Always! From Snape’s Secret Sacrifice to Neville’s Glow-Up, We’re Ranking the Most Heroic ‘Harry Potter’ Characters

It’s been over a decade since the final film hit theaters, but the magic of Harry Potter is still breaking the internet. With news of the upcoming Max series scheduled for , the fandom is busier than ever debating the legendary bravery of the characters we grew up with.

While the series started as a whimsical tale about a boy under a cupboard, it quickly evolved into a powerful story of sacrifice and grief. But through the darkness, these ten characters showed us what it truly means to be a hero.

. Regulus Black

Sirius Black’s younger brother (Tom Moorcroft) proves that you don’t need a red-and-gold tie to be brave. Initially a Death Eater, Regulus turned against Voldemort to protect his house-elf, Kreacher. He sacrificed his life to swap a Horcrux locket, proving that empathy is the ultimate form of rebellion.

. Luna Lovegood

Evanna Lynch brought the whimsical Ravenclaw to life with a quiet strength that fans still obsess over on TikTok. Luna was never afraid to be herself, even when others called her “Loony.” From following Harry into the Ministry to surviving imprisonment at Malfoy Manor, Luna was the empathetic heart the trio needed.

. Minerva McGonagall

The legendary Dame Maggie Smith gave us a Professor McGonagall who was as fierce as she was fair. Whether she was standing up to the pink-clad terror of Dolores Umbridge or literally bringing the Hogwarts statues to life to defend the school, Minerva was the definition of Gryffindor excellence.

. Dobby

The free elf who stole our hearts! Dobby (voiced by Toby Jones) risked everything to protect Harry from the Chamber of Secrets. His journey from a mistreated servant to a hero who died saving his friends remains one of the most emotional moments in cinematic history. “Dobby has no master,” indeed.

. Hermione Granger

Let’s be real: Harry and Ron wouldn’t have made it past year one without Hermione (Emma Watson). From her logic in the Devil’s Snare to her bravery in facing a Bellatrix Lestrange-led torture session, Hermione proved that being “the brightest witch of her age” meant more than just high grades—it meant having the courage to do what is right.

. Ron Weasley

Often the comic relief, Ron (Rupert Grint) showed his true colors when the stakes were highest. At just years old, he sacrificed himself in a game of Giant Wizard’s Chess so Harry could move on. Throughout the series, he faced his greatest fears (spiders, anyone?) to stand by his best friend.

. Sirius Black

Gary Oldman’s Sirius Black was a man who lost twelve years of his life for a crime he didn’t commit, yet he never lost his spirit. Sirius spent his final years on the run, living in caves and eating rats just to stay close to Harry. He died fighting for his godson, a true Marauder until the end.

. Severus Snape

The debate over Snape (Alan Rickman) still sets X (formerly Twitter) ablaze. Was he a bully? Yes. But was he a hero? Absolutely. Acting as a double agent for years, Snape lived a life of isolation and danger to ensure Voldemort’s downfall, all fueled by a love for Lily Potter that lasted “always.”

. Neville Longbottom

The ultimate “glow-up” isn’t just about looks—it’s about confidence. Neville (Matthew Lewis) started as a shy boy who stood up to his friends and ended as the warrior who pulled Gryffindor’s sword from the Sorting Hat to slay Nagini. He proved that heroes aren’t born; they’re made.

. Harry Potter

Of course, the top spot belongs to the Boy Who Lived. Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry carried the weight of the entire world on his shoulders from age eleven. His most heroic act? Walking into the Forbidden Forest to sacrifice himself, proving that love is a power Voldemort could never understand.

Would you like me to create a digital “Hogwarts House” personality quiz to see which of these heroes you’re most like?