25. Dobby the Free Elf
“Such a beautiful place… to be with friends.” It’s difficult to not get a bit misty-eyed recalling the moment when Dobby the house-elf said those words in Deathly Hallows Part 1, which were among his last. When we first met Dobby, admittedly, he was pretty annoying, a strange little creature with a habit of hurting himself, who made things difficult for Harry Potter as he began his second year at Hogwarts. However, Dobby’s intentions were always noble, and his determination to help Harry, despite the short-term consequences, was commendable. While his role in the films is smaller than in the books, where he made frequent appearances between Chamber of Secrets and Deathly Hallows, his sacrifice ultimately proves his loyalty. He fell victim to Bellatrix Lestrange in The Deathly Hallows Part 1 while freeing Harry and his friends from a horrific scenario, yet in his dying moments, he clearly had no regrets about giving his all for his friend.
24. Gellert Grindelwald
His reputation may have eventually been overshadowed by Voldemort, but there was a time when Gellert Grindelwald was the most feared villain in all the wizarding world. He makes only one brief appearance in the main Harry Potter series, although it is one where he manages to stymie even Voldemort himself. It is the Fantastic Beasts movies where Grindelwald truly comes into his own as a major antagonist. These prequels showcase Grindelwald’s reign of terror in the early 20th Century and illuminate his troubled relationship with close friend-turned-rival Albus Dumbledore. It is a sign of his cunning that he can manage to hide in plain sight for an entire movie before finally revealing himself.
23. Ginny Weasley
Appearing first as a lovesick little girl and later as a vessel for Tom Riddle’s madness in Chamber of Secrets, Ginny and Harry’s eventual romance captivated readers and viewers alike. It felt like a romance that sprang up out of nowhere and yet was meant to be all along. It was natural that Harry found love in the same family where he found a true home and belonging. She was a refreshing presence at Hogwarts, seeing Harry as the heroic and thoughtful person he truly was. Though not fully captured in the films, in the books, Ginny becomes a powerful leader of rebel forces. She is a strong, determined young woman who valiantly fights the forces of evil as a member of Dumbledore’s Army.
22. Gilderoy Lockhart
Gilderoy Lockhart is nothing if not a charmer. He used sheer charisma and the occasional Memory Charm to establish himself as one of the most celebrated wizards of all time, despite never actually performing any of the heroic deeds he claimed in his numerous best-selling books. However, the vain and self-aggrandizing Lockhart’s habit of fabricating his own history backfired greatly when he was hired as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. He initially relished the position as another avenue of self-promotion, but his buffoonery and incompetence quickly got the better of him. His pretense was ultimately exposed when Harry and his friends revealed that Lockhart cowardly attempted to flee the school rather than confront the monster in the Chamber of Secrets.
21. Albus Severus Potter
Harry Potter had a difficult childhood as “The Boy Who Lived,” but his son, Albus Severus, faces the unique challenge of growing up with the Wizarding World’s biggest celebrity as a father. His burden is made heavier by the fact that he is named after two of the most important wizards in history: Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. His very name encapsulates his central conflict: a pull between fame and anonymity, good and evil, and the houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin. While the Potter movies only give us a brief glimpse of Harry and Ginny’s troubled son, his full story is explored in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on stage.
20. Remus Lupin
Werewolf, professor, and loyal friend, Remus Lupin’s story is one of resilience and profound empathy. Despite the burden of his lycanthropy, which often left him feeling isolated and discriminated against, he never lost his warmth or desire to help others. As the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in Prisoner of Azkaban, he was arguably the most effective and insightful one Harry, Ron, and Hermione ever had, teaching them practical, life-saving spells like the Patronus Charm. His deep ties to the Marauders (James Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew) gave him a unique, tragic connection to Harry’s parents. His ultimate sacrifice alongside his wife, Nymphadora Tonks, in the Battle of Hogwarts underscored his unwavering commitment to a better, more peaceful Wizarding World, leaving behind a legacy of bravery for his son, Teddy.
