The Harry Potter series is made on seven fantasy novels, the author of the novel being J.K Rowling. The story is about a young wizard named Harry Potter and his friends. They are students in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The story also portrays the struggles that Harry has to face against a wizard with black magic as he tries to be immortal. After becoming immortal, he decides to subjugate all wizards and Muggles.
There are many Harry Potter characters, and most of the characters are dear to Harry Potter fans. The names are like a list of favorites for the viewers of Harry Potter. Down below is the list of Harry Potter characters ranked from 30 to 1; read to see which rank your favorite Harry Potter characters stand.
30. Dolores Umbridge
- Played by: Imelda Staunton
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Orford Umbridge (father), Ellen Cracknell (mother), Brother, Selwyn Family (alleged relatives)
- Magical characteristics: wand (8″, Birch, dragon heartstring), patronus (Persian cat)
- House: Slytherin house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Dolores is a temporary professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts who is extremely cruel.
There are definitely many villains in Harry Potter, yet she can be considered as the worst Harry Potter character because of her torturing methods that are so creepy.
29. Aragog
- Played by: Julian Glover
- Species: Acromantula
- Family Members: Mosag, Unnamed children
- Magical characteristics: none
- House: none
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets
Aragog is the giant spider. Hagrid loved Aragog as though it was his own child, that kind of unavoidable love!
Hagrid is a character loved by many; thus, a friend’s friend is a friend, so the fans took up Aragog as one of their favorite Harry Potter Characters too.
28. Rita Skeeter
- Played by: Miranda Richardson
- Species: Human
- Family Members: None to be found
- Magical characteristics: Animagus (Beetle), Boggart (Lord Voldemort), Wand, Patronus
- House: Ravenclaw house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter’s Secret Heartache
A character that annoys anybody that she talks to, she works as an annoying Daily Prophet journalist in The Goblet of Fire.
She asks indiscreet questions to the students and then downright false information using her magical quill.
27. Buckbeak
- Played by: Nil
- Species: Hippogriff
- Family Members: Unknown
- Magical characteristics: None
- House: None
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Buckbeak is a friendly, majestic hippogriff who is tamed into a loyal steed by Harry!
If Buckbeak were shown in more series, then he would definitely be ranked as one of the top best Harry Potter characters.
26. Moaning Myrtle
- Played by: Shirley Henderson
- Species: Human, Ghost
- Family Members: Mr. Warren, Mrs. Warren
- Magical characteristics: witch and ghost
- House: Ravenclaw house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This character is best remembered for the scene of crying in the toilet. There was another scene that was uncomfortable as she got into the bath with Harry.
Though she is strange and moany as her name suggests, the fans do like her a lot.
25. Argus Filch
- Played by: David Bradley
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Unknown
- Magical characteristics: Non-magical
- House: None
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2.
Filch is Hogwarts’ grumpy caretaker; he does not appear much in the scenes of the show. However, he is an integral part of the Potter universe.
He is remembered very much as the character of Filch cause when the actor played a role in Game of Thrones; the fans still addressed him as Filch.
24. Sybil Trelawney
- Played by: Emma Thompson
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Mr Trelawney(father), Mrs Trelawney(mother), Higglebottom(ex-husband), Cassandra Trelawney(great-great-grandmother), Trelawney family, Higglebottom family(former-in-laws)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Lord Voldemort), Wand(Hazel and unicorn hair, 9 and half inches, very flexible)
- House: Ravenclaw house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Sybil Trelawney, a professor of Divination at Hogwarts school, has a freaky nature as her fortune reads that she might die in a few days.
However, the character reminds one of a lovable weird aunt who only looks for the best to happen to you. Though this trait might seem weird, it isn’t easy not to love them either.
23. Horace Slughorn
- Played by: Jim Broadbent
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Mr Slughorn(father), Slughorn family
- Magical characteristics: wand (Cedar, dragon heartstring, fairly flexible)
- House: Slytherin house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
He is an eccentric and gentle Potions professor; he can be called too gentle, maybe, because his faith in Tom Riddle, who is Voldemort, does not show him his ambition which is fascist-y.
Being naive is very tiring, yet Horace helps Harry gather the information that will help Harry to go against Voldy.
