Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Books and Films

If you're a Harry Potter aficionado, it's no secret that the series remains as enchanting today as it was when it first debuted. To honor one of the longest-running and most beloved franchises in cinema history, we meticulously reviewed both the film and book series to curate a list of the 25 best characters from the magical world of Harry Potter.

Before we unveil our selections, here's a quick overview of how we compiled this list: Each character was chosen based on their overall fan reception, their impact on the franchise (books and films considered equally), their relevance to pivotal moments in the series, and their significance within the broader Potter mythology. If your favorites didn’t make the cut, let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Now, gather your wands and join us in the Great Hall as we celebrate the 25 best Harry Potter characters from both the movies and books.

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

The 25 Best Harry Potter Characters

26 Images25. Dobby

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"Such a beautiful place... to be with friends." It's hard not to feel emotional recalling Dobby's heartfelt words in Deathly Hallows Part 1, which were among his final moments. When we first met Dobby, he was undeniably quirky—annoying, even—with a penchant for self-harm and a knack for complicating Harry's life. Yet, Dobby's intentions were always noble, and his unwavering dedication to helping Harry, despite the immediate challenges, was inspiring.

While Dobby’s role in the films is smaller than in the books, where he appeared frequently between Chamber of Secrets and Deathly Hallows, the books showcased his kindness and loyalty to Harry, whom he owed his freedom. Even those who only encountered Dobby in the Chamber of Secrets film were moved by his sacrifice in The Deathly Hallows Part 1. Dobby's ultimate act of selflessness, giving his life to free Harry and his friends, remains one of the most poignant moments in the series.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

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    Though his infamy eventually faded beneath Voldemort’s shadow, Grindelwald was once the most feared villain in the wizarding world. He made a fleeting appearance in the main Harry Potter series, yet his impact was undeniable.

In the Fantastic Beasts films, Grindelwald truly shines as a formidable antagonist. The prequel series explores his reign of terror in the early 20th century and his tumultuous relationship with his close friend-turned-rival, Albus Dumbledore. It’s rare for a villain to seamlessly blend into the background before revealing themselves—a testament to Grindelwald’s complexity. Unfortunately, the Fantastic Beasts series was canceled after three of its planned five films, leaving Grindelwald’s full story unfinished.

23. Ginny Weasley

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    When we first met Ginny in Chamber of Secrets, she was a shy, lovesick girl possessed by Tom Riddle's diary. Her blossoming romance with Harry captivated audiences, feeling both spontaneous and inevitable. It was fitting that Harry would find love within the same family where he discovered his own sense of belonging.

While her leadership qualities were better highlighted in the books, Ginny emerges as a strong, determined, and alluring young woman in the films. As a key member of Dumbledore’s Army, she consistently fights against the forces of darkness. Ginny embodies the quintessential "girl who got her guy"—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

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    Gilderoy Lockhart is a master of deception. Through sheer charm (and the occasional memory charm), he crafted an image as one of the most accomplished wizards of all time—without actually accomplishing anything remotely heroic.

Lockhart’s inflated ego and incompetence quickly unraveled when he became the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. Initially reveling in the position as another platform for self-promotion, his buffoonery soon exposed his ineptitude. His false claims were exposed by Harry and his friends after Lockhart cowardly attempted to flee during the Chamber of Secrets crisis.

21. Albus Severus Potter

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    Growing up as "The Boy Who Lived's" son must have been challenging enough, but adding the pressure of living up to namesakes like Dumbledore and Severus Snape made Albus Severus’ journey uniquely complex. His internal struggle reflects the tension between fame and anonymity, good and evil, and Gryffindor versus Slytherin.

To date, the Potter films have barely scratched the surface of Albus Severus’ experiences at Hogwarts. To fully explore his adventures, you’d need to catch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on stage. We’re optimistic that his cinematic debut is imminent.

20. Molly Weasley

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    Imagine the ideal loving, nurturing mother—and then add magic. That’s Molly Weasley for you. While we adore her husband, Arthur, Molly’s relationship with Harry is especially heartwarming. Orphaned and mistreated by his aunt and uncle, Harry found solace in Molly’s unconditional love and support. She treated him like another son, showering him with affection and gifts, filling the void left by his birth family.

Molly’s maternal warmth masks a steely resolve. As a member of the Order of the Phoenix, she willingly risked her life to protect others. Her fiery determination when faced with threats to her family is legendary—just ask Bellatrix Lestrange.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

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    If one word could sum up Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, it’s "grizzled." A seasoned Auror and fierce defender of good, Moody endured countless battles, losing an eye and a leg in the process. His weathered appearance belies his sharp mind and unyielding courage.

Despite his apparent paranoia and eccentricities, Moody agreed to come out of retirement at Dumbledore’s request to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. However, his stint as a teacher was short-lived; Barty Crouch Jr. impersonated him using Polyjuice Potion, trapping the real Moody until his heroic death in The Deathly Hallows Part 1. Moody’s loyalty to Harry and the Order of the Phoenix remained steadfast until his final breath.

18. Minerva McGonagall

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    As the head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall is both a strict disciplinarian and a compassionate mentor. She’s quick to enforce rules but occasionally indulgent when it comes to mischief—much like a cool aunt who knows when to bend the rules.

McGonagall’s loyalty to Dumbledore and her role in the Order of the Phoenix during the First Wizarding War underscore her dedication to justice. After Harry’s defeat of Voldemort, she played a crucial role in placing him with the Dursleys, viewing them as the "worst kind" of Muggles. Later, she welcomed Harry into her home at Hogwarts, watching over him throughout his years there.

17. Delores Umbridge

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    Ah, how we detest this woman—and that’s precisely why she deserves a spot on this list. J.K. Rowling crafted Umbridge as a villain unlike any other. While Voldemort is undoubtedly terrifying, his intermittent presence at Hogwarts made him less