Ravenclaws have their cleverness and wit, Hufflepuffs have their loyalty and kindness, and Slytherins have their cunning and resourcefulness. However, out of all the Hogwarts Houses in Harry Potter, there’s really nothing like a Gryffindor. Some people despise them and think that they are glory-seeking, short-tempered, arrogant heroes. While that may be true in a lot of cases, there’s no denying that some of the most intelligent, brave, loyal, and even selfless witches and wizards come from the Godric Gryffindor Hogwarts House. This ranking system is based off of how well each character fits the Gryffindor common traits. According to the Sorting Hat:
“You might belong in Gryffindor
Where dwell the brave at heart,
their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart”
With the common traits of bravery, daring, nerve, and chivalry in mind, take a look at 20 Gryffindors Ranked Worst To Best and let us know what you think of this order.
20. Peter Pettigrew
Peter Pettigrew, also known as Wormtail, makes for the absolute worst Gryffindor on this list because he possess the opposite of the desired Gryffindor traits. He is cowardly and fearful, yet he is cunning enough to be a double agent, working for both The Order Of The Pheonix and the Dark Lord simultaneously. When Pettigrew was in his first year, the Sorting Hat took more than five minutes trying to decide if he would fit better in Slytherin or Gryffindor. J.K. Rowling calls this a “hatstall.” Pettigrew betrayed his friends out of fear and then proceeded to fake his own death and hide as a rat for twelve years. It’s also notable that he is only loyal to whoever holds the most power.
Despite so many traits and decisions that are so very unlike Gryffindor, the Sorting Hat still insists that it made the right choice in placing Wormtail in the house known for bravery. The Hat regarded the traits that led Pettigrew to hesitate to kill Harry as noble. Sadly, Voldemort regarded it as disloyalty. Our opinion: he could transform into a rat and if that doesn’t perfectly display who he is as a person, we're unsure what will.
19. Cormac McLaggen
Cormac McLaggen is brave and has a lot of nerve, but he does not have an ounce of chivalry in his entire body. He is rude, aggressive, self-centered, and always placing the blame on someone other than himself. If you don’t remember him, he is the guy from Harry’s sixth year, who replaced Ron as Keeper in a Quidditch match and decided to boss everyone around. He eventually hit Harry with a Bludger, and Gryffindor lost.
It could be argued that some of these traits, such as aggression and smugness, are traits that a lot of Gryffindor’s do possess. Wanting praise and respect often comes with those that perform courageous and brave acts. However, this article chooses to interpret actions of braveness and courage done out of the nobility of your heart as more of a Gryffindor trait. Although, it’s not too far fetched to assume a lot of Gryffindor’s act for praise.
18. Percy Weasley
Similar to McLaggen, the third Weasley child had a bit of self-righteous, big-headed streak. Percy is so close to the bottom of this list because he put his own family, who were so proud of him in everything he accomplished, second to his ambitions and goals. Ambition is definitely a valued trait in Hogwarts, but much more by Slytherin than Gryffindor. Percy is also extremely resourceful which is another trait favored by Slytherin.
In Order of the Phoenix, Percy decided that his loyalties would lie with the Ministry, even calling his own father an “idiot” for believing Voldemort had returned. Eventually, Percy sees the error of his ways and realizes that too much ambition can cloud judgment. He proves that he truly is a Gryffindor by returning to the Battle of Hogwarts and even duels his own boss and Minister of Magic, Pius Thicknesse. Percy perhaps could’ve been higher up on this list if he wasn’t such a prat for the first six books of the series.
17. Lavender Brown
Lavender Brown is best known as the annoying, clingy, and sometimes rude ex-girlfriend of Ron Weasley, but there’s much more to her than that. Despite her flaws, Lav-Lav is actually a very brave Gryffindor.
Even though Lavender, along with most of the Wizarding World, was originally skeptical of the return of Voldemort, she had the courage to join Dumbledore's Army in her fifth year in attempts to suppress the Dark Lord and his followers. She was daring enough to push her limits and learn the skills she needed to hold her own against any dark wizards who challenged her. In the Deathly Hallows, when it comes time to put those skills to use and join the fight in the Battle of Hogwarts, Lavender stands by Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the other brave souls who fought the Death Eaters. Sadly, this is where her story ends, as Lavender is killed by Fenrir Greyback.
