There are a bunch of strong wizards and witches in Harry Potter.
And seeing them fight and engage in duels never failed to amaze fans.
But have you wondered how they stack against each other?
Well, it’s time we find out who the strongest characters were in a proper ranking.
Continue reading to discover:
- The top 37 most powerful wizards in the Harry Potter series.
- Why Gellert Grindelwald’s a big threat in the wizarding world.
- What abilities made certain wizards and witches far more dangerous.
- How Harry Potter’s magic skills matched against other strong characters.
- And so much more…
37 most powerful wizards in Harry Potter
#1: Albus Dumbledore
He was a central figure in the Harry Potter universe.
In fact, he was the Headmaster of Hogwarts.
Not to mention, he held many other positions of authority.
So he was basically juggling many high-ranking jobs at the same time.
On top of that, he was a master at magic.
In fact, he told authorities that breaking out of Azkaban would be no sweat for him. A maximum-security prison only very few have managed to escape from in centuries
And the most outstanding part?
Well, we’ve barely scratched the surface of the reasons why Dumbledore is so powerful.
He was a 1-man wizarding army.
A force of nature that nobody could stop.
Plus, he didn’t just brute force his way to winning battles.
He had a way with words too.
And Dumbledore’s thought-provoking quotes were also in a league of their own.
#2: Voldemort
Dangerous doesn’t begin to explain the Dark Lord.
Voldemort was the strongest Dark wizard of all time.
And he was the root of both the 1st and 2nd wizarding wars.
In fact, people feared him so much they couldn’t even say his name.
Wizards and witches alike were afraid of what Voldemort could do.
Not to mention he already showed evil talent at a young age.
He would torture other kids at his orphanage.
And research shows it can leave victims with trauma and high levels of depression.
So to do that in his early years…
It’s not shocking to learn why people were terrified of him and his powers.
#3: Gellert Grindelwald
Before we got the big bad You-Know-Who in the wizarding world…
Gellert Grindelwald held the number 1 spot as the most dangerous Dark wizard of all time.
He was a talented man feared by many.
For example, he also used necromancy.
A branch of magic that could bring the dead back to life.
And he was confident in raising an army of zombies.
What’s more, his mastery over magic was only matched by Albus Dumbledore.
And their epic duel is a must-watch for any Harry Potter fan:
#4: Merlin
Although we don’t get to see much of Merlin in the story…
He was the most famous wizard of all time.
And his name echoed in the histories of both wizards and non-magical people.
Merlin was a legendary member of King Arthur’s court.
On top of that, he was dubbed the Prince of Enchanters. A title for his mastery over charms.
And he could change the properties of any object at his will.
Plus, he was credited for the creation of Expelliarmus. The most famous disarming charm that Harry Potter used in all his duels.
#5: Nicolas Flamel
Nicolas Flamel didn’t participate in any battles.
So we don’t know the full extent of his abilities in an actual fight.
But did he need to show these off to prove he was powerful?
No, because his achievements in alchemy were unmatched.
You see, he created the Philosopher’s Stone. An ingredient that could make anyone near-immortal.
He was well over 600 years old when we saw him in the story.
But his legacy won’t be going away anytime soon.
#6: Severus Snape
Severus Snape has many achievements.
He was a double agent for Dumbledore.
Not to mention that even Voldemort couldn’t read Snape’s mind.
On top of that, he was the Potions Master at Hogwarts.
He added a personal touch to all his mixtures…
Which made them a lot stronger too.
Snape also protected Harry Potter many times.
But the most amazing part?
Well, he acted in the shadows and remained undetected by Death Eaters too.
Also, let’s not forget he became Headmaster of Hogwarts.
And he only met his downfall against Voldemort.
When the Dark Lord decided that killing Snape would make the Elder Wand obey him.
A magical artifact that made its user win any magical duel.
#7: Bellatrix Lestrange
You don’t want to mess with this dangerous Death Eather.
Her talents were even recognized by Voldemort.
But the scariest part?
She actually killed a lot of characters.
Like Sirius Black and Dobby.
And can you guess how well Bellatrix did in the battle of Hogwarts?
She was the last Death Eater standing.
Not to mention, she stood her ground even up against many people at the same time.
#8: Alastor Moody
He’s a tough wizard who knows his way around any fight.
