Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Movies and Books

In 2025, the Harry Potter saga remains as enchanting as ever. To honor this enduring legacy, we've meticulously curated a list of the 25 best characters from the beloved Harry Potter film and book series. Our selection process considered fan reactions, the characters' impact on the franchise, their role in the series' most memorable moments, and their significance in the Potter universe. If your favorites didn't make the cut, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!

Join us in the Great Hall for this special gathering as we celebrate the top 25 Harry Potter characters from both the movies and books.

Note: This list excludes characters from Hogwarts Legacy and remains unaffected by the upcoming Harry Potter series.

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

26 Images

25. Dobby

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
"Such a beautiful place... to be with friends." These poignant words from Dobby the house-elf in Deathly Hallows Part 1 evoke emotion, marking his final moments. Initially perceived as annoying, Dobby's unwavering loyalty and noble intentions towards Harry Potter shine through. His role is more prominent in the books, showcasing his kindness and dedication. His ultimate sacrifice to save Harry and friends from Bellatrix Lestrange in Deathly Hallows Part 1 remains one of the series' most touching scenes.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Before Voldemort's rise, Gellert Grindelwald was the wizarding world's most feared villain. His brief yet impactful appearance in the main series stymies even Voldemort. In the Fantastic Beasts series, Grindelwald's character is fully explored, showcasing his reign of terror and complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore. Unfortunately, the series was cut short, leaving his story untold.

23. Ginny Weasley

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Ginny Weasley's journey from a lovesick girl in Chamber of Secrets to a fierce member of Dumbledore's Army is captivating. Her romance with Harry feels both unexpected and inevitable, grounding Harry in the warmth of the Weasley family. Though her leadership in the books is less prominent in the films, Ginny's strength and determination shine through.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Gilderoy Lockhart charms with his charisma and false bravado. As the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, his vanity and incompetence are exposed, particularly when he tries to flee Hogwarts during the crisis in the Chamber of Secrets. His character adds humor and a cautionary tale about the perils of self-aggrandizement.

21. Albus Severus Potter

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Albus Severus Potter, Harry's son, grapples with the weight of his father's fame and the legacy of his namesakes. While the films only offer a glimpse into his life, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child delves deeper into his adventures at Hogwarts. We look forward to seeing this character's story unfold in future adaptations.

20. Molly Weasley

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Molly Weasley embodies the ideal, nurturing mother, enhanced by magic. Her treatment of Harry as another son fills the void left by his tragic childhood. Beyond her maternal warmth, Molly's bravery shines as a member of the Order of the Phoenix, notably when she fiercely protects her family from Bellatrix Lestrange.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, a renowned Auror, brings grit and experience to the series. His grizzled appearance and eccentric behavior are a testament to his battle scars. Despite being impersonated by Barty Crouch Jr., the real Moody's dedication to the Order of the Phoenix and protection of Harry remains unwavering until his heroic death.

18. Minerva McGonagall

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
As Gryffindor's head and Hogwarts' Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall balances strict discipline with a caring nature. Her history with the Order of the Phoenix and pivotal role in Harry's life showcase her as a formidable and compassionate figure in the wizarding world.

17. Dolores Umbridge

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Dolores Umbridge, with her sickening sweetness and cruel punishments, elicits strong emotions from fans. Her year-long tenure at Hogwarts in Order of the Phoenix is marked by tyranny and abuse, making her one of the most despised characters in the series. Imelda Staunton's portrayal captures Umbridge's villainy perfectly.

16. Lucius Malfoy

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Lucius Malfoy's arrogance and dark allegiance set the stage for many plot points, including the events of Chamber of Secrets. Jason Isaacs brings to life the character's smug demeanor and fall from grace, making Lucius a compelling antagonist.

15. Newt Scamander

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Newt Scamander's unique charm and dedication to magical creatures distinguish him in the Fantastic Beasts series. While the films could have explored more of his character, Newt remains a beloved figure for his nerdy yet heroic nature.

