The Best Quote From Each Harry Potter Film (And Why They're So Iconic) (2025)

Harry Potter is still a beloved franchise today, well over ten years after the original film series concluded. With some of the most iconic characters in cinema history, the series introduced audiences across the globe to a world of magic the likes of which had never been seen before. Along with all the incredible sets and special effects, came some truly amazing pieces of dialogue that would stand the test of time, becoming memes or words of affirmation over a decade later.

To love these movies is to open one's heart to the idea that magic can be found even in the simplest joys of life. Some of Harry Potter's best quotes reflect this, finding incredible meaning or power, whether it be to uplift the viewer or to shatter their heart. The question then is which lines from each movie were the best? Depending on the fan, it will be a different answer. For this list though, here are some thoughts on what the most important lines of the movies were.

Hagrid Changed Harry's Life With a Few Short Words

Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone

This line is what truly got Harry started in the wizarding world. Hagrid's delivery may have been blunt, but after everything the Dursleys did to hide the truth from Harry, both he and the audience deserved a straight answer. These four words not only explained why Harry was orphaned, but also why he never truly fit in with his muggle family, and directed him towards the great destiny that was waiting for him. Of course, it also opened a lot of doors to the unknown for Harry. He was leaving one world he had only just experienced as a child for a whole new one where his knowledge was next to nothing.

In many ways, this line was the gateway to the fantastic. After this, magic became much more pronounced, as if somehow the confirmation of Harry's status meant that it was easier to perceive. With this line though came the threat of darkness. All was not right with the wizarding world, but as with any classic life-altering sentence, there comes a lot of good and a lot of bad.

Hermoine Perfectly Implemented a Lesson She Learned From Dumbledore

Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets

Hermione was always one step ahead of everyone else, even from a young age. Though she picked up the knowledge of the wizarding world with ease, she was also capable of learning from those around her, as well as analyzing the mistakes that her adult contemporaries were making. Among them was the idea to treat Voldemort's name as something to be frightened of. Not only did it allow him to have a hold on the world even after his power had been broken for more than a decade, it also inspired his still active followers to try and find him.

This line was also something she learned from Dumbledore himself. By repeating these sage words, Hermione proved she was more than just booksmart but also wise beyond her years. Ironically, in the books, Hermione actually disliked saying the name too. Yet, Hermione overcame her discomfort, showcasing her bravery and proving that she belonged in Gryffindor.

Harry Unknowingly Pays Homage to His Father

Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban

This line has since become a classic, being plastered on everything from t-shirts to cups and just about every other bit of merchandise the Harry Potter franchise has made. By uttering this line, Harry was able to unlock the shockingly complex magic of the Marauder's Map, a magical item that allowed Harry to see the comings and goings of anyone inside Hogwarts Castle, no matter how they were trying to conceal themselves. It proved useful more than once, and also connected Harry to his father since he was the one who made it alongside his school friends, the Marauders.

The line was proof that the Marauders were not quite the heroes Harry initially believed them to be. In reality, they were very much troublemakers. Gifted, yes, but no less troublemakers. It was the first hint that not everything was so picturesque about James Potter as a young man, yet, the line endeared itself to fans, becoming a rallying cry for many to use as a way to spot a fellow fan of the franchise.

Dumbledore Asks the Question on Everyone's Mind

Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire

One line from Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire has a special place within the hearts of fans because of how the book and the movie portray it differently. In the book, Dumbledore asked this to Harry in a calm and patient manner. In the movie, Dumbledore slams Harry against a display case and asks him this with the fury of a man who was close to throwing hands.

Though it may have been obvious, Dumbledore's question demanded an answer. Harry was a fourth year when his name came out, and he had nowhere near the level of magical skill needed to bypass Dumbledore's defenses to put his name in. Had anyone actually bothered to follow up and try to figure out who really put Harry's name in, it might have exposed the conspiracy to bring Voldemort back to power. It's strange to imagine, but a question leveled against a teenager to determine if he had broken any rules might have spared the wizarding world countless deaths.