Not only was he an original member of the Order of the Phoenix. Britain’s secret society of the strongest magic users.
He was widely considered the most famous Auror too. Wherein he spent the vast majority of his career capturing dangerous Dark wizards.
Plus, he could cast spells using his walking stick.
So getting rid of his wand isn’t the only thing you need to worry about when fighting him.
#9: Horace Slughorn
Professor Slughorn doesn’t get much time to shine on the battlefield.
And while he came out of retirement to help defend Hogwarts…
His ability to protect his mind was a much greater feat.
You see, even Albus Dumbledore couldn’t pull a fast one over him.
And to give the greatest wizard of all time a run for his money…
Horace is not someone you want to mess with.
Even if he’s already in his golden years.
#10: Antonin Dolohov
No Death Eater was as merciless as Antonin Dolohov.
On top of that, he also knew how to create his own spells.
In fact, he used them on Hermione Granger.
And his purple flames knocked her out and nearly killed her.
But the scariest part about Antonin?
He was very loyal to Voldemort.
And he served 14 years in Azkaban under a life sentence…
Without ever questioning the Dark Lord.
#11: Minerva McGonagall
Minerva might’ve not been part of the Order of the Phoenix.
But she was just as strong as any member of the organization.
In fact, she was the Head of Gryffindor.
Not to mention she was also Deputy Headmistress to Dumbledore. A position that you don’t get without a mastery of magic and proven skills.
Plus, she even held her own in a duel against Severus Snape.
And let’s not forget how Professor Minerva created an army of knight statues.
#12: Filius Flitwick
Sure, he looks small.
But don’t let his size deceive you.
He’s the head of Ravenclaw.
And a very accomplished magic duellist.
In fact, he even defeated Antonin Dolohov.
The same Death Eater who took down Alastor Moody and murdered Remus Lupin.
Plus, he continued to teach at Hogwarts as the Charms Master. Or a skilled professor in enchanting spells.
#13: Aberforth Dumbledore
He might not be as strong as his brother, Albus Dumbledore.
But he wasn’t a slouch in the magic department.
In fact, he liked settling things with fights instead of talking.
Plus, he was an original member of the Order of the Phoenix.
And helped in both 1st and 2nd wizarding wars.
But the coolest part?
He could block Grindelwald’s killing curse without a word.
#14: Rufus Scrimgeour
Rufus may have been rough around the edges.
And he butted heads with Harry Potter many times too.
Moreover, he was a powerful wizard.
In fact, Rufus spent most of his career on the front lines.
And he fought and captured many Dark wizards…
Even before becoming the Minister for Magic in Britain.
On top of that, he never gave in to Voldemort’s torture.
And when questioned by the Dark Lord.
Rufus didn’t reveal any secrets to him.
#15: Igor Karkaroff
Seeing Igor in a trial while behind bars wasn’t a good look.
But that doesn’t take away from the fact that he was Headmaster of Durmstrang Institute.
In fact, a study shows teachers are a lot more prone to burnout.
So between juggling his duties to 1 of the largest wizarding schools in Europe…
And staying under the radar against Voldemort’s Death Eaters.
Igor was a very skilled wizard.
Now if he wasn’t surrounded by Death Eaters…
He might’ve had a fighting chance to survive.
#16: Barty Crouch Jr.
Barty Crouch Jr. wasn’t the most powerful Death Eater.
But if we’re talking about cunning…
He was 1 of the most successful Dark wizards at deception.
In fact, he had everyone in Hogwarts fooled that he was Alastor Moody.
And if Barty Jr. didn’t slip up at the last moment…
He could’ve murdered Harry Potter during the Triwizard Tournament.
#17: Amelia Bones
Amelia Bones didn’t get much time to shine in any fights.
However, she’s one serious force to be dealt with in the wizarding world.
She was the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
And you don’t get to the top of the largest branch in the wizarding government without skills.
But what about her greatest feat?
She actually fought Voldemort.
And even if Amelia met her downfall…
Going up against the strongest Dark wizard of all time isn’t something any normal witch can do.
#18: Remus Lupin
Remus Lupin may have fallen during the Battle of Hogwarts.
But that doesn’t make him any less of a skilled wizard.
In fact, students believed he was the best Defense Against The Dark Arts professor.