16. Colin Creevey
Colin Creevey is best known as the very annoying younger student in the Chamber of Secrets. He constantly followed Harry around and tries to take his photo at the most inappropriate of times, like when Ron is puking up slugs. Colin is arguably Harry’s biggest fan, always wanting his photo or an autograph. He was even petrified by the Basilisk when trying to sneak Harry food into the Hospital Wing.
Colin eventually proves his belonging in the house of bravery by joining Dumbledore's Army to learn how to perform defensive spells. Even though Colin and his brother, Denise, did not attend Hogwarts during Deathly Hallows because of their muggle-born status, they did both return for the Battle of Hogwarts. Sadly, this would be Colin’s last moment of bravery, and the last time he would be able to support Harry Potter. However, his bravery and loyalty will forever make him a true member of the Gryffindor House.
15. Molly Weasley
Mrs. Weasley is very obviously fantastic. She is a mother figure for Harry (and eventually becomes his mother-in-law!). Mrs. Weasley is only at the bottom end of this list because she sat out of a lot of battles that other characters took part in. She and Arthur did not have a huge role in the First Wizarding War and were not part of the Order back then, and instead stayed home with their children. Perhaps that shows even more strength and bravery. For if anything ever happened to her, she would leave seven children motherless.
When Dumbledore asked Mrs. Weasley if she and Arthur were ready to join in the fight against a newly risen Voldemort, she agreed without a second thought. She could have easily said no to try to keep her family safe, but instead bravely agreed. Her most notable act of bravery (and awesomeness) is her defeat of Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange during the Battle of Hogwarts.
14. Seamus Finnigan
Seamus started the same year as Harry and was one of the five boys to be sorted into Gryffindor that year. He remained an ally to Harry up until the Order of the Phoenix. It was during that year when Seamus did not want to believe that Voldemort has returned. Similar to the Minister of Magic at the time, Cornelius Fudge, this denial can be interpreted as an act of cowardice, for if he doesn't believe it, it won’t be as scary. Eventually, Seamus comes around and admits that Harry is not lying and Voldemort has, in fact, returned to power, and he joined Dumbledore's Army.
This isn’t the only time Seamus redeems himself either; he plays a part in helping restore Dumbledore's Army to combat Snape and the Carrows while Harry is out searching for Horcruxes. He apparently defies the Carrows often enough and spends a lot of time sticking up for weaker students. He also stays to fight during the Battle of Hogwarts proving that he is a true Gryffindor regardless of moments of cowardice.
13. James Potter
James Potter was definitely brave and daring, but from what readers know about him, in his younger days at least he was extremely arrogant and even rude. During his time as a student in Hogwarts, at many times James acted in attempts to gain glory and admiration. He also seemed very pleased with himself and his cleverness. He is closer to the middle of this list for those reasons. Perhaps Snape wasn’t too far off in his perception of James. Or perhaps he was so full of hatred that it twisted even readers views of James.
However, there is absolutely no denying James’ bravery and courage. In school, he always stood up for his friends and tried his hardest to protect them. Fresh out of Hogwarts, he joined the Order of the Phoenix to fight in the First Wizarding War alongside his best friends and wife. After defying Voldemort, and going into hiding, he eventually died to protect his family. This is such a true and selfless act of bravery that seemed to come as second nature to James. If Harry inherited anything from James, we like to think it’s this part of him.
12. Sirius Black
Sirius obviously possessed a huge amount of bravery and nerve. However, in his youth at Hogwarts he bullied Snape even worse than James did. Sirius even put Snape’s life in danger by telling him to go down the tunnel of the Whomping WIllow when Lupin was transformed into a werewolf, and later did not feel remorse for it. Similar to James, Sirius joined the Order of the Phoenix for the First Wizarding War. In Harry’s third year, Sirius broke out of Azkaban, the wizarding prison, to kill Peter Pettigrew for betraying his trust. In Harry’s fourth year at Hogwarts, Sirius even resided in a cave near Hogsmeade to watch over Harry in the Triwizard Tournament and risked being caught.
He later rejoined the Order for the Second Wizarding War, although he was confined to stay in his house and was not allowed to leave and fight. However Sirius’ nerve and daring edges extremely closely to recklessness.