Harry Potter Starts to Become a True Leader in Dumbledore's Absence

Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix

This line popped up in part of a montage as Harry began training the nascent student group known as Dumbledore's Army. Harry was attempting to teach them what he knew about battling the dark arts since the Ministry of Magic was interfering with their education. Harry was initially hesitant that people looked to him for guidance, but seeing as he had the most experience, it fell to him by default. To his surprise though, as time passed and his confidence grew, he became a real leader for them.

This line to his friends and allies in the room was meant to inspire them, letting them know that though they have humble beginnings, so did everyone who ever achieved greatness. It is also an excellent reminder that in real life it does not matter how one starts out, but what they become that truly matters. To be great, one must work hard at something to become better at it. Harry taught that lesson well and ended up building a genuine resistance group against Voldemort in the process.

Snape Reveals the Identity of the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince

During one of the darkest moments of the series, and perhaps Harry's all-time personal low, Snape found a way to deal even more emotional damage. When Harry pursued him after Snape killed Dumbledore, he attempted to use the spell "sectumsempra" a dangerous spell that caused wounds that were almost impossible to heal. Snape blocked them and knocked Harry back, revealing that he was the one who had invented those spells in the first place.

This was a devastating blow to Harry, as for most of the year, he had been benefiting from the knowledge left behind by the mysterious "Half-Blood Prince." It increased his potionmaking skills, made him a much more powerful duelist, and even helped him outclass Hermione in some academic areas. For Harry to learn that the man he had admired and openly praised was actually the man he hated most in the world was an ego-shattering moment that left him utterly stunned.

Dobby Gives Fans the Franchise's Saddest Goodbye

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

There were a lot of deaths in the series, but Dobby's might have hit the hardest. Rarely did Harry get a chance to have last words with the loved ones he had lost, but Dobby was one of the few exceptions. After saving them from Malfoy Manor, Dobby was fatally wounded by Bellatrix Lestrange during their escape. As he was cradled in Harry's arms, he did not appear sad or blame Harry for what happened. Rather, he remarked on how he was in a beautiful place, surrounded by people who loved and valued him. His last words to let them know how much they mean to him.

Dobby's death hit fans hard, and Harry even harder. Yet, there was some closure with it. They knew that Dobby died on his terms, and even got a chance to bury him and say goodbye. That didn't happen very often as Harry and his friends were forced on the run. Their allies were dropping left and right, but the loss of Dobby was a moment they could take to mourn, and one that came with some peace as well.

Snape Saves the World With His Love While Breaking Fans' Hearts

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

For so many years, Snape was viewed as a villain, second only to Voldemort himself in how much contempt fans had for him. Then the truth of his motivations and allegiance came to light: Snape had long since sided with Dumbledore because he had been in love with Harry Potter's mother, Lily Evans. Her loss had devastated him and he devoted the rest of his life to keeping her son, the last remnant of her on Earth, safe. Granted, Snape couldn't get past his grudge against James Potter, but he still devoted himself to honoring Lily's memory. His patronus even changed shape to that of a doe, another way for him to honor Lily.

When he learned that Dumbledore intended for Harry to die at the right time to bring about Voldemort's downfall, Snape was incensed, especially when Dumbledore asked if he had actually grown to care for Harry. This pushed Snape to conjure his Patronus, shocking Dumbledore with how deep his love for Lily ran, even after so many years. When asked why, he simply said "Always." That single word showed how deeply and loyally Snape could love. In a different world, he might have been a happier man. Instead, his tragic past will break hearts as fans wonder what kind of person he would have been had his life not been tainted by darkness.

Harry Potter

Created by

J.K. Rowling

First Film

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Latest Film

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2

Upcoming TV Shows

Harry Potter

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon

Where to watch

HBO Max