And he could face several Death Eaters without getting hurt too.
On top of that, Professor Remus could cast magic without using a wand.
He even conjured blue flames without saying a word.
#19: Kingsley Shacklebolt
He worked as an Auror.
So he knew his way around a fight with any Dark wizard.
But besides that, he actually worked undercover.
And fed the Ministry wrong information to help the Order of the Phoenix.
But his most amazing achievement?
He became the Minister of Magic.
And unlike the people before him.
Kingsley was all about getting rid of corruption in the wizarding government.
#20: Nymphadora Tonks
Nymphadora Tonks was an incredible fighter.
She even joined the 2nd Order of the Phoenix.
But if there’s 1 thing she did better than everybody else.
She could change her appearance without using potions.
In fact, she was considered to be the best at infiltration.
The witch could even transform into Professor Cuthbert Binns.
And to change into a ghost took some serious skill.
Tonks was also excellent at flying.
Not to mention fight duels while on a broomstick.
#21: Sirius Black
Sirius Black wasn’t just Harry Potter’s godfather.
He was the 1st person to ever escape from Azkaban without outside help.
And he managed all that while withstanding the effects of the Dementors. Or those dark creatures that sucked out the happiness from your soul.
Not to mention, research shows prison can take a toll on both your mind and body.
So to escape even under those conditions took some serious determination and skill.
Plus, Sirius could disarm and stun people without saying a word.
Therefore, he’s 1 dangerous opponent to have.
#22: Barty Crouch Sr.
Barty Crouch Sr. may have been in his golden years when we met him.
But don’t let his looks deceive you because he’s a very talented wizard.
Apart from being Head of 2 different magical departments during his career…
He staged the 1st successful escape from Azkaban by helping his son escape prison.
On top of that, he managed to keep Barty Jr. under the Imperius curse for over 12 years.
And you need to be very powerful to keep someone under mind control for that long.
#23: Lucius Malfoy
Lucius Malfoy wasn’t the best character in the Harry Potter series.
In fact, many fans didn’t like him as well.
Not to mention, he showed all the worst traits of Slytherin.
But he was still a skilled duelist.
And while not as ruthless as other Death Eaters…
He could stand his ground in a proper fight.
On top of that, he was the only Death Eater who understood love.
And his love for family saved him and even turned him to the good side.
#24: Narcissa Malfoy
Although Narcissa Malfoy was never an official Death Eater…
She did support Voldemort.
But Narcissa’s greatest feat was an act of defiance.
And she mustered the courage to lie to the Dark Lord about Harry Potter’s death.
Even if Voldemort was the strongest dark wizard that could read anyone’s mind.
On top of that, Narcissa Malfoy survived the Battle of Hogwarts.
So she was a capable fighter…
Even if she wasn’t as good as her sister Bellatrix Lestrange.
#25: Molly Weasley
Molly Weasley might be 1 of the best mothers in the story.
But did you know she’s actually a really good fighter?
She’s the one who took down Bellatrix Lestrange.
And while the Death Eater would normally be stronger…
Bellatrix made the wrong decision of mocking Molly’s family.
As a result, it’s how Molly Weasley overpowered the Death eater
Plus, it’s how we got this iconic line:
“NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU B*TCH!”
#26: James Potter
We never saw Harry Potter’s dad in action.
But he was an original member of the Order of the Phoenix.
And he fought tooth and nail during the 1st wizarding war.
On top of that, he was really good at Transfiguration magic.
He even transformed himself into a stag.
Which was a very dangerous and challenging process.
He also had really good reflexes.
And was 1 of the best Quidditch flyers in Gryffindor.
#27: Frank Longbottom
Frank Longbottom may have been tortured to insanity.
But did you know he fought in the 1st wizarding war without getting hurt?
In fact, he actually escaped Voldemort.
Not just once but 3 different times.
Plus, Frank spent his career as an Auror.
So he was no stranger when it came to dealing with Dark wizards.
And he only met his downfall when he was outnumbered.
#28: Alice Longbottom
Just like her husband, Frank…
Alice Longbottom was an original member of the Order of the Phoenix.
And she fought against many of Voldemort’s followers.
Alongside other notable characters like Alastor Moody, Alice also worked as an Auror.
As a result, she had excellent mastery over magic.