22. Cho Chang
- Played by: Katie Leung
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Mr. Chang(father), Mrs. Chang(mother), Chang(paternal grandfather), Unnamed maternal grandparents, Unnamed Husband, Unnamed Father, and mother-in-law
- Magical characteristics: Intelligence, Broomstick flying skills, Magic(charms, defensive magic)
- House: Ravenclaw house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
She is Harry’s first love; she is his first kiss! How can a Harry Potter fan forget that? She is the one who showed Harry that life is not just about spells and evil wizards.
However, Cho Chang is a character that does not appear much in the show. Harry, however, falls in love with Ginny Weasley.
21. Lucius Malfoy
- Played by: Jason Isaacs
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Abraxas Malfoy(father), Narcissa Malfoy(wife), Draco Malfoy(son), Astoria Malfoy(daughter-in-law), Scorpius Malfoy(grandson), Cygnus Black III(father-in-law), Druella Black(mother-in-law), Bellatrix Lestrange and Andromeda Tonks(sister-in-laws), Rodolphus Lestrange & Edward Tonks(brother-in-laws), Septimus Malfoy; Brutus Malfoy; Lucius Malfoy I; Nicholas Malfoy; Armand Malfoy(paternal ancestors)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Lord Voldemort), wand (Elm and dragon heartstring, Lucius Malfoy’s second wand)
- House: Slytherin house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Lucius Malfoy is the father of Draco Malfoy; he is a much more confident version; he has a very charismatic and frightening role that will give us fear.
It is because of the tremendous play in the show that this character stands in the ranking of 21 among the other characters in the show.
20. Remus Lupin
- Played by: Imelda Staunton
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Orford Umbridge (father), Ellen Cracknell (mother), Brother, Selwyn Family (alleged relatives)
- Magical characteristics: wand (8″, Birch, dragon heartstring), patronus (Persian cat)
- House: Slytherin house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Harry Potter meets many fatherly figures during his franchise; however, Remus Lupin is the most impactful as well as a charismatic figure in journey of Harry.
Remus is a former best friend of Harry’s father, James; Lupin is a werewolf who suffers because of that particular curse.
19. Ginny Weasley
- Played by: Bonnie Wright
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Arthur Weasley(father), Molly Weasley(mother), William Weasley; Charles Weasley; Percy Weasley; Fred Weasley; George Weasley; Ronald Weasley(older brothers), Harry Potter(husband), James Potter; Albus Potter; Lily Potter(children), James & Lily Potter(in-laws)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Lord Voldemort), Wand(Yew, unknown length and core), Patronus(horse)
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Ginny Weasley was the next love interest of Harry Potter after Cho Chang, and the show first depicts her as a shy, kind young girl who slowly evolves into a badass, confident witch.
She is one of the best female characters in the series, and she really needs to be applauded for getting out of the best friend’s little sister title really soon to be her own identity.
18. Luna Lovegood
- Played by: Evanna Lynch
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Xenophilius Lovegood(father), Pandora Lovegood(mother), Rolf Scamander(husband), Lorcan Scamander(son)
- Magical characteristics: Wand, patronus (Hare)
- House: Ravenclaw house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Luna Lovegood can be perceived as a person that one wants to roll their eyes at or one that can be completely adored by the heart.
She is quirky and aware of so many things, but she is more like fresh air in Harry’s grim world; she is loyal as well as a helpful friend!
17. Minerva McGonagall
Source: Tyla
- Played by: Maggie Smith
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Robert McGonagall Snr(father), Isobel McGonagall(mother), Malcolm; Robert(brothers), Elphinstone Urquart(husband), McGonagall family, Ross Family
- Magical characteristics: Animagus(Tabby Cat), Boggart(Lord Voldemart),Wand(Fir, Dragon Heartstring) , patronus (Cat)
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Imagine a cat turning into a pointy hat-wearing lady; that image will not easily leave the memories of one’s brain.
Minerva McGonagall is a teacher who can make one do their homework, even if they don’t want to. If you ask who the crucial pillar of Harry’s world who makes one behave as well as do homework is, it is definitely Professor McGonagall.
16. Hedwig
- Played by: None
- Species: Snowy Owl
- Family Members: Unknown
- Magical characteristics: None
- House: None
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Hedwig does not have the ability to speak, and she has been taken as the most underrated being in the Wizarding world.
But she is the most important part of Harry’s life; Hedwig is always by Potter’s side, and she even sacrifices herself in the end! The fans duly owe Hedwig.
