Fans of theHarry Potteruniverse have often looked to the Hogwarts houses to engage with the fandom in a tangible way. Gryffindor has often held a special place in the fandom, since Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) himself is sorted into this House. Godric Gryffindor, one of Hogwarts' four founders, formed the House to showcase his own ideals. Those sorted into this Houseare known to show courage, bravery, and camaraderie.
Those in Gryffindor are known to display bravery to the point of recklessness. However, this fearlessness is used to protect others and to do the most good. SomeHarry Potter characterswho were in Gryffindor, like Albus Dumbledore (Richard HarrisandMichael Gambon), use their talents to consolidate power, for better and worse. Other characters, like Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), use their bravery to protect others and to stand up for what’s right.These are the best Harry Potter characters that come from Gryffindor House.
10Ron Weasley
Played by Rupert Grint
As Harry Potter’s best friend, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), is so often left in the background. He struggles in school and sometimes appears to be several steps behind his peers when it comes to figuring out what is happening around him. However, he is deeply loyal to his friends and proves to be a dependable friend. While Ron may not always understand the plan or what’s going on around him,he is always ready to do the right thing to protect the people he loves.
What makesRon so compelling as a Gryffindoris the fact that he has a unique sense of loyalty. This loyalty is what elevates this character, who otherwise could easily get lost in the shuffle of the franchise. Although Ron hasa deep family legacyin Gryffindor, he makes a name for himself by consistently prioritizing the needs of his friends and family over his own. This self-sacrifice embodies the truest values of those in Gryffindor.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
An orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.
9Sirius Black
Played by Gary Oldman
When first introduced inHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) is thought to be a criminal. However, as the story continues, it is clear that Sirius is a far more complex character who ends up being an important part of his godson Harry’s life. Sirius' story is a tragedy in that he consistently shows how much he wants to redeem himself and try his best to make a better life after everything he’s been through.
What makesSirius such a Gryffindoris not just that he shows how brave he is when faced with seemingly impossible odds. The fact that he also faces his own circumstances with courage makes him a natural part of Gryffindor’s legacy. Right up to his final battle,Sirius demonstrates the self-sacrifice and courage that is common for everyone in Gryffindor. The fact that Sirius also goes against his family legacy to be the most courageous version of himself also proves that he was always meant to be a Gryffindor.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner, Sirius Black, who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.
8Remus Lupin
Played by David Thewlis
Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) is also first introduced inHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkabanas the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. He had no easy task stepping into a role that was widely considered to be cursed.Lupin’s connection to Harry’s past cements him as an important mentor as Harrycontinues to develop his own abilities to fight the forces of evil that eventually return. Lupin is a critical member of the Order of the Phoenix when Voldemort returns.
Lupin is another example of a character who faces tragedy throughout the series with courage. This attitude makes him an ideal Gryffindor. While he sometimes expresses resentment towards the situations he finds himself in,he always returns to his values and shows how brave he can be in the darkest of times. Lupin pairs his obvious intelligence with compassion, which makes him an excellent friend and mentor to those around him.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
With their warning about Lord Voldemort’s return scoffed at, Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.
7Rubeus Hagrid
Played by Robbie Coltrane
Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) is introduced right at the beginning of the series, and has been with Harry from the start. While he was expelled from Hogwarts at an early age, he is always shown to be a part of the school. Hagrid’s journey from groundskeeper to professor to warrior is one of the most compelling featured in the Harry Potter franchise. Hagrid is often underestimated, but his kind soul sets him apart and shows how essential he is to this story.
Hagrid embodies so much of the Gryffindor archetype. From the moment he is introduced, he demonstrates how willing he is to help others. Even when he is underestimated,he always takes opportunities to showcase how brave he is. Hagrid shows his courage by beingopen and compassionateand being ready to help those around them. His courage is shown long before he gets to the Battle of Hogwarts. His bravery is perfectly ordinary in that he supports people who need it most.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The second installment of boy wizard Harry Potter’s adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A mysterious elf tells Harry to expect trouble during his second year at Hogwarts, but nothing can prepare him for trees that fight back, flying cars, spiders that talk and deadly warnings written in blood on the walls of the school.
6Neville Longbottom
Played by Matthew Lewis
Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) may not be one of the core trio in the Harry Potter franchise, but he is no less important to their story. Neville is another character who remains in the background for so much of the story. However, as time goes on, it becomes clear that Neville is destined for greatness in his own right. While he may not have been selected as “The Chosen One”,Neville takes control of his own destiny and saves the world in the process.
