Within the Harry Potter franchise, we have wholesome characters like Rubeus Hagrid and tragic characters like Draco Malfoy, but what about the underrated ones? Why shouldn’t they get as much recognition as the main characters? Fan favorites like Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom stood by Harry’s side throughout the entire franchise and grew as he did. Side characters like Kingsley Shacklebolt, Fleur Delacour, and Abeforth Dumbledore play minor roles in the films, but are integral to helping Harry defeat Lord Voldemort.
Thanks to rumors about a possible reboot, the world of Harry Potter may never be the same. For its fans, the franchise has many perfect things that can never be replicated even with a reboot, including its iconic characters and the actors who gave their all to portray them. While these characters may see little screen time, their performances as underrated characters deserve special recognition.
10 Luna Lovegood
Luna Lovegood is arguably one of our favorite characters in the franchise. From her ability to truly be herself to her devotion to Harry, she constantly proved how important of a friend she was. Yes, she was quirky and odd, but she was the first to stand with Harry when he needed them and even helped save him a few times from bullies like Draco Malfoy. Luna taught us that it was perfectly fine to be called the weird girl as long as you were able to truly accept and love yourself despite what others said.
9 Neville Longbottom
Like Luna, it’s no surprise that Neville Longbottom is one of the most underrated characters on this list. His character was also given the best, if not one of the best, character arcs in the franchise. He grew from being a timid boy into a man who was unafraid to stand up to Lord Voldemort himself. If more characters could have grown like Neville did, then perhaps the group could have defeated Voldemort years before they did. Thanks to his courage and love for his friends, Neville helped our core three survive in more ways than one.
8 The Weasley Twins
Fred and George Weasley are mostly used in the series as comic relief, but for those that can see past the jokes and gimmicks, the twins are vital in protecting Harry and his friends. Fred and Geroge were always up for helping Harry with whatever he needed, whether that was with pranking, helping him sneak out of the castle, or even risking their lives, the twins were often found in the midst of trouble. Sure, they were up for keeping things fun, they also knew how important it was to protect those they loved.
7 Kingsley Shacklebolt
Kingsley Shacklebolt is an Auror for the Ministry of Magic and a part of the Order of the Phoenix group. He continuously fought against Lord Voldemort and his followers, especially when they tried to overthrow the Ministry. He was a vital part of the final battle at Hogwarts, and, thanks to his efforts, was named acting Minister of Magic following the events. Kingsley constantly put himself at risk to fight against evil making him an overall important character in the franchise.
6 Fleur Delacour
Fleur Delacour is a side character who deserves recognition mostly in part to the role she plays in the book series. While she is beneficial in helping Harry in the films, it’s in the books that her character is given a bit more development. We first meet Fleur when she participates in the Triwazard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. She proves to be a strong contestant, making it all the way to the finals. Fleur returns later in the series as Bill Weasley’s wife. Along with a few others, she takes the Pollyjuice Potion to transform into Harry so that he can be moved to safety. Whether she did that as further repayment for saving her sister in the fourth story, or because of her marrying into the family of Harry’s best friend, her help in protecting Harry made her a deserving character.
5 Remus Lupin
Remus Lupin is a side character who takes more of a front role, at least in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. In the third story, he takes on the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts, which is where he forms a close relationship with Harry. Though he has a dark secret as a werewolf, Harry trusts him, and rightfully so. Throughout the later years, Remus continues to be a strong guiding force in Harry’s life, especially after his godfather, Sirius Black, dies. Remus is important, not only to Harry, but in the final battle against good and evil where he gives his life in defense of Hogwarts.
4 Molly Weasley
As far as mothers go, Molly Weasley is easily the best kind, at least within the Harry Potter franchise. While she was stern with her children, she loved them unconditionally and extended her love to those who needed her, especially to Harry, who lost his mother when he was a baby. Throughout the franchise, Molly shows her strength through her ability to love and care for those around her. Her best moment, of course, comes when she defeats Bellatrix Lestrange in a duel to save her children, while delivering the most iconic line in the whole film franchise: “Not my daughter, you bitch.”
3 Narcissa Malfoy
We had to include one “dark” character on our list of underrated characters, and none seemed to fit better than Narcissa Malfoy. As the wife of Lucius Malfoy, a Death Eater, the mother of Draco Malfoy, a Death Eater in training, and the sister of Lord Voldemort’s right hand, Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa was doomed to a life of darkness. She showed her true colors though when she lied to Lord Voldemort and told him Harry was dead in the hopes of being able to escape with her son. As a mother, you have to commend her for her bravery against true evil.
2 Abeforth Dumbledore
Abeforth Dumbledore is the brother of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School. He is given more of a backstory in the books than in the films, but that doesn’t take away from the role he plays in helping our three heroes. After Professor Dumbledore is killed by Professor Snape, Harry is at a loss without his mentor. While Abeforth questions Harry’s trust in his brother, he does help to be an inspiring source for Harry, going so far as to open his home to help the students left at Hogwarts in the final films.
1 Hedwig
Yes, we know Hedwig is an owl, but let’s be honest, she is the best pet, and even friend, Harry could ask for. From being purchased for Harry by Hagrid his first year to literally sacrificing herself to save Harry later in the series, she was always there for whatever Harry needed. She was a friend and companion to Harry and helped him survive his summer with the Dursleys and away from his friends at school. Hedwig proved time and time again that she loved Harry without ever having to say a word. As far as underrated goes, we would have to say her role tops the list.