15. Cedric Diggory
- Played by: Robert Pattinson
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Amos Diggory(father), Mrs. Diggory(mother), Eldritch Diggory(possible relative), Diggory family
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Lord Voldemort),Wand(Ash, Unicorn hair)
- House: Hufflepuff house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The performance of Robert Pattinson in the character of Cedric Diggory has been considered one of the most impactful ones. Also, it is considered one of the best Harry Potter characters.
Though at first he is shown as a normal golden boy, he later proves to Harry during the Triwizard Tournament that he is capable of being a great friend too.
Sadly, Voldemort kills him, leaving a huge heartbreak for the viewers.
14. Harry Potter
- Played by: Daniel Radcliffe
- Species: Human
- Family Members: James Potter(father), Lily. J. Potter(mother), Ginevra Potter(wife), James, Albus, and Lily. L Potter(children), Arthur Weasley& Molly Weasley(in-laws), Potter family, Evans family(maternal family), Fleamont family(paternal ancestors), Peverell family(paternal ancestors), Weasley family(in-laws), Prewett family(in-laws), House of Black(in-laws)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Dementor), Wand(Holly, phoenix feather, Vine, dragon heartstring, blackthorn, elder, thestral hair), patronus (stag)
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Harry being the lead character, is not the first ranked might be a shock, but his friends have taken the best place in the story.
Harry Potter has a kind heart and is loyal to the people that love and cares for him, but his character is not the only one that shines bright; there are characters that do outshine him.
13. Albus Dumbledore
- Played by: Michael Gambon
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Percival Dumbledore(father), Kendra Dumbledore(mother), Abeforth;Ariana(younger siblings), Dumbledore family
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(The corpse of his sister Ariana), Wand(Elder, Thestral tail hair core) , patronus (Phoenix)
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
A show definitely needs a mysterious character, and Albus Dumbledore is just that; his motives and secrets remain pretty much well hidden throughout most of the franchise, which is the best charm of the character.
Being Harry’s headmaster and not being talkative is not how the fans would have wanted him to be; however, the sacrifice that he does in the end justifies everything he has done.
12. Mrs. Weasley
- Played by: Julie Walters
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Father, Mother, Gideon Prewett; Fabian Prewett; Bilius(brothers), Arthur Weasley(husband)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(corpses of her family and Harry Potter), Wand(Unknown)
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The Weasley family is known as national treasurers, Molly Weasley is a bit tough towards her children, yet she has a heart of gold; the love runs very deep for her children that she even kills one of the most powerful and cruelest witches.
Yes, Bellatrix Lestrange was killed by Molly to protect her children; she was definitely a boss mommy.
11. Dobby
- Played by: Toby Jones
- Species: Elf
- Family Members: Lucius Malfoy
- Magical characteristics: Can create magic with the clicking of fingers
- House: None
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Dobby is the loyal house elf who had helped Harry and his friends from the time he was free from servitude; he is one of the fantastic creatures in the Wizarding world.
He died a heroic death; a tiny, weird-looking warrior deserved a heroic death indeed.
10. Draco Malfoy
- Played by: Tom Felton
- Species: Human, Ferret
- Family Members: Lucius Malfoy(father), Narcissa Malfoy(mother), Astoria Malfoy
(wife), Scorpius Malfoy (son) - Magical characteristics: Boggart(Lord Voldemort), Wand(Hawthorn, Unicorn hair, Elder, Thestral tail hair)
- House: Slytherin house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Draco Malfoy has been brainwashed since he was a kid that he needs to bully everyone; he is very compelling and can go under the list of the best evil character.
Tom Felton played a great job with this character; he brought life to a character a complex character that had the feeling of a brat as well as sympathy during the worst of times.
9. Hagrid
- Played by: Robbie Coltrane
- Species: Half Human, Half-Giant
- Family Members: Mr. Hagrid(father), Fridwulfa(mother), Grawp(maternal half brother), Grawp’s father(step-father), Jim Hamilton(possible relation)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Lord Voldemort), Wand(Oak)
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Hagrid is just stuck with Harry from his childhood to even adulthood; he is a friend that gives the trio the answers that Dumbledore denies to answer.
Hagrid’s heart is so big he protects the creatures that nobody cares about or wants in their lives, like the Truck-sized spiders and gentle giants.
