In 2025, the Harry Potter franchise remains as captivating as ever, continuing to enchant fans across the globe. To celebrate this enduring legacy, we've meticulously compiled a list of the 25 best characters from the Harry Potter series, encompassing both the beloved books and films. Our selection criteria were based on fan reactions, the characters' impact on the series, their involvement in pivotal moments, and their significance within the Harry Potter universe. If you're surprised by any omissions, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Join us in the Great Hall as we delve into the magic and marvel of these iconic characters:
The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters
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25. Dobby
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Dobby, the loyal house-elf, first appeared as an endearing yet mischievous character in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Despite his initial annoying antics, Dobby's noble intentions to protect Harry were clear. His role expanded in the books, showcasing his kindness and unwavering loyalty to Harry, culminating in his heart-wrenching sacrifice in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1." Dobby's final words, "Such a beautiful place... to be with friends," encapsulate his spirit and the emotional depth he brought to the series.
24. Gellert Grindelwald
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Gellert Grindelwald, once the most feared dark wizard before Voldemort, made a brief yet impactful appearance in the main series. His true menace was explored in the "Fantastic Beasts" films, where his reign of terror and complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore were central themes. Although the series was cut short, Grindelwald's legacy as a formidable villain remains strong.
23. Ginny Weasley
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Ginny Weasley's journey from a shy, lovesick girl to a fierce member of Dumbledore's Army is inspiring. Her romance with Harry felt both unexpected and inevitable, adding depth to the series. In the books, Ginny's leadership and bravery shine brightly, making her a standout character in the fight against evil.
22. Gilderoy Lockhart
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Gilderoy Lockhart's charm and vanity made him a memorable character in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." His exaggerated tales of heroism were exposed as lies, revealing his true cowardly nature. Lockhart's comedic yet cautionary role added a unique flavor to the series.
21. Albus Severus Potter
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Albus Severus Potter, named after two of the most significant wizards in history, struggles with the weight of his father's fame. His story, primarily explored in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," delves into his internal conflicts and adventures at Hogwarts, offering a fresh perspective on the Potter legacy.
20. Molly Weasley
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Molly Weasley embodies the perfect magical mother, extending her warmth and care to Harry as if he were her own. Her fierce protectiveness and courage, especially evident in her battle against Bellatrix Lestrange, showcase her strength and love for her family.
19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody
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Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, the grizzled Auror, brought a sense of battle-hardened wisdom to Hogwarts. Despite his eccentricities and paranoia, his dedication to the fight against Voldemort was unwavering, making him a crucial ally to Harry.
18. Minerva McGonagall
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Minerva McGonagall, the stern yet caring head of Gryffindor, played a pivotal role in Harry's life at Hogwarts. Her strict discipline was balanced with moments of kindness, making her a beloved figure among students and fans alike.
17. Dolores Umbridge
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Dolores Umbridge, the detestable Ministry official, became a villain fans loved to hate. Her cruel methods and sickeningly sweet demeanor made her a more immediate threat to Harry than Voldemort himself, leaving a lasting impact on the series.
16. Lucius Malfoy
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Lucius Malfoy, the arrogant and influential Death Eater, played a significant role in the series' darker plots. His actions, such as planting Tom Riddle's diary, set crucial events in motion, while his fall from grace added depth to his character.
15. Newt Scamander
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Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the "Fantastic Beasts" series, introduced fans to a new kind of wizard hero. His passion for magical creatures and his unique personality made him a refreshing addition to the Harry Potter universe.
14. Remus Lupin
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Remus Lupin, the compassionate werewolf and Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, provided Harry with much-needed guidance and support. His personal connection to Harry's parents and his struggle with his lycanthropy added layers to his character.
13. Luna Lovegood
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Luna Lovegood, the quirky Ravenclaw, brought a unique perspective to the series. Her unwavering belief in the extraordinary and her bravery in joining Dumbledore's Army made her a cherished friend to Harry and his companions.
12. Rubeus Hagrid
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Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle giant, was Harry's first friend in the wizarding world. His loyalty and warmth provided Harry with a sense of belonging, while his adventures with magical creatures added excitement to the series.
11. Fred and George Weasley
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Fred and George Weasley, the mischievous twins, brought humor and bravery to the series. Their entrepreneurial spirit and ultimate sacrifice highlighted their courage and the depth of their characters.
10. Bellatrix Lestrange
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Bellatrix Lestrange, the sadistic Death Eater, embodied pure evil. Her cruel actions, including the torture of Neville's parents and the murder of Sirius Black, made her one of the series' most terrifying villains.
9. Draco Malfoy
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Draco Malfoy, Harry's school rival, evolved from a mere antagonist to a complex character. His struggle with his family's expectations and his eventual refusal to kill Dumbledore showcased his internal conflict.
8. Sirius Black
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Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, provided a sense of family and rebellion. His tragic story and the bond he formed with Harry made his untimely death a poignant moment in the series.
7. Voldemort
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Lord Voldemort, the series' ultimate villain, embodied pure evil. His fear-inducing presence and relentless pursuit of power made him a formidable foe for Harry, driving the series' central conflict.
6. Neville Longbottom
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Neville Longbottom's transformation from a timid student to a brave hero was one of the series' most inspiring arcs. His courage in the Battle of Hogwarts and his personal connection to the fight against Voldemort made him a standout character.
5. Albus Dumbledore
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Albus Dumbledore, the wise and powerful headmaster, served as Harry's mentor and guide. His complex character, marked by wisdom and flaws, added depth to the series, making his death a pivotal moment.
John Lithgow has been cast as Professor Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV show, stepping into the iconic role previously portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.
4. Severus Snape
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Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions master, was one of the series' most debated characters. His complex motivations and ultimate sacrifice for love revealed a depth that resonated with fans. Alan Rickman's portrayal added to Snape's iconic status.
Paapa Essiedu is reportedly a front runner to play Snape in the HBO series, following in Rickman's footsteps.
3. Ron Weasley
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Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend, brought humor and heart to the series. His bravery and unwavering support for Harry, despite his own fears and insecurities, made him an essential part of the trio.
2. Hermione Granger
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Hermione Granger, the brilliant and brave witch, was the voice of reason and moral compass for the trio. Her intelligence and willingness to break rules for the greater good made her an indispensable ally to Harry.
1. Harry Potter
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Harry Potter, the series' protagonist, captured hearts with his journey from an orphaned boy to a hero. His courage, flaws, and the weight of his destiny made him a relatable and inspiring character. Daniel Radcliffe's portrayal left big shoes to fill, with over 32,000 children auditioning for the role in the upcoming HBO series.
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.
