In 2025, the Harry Potter franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide, celebrating its enduring legacy through both the beloved books and films. To honor this iconic series, we've compiled a list of the 25 best characters from the Harry Potter universe, based on fan reactions, their impact on the franchise, and their significance within the Potter mythos. This list focuses solely on characters from the original Harry Potter series and does not include those from "Hogwarts Legacy" or the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.

Before diving into our selections, it's important to note that these choices reflect a blend of the novels and films, considering each character's contribution to the series' most memorable moments. If your favorite character didn't make the cut, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!

Join us in the Great Hall as we explore the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books.

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

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25. Dobby

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Dobby, the house-elf, may have started as an annoyance to Harry in "The Chamber of Secrets," but his noble intentions and ultimate sacrifice in "The Deathly Hallows Part 1" left a lasting impact. His loyalty and kindness, especially towards Harry, shine through in both the books and films, making his death one of the series' most poignant moments.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

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Once the most feared villain in the wizarding world, Grindelwald's brief but impactful appearance in the main series and his central role in the "Fantastic Beasts" films showcase his complex relationship with Dumbledore and his reign of terror.

23. Ginny Weasley

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Ginny's journey from a shy, lovesick girl to a fierce member of Dumbledore's Army and Harry's eventual love interest is both inspiring and heartwarming. Her strength and leadership in the fight against evil are particularly highlighted in the books.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

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Lockhart's charm and vanity make him a memorable character, whose false bravado is humorously exposed by Harry and his friends. His role as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in "The Chamber of Secrets" adds a comedic yet revealing layer to the series.

21. Albus Severus Potter

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As Harry and Ginny's son, Albus Severus grapples with the weight of his family's legacy. His story, primarily explored in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," adds depth to the Potter family's narrative.

20. Molly Weasley

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Molly Weasley embodies the perfect, loving mother, extending her warmth to Harry as if he were her own. Her courage and fierce protectiveness, especially evident in her battle against Bellatrix Lestrange, make her a beloved figure.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

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Moody's grizzled appearance and paranoid nature belie his dedication to fighting evil. His role as a mentor and protector in the Order of the Phoenix, despite his tragic end, cements his place in the series.

18. Minerva McGonagall

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As the head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress, McGonagall's strict yet caring nature makes her a pivotal figure at Hogwarts. Her loyalty to Dumbledore and the students, especially Harry, is unwavering.

17. Dolores Umbridge

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Umbridge's cruelty and oppressive rule at Hogwarts make her one of the most hated characters in the series. Her impact on Harry and the students during "The Order of the Phoenix" is profound and unforgettable.

16. Lucius Malfoy

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Lucius's arrogance and dark affiliations make him a formidable antagonist. His role in "The Chamber of Secrets" and his eventual fall from grace add layers to the Malfoy family's complex dynamics.

15. Newt Scamander

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Newt's unique perspective and passion for magical creatures bring a fresh angle to the wizarding world. His adventures in the "Fantastic Beasts" series expand the universe beyond Hogwarts.

14. Remus Lupin

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Lupin's kindness and mentorship to Harry, combined with his struggle as a werewolf, make him a deeply sympathetic character. His role in the Order of the Phoenix and his relationship with Tonks add to his significance.

13. Luna Lovegood

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Luna's quirky charm and unwavering loyalty to her friends make her a fan favorite. Her role in Dumbledore's Army and her unique perspective on the world enrich the series.

12. Rubeus Hagrid

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Hagrid's warmth and loyalty to Harry, Hermione, and Ron make him an essential part of their journey. His emotional connection to the trio and his role as a caretaker at Hogwarts are deeply cherished.

11. Fred and George Weasley

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The Weasley twins' humor and bravery bring light to the series. Their entrepreneurial spirit and ultimate sacrifice highlight their importance to the story and the fight against Voldemort.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

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Bellatrix's sadistic nature and loyalty to Voldemort make her a terrifying antagonist. Her actions, including the torture of Neville's parents and the murder of Sirius Black, leave a lasting impact.

9. Draco Malfoy

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Draco's journey from a schoolyard bully to a conflicted young man tasked with killing Dumbledore adds complexity to his character. His internal struggle and eventual redemption arc are compelling.

8. Sirius Black

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Sirius's role as Harry's godfather and his tragic backstory make him a beloved character. His rebellious spirit and the bond he forms with Harry are central to the series.

7. Voldemort

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As the ultimate villain, Voldemort's pure evil and relentless pursuit of power drive the series' central conflict. His backstory and the fear he instills in the wizarding world are masterfully crafted.

6. Neville Longbottom

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Neville's transformation from a shy, unsure boy to a brave hero is one of the series' most inspiring arcs. His role in the Battle of Hogwarts and his personal growth are deeply moving.

5. Albus Dumbledore

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Dumbledore's wisdom, mentorship, and complex character make him a cornerstone of the series. His battles with Voldemort and his ultimate sacrifice are pivotal to the story.

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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Snape's enigmatic nature and his ultimate sacrifice for love make him one of the most debated characters. His complex relationship with Harry and his loyalty to Dumbledore are central to the series' emotional depth.

Paapa Essiedu is reportedly a front runner to play Snape in the HBO series, following Alan Rickman's iconic portrayal.

3. Ron Weasley

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Ron's loyalty, humor, and bravery make him an essential part of the trio. His journey from a sidekick to a hero in his own right is both relatable and inspiring.

2. Hermione Granger

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Hermione's intelligence, courage, and moral compass make her a standout character. Her growth from a rule-follower to a rebel for the greater good is both empowering and integral to the series.

1. Harry Potter

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Harry's journey from an orphaned boy to the hero who defeats Voldemort is the heart of the series. His struggles, friendships, and ultimate sacrifices resonate deeply with fans.

Over 32,000 children auditioned for the lead roles in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series, set to premiere in 2026. Filming is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025.

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 that "Hogwarts Legacy 2" is one of its "biggest priorities" following the success of 2023's action RPG "Hogwarts Legacy."