Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Movies and Books

In 2025, the Harry Potter saga continues to captivate fans worldwide, celebrating one of the most enduring franchises in both literature and cinema. To honor this legacy, we've meticulously curated a list of the 25 best characters from the Harry Potter series, considering factors such as fan reaction, impact on the franchise, memorable moments, and their significance within the magical world of J.K. Rowling. Whether your favorites made the cut or not, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. Now, let's step into the Great Hall for a magical assembly as we explore these iconic characters.

Please note: This list focuses solely on characters from the original Harry Potter books and films and will not be influenced by the upcoming Harry Potter series or characters from Hogwarts Legacy.

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

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25. Dobby

Dobby, the endearing house-elf, first appears in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," initially causing chaos for Harry but with noble intentions. His character shines brightly in the books, showcasing his loyalty and kindness, particularly towards Harry, whom he credits for his freedom. Dobby's sacrifice in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1," where he saves Harry and his friends at the cost of his own life, remains one of the series' most poignant moments.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

Gellert Grindelwald, once the most feared dark wizard before Voldemort, is a pivotal figure whose brief but impactful appearance in the main series and more extensive role in the "Fantastic Beasts" films showcase his terrifying reign and complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore. His story, though cut short by the premature end of the "Fantastic Beasts" series, leaves a lasting impression.

23. Ginny Weasley

Ginny Weasley's journey from a shy girl to a fierce member of Dumbledore's Army and Harry's love interest is inspiring. Her romance with Harry feels both unexpected and inevitable, providing a heartwarming subplot that enriches the series. Ginny's strength and leadership in the fight against evil are less visible in the films but deeply felt in the books.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

Gilderoy Lockhart, the charming yet fraudulent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, adds humor to the series. His vanity and false claims of heroism are exposed by Harry and friends, making him a memorable, if not admirable, character who highlights the dangers of deception.

21. Albus Severus Potter

Albus Severus Potter, Harry's son, embodies the challenges of growing up in the shadow of a legendary father and namesakes. His story, primarily explored in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," hints at future adventures that fans eagerly await in cinematic adaptations.

20. Molly Weasley

Molly Weasley, the epitome of a nurturing mother, extends her warmth to Harry, offering him the family he craves. Her fierce protection of her children and bravery in the Order of the Phoenix, culminating in her confrontation with Bellatrix Lestrange, solidify her as a beloved character.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, the grizzled veteran Auror, brings both humor and intensity to the series. Despite his paranoia and eccentricities, his dedication to protecting Harry and fighting for good is unwavering, even in the face of betrayal and ultimate sacrifice.

18. Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall, the stern yet caring head of Gryffindor, embodies the perfect balance of discipline and compassion. Her role in the Order of the Phoenix and her protection of Harry throughout his time at Hogwarts make her a pivotal and cherished figure.

17. Dolores Umbridge

Dolores Umbridge, perhaps the most hated character in the series, evokes strong emotions with her cruel and oppressive actions at Hogwarts. Her sadistic punishments and insincere demeanor make her a uniquely detestable villain, a testament to J.K. Rowling's writing prowess.

16. Lucius Malfoy

Lucius Malfoy, the arrogant and influential Death Eater, is a constant threat to Harry and his friends. His role in setting the plot of "Chamber of Secrets" in motion and his eventual downfall highlight his complexity and the depth of his villainy.

15. Newt Scamander

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

14. Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin, the compassionate werewolf and Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, provides Harry with much-needed guidance and insight into his parents' lives. His struggle with his lycanthropy and his role in the Order of the Phoenix make him a deeply sympathetic and admirable figure.

13. Luna Lovegood

Luna Lovegood, the quirky and insightful Ravenclaw, brings a unique charm to the series. Her unwavering support for Harry and her role in Dumbledore's Army highlight her bravery and the strength of her convictions, making her a fan favorite.

12. Rubeus Hagrid

Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle giant and keeper of keys at Hogwarts, is Harry's first friend in the wizarding world. His loyalty, warmth, and occasional clumsiness make him an endearing character, central to many of the series' most cherished moments.

11. Fred and George Weasley

Fred and George Weasley, the mischievous twins, bring laughter and bravery to the series. Their pranks and entrepreneurial spirit are matched by their courage in the fight against evil, culminating in Fred's tragic sacrifice, which underscores their heroism.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

Bellatrix Lestrange, the sadistic and loyal servant of Voldemort, embodies pure evil. Her cruel actions, including the torture of Neville's parents and the murder of Sirius Black, make her one of the most feared and hated characters in the series.

9. Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy, Harry's school rival, evolves from a petty antagonist to a complex character struggling with his family's dark affiliations. His task to kill Dumbledore and his eventual refusal highlight the internal conflict that adds depth to his character.

8. Sirius Black

Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, provides the young wizard with a sense of family and belonging. His rebellious spirit and tragic end leave a lasting impact, making him a beloved character whose brief time with Harry is deeply cherished.

7. Voldemort

Voldemort, the dark lord and ultimate antagonist, is the epitome of evil in the Harry Potter series. His fear-inducing presence and relentless pursuit of power make him a formidable foe, driving the central conflict of the saga.

6. Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom's transformation from a clumsy, unsure boy to a brave hero is one of the series' most inspiring arcs. His courage in the face of personal tragedy and his pivotal role in the Battle of Hogwarts cement his status as a fan favorite.

5. Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore, the wise and powerful headmaster of Hogwarts, guides Harry through his journey. His complexity, from his past mistakes to his ultimate sacrifice, adds depth to his character, making him one of the most revered figures in the series.

4. Severus Snape

Severus Snape, the enigmatic potions master, is a character of contradictions. His harsh demeanor towards Harry belies his deep loyalty and love, revealed in his ultimate sacrifice and the poignant revelation of his true motivations.

3. Ron Weasley

Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend, brings humor and heart to the series. His journey from insecurity to bravery, and his evolving relationship with Hermione, make him an essential part of the trio and a beloved character.

2. Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger, the brilliant and courageous witch, is the heart and mind of the trio. Her growth from a rule-following student to a fearless advocate for justice and equality showcases her as a role model and a vital part of the series.

1. Harry Potter

Harry Potter, the boy who lived, is the heart of the series. His journey from an orphaned boy to a hero fighting against the darkest forces of the wizarding world is a tale of courage, friendship, and sacrifice that resonates deeply with fans.

The 25 best Harry Potter characters

That concludes our selection of the 25 best Harry Potter characters. Do you agree with our choices? Or is there someone missing from our list? 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 on LEGO Harry Potter sets, board games, and gift ideas. If you're eager for more magical reading, check out our list of the best books similar to Harry Potter.

Upcoming Harry Potter

Looking ahead, the Harry Potter universe continues to expand with an upcoming HBO TV series promising "big-picture storytelling" and a deeper exploration of the wizarding world. Additionally, Warner Bros. has confirmed that "Hogwarts Legacy 2" is a top priority, following the success of the 2023 action RPG.