In fact, she came out of the 1st wizarding war unscathed.
And if it weren’t for Bellatrix Lestrange and her torture.
Alice could’ve fought in the 2nd wizarding war too.
#29: Harry Potter
Harry Potter was definitely talented.
And he even brought an end to the terrible war after defeating Voldemort.
But he’s still got a lot to learn.
Not to mention he was never as studious as Hermione Granger.
However, that doesn’t take away from his strength.
He even read into Snape’s mind.
A wizard strong enough that could fend off Voldemort’s mind-reading abilities.
So with time and more years under Harry’s belt.
He’s got the making of a great wizard as well.
#30: Hermione Granger
Hermione Granger was the smartest among the famous golden trio.
In fact, many wizards and witches even considered her a genius.
As a result, she had no trouble learning new spells.
Not to mention she enjoyed reading all kinds of magical studies.
Of course, we only see her intellect at a young age.
But given enough time, Hermione could become 1 of the smartest minds in the wizarding world too.
And if it weren’t for her age…
She would’ve ranked much higher.
#31: Draco Malfoy
Although Draco Malfoy couldn’t land the killing blow on Dumbledore…
Not to mention, he was a bully during most of his time at Hogwarts…
He was an exceptional wizard with great abilities.
He had a natural talent for the Dark arts.
Plus, he could even cast spells without saying a word.
However, his greatest feat was repairing the Vanishing Cabinets.
A magical passage into Hogwarts.
He fixed the artifact by himself without anyone catching him.
And it’s how Death Eaters broke into the wizarding school undetected.
#32: Amycus Carrow
Amycus Carrow may have been bested many times.
But he’s still 1 capable Death Eater.
In fact, he could even cast Fiendfyre. A dangerous curse that summoned flames in the shape of beasts. Ones strong enough to devour anything in an inferno.
And the scariest part?
You can’t extinguish them even if you have magical water.
But his best feat was his short time as a professor…
Because he taught Vincent Crabbe how to use the Fiendfyre as well.
#33: Alecto Carrow
Sure, Alecto Carrow wasn’t the best duelist.
But she was still a very capable Death Eater.
Not to mention her power levels scaled very closely to her brother, Amycus.
On top of that, Alecto was pretty good at using the Cruciatus Curse.
A torture spell that took a lot of skill and evil intent to use effectively.
And while she wasn’t the best teacher at Hogwarts.
She was steadfast in pushing Voldemort’s ideals to the students.
#34: Thorfinn Rowle
Thorfinn Rowle might be a throwaway character in the movies.
Plus, he’s almost always outshined by Antonin Dolohov in many of their scenes together.
But he’s still a capable Death Eater under Voldemort’s command.
Not to mention, he even held his own against Nymphadora Tonks.
And you need some serious skill in the Dark Arts to handle an experienced Auror.
On top of that, Thorfinn had no problem casting spells without saying a word.
For example, he could use the Silencing Charm only using his wand.
As a result, he could make any target temporarily mute without much effort.
#35: Newt Scamander
We see very little of Newt Scamander in the main Harry Potter films.
But he’s a very capable wizard.
In fact, even Albus Dumbledore recognized his skills and trusted Newt.
He even helped Dumbledore track down and face Gellert Grindelwald.
And you’d need some serious magical skill to go up against the strongest Dark wizard at the time.
However, Newt’s best ability was his knowledge of magical creatures
In fact, he even wrote the book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Which became a standard textbook in Hogwarts.
#36: Fenrir Greyback
Fenrir Greyback was a savage werewolf.
And his fearsome wolf transformation not only made him look scarier…
He was also physically stronger.
He even left a scar on Bill Weasley’s face.
Not to mention Fenrir brutally murdered Lavender Brown during the Battle of Hogwarts.
In fact, after Harry Potter stunned Fenrir Greyback.
The werewolf managed to get back up as if nothing happened.
#37: Ron Weasley
Ron Weasley was never the best at magic.
But he was still capable enough to stand his ground in many battles.
And his experiences surviving many duels put him a leg up against most wizards and witches.
On top of that, he could use non-verbal magic.
Which meant he was pretty skilled in using different spells.
Plus, he had a knack for tactics and strategy.
Because Ron was great at thinking outside the box, even in stressful situations.