11. Remus Lupin
While Lupin may have been the best Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, he wasn’t exactly the best Gryffindor. This may come as a shock to many readers, as he is without a doubt a fan favorite, but his lower placement on the list isn’t without reason. Although he is usually very level headed and the most logical of the bunch, he has some moments of weakness. Starting with his first appearance in Prisoner of Azkaban, Lupin found himself afraid to disclose secrets to Dumbledore, Harry, and the entire school. When Lupin was a student at Hogwarts, Dumbledore put his trust in him that he would not leave the Shrieking Shack while a full moon was out, because he was a werewolf and he could potentially hurt students. Decades later, as a professor at Hogwarts, he’s still afraid to tell Dumbledore that he frequently left the shack, betraying his trust.
In Deathly Hallows during the Second Wizarding War, Tonks got pregnant with Lupin’s child. Lupin was terrified that the child might end up being a werewolf like himself, so rather than be brave and try to face whatever happened, he attempted to flee and abandon Tonks and the child. Harry quickly put him in his place by telling him that he ought to be brave enough to stay with his child and be a proper father.
10. Lily Potter
Lily Potter has always shown kindness, understanding, selflessness, and love. These aren’t traits that are typically connected to Gryffindors. However, it is these traits that make her so brave and noble. She stuck up for Severus Snape when they were in Hogwarts together and he was being bullied by James Potter. She and James later got together only after Snape decided he would continue on the path to be a Death Eater. Lily and James together joined the Order of the Phoenix and defied Voldemort three times, but eventually had to go into hiding.
Perhaps the truest form of Lily’s bravery was giving her life to protect her son. She did not have to die that night; Voldemort was only looking to kill Harry. However, out of selflessness and absolute pure love Lily died to protect Harry, leaving him with the protection from her self sacrifice so he could survive.
9. Rubeus Hagrid
Hagrid may be one of the most daring characters in the Wizarding World, as he is always working with deadly, ferocious creatures that pose a threat to him and all those around him. From dragons to hippogriffs, it seems this half-giant has no fear. Don’t let his tough exterior fool you; Hagrid is pretty much a giant teddy bear. When it comes to his chivalry, who is more chivalrous than Rubeus Hagrid himself? It may be his sentimental side that has taught him to be so humble and polite, but his moral compass is more intact than just about anyone on this list.
Perhaps his only non-Gryffindor trait is his fear of the judgment of other people. He has a hard time standing up to the Ministry (even when they tried to put Buckbeak down, he was hesitant to represent him in court), he is afraid of asking too much from Dumbledore or anyone else for that matter, and he’s even afraid of bad press. When Rita Skeeter writes an article about Hagrid being half-giant, he tries to retreat into his cabin and give up his professor job because he’s so worried what the students and faculty might think. It takes the combined advice of Dumbledore, Harry, Ron, and Hermione just to convince him otherwise. So while he has many Gryffindor traits, his fears are a huge downside. However, you will never find another person as fiercely loyal as Hagrid.
8. Dean Thomas
Dean Thomas is a seriously underrated character. He is brave and loyal, and easily one of Harry’s biggest supporters. He was sorted into Gryffindor the same year as Harry and is without a doubt one of the characters who possesses the most Gryffindor traits. His bravery shows even when his best friend in the world, Seamus Finnigan, doubts Harry about Voldemort's return and role in the death of Cedric Diggory in Order of the Phoenix. He stands his ground about his own opinion and joins Dumbledore’s Army.
Dean had to go on the run in Deathly Hallows because of his supposed muggle-born status, but don’t mistake that for cowardice. After Dean was captured by Snatchers and imprisoned in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor, he is eventually saved by Dobby and joins his friends in the Battle of Hogwarts. He stands and fights back, even withou a wand.
7. Ron Weasley
Sure, you may be thinking, “Ron is definitely not brave! He’s deathly afraid of spiders.” And while his fear does at some times incapacitate him, his bravery always ends up shining through like a tiny ball of light. His character has grown quite a bit from the scared, bright eyed, excited first year to the daring warrior he becomes at the end of the series.
Ron is also not always chivalrous, but proves that he learns a great deal by thinking about the safety of the house elves during the Battle of Hogwarts. Minus a few moments of weakness due to jealousy, Ron remains fighting strong and brave by Harry’s side. He helped locate and destroy horcruxes even though it put him and his family in great danger. It seems that even if Ron makes mistakes or acts cowardly, he always ends up learning from these instances and becomes even braver. There’s no better fit for Ron other than Gryffindor.