19. Rubeus Hagrid
From the moment he burst through the door of the hut on the rock to deliver Harry’s Hogwarts letter, Rubeus Hagrid became the series’ comforting giant. Half-human, half-giant, he served as groundskeeper, Keeper of Keys and Grounds, and later, Professor of Care of Magical Creatures. Despite his occasional recklessness, like trying to keep a baby dragon as a pet, Hagrid’s heart is as vast as his physical size. He provides an essential bridge between the magical world and Harry’s lonely existence, offering a steadfast source of loyalty and unconditional love. His simple, genuine nature and fierce protectiveness of those he cares about, human, creature, or otherwise, make him a fan favorite and a foundational figure in Harry’s life.
18. Sirius Black
Sirius Black is introduced as a terrifying mass murderer who has escaped from Azkaban, but his true identity is soon revealed as Harry’s unjustly imprisoned godfather. A former Marauder and James Potter’s best friend, Sirius represents Harry’s last, tangible link to his parents and a chance for a true family life. His reckless, rebellious charm, which he retained even after years in the horrific prison, is infectious. His desire to protect Harry often clashes with Dumbledore’s protective limits, showing his passionate but sometimes impulsive nature. His tragic death at the hands of his cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange, remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in the series, solidifying his role as a heroic figure who died fighting for the family he never truly had a chance to raise.
17. Neville Longbottom
Neville Longbottom’s journey from a perpetually anxious, forgetful boy to a defiant, courageous warrior is one of the saga’s most powerful character arcs. Initially defined by his inability to measure up to his parents’ heroic legacy, Neville slowly finds his inner strength, often spurred by the need to protect his friends. While he provided comic relief early on, his true potential emerged as a leading member of Dumbledore’s Army. His ultimate moment of glory came during the Battle of Hogwarts, where he stood up to Voldemort himself and destroyed the final Horcrux, Nagini, with the Sword of Gryffindor. Neville proved that true bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to act in the face of it, and he fulfilled the prophecy that named him as Harry’s potential equal.
16. Bellatrix Lestrange
A dark, sadistic witch, Bellatrix Lestrange stands out as one of the most terrifying and dedicated servants of Lord Voldemort. She is utterly devoted to the Dark Lord, a fanaticism that fuels her incredible power and cruelty. As a member of the noble Black family, she gleefully renounced her family ties for the cause of pure-blood supremacy and dark magic. Her list of atrocities is long, including the torture of Neville Longbottom’s parents into madness and the murder of her cousin, Sirius Black. Helena Bonham Carter’s captivating, unhinged performance in the films perfectly captured the character’s terrifying delight in chaos. Bellatrix is essential as a relentless and formidable antagonist, personifying the sheer madness and evil that Voldemort inspired.
15. Lucius Malfoy
Lucius Malfoy is the epitome of pure-blood prejudice, a wealthy and influential wizard who uses his position on the Hogwarts Board of Governors and his Ministry connections to further his own agenda. As a staunch Death Eater, he represents the deep-seated classism and racial superiority that plagues the Wizarding World. His elegant, cold demeanor masks a cowardice revealed in his eagerness to deny loyalty to Voldemort after the Dark Lord’s initial defeat. Malfoy’s primary motivation is to preserve his family’s status, which drives him to force his son, Draco, into the very dangerous life he himself led. His story is a cautionary tale about the corrosive nature of privilege and the desperate measures taken to maintain power.
14. Peter Pettigrew
Known by the nickname Wormtail during his school days, Peter Pettigrew is the tragic illustration of how fear and weakness can lead to ultimate betrayal. A former member of the Marauders, the close-knit group that included James Potter, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin, Pettigrew became the secret keeper for the Potters before selling them out to Voldemort. His treachery resulted in the death of Lily and James and the unjust imprisonment of Sirius. Later, his escape and rejoining of Voldemort was essential for the villain’s resurrection, proving him to be an indispensable yet pathetic servant. Pettigrew’s story is a constant reminder that not all evil is born of strength or conviction; sometimes, it’s simply the product of profound fear and spinelessness.
13. Minerva McGonagall
Sharp, formidable, and deeply fair, Professor Minerva McGonagall is the Head of Gryffindor, Deputy Headmistress, and Transfiguration teacher, a pillar of authority and integrity at Hogwarts. Her stern exterior is balanced by an unwavering loyalty to her students, whom she protects fiercely, sometimes even breaking school rules to ensure their safety. A powerful witch and an Animagus who can transform into a tabby cat, she is often Dumbledore’s most trusted confidant. Her dry wit, quick intelligence, and refusal to tolerate injustice make her a natural leader. In the final battles, McGonagall’s command, including bringing the stone statues of Hogwarts to life, showcased her immense power and her commitment to defending the school she loved.
