Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Movies and Books

In 2025, the Harry Potter franchise remains as beloved as ever. To celebrate this enduring phenomenon, we've meticulously curated a list of the 25 best characters from both the Harry Potter books and films. Our selection criteria encompass fan reactions, the character's impact on the franchise, their role in the series' most memorable moments, and their significance within the Potter universe. If your favorite character didn't make the cut, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!

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

Note: This list does not include 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 endearing house-elf, first appears as a somewhat irritating figure in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Despite his initial antics, Dobby's heart is in the right place, driven by a noble desire to protect Harry. His role expands significantly in the books, showcasing his loyalty and kindness, especially towards Harry, to whom he owes his freedom. Dobby's ultimate sacrifice in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" to save Harry and his friends from a dire situation is one of the series' most poignant moments, leaving a lasting impact on fans.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

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Gellert Grindelwald, once the most feared dark wizard before Voldemort, makes a brief but impactful appearance in the main series. His true menace is explored in the "Fantastic Beasts" films, where his reign of terror and complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore are central themes. Although the series was cut short, Grindelwald's character remains a significant part of the Harry Potter universe.

23. Ginny Weasley

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Ginny Weasley's journey from a shy, love-struck girl to a fierce member of Dumbledore's Army is captivating. Her romance with Harry feels both unexpected and inevitable, adding depth to the series. While her leadership and bravery are more pronounced in the books, Ginny's character remains a beloved figure in the Harry Potter saga.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

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Gilderoy Lockhart, the charming yet fraudulent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, brings humor and a touch of vanity to the series. His exaggerated tales of heroism unravel when Harry and his friends expose his true nature, adding a memorable twist to "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."

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 father's fame and his own identity. While his story is primarily explored in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," his presence in the films hints at the challenges he faces, making him a character of interest for fans.

20. Molly Weasley

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Molly Weasley embodies the perfect, nurturing mother figure, extending her warmth and care to Harry as if he were her own. Her courage shines through in her role with the Order of the Phoenix, culminating in her fierce defense of her family against Bellatrix Lestrange, showcasing her strength and love.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

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Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, the grizzled Auror, brings a sense of battle-hardened wisdom to the series. Despite his eccentricities and paranoia, Moody's dedication to protecting Harry and fighting against Voldemort's forces is unwavering, making him a memorable and respected character.

18. Minerva McGonagall

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Minerva McGonagall, the stern yet caring head of Gryffindor, balances discipline with a touch of warmth. Her role in the Order of the Phoenix and her unwavering support for Harry throughout his time at Hogwarts make her an essential and beloved figure in the series.

17. Dolores Umbridge

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Dolores Umbridge, the detestable Ministry official, evokes a unique kind of loathing among fans. Her cruel methods and oppressive rule at Hogwarts make her a standout villain, whose impact is felt deeply in both the books and films.

16. Lucius Malfoy

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Lucius Malfoy, the cunning and arrogant father of Draco, plays a pivotal role in the series, particularly in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." His fall from grace and continued allegiance to Voldemort add layers to his character, making him a compelling antagonist.

15. Newt Scamander

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Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the "Fantastic Beasts" series, introduces fans to a different kind of wizard hero. His passion for magical creatures and his unique personality make him a refreshing addition to the Harry Potter universe, despite the series' premature end.

14. Remus Lupin

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Remus Lupin, the compassionate Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, provides Harry with much-needed guidance and insight into his parents' lives. His struggle with being a werewolf adds depth to his character, making him a fan favorite and a crucial part of the Order of the Phoenix.

13. Luna Lovegood

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Luna Lovegood, the quirky and insightful Ravenclaw, brings a unique perspective to the series. Her unwavering support for Harry and her role in Dumbledore's Army highlight her bravery and loyalty, making her a cherished character among fans.

12. Rubeus Hagrid

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Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle giant, serves as a steadfast friend and protector to Harry. His emotional connection to the trio and his role in their journey from students to warriors make him an integral part of the Harry Potter saga.

11. Fred and George Weasley

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Fred and George Weasley, the mischievous twins, bring humor and bravery to the series. Their entrepreneurial spirit and their ultimate sacrifice in the fight against Voldemort showcase their courage and dedication, making them beloved characters.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

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Bellatrix Lestrange, the sadistic Death Eater, embodies pure evil. Her cruel actions, including the torture of Neville's parents and the murder of Sirius Black, cement her as one of the series' most terrifying villains.

9. Draco Malfoy

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Draco Malfoy, Harry's school rival, evolves from a petty antagonist to a complex character. His struggle with the task of killing Dumbledore and his eventual redemption arc add depth to his role in the series.

8. Sirius Black

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Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, brings a sense of family and rebellion to the series. His tragic backstory and his bond with Harry make his untimely death a poignant moment, leaving a lasting impact on fans.

7. Voldemort

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Lord Voldemort, the series' primary antagonist, embodies pure evil. His relentless pursuit of power and his chilling presence make him a formidable foe, whose defeat is central to Harry's journey.

6. Neville Longbottom

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Neville Longbottom, the underestimated hero, transforms from a shy student to a brave warrior. His pivotal role in the Battle of Hogwarts and his personal growth make him a standout character in the series.

5. Albus Dumbledore

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Albus Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic headmaster, serves as a mentor and guide to Harry. His complex character and his ultimate sacrifice add depth to the series, making him a beloved figure among fans. John Lithgow is set to portray Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV show, following in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

4. Severus Snape

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Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions master, is one of the most debated characters in the series. His complex motivations and ultimate loyalty to Dumbledore make him a fascinating and pivotal figure. Alan Rickman's portrayal of Snape is iconic, and Paapa Essiedu is reportedly in the running for the role in the HBO series.

3. Ron Weasley

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Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend, brings humor and heart to the series. His bravery and unwavering support for Harry, despite his own fears and insecurities, make him an essential part of the trio.

2. Hermione Granger

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Hermione Granger, the brilliant and courageous witch, is more than just a sidekick. Her intelligence, moral compass, and fierce loyalty to her friends make her a standout character, narrowly edging out Ron for second place.

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 fighting against the ultimate evil, Voldemort, resonates with fans worldwide. Despite his flaws, Harry's courage, loyalty, and growth make him the heart of the Harry Potter universe. With over 32,000 children auditioning for the role, the search for the new Harry for the HBO series is underway, set to premiere 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.