Top 25 Harry Potter Characters: Books and Films

If you're a *Harry Potter* aficionado, you've undoubtedly noticed the timeless allure of this legendary franchise. To honor one of the longest-running and most beloved movie series, we meticulously reviewed both the *Harry Potter* book and film series to select the 25 best characters. Before diving into our picks, here's a quick overview of our selection process: These characters are chosen based on their overall fan reception, impact on the franchise (with equal weight given to both books and films), their significance in pivotal moments, and their importance within the broader Potter mythology. If your favorites didn’t make the cut, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Now, gather in the Great Hall as we unveil the 25 most remarkable characters from the *Harry Potter* books and movies.

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

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25. Dobby

"Such a beautiful place... to be with friends." Dobby's poignant words in *Deathly Hallows Part 1*, spoken moments before his tragic demise, continue to tug at our heartstrings. When we first met Dobby, he was a quirky, self-harming house-elf who caused Harry plenty of headaches during his second year at Hogwarts. Yet, Dobby's intentions were always noble, and his unwavering loyalty to Harry was nothing short of commendable.

In the books, Dobby appeared frequently between *Chamber of Secrets* and *Deathly Hallows*, showcasing his kindness and dedication to Harry. Even those who only encountered Dobby in the film version of *Chamber of Secrets* were deeply moved by his selfless sacrifice in *Deathly Hallows Part 1*. His willingness to lay down his life for Harry remains one of the most touching moments in the series.

24. Gellert Grindelwald

Once the most feared dark wizard in the wizarding world, Grindelwald's legacy was later overshadowed by Voldemort. Though he only appears briefly in the main series, his impact is undeniable. The *Fantastic Beasts* movies delve deeper into Grindelwald's reign of terror in the early 20th century and his complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore. Despite his menacing presence, Grindelwald managed to stay hidden in plain sight throughout an entire film before finally revealing himself. Unfortunately, the *Fantastic Beasts* series was abruptly canceled after three of its planned five installments, leaving Grindelwald's full story incomplete.

23. Ginny Weasley

Ginny Weasley captured our hearts in *Chamber of Secrets* as the shy girl harboring a crush on Harry Potter. By the time their romance blossomed, it felt both inevitable and serendipitous. It was only fitting that Harry found love within the same family that became his surrogate family. Ginny evolved into a strong, independent leader, playing a key role in Dumbledore's Army and fighting tirelessly against the forces of darkness. She's the quintessential "girl who got her guy," and we couldn't imagine it any other way.

Though her leadership wasn't fully showcased in the films, Ginny's bravery and determination shine brightly in the books. Her presence adds depth and nuance to the series.

22. Gilderoy Lockhart

Gilderoy Lockhart is the epitome of vanity and self-promotion. Through charm and memory charms, he built a reputation as one of the most celebrated wizards in the wizarding world—despite never actually accomplishing the feats he claimed. His tenure as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts was a disaster, as his arrogance and incompetence quickly unraveled. Harry and his friends exposed Lockhart's lies after he cowardly attempted to flee during a crisis. Lockhart's downfall remains one of the series' most memorable comedic moments.

21. Albus Severus Potter

Growing up with the most famous wizard in the wizarding world as your father is challenging enough, but Albus Severus must also contend with a name steeped in history and expectations. Named after two of the most influential wizards in history, Albus Severus struggles with balancing fame, anonymity, and his place among the houses of Hogwarts. To date, we've only glimpsed his Hogwarts journey in the stage play *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*. Fans eagerly await his expanded role in future cinematic adaptations.

20. Molly Weasley

Imagine the perfect, loving, nurturing mother—and then sprinkle in a touch of magic. That's Molly Weasley for you. Her bond with Harry, an orphan treated poorly by his relatives, is especially touching. Molly treats Harry as her own son, offering him love, support, and even Christmas presents. Beyond her maternal instincts, Molly demonstrates immense courage as a member of the Order of the Phoenix, putting herself in harm's way to protect her family.

When her children are threatened, Molly shows no mercy, famously teaching Bellatrix Lestrange a painful lesson. Molly's strength and warmth make her one of the most beloved characters in the series.

19. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody

One word perfectly encapsulates Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody: grizzled. A seasoned Auror, Moody fought valiantly in both the First and Second Wizarding Wars. His scarred face, enchanted eye, and wooden leg tell the story of a warrior hardened by countless battles. Despite his outward eccentricities, Moody agreed to come out of retirement to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts under Dumbledore's guidance. However, his brief stint ended when Barty Crouch Jr. impersonated him using Polyjuice Potion. The real Moody continued serving in the reformed Order of the Phoenix until his heroic death in *Deathly Hallows Part 1*.

18. Minerva McGonagall

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 discipline misbehaving students and deduct house points when necessary, but she also knows when to bend the rules. McGonagall serves as a stern yet caring figure, much like a cool aunt who occasionally indulges a little mischief.

McGonagall's dedication to her students and the wizarding world is evident in her service during both Wizarding Wars. She played a crucial role in ensuring Harry's safety, even going so far as to personally escort him to the Dursleys after the events of *Philosopher's Stone*. Throughout Harry's years at Hogwarts, McGonagall remained a steadfast guardian.

17. Delores Umbridge