12. Draco Malfoy
Draco Malfoy’s arc is one of the most complex and nuanced in the entire series, serving as Harry’s bitter, privileged foil since their first meeting. Raised in a household steeped in Death Eater ideology and pure-blood supremacy, Draco embodies the pressure of inherited prejudice and the fear of disappointing his powerful father. As the series progresses, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of the Dark Arts when Voldemort gives him an impossible task: to kill Albus Dumbledore. This immense burden shatters his arrogance and reveals a terrified, conflicted young man trapped in a world he never truly understood. His ultimate failure to commit murder and his reluctant retreat from the Battle of Hogwarts offer a glimpse of potential redemption.
11. Fred and George Weasley
It’s nearly impossible to mention one without the other, as the Weasley twins, Fred and George, are a singular force of chaos, comedy, and entrepreneurial spirit. They are the heart and soul of the lighter side of the series, always ready with a prank, a joke, or a distraction that often borders on genius. More than just jesters, they represent a rejection of the strict, dark rules of the world, prioritizing joy and freedom. Their ultimate rebellion against Dolores Umbridge, culminating in their spectacular exit from Hogwarts, is one of the franchise’s most cheered moments. Establishing their joke shop, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, was a triumph of creativity, making Fred’s death in the final battle one of the most emotionally devastating losses for readers and characters alike.
10. Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody
A grizzled, paranoid, and intensely experienced Auror, Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody is the embodiment of constant vigilance. His distinct appearance, including a magical, constantly swiveling eye and a scarred face, immediately marks him as a veteran of countless battles against the Dark Arts. Though his time as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was cut short by a year-long deception (where he was impersonated by a disguised Death Eater), the real Moody is a profoundly dedicated fighter for the side of good. His mantra of “constant vigilance!” is a necessary, albeit extreme, caution in a dangerous world. Moody was a pivotal figure in the Order of the Phoenix, offering essential expertise and a no-nonsense approach to fighting Voldemort’s followers until his heroic death protecting Harry.
9. Dolores Umbridge
Dolores Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic, is a villain whose pink cardigans and sickly sweet demeanor make her insidious cruelty all the more chilling. She represents the terror of bureaucracy, prejudice, and control more than the outright violence of the Death Eaters. Sent to Hogwarts as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and later the High Inquisitor, Umbridge systematically dismantled the school’s atmosphere of learning and freedom. Her use of medieval punishments, her hatred for “half-breeds,” and her refusal to believe in Voldemort’s return exposed the dangerous incompetence and malice within the Ministry of Magic. As an antagonist, she is a masterclass in how institutional power can be wielded for profound and petty evil.
8. Ron Weasley
The third member of the Golden Trio, Ron Weasley is Harry’s first true friend and provides much of the heart and humor of the series. Often overshadowed by Harry’s fame and Hermione’s intellect, Ron’s journey is one of overcoming deep-seated insecurities, often fueled by the pressures of being one of six brothers. His greatest strength is his loyalty, which is tested but ultimately proves unbreakable, as demonstrated by his return to the group in Deathly Hallows. He is the one who introduces Harry to the warmth and chaos of a loving, supportive family, grounding the hero in the ordinary human experience. Ron’s strategic thinking in Wizarding Chess and his occasional bursts of insight make him an essential, relatable hero whose self-doubt is ultimately conquered by his immense courage.
7. Luna Lovegood
Luna Lovegood is the quirky, delightfully nonconformist Ravenclaw who introduces Harry to the idea that being different is a strength, not a weakness. Often called “Loony” by her peers, she remains utterly unfazed, floating through Hogwarts with her signature absent-minded air, often sporting radish earrings or a spectacular lion hat. Her unwavering acceptance of the bizarre, including her belief in mythical creatures like Nargles and Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, and her calm, matter-of-fact delivery are what make her so unique and endearing. Beyond her eccentricity, Luna is deeply insightful; she is one of the few characters who can truly understand Harry’s grief after Sirius’s death because she, too, has experienced profound loss. Her courage shines as a devoted member of Dumbledore’s Army, proving that her loyalty and quiet bravery are far more important than fitting in.
