20 most underrated actors from the Harry Potter movies, ranked

One of the most popular book series, with an equally popular movie adaptation, is the story about the famous boy wizard, Harry Potter. The story revolves around him taking down the most deadly dark lord of Hogwarts and captures the imagination of readers and viewers alike. In such a complex world, many characters have graced the screen with their compelling presence. Here are 20 such characters who ignited the Harry Potter movies with their portrayal even with limited screen time.

Disclaimer: This list reflects the personal opinions and perspectives of the writer.

20. David Bradley (Argus Filch)

Bradley does a compelling job of playing the caretaker of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His character, Filch, roamed around the school corridors with his beloved cat, Mrs. Morris. His character of a grumpy caretaker who tries to catch students breaking the school rules is comedic and full of brilliant expressions.

19. Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy)

Narcissa is another evil character who is the wife of Lucius and stands with him in his notions about blood purity. She is the younger sister of Bellatrix Lestrange and even lies to Voldemort about Harry Potter being dead during the Battle of Hogwarts to save her family from going to Azkaban. McCrory did a masterful job as she showcased her characters' complex morality.

18. Jim Broadbent (Horace Slughorn)

The character of Slughorn was a student of the Hogwarts school before he returned as the Potions Master and served as the head of the Slytherin house. Yet, he has a dark secret, he told Tom Riddle about the Horcruxes, and when Voldemort tries to seek him out, he lives a life on the run. Broadbent does a stellar job of portraying the character’s anguish.

17. Gemma Jones (Madam Pomfrey)

As the resident matron of the Hogwarts school, Pomfrey is a loving and nurturing character. She is a fantastic healer and is possessive of the patients in her care. She even fought in the Battle of Hogwarts and showed her strength when it was needed. Her quiet strength and compassion are perfectly portrayed by Jones.

16. Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)

Wright portrays the role of Weasley with Elan as she showcases how her character grows from a shy and subdued sister of the Weasley brothers, into a strong and independent woman in her own right. Her character causes trouble in the earlier movies as she accidentally opens the Chamber of Secrets, but in the latter movies, she grows into an able partner of Harry Potter.

15. Sean Biggerstaff (Oliver Wood)

Despite a small role, Biggerstaff made sure to leave a lasting impression as Gryffindor’s Keeper and Captain of the Quidditch team and always showed sportsmanship. A skilled player, he is known for delivering long lectures to his team but ultimately led them to victory in the Quidditch Cup of the seventh year.

14. Katie Leung (Cho Chang)

Leung delivers a strong portrayal of Chang as she plays a character who was the Seeker for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. Her resilience is shown when her boyfriend Cedric Diggory, unfortunately, dies during the Triwizard Tournament and she vows to fight against the Dark Lord. The actress brought a fierce vulnerability to the role.

13. Frank Dillane (Teenage Tom Riddle)

Dillane gave a chilling performance as the young Voldemort in Half-Blood Prince and showcased the dark character’s fiery nature with his energetic performance. His acting laid the groundwork for audiences to understand the level of darkness that his character had. Tom Riddle is a powerful wizard who starts off as a student at Hogwarts, before taking a darker path and becoming the powerful Voldemort.

12. Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley)

As the head of the Weasley family and an employee of the Ministry of Magic, as well as a member of the Order of the Phoenix, Arthur is a disciplined man and an upstanding member. He was a student at the Hogwarts school and Williams does a compelling job of lending warmth and kindheartedness to the quirky character.

11. Julie Walters (Molly Weasley)

Molly is the wife of Arthur and is a loveable mother who fiercely protects her children. She was also a former student at Hogwarts and she acted as a motherly figure in Harry Potter’s life. Walters brings all the motherly qualities needed for the role and delivers a heartfelt performance.

10. Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley)

Melling delivers a compelling performance as he plays one of the most hated characters of Dursley, who is a cousin of Harry Potter and bullied him while growing up. It is only when Harry saves him from Dementors, that he starts to appreciate Harry and he even has to run away after Voldemort tries to seek him. The actor’s incorrigible performance as Dursley is still remembered.

9. Fiona Shaw (Petunia Dursley)

As the sister to Lily Porter and the mother of Dudley, Petunia is the scornful aunt of Harry Potter, who hates her sister for being a witch and shows that resentment towards Harry as well. Shaw delivers a memorable performance as she captured the bitterness of the spiteful character and the actress is still known for her iconic portrayal.

8. Alfie Enoch (Dean Thomas)

Enoch delivers a spirited portrayal as Thomas, who is a student at Hogwarts and is a Chaser for Gryffindor’s Quidditch team. He shows bravery when he joins Dunbledore’s Army and does not shy away, even when he is in danger from Voldemort after he takes control of the Ministry of Magic. His character had the potential for deeper exploration as he is a half-blood.

7. Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge)

Staunton delivers a memorable performance as Umbridge as she expertly portrays the pink-clad sadist who is a bureaucrat at the British Ministry of Magic and served as the Senior Undersecretary as well. She wields an authoritarian rule after Dumbledore is fired and she becomes Headmistress. The actress is still remembered for her fiery performance.

6. Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy)

The father of Draco Malfoy and a prefect of the Slytherin house, Lucius has an unscrupulous role, as he is an aristocratic wizard and strongly believes in blood purity. He was Voldemort’s second-in-command during the First Wizarding War and became a part of the Death Eaters. Isaacs therefore lends an icy cold and chillingly devious performance.

5. Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley)

Gleeson had a small but memorable role as Bill in Harry Potter, as he played the eldest Weasley sibling and was a prefect and a head boy at the Hogwarts school. The actor portrays the brave personality of his character who fought against Voldemort in the Order of the Phoenix and even fought in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower.

4. David Thewlis (Remus Lupin)

Thewlis gives a stellar performance as he plays the role of Lupin, who attended Hogwarts and was friends with James Potter, Sirius Black, and others. He co-created the Marauder’s Map and taught at Hogwarts as the Professor of Defence against the Dark Arts. He was also attacked by a werewolf and remained one himself. Thewlis captured Lupin’s inner turmoil and angst.

3. Natalia Tena (Nymphadora Tonks)

Tena brought charm and warmth to a character that is a favorite amongst fans. Nymphadora was a student at Hogwarts and joined the Ministry of Magic and became an Auror. She also fought in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries and showcased her brave persona. The actress therefore delivered a compelling performance even in the limited screen time.

2. Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)

Lynch captures the quirky and curious yet brave persona of her character, Luna Lovegood, with perfection. Her character is a student at Hogwarts and is a part of the Ravenclaw House. She showcases her mettle when she joins Dumbledore’s Army and becomes an important member. She also fights in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. Lynch therefore gives power to her fiery character.

1. Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)

Lewis expertly plays the role of Longbottom who had one of the best character arcs as he grows from an awkward character into a brave hero. Even though he was prophesied to defeat Voldemort, he was extremely scared of everything. His parents were respected Aurors who were a part of the Order of the Phoenix. Lewis captures his character’s growth perfectly and delivers a memorable performance.