What makesNeville such a classic Gryffindoris the fact that he consistently confronts his fears. While he may still be afraid of people and circumstances, the fact that he chooses to confront them cements the fact that he has always belonged in Gryffindor. The way he also works through his past andcontinues to chart his own course in spite of the tragedy he faced also makes it clear that Neville has the spirit of Gryffindor.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The fourth movie in the Harry Potter franchise sees Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) returning for his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, along with his friends, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). There is an upcoming tournament between the three major schools of magic, with one participant selected from each school by the Goblet of Fire. When Harry’s name is drawn, even though he is not eligible and is a fourth player, he must compete in the dangerous contest.
5Ginny Weasley
Played by Bonnie Wright
Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright)is a nuanced and lovable character who is, unfortunately, too often only remembered in the context of her relationship with Harry Potter. Although she is first introduced as a girl witha crush on The Boy Who Lived,Ginny is quickly established as a character with a distinct personality. She sets herself apart as a talented student and Quidditch athlete and never misses an opportunity to support those closest to her.
Ginny is fiercely loyal to her friends and family, which is why it’s hardly surprising to find this character in Gryffindor. She takes any challenge she faces in stride, including the existential threat Voldemort poses. Because she has had to fight to have her voice heardas the youngest child of seven, she is used to defending herself and others. Her sense of adventure also showcases why she should always have been in Gryffindor.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
As Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts, he discovers an old book marked as “the property of the Half-Blood Prince” and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort’s dark past.
4Harry Potter
Played by Daniel Radcliffe
There’s a lot to love about the series protagonist.Harry Potter had a unique way of facing his fears throughout the seriesand demonstrated a unique ability to show bravery against massive threats. From the moment he’s born, he faces seemingly impossible challenges since he has the fate of the wizarding world thrust upon him. However, he always demonstrates kindness and compassion and has an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing.
Harry Potter frequently questioned whether he belonged in Gryffindor. However, this self-reflection proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was where he always belonged. Although he had some of thedarker impulsesthat might have made him more at home in Slytherin,it was always clear that Harry embodied the best of what those in Gryffindor have to offer. Harry’s courage is shown in his willingness to accept his fate at such a young age, and how this makes him a more compassionate and empathetic person.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1
3Hermione Granger
Played by Emma Watson
Hermione (Emma Watson) holds the main trio of the Harry Potter franchise together. While Harry and Ron often take a moment to get up to speed on a lot of what happens around them, Hermione is the one who keeps them all on track. Hermione has to prove herself constantly because she was born and raised in the non-magical world. Throughout the series, Hermione is often the key to her own success as well as the success of those around her. She may come across as a strict rule follower,but it is only because Hermione has such a strong need to protect herself and those she loves.
On the surface, one could argue thatHermione belongs in Ravenclawbecause of her obvious intelligence, but it becomes clearer as the series goes on that she was always meant to be in Gryffindor.Hermione faces the same threat to her world as everyone else does and relies on her skillsto do the most good for her community. Hermione also embodies Gryffindor’s values by defending those considered less-than within her society. It takes a lot of courage to go against what everyone else considers “normal”.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Harry, Ron, and Hermione search for Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.
2Albus Dumbledore
Played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon
Albus Dumbledore has been played by several actorsthroughout the Harry Potter franchise. He is introduced as the Headmaster of Hogwarts, and acts as a mentor to Harry. As the series continues, it becomes clear that Dumbledore is playing a much more complicated game and has plans of his own. Within his massive mistakes,Dumbledore ultimately develops a sense of humilitythat allows him to be the mentor Harry needs.
As flawed as he is, Dumbledore’s fearlessness allows him to take risks. This spirit embodies what Gryffindor expected from those in his Hogwarts house. Dumbledore’s initial quest for power and glory gives way to a quest to save the entire world from an evil wizard. He is able to recognize his worst impulses, and use them for good.Dumbledore’s courage comes from the fact that he is able to admit that he is wrongand that power for its own sake isn’t everything.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
1Minerva McGonagall
Played by Maggie Smith
Minerva McGonagall is played by Maggie Smith, which gives the character a unique gravitas. Underneath her strict exterior, there is a woman who cares deeply about those around her, including her students and fellow teachers.McGonagall shows that she is willing to face any threat, no matter how dangerous it may be. Whether danger presents itself as a witch in pink or an evil wizard committed to destruction, McGonagall is always on the frontline protecting those who need it.
Professor McGonagall is a combination of the best Gryffindor ideals. Her courage is clear in every decision she makes. She never lets fear get in the way of doing what is best for everyone. She also shows herself to be willing to bend the rules when the situation calls for it. McGonagall consistently puts her own needs below those of others and never hesitates to fight to her full abilities to further a cause she deems worthy.This selflessness makes McGonagall the best of what Gryffindor has to offer.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
In 1926, British magizoologist Newt Scamander travels to New York City in his ongoing field research into magical creatures. Here, he finds himself caught up in some trouble involving a No-Maj, local wizarding law enforcement, and the Dark Wizard Grindelwald.
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