Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Movies and Books

In 2025, the Harry Potter series continues to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing its enduring appeal through both its iconic films and beloved books. To celebrate this timeless franchise, we've compiled a list of the 25 best characters from the Harry Potter universe, based on fan reactions, their impact on the series, their involvement in key moments, and their significance within the Potter mythos. Feel free to share your thoughts on our selections or nominate your favorites in the comments below.

Join us in the Great Hall as we delve into the enchanting world of Harry Potter and honor these unforgettable characters.

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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25. Dobby

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Dobby, the endearing house-elf, initially appears as a quirky and somewhat annoying character in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." However, his noble intentions and loyalty to Harry shine through, culminating in a heart-wrenching sacrifice in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1." His last words, "Such a beautiful place... to be with friends," encapsulate his selfless spirit, making his death one of the series' most touching moments.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

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Once the most feared villain in the wizarding world, Gellert Grindelwald's brief yet impactful appearance in the main series and his central role in the "Fantastic Beasts" films showcase his menacing power and complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore. Though the "Fantastic Beasts" series was cut short, Grindelwald's legacy as a formidable antagonist remains strong.

23. Ginny Weasley

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Ginny Weasley's journey from a shy, lovesick girl in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" to a courageous member of Dumbledore's Army is inspiring. Her romance with Harry feels both unexpected and inevitable, adding depth to her character and highlighting her strength and leadership within the series.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

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Gilderoy Lockhart, with his charm and self-promotion, adds a humorous yet cautionary element to the series. His tenure as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts exposes his incompetence and vanity, making him a memorable, if not admirable, figure in the Harry Potter saga.

21. Albus Severus Potter

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As Harry and Ginny's son, Albus Severus Potter grapples with the weight of his family's legacy and his own identity. His story, primarily explored in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," touches on themes of fame, anonymity, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

20. Molly Weasley

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Molly Weasley embodies the perfect, loving mother, enriched with magic. Her nurturing of Harry, treating him as one of her own, adds a heartwarming dimension to the series. Her fierce protection of her family, exemplified in her battle against Bellatrix Lestrange, showcases her bravery and strength.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

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Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, with his grizzled appearance and paranoid demeanor, is a testament to the dangers of the wizarding wars. Despite his eccentricities, his dedication to the Order of the Phoenix and his role in protecting Harry from Voldemort highlight his heroism.

18. Minerva McGonagall

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As the strict yet caring head of Gryffindor, Professor McGonagall balances discipline with warmth. Her dedication to Hogwarts and her role in the Order of the Phoenix underscore her importance in the series, making her a beloved character among fans.

17. Dolores Umbridge

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Dolores Umbridge, with her oppressive rule at Hogwarts, elicits a unique hatred from fans, distinguishing her as one of the series' most detestable villains. Her cruel punishments and sickeningly sweet demeanor make her a character that readers and viewers love to hate.

16. Lucius Malfoy

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Lucius Malfoy, a powerful and influential figure in the wizarding world, embodies arrogance and dark ambition. His actions, such as planting Tom Riddle's diary in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," drive significant plot developments, making him a pivotal antagonist.

15. Newt Scamander

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Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the "Fantastic Beasts" series, brings a fresh perspective to the wizarding world with his passion for magical creatures. Though the series ended prematurely, Newt's unique charm and dedication to his work leave a lasting impression.

14. Remus Lupin

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Remus Lupin, Harry's compassionate Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, provides comfort and support during Harry's third year at Hogwarts. His struggle with his werewolf identity adds depth to his character, and his role in the Order of the Phoenix cements his place as a hero in the series.

13. Luna Lovegood

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Luna Lovegood's eccentricity and unwavering belief in the extraordinary make her a standout character. Her friendship with Harry and her bravery as a member of Dumbledore's Army showcase her unique spirit and resilience, endearing her to fans.

12. Rubeus Hagrid

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Hagrid, the lovable half-giant, serves as Harry's first friend in the wizarding world. His unwavering loyalty and heartfelt moments with Harry, Hermione, and Ron make him an integral part of the series, embodying warmth and kindness.

11. Fred and George Weasley

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The Weasley twins, Fred and George, bring joy and laughter to the series with their pranks and entrepreneurial spirit. Their bravery in standing up to Umbridge and their ultimate sacrifice in the Battle of Hogwarts solidify their status as fan favorites.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

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Bellatrix Lestrange's unbridled cruelty and sadistic pleasure in evil deeds make her one of the series' most terrifying villains. Her actions, from torturing Neville's parents to killing Sirius Black, underscore her malevolence and impact on the series.

9. Draco Malfoy

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Draco Malfoy, Harry's schoolyard rival, evolves from a petty bully to a conflicted young man tasked with killing Dumbledore. His internal struggle and eventual redemption arc add complexity to his character, making him a compelling figure in the series.

8. Sirius Black

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Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, embodies rebellion and loyalty. His tragic backstory and the fatherly bond he forms with Harry make his untimely death deeply felt, leaving a lasting impact on the series and Harry's journey.

7. Voldemort

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Lord Voldemort, the epitome of evil, remains the series' primary antagonist. His relentless pursuit of power and immortality, coupled with his chilling presence, make him a formidable foe whose defeat is central to Harry's story.

6. Neville Longbottom

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Neville Longbottom's transformation from a timid student to a courageous hero is one of the series' most inspiring arcs. His bravery in the Battle of Hogwarts and his role in destroying a Horcrux cement his place as a key character in the series.

5. Albus Dumbledore

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Albus Dumbledore, the wise and eccentric headmaster of Hogwarts, serves as Harry's mentor and guide. His profound wisdom and powerful magic, coupled with his complex history, make him an iconic figure in the Harry Potter universe.

John Lithgow has been cast as Professor Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV show, stepping into the shoes of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

4. Severus Snape

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Severus Snape's enigmatic nature and complex motivations make him one of the series' most debated characters. His ultimate sacrifice and unwavering loyalty to Dumbledore reveal his true character, making his story one of the most poignant in the series.

Paapa Essiedu is reportedly in the running to play Snape in the HBO show, following Alan Rickman's iconic portrayal.

3. Ron Weasley

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Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend, provides comic relief and steadfast support throughout the series. His bravery, despite his fears, and his evolving relationship with Hermione add depth to his character, making him an essential part of the trio.

2. Hermione Granger

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Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of her age, embodies intelligence, bravery, and compassion. Her unwavering dedication to justice and her pivotal role in the trio's adventures make her an indispensable character in the series.

1. Harry Potter

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Harry Potter, the series' protagonist, is a symbol of courage and resilience. His journey from an orphaned boy to the hero who defeats Voldemort resonates with fans worldwide, making him the heart of the Harry Potter universe.

Over 32,000 children auditioned for the lead roles in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series, set to begin filming in Spring 2025 and premiere on HBO Max in 2026.

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

And that's our selection of the 25 best Harry Potter characters. Do you agree with our choices? Or is there a favorite of yours 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 content? Check out our guides to LEGO Harry Potter sets, Harry Potter board games, and other Harry Potter gift ideas. We've also compiled a list of the best books like Harry Potter if you're eager to explore more of the genre.

Upcoming Harry Potter Projects

In addition to the eagerly anticipated Harry Potter HBO TV show, which promises "big-picture 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."