6. Neville Longbottom
When readers first met Neville, he seemed the least likely to end up in the house best known for bravery. Neville even argued with the Sorting Hat pleading to be put in Hufflepuff. However, the hat would not listen and placed Neville in Gryffindor- and for good reason!
Neville’s character growth is really beautiful as he changes from an uncertain, terrified, cowardly child to a brave, confident adult, who will always be there for his friends. In his first year, Neville stood up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who were his friends, and told them not to sneak out. An act which Dumbledore regarded as something that is harder to do than standing up to enemies. Neville also becomes a member of Dumbledore’s Army (DA) and fights alongside Harry in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, and the Battle of the Astronomy Tower. Then in his final year at Hogwarts, Neville was a huge part of reconstruction the DA, he fought in the Battle of Hogwarts, and eventually killed Nagini, who happened to be the last horcrux. Talk about character growth.
5. Ginny Weasley
Book Ginny is amazingly brave, outgoing, and absolutely full of nerve. Not to mention, she plays a huge part in restarting Dumbledore's Army and defying Snape. The movie version of Ginny does not do her justice, as she appears to be awkward and rather indifferent. Regardless of the bad rep Ginny gets from the movies, she is truly an extremely talented and powerful witch, and very much a Gryffindor through and through.
It most often goes unnoticed that Ginny not only survived being possessed by Tom Riddle, but actually flourished after, dealing with the pain it must have caused her and becoming an even more talented and confident witch. She played a part in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, and the Battle of Hogwarts, even though her mother urged her to stay behind. Ginny also shows bravery, like a true Gryffindor, by deciding that she wants to remain a romantic relationship with Harry even though it could be extremely dangerous for her.
4. Hermione Granger
Hermione is another character that the Sorting Hat considered to put in a different house. When she was being sorted in her first year, the Hat though a while about placing her in Ravenclaw because she values knowledge and cleverness so much. However, based on her decisions from that point on, there’s not a chance she belongs anywhere else.
Hermione was brave and chivalrous from the very start, but she had to learn to be daring and gain some nerve. The Chamber of Secrets is where Hermione really first becomes daring; when muggleborns are threatened, she breaks “about fifty” school rules and devises a magnificent plan to try to figure out who’s threatening them. Most importantly, her loyalty to Harry never waivers. Hermione constantly stays by his side from the moment they become friends and throughout the entire Second Wizarding War. Though it might’ve been much easier to ditch Harry and hide with her family, Hermione shows that she is not only the most clever witch of her age, but also the bravest.
3. Albus Dumbledore
Albus Dumbledore has all of the makings of a great Gryffindor. He’s brave and chivalrous, and certainly daring and courageous. However, he was not always this way. As a teenager at Hogwarts, he was seduced by power and obsessed with gaining more of it. He and his new friend Grindelwald, who later became a dark wizard, wanted to together show their brilliance and spread ideas of wizarding domination. Obviously, Dumbledore realized how devastating the outcome of wizarding domination would be and from that point on decided never to let himself gain too much power.
All of that aside, Dumbledore still was in the running to be number one on this list. However, he had known for such a long time that Harry had to die in order for anyone to have a shot at Voldemort. Hence the prophecy: Neither can live while the other survives. Dumbledore decided not to share this knowledge with Harry until after he, Dumbledore, died. This can be viewed as an act of cowardice.
2. Minerva McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall is another character that the Sorting Hat considered to put in Ravenclaw. There’s no doubting that it would’ve been a good place for her. She is insanely clever and a very talented witch. However, Gryffindor is definitely the perfect fit for McGonagall.
The Head of Gryffindor house proves time and time again that she has more nerve and bravery than anyone else. She stands up to Umbridge in Order of the Phoenix, but she’s wise enough to just toe the line of disrespectful. McGonagall also had a huge role in the Battle of Hogwarts. She helped Harry take out the Carrows and fought with all that she had in her against the Death Eaters to protect the school. McGonagall can be compared to Hermione in the way that she cares a lot about rules and order. However, McGonagall gets the number two spot on this list because she proves countless times that she is brave, daring, and full of nerve. She would do anything to protect her students.