In 2025, the Harry Potter series continues to captivate audiences worldwide, celebrating its enduring legacy. To honor this timeless franchise, we've 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 series, their role in iconic moments, and their significance within the Harry Potter universe. If you don't see your favorite character on our list, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!
Join us in the Great Hall for a magical journey as we unveil our top 25 Harry Potter characters, drawn from the beloved books and films.
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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"Such a beautiful place... to be with friends." These poignant words from Dobby in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" encapsulate his selfless spirit. Initially perceived as an annoying creature, Dobby's noble intentions to protect Harry, despite the challenges, won our hearts. While his role in the films is smaller than in the books, his ultimate sacrifice remains one of the most touching scenes in the series, highlighting his unwavering loyalty to Harry.
Gellert Grindelwald
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Once the most feared villain in the wizarding world, Gellert Grindelwald's brief yet impactful presence in the main Harry Potter series is overshadowed by his more extensive portrayal in the "Fantastic Beasts" films. These prequels delve into Grindelwald's reign of terror and his complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore, showcasing his cunning and menace.
Ginny Weasley
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Ginny Weasley's journey from a shy girl to a formidable member of Dumbledore's Army is inspiring. Her relationship with Harry felt both unexpected and inevitable, blossoming into a heartwarming romance. Though her leadership qualities were more pronounced in the books, her bravery and strength shone through in both the novels and films.
Gilderoy Lockhart
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Gilderoy Lockhart's charm and self-aggrandizement make him a memorable character. His false claims of heroism unravel at Hogwarts, revealing his true incompetence. Lockhart's comedic yet cowardly nature provides a stark contrast to the series' more serious characters, adding levity to the narrative.
Albus Severus Potter
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Albus Severus Potter, named after two iconic wizards, embodies the struggle between fame and anonymity. His story, primarily explored in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," adds depth to the Potter family legacy. While his screen time in the films is limited, his character enriches the Harry Potter universe.
Molly Weasley
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Molly Weasley embodies the perfect, magical mother figure. Her nurturing nature extends to Harry, treating him like a son and offering the love and support he desperately needed. Beyond her warmth, Molly's courage shines through in her role with the Order of the Phoenix, culminating in her fierce defense of her family against Bellatrix Lestrange.
Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody
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Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, a grizzled Auror, brings a hardened edge to the series. His paranoia and battle scars reflect a life dedicated to fighting evil. Despite his brief stint as a teacher at Hogwarts, his dedication to the Order of the Phoenix and his ultimate sacrifice underscore his heroism.
Minerva McGonagall
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Professor McGonagall's strict yet caring demeanor makes her an unforgettable character. As head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress, she balances discipline with moments of warmth, earning respect and affection from students. Her loyalty to Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix showcases her dedication to the fight against darkness.
Dolores Umbridge
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Dolores Umbridge's detestable nature makes her a standout villain. Her sadistic punishments and bureaucratic tyranny at Hogwarts evoke a visceral reaction from fans, perhaps even more than Voldemort's distant menace. Her character, brilliantly portrayed by Imelda Staunton, encapsulates the series' exploration of different facets of evil.
Lucius Malfoy
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Lucius Malfoy's wealth and influence mask his sinister intentions. A key figure in Voldemort's inner circle, his actions set pivotal events in motion, like the introduction of Tom Riddle's diary. Jason Isaacs' portrayal captures Lucius's arrogance and eventual downfall, adding depth to the Malfoy family's narrative.
Newt Scamander
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Newt Scamander's introduction in the "Fantastic Beasts" series offers a fresh perspective on the wizarding world. His passion for magical creatures and awkward charm make him a unique hero. Though the series ended prematurely, Newt's character adds richness to the Harry Potter universe.
Remus Lupin
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Remus Lupin's compassionate nature and personal connection to Harry's parents make him a beloved character. As a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, he provides Harry with comfort and insights into his past. His struggle with being a werewolf adds complexity to his character, and his role in the Order of the Phoenix solidifies his heroism.
