for Harry. His emotional connection to the trio and his role in their growth from students to warriors make him a beloved character in the series.

11. Fred and George Weasley

Fred and George Weasley bring humor and bravery to the series. Their entrepreneurial spirit and fearless rebellion against Umbridge showcase their dual nature as pranksters and heroes, with Fred's ultimate sacrifice highlighting their courage.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

Bellatrix Lestrange's sheer enjoyment of evil deeds makes her a chilling antagonist. Her sadistic actions, from torturing Neville's parents to murdering Sirius Black, cement her as one of the most feared and despised characters in the series.

9. Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy, Harry's nemesis at Hogwarts, evolves from a schoolyard bully to a conflicted young man forced to confront the realities of his family's allegiance to Voldemort. His struggle and eventual refusal to kill Dumbledore add layers to his character.

8. Sirius Black

Sirius Black's journey from a wrongly accused fugitive to Harry's godfather and father figure is deeply moving. His rebellious spirit and the bond he forms with Harry make his untimely death a poignant moment in the series.

7. Voldemort

Lord Voldemort, the ultimate embodiment of evil, captivates with his sheer malevolence. His relentless pursuit of power and his inability to comprehend love make him a formidable and terrifying villain, whose presence drives the series' tension.

6. Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom's transformation from a clumsy, unsure student to a brave hero is inspiring. His pivotal role in the Battle of Hogwarts and his personal battle against the legacy of Bellatrix's cruelty showcase his growth and courage.

5. Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic headmaster, serves as a mentor and guide to Harry. His battles against Voldemort and his complex character, complete with flaws and profound wisdom, make him one of the most revered figures in the series.

4. Severus Snape

Severus Snape's complex nature and his ultimate sacrifice for the greater good make him one of the series' most discussed characters. His loyalty to Dumbledore and his hidden love for Lily Potter reveal a depth that resonates with fans.

3. Ron Weasley

Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal friend, brings humor and heart to the trio. His bravery, despite his fears, and his evolving relationship with Hermione add depth to his character, making him an integral part of the series.

2. Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger, the brilliant and courageous witch, is the voice of reason and moral compass for the trio. Her intelligence, loyalty, and willingness to break rules for the greater good make her a standout character and a role model for fans.

1. Harry Potter

Harry Potter, the series' protagonist, embodies the ultimate underdog story. His journey from an orphaned boy to a hero battling the darkest forces of the wizarding world is both inspiring and universally loved. His imperfections and growth make him relatable and endearing, securing his place at the top of our list.

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.