Since the Sorcerer’s Stone’s impactful release in 2001, Harry Potter has taken the cinematic world by storm. Furthermore, the inclusion of mythical and magical characters has solidified its immovable legacy within the fantasy genre. As such, these characters face difficult obstacles and unbelievable challenges throughout the franchise’s explorative films. As the movies progress, the reception of these characters becomes harder for fans to decide on their decency. For diehard fans, some characters are more likable than others. Let’s take a look at Harry Potter’s best and worst characters from each Hogwarts house.
The Best From Gryffindor: Neville Longbottom
As many Harry Potter fans are aware, the house of Gryffindor is synonymous with bravery. After almost being the chosen one, Neville undergoes an important change within his character arc. Beginning as a fearful child, his growth within Hogwarts ingrains him with a strong sense of valor. His selflessness and determination to protect his friends and peers highlight his most remarkable qualities. In doing so, Neville kills a major horcrux, Nagini, and eventually leads Dumbledore’s Army to triumph. As such, Neville’s courageous approach, to Voldemort specifically, lands him as Harry Potter’s best character from Gryffindor.
The Worst From Gryffindor: Peter Pettigrew
While members of Gryffindor are known for their courage, Peter Pettigrew is not. The most obvious sign of his lackluster bravery is his ability to transform himself into a rodent when times get tough. In an effort to flee from Remus, Snape, and Sirius during the group’s confrontation, Pettigrew displays his modifying powers. Rather than face the consequences of his actions, Pettigrew chooses the easiest route to save himself from angry victims. To add, his weakened moral compass sees him sacrificing James and Lily Potter to Voldemort. Unlike Snape, who secretly aligned himself with Voldemort to protect Harry, Peter acted out of fear and cowardliness.
The Best From Slytherin: Severus Snape
Arguably, Severus Snape is the overall best character in the Harry Potter universe. A complex individual, Snape is the unsung hero of the franchise’s complicated plot. Despite his apparent manipulation and spite, Snape’s hidden agenda came as a surprise to fans that never read the books prior to the movies. Even though Snape despised James Potter, his unwavering love for Lily awakens an inner heroism within him. As such, Snape secretly vows to protect Harry Potter from the danger of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. His endless courage, which required him to pose as a double agent for both Dumbledore and Voldemort, is a trait to be admired. With that, Snape is one of Harry Potter’s strongest characters.
The Worst From Slytherin: Dolores Umbridge
Some might think that Voldemort is the obvious choice here, but that’s seldom the case. If there were ever a singularly unpleasant character in Harry Potter, Dolores Umbridge would be the poster child. While every hero certainly thrives from a strong villain, Dolores teeters on the edge of purely insufferable. Driven by her own personal ambition, Dolores takes every opportunity to get exactly what she wants. In the simplest of terms, she was evil solely for the purpose of being evil. Her aspirations for corruption and constant trips of power hunger remind Harry Potter fans as to why she is one of the worst (though incredibly written) characters from Slytherin House.
The Best From Hufflepuff: Cedric Diggory
It’s no secret that Hufflepuff members are extreme pushovers, which is, unfortunately, a cause of Cedric’s tragic death. On the other hand, Cedric possessed many of Hufflepuff’s admirable qualities, such as loyalty and inner strength. Without trying too hard, Cedric was a popular, likable character amongst many Harry Potter fans. Despite physically competing against Harry, Cedric’s pride and willingness to help others allows Harry to escape while Cedric stays behind to suffer the consequences. A fighter to the end, Cedric is popularized on many Harry Potter fans’ lists as a notable character. His humble nature and kind heart make him the very best that Hufflepuff House has to offer.
The Worst From Hufflepuff: Zacharias Smith
Pictured left, Zacharias remains one of the worst characters in the Harry Potter universe. His overall arrogance and cowardliness make him nearly insufferable, with many fans of the franchise ranking him at the bottom of their lists. While his strong loyalty to Hufflepuff cannot be argued, many of his qualities pale in comparison when it comes to fellow Hufflepuff members. While he didn’t necessarily join the evil forces of the Death Eaters, he also refused to fight for the greater good of Hogwarts. His constant complaining and criticism towards Harry left a sour taste in the mouth of many fans, hence his general dismissal.
The Best From Ravenclaw: Luna Lovegood
Deemed as one of the purest characters in Harry Potter’s impressive franchise, Luna Lovegood is solidified as a fan favorite. Her innocent and admirable mannerisms etch her into the hearts of Harry Potter fans everywhere. Many believe her to be a calm, refreshing character that holds a particular charm about her. Because of her gentle and loving nature, Harry himself begins to develop a crush on her. However, Harry eventually ends up with Ginny Weasley, though there is no denying the apparent chemistry that was there between Harry and Luna. As such, her lovable demeanor and positive attitude solidify her status as one of the best Harry Potter characters.
The Worst From Ravenclaw: Gilderoy Lockhart
From the initial moment Gilderoy graced the movie screen, Harry Potter fans revolted. When you think of traditional Harry Potter villains, Voldemort commonly comes to mind. However, Gilderoy’s obvious narcissism and egotism help to build his case as an actual villain within the popular franchise. Still, his villain nature isn’t completely explained as a force of evil. Rather, his bumbling nonsense and desire to control everything around him make him insufferable most of the time. Obsessed with fame and being the best, he’ll stop at nothing to achieve what he wants, which means pushing others more deserving out of his way. As such, he remains one of the worst characters in Ravenclaw, and in the entire realm of Harry Potter.