Luna Lovegood
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Luna Lovegood's eccentricity and unwavering belief in the extraordinary make her a fan favorite. Her friendship with Harry and her crucial role in Dumbledore's Army highlight her bravery and loyalty. Luna's unique perspective and resilience resonate deeply with readers and viewers alike.
Rubeus Hagrid
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Rubeus Hagrid's warmth and loyalty provide Harry with the family he never had. His role as a caretaker and friend to Harry, Hermione, and Ron is pivotal throughout the series. Hagrid's emotional moments, like his walk through the woods in "Goblet of Fire," encapsulate the heart of the Harry Potter story.
Fred and George Weasley
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Fred and George Weasley's humor and entrepreneurial spirit bring joy to the series. Their pranks and bravery, especially in their stand against Umbridge, showcase their courage. Fred's ultimate sacrifice in the Battle of Hogwarts underscores their significant role in the fight against evil.
Bellatrix Lestrange
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Bellatrix Lestrange's sadistic pleasure in evil deeds makes her a chilling antagonist. Her brutal actions, from torturing Neville's parents to murdering Sirius Black, cement her as one of the series' most fearsome villains. Her demise at the hands of Molly Weasley is a satisfying resolution to her reign of terror.
Draco Malfoy
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Draco Malfoy's evolution from a school bully to a conflicted young man adds depth to his character. Tasked with killing Dumbledore, Draco's struggle with morality and his eventual refusal to become a murderer highlight his complexity. His journey reflects the series' themes of redemption and choice.
Sirius Black
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Sirius Black's transformation from a feared escapee to Harry's beloved godfather is one of the series' most compelling arcs. His rebellious spirit and the fatherly bond he forms with Harry make him an endearing character. Though his time with Harry is cut short, Sirius's impact is profound.
Voldemort
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Lord Voldemort's pure malevolence makes him the ultimate villain. His fear-inspiring presence and relentless pursuit of power drive the series' central conflict. Voldemort's inability to understand love and friendship contrasts sharply with Harry's values, making their battle a timeless struggle between good and evil.
Neville Longbottom
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Neville Longbottom's transformation from a shy, insecure boy to a courageous hero is inspiring. His bravery peaks during the Battle of Hogwarts, where he destroys one of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Neville's journey underscores the theme that true heroism can come from unexpected places.
Albus Dumbledore
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Albus Dumbledore's role as a mentor and wise sage is central to the series. His whimsical nature belies his profound wisdom and magical prowess. Despite his flaws, Dumbledore's guidance and ultimate sacrifice make him a beloved figure. John Lithgow's casting in the upcoming HBO series will bring a new dimension to this iconic character.
Severus Snape
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Severus Snape's complex nature and ultimate redemption make him one of the series' most debated characters. His love for Lily Potter drives his actions, culminating in his crucial role in defeating Voldemort. Alan Rickman's portrayal added depth to Snape's enigmatic persona, and Paapa Essiedu's potential casting in the HBO series promises to continue this legacy.
Ron Weasley
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Ron Weasley's loyalty and humor make him an essential part of the trio. His bravery and perseverance, despite his fears, highlight his growth from a sidekick to a hero in his own right. Ron's relationship with Hermione adds a relatable and heartwarming element to the series.
Hermione Granger
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Hermione Granger's intelligence and moral compass make her a standout character. Her willingness to break the rules for the greater good and her evolving relationship with Ron showcase her complexity. Hermione's role as "the brightest witch of her age" is pivotal to the trio's success.
Harry Potter
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Harry Potter's journey from an orphaned boy to the hero who defeats Voldemort is the heart of the series. His relatability, bravery, and the weight of his destiny captivate audiences. Harry's growth, supported by his friends and surrogate family, embodies the themes of love, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. As we await the new HBO series, the search for the next Harry continues, with over 32,000 children auditioning for the role.
The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters
And that concludes our list of the 25 best Harry Potter characters. Do you agree with our selections, or is there someone you feel should have made the cut? Share your thoughts in the comments or use our interactive tool to create your own Harry Potter character tier list.
For more Harry Potter content, explore our guides to LEGO Harry Potter sets, Harry Potter board games, and other Harry Potter gift ideas. If you're looking to dive deeper into the genre, check out our 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 exploration of 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."