14. Remus Lupin

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Remus Lupin provides Harry with comfort and insight into his parents' lives. As a werewolf and member of the Order of the Phoenix, Lupin's struggle with his condition and his bravery add depth to his character. His bond with Tonks adds a romantic element to his story.

13. Luna Lovegood

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Luna Lovegood's quirky charm and resilience make her an unforgettable character. Her unconventional views and unwavering support for Harry and Dumbledore's Army highlight her bravery and loyalty, making her a fan favorite.

12. Rubeus Hagrid

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Hagrid's warmth and loyalty to Harry provide a comforting presence throughout the series. His emotional connection with the trio and his role in their journey from students to warriors make him an integral part of the Harry Potter universe.

11. Fred and George Weasley

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Weasley twins, Fred and George, bring humor and mischief to Hogwarts. Their entrepreneurial spirit and bravery in the face of tyranny, particularly against Umbridge, showcase their courage. Fred's ultimate sacrifice adds a poignant note to their story.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Bellatrix Lestrange's sadistic joy in evil deeds and her role in key events, such as Sirius Black's murder and Dobby's death, make her a terrifying antagonist. Her ultimate fate in the series is fitting for her heinous actions.

9. Draco Malfoy

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Draco Malfoy's rivalry with Harry and his struggle with the dark path set by his family provide a complex character arc. His failure to kill Dumbledore and his internal conflict add depth to his role in the series.

8. Sirius Black

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Sirius Black's journey from wrongful imprisonment to becoming Harry's godfather and a father figure is deeply moving. His rebellious spirit and tragic end leave a lasting impact on Harry and the audience.

7. Voldemort

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Lord Voldemort, or Tom Marvolo Riddle, embodies pure evil. His relentless pursuit of power and immortality, and his chilling presence, make him one of the most iconic villains in literature and film.

6. Neville Longbottom

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Neville Longbottom's transformation from an unsure student to a courageous leader is inspiring. His bravery in the face of personal tragedy and his pivotal role in the Battle of Hogwarts cement his status as a hero.

5. Albus Dumbledore

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Albus Dumbledore's role as a mentor and wise sage is central to the series. His eccentricity, skill, and complex relationship with Harry make him a beloved character. John Lithgow's upcoming portrayal in the HBO series adds anticipation to the character's future.

4. Severus Snape

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Severus Snape's enigmatic nature and complex motivations make him one of the series' most debated characters. His ultimate sacrifice and Alan Rickman's iconic performance leave a lasting legacy. Paapa Essiedu is rumored to take on this challenging role in the HBO series.

3. Ron Weasley

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Ron Weasley's loyalty and humor make him an essential part of the trio. His journey from sidekick to hero, and his dynamic with Hermione, add depth to his character. His return to Harry and Hermione in Deathly Hallows Part 1 showcases his bravery.

2. Hermione Granger

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Hermione Granger's intelligence and moral compass guide the trio through their adventures. Her development from a rule-follower to a fearless ally adds complexity to her character. She is truly "the brightest witch of her age."

1. Harry Potter

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Harry Potter's journey from an orphaned boy to a hero battling the ultimate evil is universally compelling. His imperfections and growth make him relatable and beloved. With Daniel Radcliffe's iconic portrayal, the upcoming HBO series seeks to cast a new Harry, with filming set to start in Spring 2025.

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

And that concludes our list of the top 25 Harry Potter characters. Do you agree with our choices? Or is there someone missing? Share your thoughts in the comments or use our tier list tool to create your own ranking.

For more Harry Potter content, explore our guides to LEGO Harry Potter sets, Harry Potter board games, and other gift ideas. If you're looking for similar reads, check out our list of the best books like Harry Potter.

Upcoming Harry Potter

In addition to the eagerly awaited Harry Potter HBO TV show, which promises expansive storytelling and deeper exploration of the wizarding world, Warner Bros. has announced Hogwarts Legacy 2 as a major priority following the success of the 2023 action RPG Hogwarts Legacy.