8. Bellatrix Lestrange
- Played by: Helena Bonham Carter
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Cygnus Black III(father), Druella Black(mother), Andromeda Tonks & Narcissa Malfoy (younger sisters), Rodolphus Lestrange (husband), House of Black, Rosier Family(maternal family), Lestrange Family(in-laws)
- Magical characteristics: Wand(dragon heartstring)
- House: Slytherin house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Though Bellatrix Lestrange has not been on the screen, we are aware of many horrible things that she had done even before she made her appearance.
She made everybody shiver with her horrible deeds; even after her death, she was someone that everybody feared.
7. Fred & George
- Played by: James &Oliver Phelps
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Arthur Weasley(father), Molly Weasley(mother)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Lord Voldemort),Wand , patronus (Magpie)
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
They are the facetious Weasley twins; they both deserve the crown for the most hilarious characters throughout the franchise.
They have done hilarious things like throwing fireworks under Dolores Umbridge’s ruling and pointing out fun at Harry and all his friends whenever the time seems appropriate.
6. Ron Weasley
- Played by: Rupert Grint
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Arthur Weasley(father), Molly Weasley(mother)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Aragog), Wand(unicorn tail hair, ash, willow, unicorn tail hair, chestnut, dragon heartstring) , patronus (Jack Russell Terrier)
- House: Ravenclaw house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
The fans all adore Ron Weasley; he has provided the show with funny movie lines; he is the right type of comic relief that a story needs where there are weird things like magical buffets with magical murderers.
He is Harry’s best friend, the only wizard that Harry connects with; he is everything, including friendship, humor, and loyalty.
5. Severus Snape
- Played by: Alan Rickman
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Tobias Snape(father), Eileen Snape(mother)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Lord Voldemort), Wand , patronus (Doe)
- House: Slytherin house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
When the name Severus Snape comes up, the word that strikes the mind is “Always.”
Being bullied emotionally by Snape for years and being so sure that he worked for the evil people, Harry finds out that the wizard is a lot more than a double agent for Dumbledore.
4. Sirius Black
- Played by: Gary Oldman
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Orion Black(father), Walburga Black(mother), House of Black, Mcmillan family(paternal relatives), Crabbe family(maternal relatives), Gamp family(paternal ancestors), Bulstrode family(maternal ancestors), Flint family(paternal/maternal ancestors)
- Magical characteristics: Animagus(Black dog), Boggart(Lord Voldemort),Wand
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Sirius Black is Harry’s godfather, and he was a little too late to play the role as he was in Azkaban prison for years before he could speak out the truth.
However, he created a deep bond with his godson and, for a short time period, played the role of Harry’s father.
Sirius died a tragic death, and it wasn’t depicted on screen for long; he is considered as one of the most compelling characters as he tried his best to set things right for his loved ones.
3. Hermione Granger
- Played by: Emma Watson
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Mr & Mrs. Granger(parents), Ronald Weasley(husband), Rose Granger & Hugo Granger(children)
- Magical characteristics: Wand(Vine wood, dragon heartstring) , patronus (Otter)
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Hermione Granger is that friend who suits the proverb ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’ When that friend is with you, it feels like anything can be faced without any trouble on the way.
She is also the kind of wizard friend who would do anything to save her friends whenever it was necessary for them to be saved. All the characters do play important roles, but the fans know that Harry and Ron would have been dead long back without her.
2. Lord Voldemort
- Played by: Ralph Fiennes
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Tom Riddle Snr(father), Merope Riddle(mother), Delphini(daughter)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(his own corpse), Wand(Yew, Phoenix feather core, Elm, Dragon heartstring, Elder, Thestral tail hair core
- House: Slytherin house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
The mention of the name Voldemort is more in the movie than his appearance in the movie, and this makes it look like he is very powerful and scary.
He poses a threat to the peace of the Wizarding world, and he wishes to be immortal and rule over all the wizards! Tactically planned strategy villain, of course.
Related: The 30 Best Movies Like Harry Potter You’ve Probably Never Seen (2022)
1. Neville Longbottom
- Played by: Matthew Lewis
- Species: Human
- Family Members: Frank Longbottom(father), Alice Longbottom(mother), Hannah Abbot(wife)
- Magical characteristics: Boggart(Severus Snape), Wand(father’s wand, cherry, unicorn hair)
- House: Gryffindor house
- Series appeared: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
The funniest part of this rank is that Neville is a background character playing the role of comic relief, but look how the tables have turned, making him the best character in the movie.
We can see him evolve from being a frightened kid who would give up on his friends if threatened to being that guy who helped to take down many powerful wizards in the world. Now we know why he is the best.
