In 2025, the magical world of Harry Potter continues to captivate fans worldwide. To celebrate this enduring phenomenon, we've curated a list of the 25 best characters from the Harry Potter film and book series. These selections are based on fan reactions, their impact on the franchise, their significance in pivotal moments, and their importance to the overall Potter mythology. If your favorite didn't make the cut, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Join us in the Great Hall as we unveil 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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Dobby
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Dobby, the house-elf, is remembered for his touching final words in "Deathly Hallows Part 1," "Such a beautiful place... to be with friends." Initially a somewhat annoying character who made life difficult for Harry in his second year, Dobby's noble intentions and unwavering loyalty, especially towards Harry, whom he credits for his freedom, shine through. His ultimate sacrifice in freeing Harry and friends from a dire situation, despite his limited screen time in the films compared to the books, underscores his significant role and emotional impact.
Gellert Grindelwald
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Once the most feared dark wizard before Voldemort, Grindelwald's brief yet impactful appearance in the main series showcases his ability to challenge even Voldemort. His fuller villainous narrative unfolds in the "Fantastic Beasts" series, highlighting his reign of terror and complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore. Though the series was cut short, Grindelwald's legacy remains a vital part of the wizarding world's history.
Ginny Weasley
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Ginny's journey from a lovesick girl in "Chamber of Secrets" to Harry's romantic partner is both surprising and fitting. Her evolution into a strong leader within Dumbledore's Army, fighting against evil, adds depth to her character. While her leadership is less highlighted in the films, her resilience and charm make her an essential part of the series.
Gilderoy Lockhart
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Gilderoy Lockhart, with his charm and penchant for memory charms, carved a false reputation as a heroic wizard. His stint as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts exposes his vanity and incompetence, culminating in his downfall when his lies are unraveled by Harry and friends. Lockhart's character adds a humorous yet cautionary element to the series.
Albus Severus Potter
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Named after two iconic wizards, Albus Severus struggles with the pressures of his famous lineage. While the films only offer a glimpse of his life, the stage play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" delves deeper into his adventures at Hogwarts. His story promises a rich addition to the Potter universe, pending its cinematic adaptation.
Molly Weasley
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Molly Weasley epitomizes the perfect, nurturing mother, enhanced by magic. Her warm embrace of Harry as part of her family, despite his tragic background, is deeply moving. Her courage as a member of the Order of the Phoenix and her fierce protection of her children, especially against Bellatrix, showcase her strength and love.
Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody
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The grizzled veteran Auror, Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, brings a wealth of experience and a no-nonsense attitude to the series. Despite his paranoia and eccentricities, his dedication to protecting Harry and fighting against Voldemort until his death in "Deathly Hallows Part 1" cements his legacy as a true hero.
Minerva McGonagall
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As the head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall balances strict discipline with a caring nature. Her long history with Hogwarts and her role in the Order of the Phoenix highlight her as a steadfast ally to Harry and a crucial figure in the battle against evil.
Dolores Umbridge
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Dolores Umbridge, a character so detestable that she earns a spot on our list, embodies a different kind of evil. Her sadistic punishments and insufferable demeanor make her a more immediate and personal villain than Voldemort. Her presence in "Order of the Phoenix" and her impact on Harry's life are unforgettable.
Lucius Malfoy
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Lucius Malfoy's influence and dark deeds set the stage for many key events in the series. His arrogance and unwavering loyalty to Voldemort, coupled with his fall from grace, make him a compelling antagonist. Jason Isaacs' portrayal adds depth to Lucius' character, making him both detestable and fascinating.
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 unique personality distinguish him from other heroes. Though the series ended prematurely, Newt's character remains a beloved addition to the Potter universe.
Remus Lupin
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Remus Lupin, a kind and caring 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 complexity to his character, and his role in the Order of the Phoenix and his relationship with Tonks further enrich his story.
Luna Lovegood
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Luna Lovegood's quirky charm and unwavering belief in the extraordinary make her a standout character. Her acceptance into Dumbledore's Army and her crucial role in the fight against evil showcase her bravery and loyalty. Luna's unique perspective and friendship with Harry add depth to the series.
Rubeus Hagrid
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Hagrid's warm and loyal friendship with Harry is a cornerstone of the series. His role as a confidant and protector, despite his clumsiness, endears him to fans. His emotional moments with Harry, Hermione, and Ron highlight his importance as a surrogate family member and a beloved character.
Fred and George Weasley
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The Weasley twins, Fred and George, bring humor and bravery to the series. Their entrepreneurial spirit and pranks lighten the mood, while their courage in standing up to Umbridge and fighting in the Battle of Hogwarts showcase their heroism. Fred's ultimate sacrifice adds a poignant note to their story.
Bellatrix Lestrange
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Bellatrix Lestrange's sheer enjoyment of evil deeds makes her a terrifying villain. Her sadistic actions, including the torture of Neville's parents and the murder of Sirius Black, cement her as a formidable foe. Her ultimate fate in the series feels well-deserved given her long list of atrocities.
Draco Malfoy
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Draco Malfoy serves as Harry's foil, embodying privilege and prejudice. His task to kill Dumbledore reveals his internal struggle and complexity, showing that he is not simply a one-dimensional villain. His character arc adds depth to the series and keeps fans engaged in his choices.
Sirius Black
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Sirius Black's journey from a wrongly accused prisoner to Harry's godfather is both thrilling and heartwarming. His rebellious spirit and the fatherly bond he forms with Harry make him a beloved character. His untimely death leaves a lasting impact on Harry and the series.
Voldemort
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Lord Voldemort, or Tom Marvolo Riddle, is the epitome of evil in the series. His lack of redemption and pure malevolence make him a formidable and terrifying antagonist. His constant threat to Harry and the wizarding world keeps fans on the edge of their seats throughout the series.
Neville Longbottom
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Neville Longbottom's transformation from a shy, seemingly inept student to a brave hero is inspiring. His loyalty and bravery, especially in the face of Bellatrix Lestrange, highlight his growth and importance to the series. His role in the Battle of Hogwarts is a testament to his courage.
Albus Dumbledore
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Albus Dumbledore, the wise and eccentric headmaster, is a pivotal mentor figure in the series. His guidance and magical prowess, coupled with his complex backstory, make him a beloved character. His death and the revelations about his past add depth to his legacy and impact on Harry.
John Lithgow has been cast as Professor Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV show, following in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.
Severus Snape
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Severus Snape's complex character, portrayed brilliantly by Alan Rickman, leaves a lasting impression. His harsh treatment of Harry contrasts with his ultimate loyalty and sacrifice, making him one of the most debated characters in the series. His role in the HBO show is rumored to be played by Paapa Essiedu.
Ron Weasley
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Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend, brings humor and heart to the series. His bravery, despite his fears, and his evolving relationship with Hermione add depth to his character. His temporary departure and triumphant return in "Deathly Hallows" highlight his growth and importance to the trio.
Hermione Granger
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Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of her age, is more than just a sidekick. Her intelligence, bravery, and moral compass make her an essential part of the trio. Her development from a rule-follower to a law-breaker for the greater good, and her relationship with Ron, enrich her character.
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, is both inspiring and relatable. His imperfections and the support of his friends and surrogate family make him a beloved and enduring character.
Daniel Radcliffe's portrayal of Harry has left big shoes to fill, with over 32,000 children auditioning for the role in the upcoming HBO series, 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.