6. Lord Voldemort
Tom Marvolo Riddle, who later became Lord Voldemort, is the most terrifying Dark Wizard of all time and the primary antagonist of the saga. He personifies the seductive power of hatred and the corrupting ambition to achieve immortality at any cost. Born a half-blood, his fanatical pursuit of pure-blood supremacy is a hypocritical attempt to shed his origins, a cruelty that is only surpassed by his systematic fragmentation of his soul through the creation of Horcruxes. Voldemort is not simply a power-hungry sorcerer; he is the antithesis of love, family, and humanity. His cold, calculating cruelty and immense magical ability make him an unforgettable villain, essential for testing the limits of Harry Potter’s own love and resolve.
5. Sybill Trelawney
The eccentric, perpetually misty-eyed Divination professor, Sybill Trelawney, might seem at first to be a comical fraud. However, her inclusion is crucial because she delivers the only two genuine prophecies in the entire series, the first foretelling the birth of the wizard who could defeat Voldemort, and the second concerning the Dark Lord’s servant rejoining him. Trelawney often hides behind sherry and dramatics, teaching a subject that Hermione accurately calls “woolly,” yet her rare moments of legitimate foresight are devastatingly powerful. Her character highlights the fine line between charlatanism and true magical talent, and she proves that destiny and fate can sometimes choose the most unlikely, and frankly annoying, vessels.
4. Hermione Granger
The brightest witch of her age, Hermione Granger is the indispensable brain and moral compass of the Golden Trio. A Muggle-born witch, she fiercely advocates for fairness and equality, particularly for marginalized creatures like house-elves, through her Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (SPEW). Her meticulous research, encyclopedic knowledge, and unbreakable logic save Harry and Ron innumerable times, whether it’s by remembering obscure facts or quickly brewing complex potions. Hermione’s journey is a powerful testament to the value of intelligence, hard work, and loyalty, proving that courage is not just about fighting, but also about standing up for your beliefs and dedicating yourself to knowledge.
3. Harry Potter
The Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter is the hero whose scarred forehead and troubled past serve as the catalyst for the entire saga. Having endured loss, fame, and immense pressure since infancy, his most defining trait is his profound capacity for love, which acts as the ultimate, most potent magic against Voldemort’s hate. Though often reckless and sometimes angry, Harry consistently chooses self-sacrifice and justice over personal safety. He is a reluctant hero who continually struggles with his destiny, but his humility, his unwavering loyalty to his friends, and his moral clarity, knowing when to fight and when to show mercy, make him the unforgettable face of courage in the Wizarding World.
2. Albus Dumbledore
Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, is often considered the most powerful wizard of his time. He is a figure of wisdom, warmth, and profound mystery. Dumbledore is the architect of the war against Voldemort, guiding Harry with cryptic clues and immense faith. His true complexity lies in his deeply human flaws; his youth was marked by ambition and a tragic friendship with Gellert Grindelwald. This personal history instilled in him a deep understanding of human temptation and the need for love over power. His gentle demeanor masks a powerful, strategic mind, making him both a guiding light and a deeply flawed, relatable mentor whose choices were always made for the greater good, often at a terrible personal cost.
1. Severus Snape
The most morally ambiguous and compelling character in the series, Severus Snape is the Potions Master who constantly toes the line between villain and hero. For six books, he appears as a biased, cruel teacher and a devoted servant to Voldemort. His eventual reveal as a double agent working for Dumbledore, driven by an enduring, unrequited love for Harry’s mother, Lily, recontextualizes his entire character arc. His icy demeanor was a carefully constructed mask to protect himself and his mission, making his sacrifice for Lily’s son the ultimate act of tragic, selfless love. Snape’s final moments, where he reveals his memories and the true depth of his loyalty, secure his place as the most complex and fascinating figure in the Wizarding World.
As our journey through the Wizarding World comes to a close, we’re reminded that the true magic of the Harry Potter series lies not just in spells and enchantments, but in the vivid, imperfect, and unforgettable people who populate it. These characters, from the most saintly to the most sinister, embody the universal struggles of love, loss, courage, and redemption, ensuring that the stories of Hogwarts will continue to resonate for generations to come. Thank you for joining us on this magical retrospective!
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This story Ranked! The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters From the Movies and Books was first published on Daily FETCH
