The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is much bigger than casual viewers realize, with families extending back centuries, several other wizarding schools, and thousands of side characters barely or yet to be explored. J.K. Rowling's original seven-part book series served the purpose of telling Harry and Voldemort's story, though several side characters' stories are still told along the way.
Whether friends of Harry's, his parents, and even enemies, there are many side characters that audiences and fans have fallen in love with. Every character has an entire world within themselves, and there is no shortage of fascinating details when it comes to exploring them.
10 Seamus Finnigan
A Gryffindor in Harry's year and often seen alongside Neville Longbottom and Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan became a fan-favorite side character thanks to his ability to constantly blow things up. Though Seamus constantly messes up his spells and potions, which blow up in his face on accident, his knack for pyrotechnics comes in handy during the Second Wizarding War as he uses this talent to blow up the bridge.
Despite doubting Harry's claims that Voldemort had returned, mainly in part due to his mom's opinion, Seamus eventually became a member of Dumbledore's Army and fought alongside his friends and Hogwarts until the end. Fans agree they can't imagine Harry Potter without him.
9 Cedric Diggory
Despite his small role in the films, Cedric Diggory's appearance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire earned him a cult following. Hufflepuff's Seeker and Quidditch captain, a Prefect, and one of four Triwizard Champions, Cedric was an important member of the Hogwarts community, leaving fans wishing they had more time with him.
When Harry is selected for the Triwizard tournament, everyone at Hogwarts turns on him, calling him a cheat. Cedric was one of the few people to look after Harry, even helping him with the tournament's second round. The two formed a close bond, and even when he had the opportunity to grab the cup, he told Harry to take it as a sign of respect.
8 Bellatrix Lestrange
A loyal follower of Voldemort and the Dark Arts, Bellatrix Lestrange is one of Harry Potter's most malicious characters. Bellatrix is a villain responsible for the deaths of Sirius Black and Nymphadora Tonks, as well as the one who used the Cruciatus Curse on Neville's parents.
Regardless, her fiery personality, character quirks, and Helena Bonham Carter's performance in the films make her fun to watch. Though controversial, there truly is no other character like Bellatrix. She is always honest, unlike most Death Eaters, and doesn't let anything impede her drive for power.
7 Luna Lovegood
Luna Lovegood is one of the kindest, most curious, and most intelligent Harry Potter characters, as well as one of the most misunderstood. Though already at Hogwarts for three years, Luna didn't become friends with Harry until The Order of the Phoenix. Upon first meeting her, she made Harry immediately feel less alone, pointing out that she, too, could see the Thestrals pulling the carriages.
Despite being a side character, Luna plays an important role in the films, joining Dumbledore's Army and helping to fight against Death Eaters, as well as helping Harry track down one of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Her quirkiness, love of magical beasts, and dedication to her friends make her one of the best characters.
6 Remus Lupin
Introduced as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin proved to be much more than that. A Marauder and member of the Order, Remus has been fighting for good for years and has been part of Harry's life for longer than he knew. Along with being a wizard, Remus is also a werewolf, which is where the nickname Moony came from.
Fans fell in love with Remus thanks to his kindness, bravery, and devotion to his loved ones through thick and thin. Remus lost his life alongside his wife fighting in the Second Wizarding War. Though he died fighting for what he believed in, he was gone too soon, leaving fans wishing they got more time with him.
5 Fred And George Weasley
Some of the best movie twins, Fred and George Weasley are a fan-favorite duo. Known primarily as Ron's troublemaking and prankster older brothers, Fred and George provide constant comedic relief while also helping out their loved ones whenever they need it.
Despite playing bigger roles in the latter films, Fred and George are considered side characters. From a young age, they showed a talent with their numerous inventions, even opening up a gag store after Hogwarts. Unfortunately, Fred was killed in the Second Wizarding War, breaking up this one-of-a-kind duo in a devastating way.
4 Neville Longbottom
Coming a long way from the young, clumsy, and forgetful Neville introduced in The Sorcerer's Stone, Neville Longbottom matured and grew on audiences throughout the series. As a kid, Neville was considered a tattle-tale, though fans and Dumbledore admired his courage for standing up to his friends and doing what he believes is right.
Narrowly escaping a similar fate to Harry as the prophesized Chosen One, Neville carries this and his complex relationship with his parents with him, using it to fuel his strength when standing up to Voldemort. Neville is also the only one who speaks up to Voldemort in the Second Wizarding War, proving he'll always choose bravery in the face of danger.
3 Severus Snape
Despite barely having any screen time, Severus Snape became a fan-favorite side character thanks to Alan Rickman's portrayal and his rich and complex character arc. As a kid, Snape was the victim of the Marauders' bullying, which made him resent Harry, as he resembled his father. Slytherin pushed Snape further into the Dark Arts, and he eventually became a Death Eater.
Once committed to the Dark Arts, Snape became a double agent and joined the Order after Lily Potter's death, vowing to protect Harry and putting aside his hate for James. When audiences realized everything Snape did was out of love, they uncovered an emotional and incredibly brave side to his character that made audiences fall in love with him.
2 Professor McGonagall
There isn't another character quite like Professor McGonagall. Brilliant, brave, and one of the strongest witches, McGonagall quickly found her way into fans' hearts. Sorted into Gryffindor while a student, McGonagall eventually became the Head of Gryffindor House, where she showed her Gryffindor spirit still remained by granting Harry permission to play Quidditch as a first-year.
McGonagall proved her brilliance at a young age, mastering transfiguration while still a student. Her brilliance allowed Dumbledore to entrust her with some of his most pressing tasks and showcased her dedication and commitment to protecting Hogwarts and the Wizarding World.
1 Dobby
Audiences meet Dobby, the house-elf in The Chamber of Secrets, as he tries to keep Harry away from Hogwarts, only hurting him in the process. Once it becomes clear that Dobby is only doing this to protect Harry from Tom Riddle and the Chamber of Secrets, the audience quickly falls in love with him.
After Harry tricks Lucius Malfoy into handing Dobby a sock, freeing him, Dobby becomes one of his best allies and closest friends. Dobby's positive attitude, kindness, and bravery set him apart from other characters. Unfortunately, Dobby succumbs to one of the saddest deaths in Harry Potter. Though unusual, Dobby means a great deal to Harry, and he gives him a proper burial, just as he deserves.