The captivating characters and compelling storytelling in the Harry Potter franchise mean it remains a huge part of people's lives to this day. The seven novels were adapted into eight films, and within both of them stand countless memorable and inspiring quotes that Reddit fans love.
Although the dialogue was often tweaked when transported to the big screen, every quote perfectly represents the overarching themes of the movies, from love and friendship to death and hardship. Whether it’s a quote that has helped them through dark times or one they simply love, Reddit users reflect on the best quotes from the Harry Potter series.
Harry To Snape
"How Dare You Stand Where He Stood."
Dumbledore’s death was a pivotal and truly heartbreaking moment in the franchise. What made it harder to take was seeing Snape, his murderer, become headmaster - the very position Dumbledore held for so many years.
As Snape is questioning the students on Harry’s whereabouts, Harry appears and confronts him. Reddit user Bada_Bada said, "That line always sent chills down my spine" and believes it was "perfectly delivered" by Daniel Radcliffe. In many ways, Dumbledore was like a father to Harry, therefore, the pain and anger he feels towards Snape is perfectly demonstrated at this moment.
Hermione Reading The Tale Of The Three Brothers
"And Then He Greeted Death As An Old Friend, And Went With Him Gladly, And, Equals, They Departed This Life."
The Tale of the Three Brothers is a fan-favorite Harry Potter scene from both the Deathly Hallows book and film. There was often speculation that the three brothers represented Voldemort, Snape, and Harry, and the mystery behind the tale is why it's so well received.
Per Dumbledore's wishes, Hermione came to possess the Tales of Beedle the Bard, and located inside was information about the Deathly Hallows. Reddit user ericalnyy believes it is "the epitome of the entire series." As Harry was referred to as the master of death, they rightfully suggest the tale is also "a message about Harry’s destiny."
Molly To Bellatrix
"Not My Daughter You B****!"
Molly Weasley was a gift to the series and was the maternal figure that many characters looked up to. She was both a doting and caring mother along with a fierce and skillful witch who was willing to take on anyone. During the Battle of Hogwarts, Molly gave Bellatrix a warning about harming Ginny.
Reddit user dherbert510, when asked their favorite Harry Potter quote, says, while there "are so many mind blowing quotes that are so beneficial for growth as a person," they're still choosing this iconic line expletive-laden line from Molly. Fellow fan grrrwith1r agrees, emphasizing that they enjoy the quote because, "Ms Weasley is so gentle with those she loves, but she is a f***ing badass." There are countless reasons why she is one of the greatest Harry Potter characters and this scene makes fans love Molly Weasley more.
Dumbledore To The Hogwarts Students
"Happiness Can Be Found Even In The Darkest Of Times If One Only Remembers To Turn On The Light."
With Sirius Black on the loose, Dumbledore recognized that things at Hogwarts were about to take a dark turn. When warning the students about Dementors, Dumbledore assures them that light can always pervade, a quote which Reddit user booknerd98 said, "Helped [them] out a lot when dealing with stress."
Another Reddit user, snowy247 shared the same feelings, stating, "It helped [them] out of some dark times." It's suggested that this line influenced Harry later in the movie, aiding him in the heroic moment when he conjured his Patronus to defeat the Dementors.
Shacklebolt To Cornelius Fudge
"You Know, Minister, I Disagree With Dumbledore On Many Counts... But You Cannot Deny He's Got Style..."
Upon witnessing Dumbledore disappear with Fawkes to avoid going to Azkaban, Shacklebolt voices his admiration of Dumbledore's high-quality escape route, which Reddit user Sloredama thought was "such a smooth line." This line from the book was perfectly translated on-screen and stands as one of the funniest quotes from Order of the Phoenix.
The timing of Shacklebolt's line combined with his audience makes this quote a memorable one from both the books and movies. Reddit user LordJambrek also believes it was "delivered perfectly in the movies."
Dumbledore To Voldemort
"It Was Foolish Of You To Come Here Tonight, Tom."
The meeting between two of the greatest wizards of all time was a highly anticipated moment in Order of the Phoenix. As Dumbledore appears in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic, he refers to Voldemort as Tom, serving as a reminder that he was once human who had a soul.
Despite being a dark wizard most were highly afraid of, Dumbledore displays no fear in Voldemort's presence. A now deleted Reddit user thinks the quote is "badass" because Dumbledore "completely disrespects him and refuses to acknowledge his chosen name," making it "just a great FU moment."
James To Harry
"Until The Very End."
James and Lily share a handful of scenes with Harry throughout the series, and it's evident in all of them that they display unconditional love for their son. As Harry prepares to face Voldemort, the resurrection stone allows him to see his loved ones for the final time. Although Harry is scared, James assures him that they will never leave him. Reddit user heradarc believes the quote is "so touching" and they "couldn’t stop crying."
The inevitability of death was an overarching theme in the series, and this quote symbolizes that James and Lily will never stop protecting Harry. Reddit user thunder_goes_BOOM adds, "I always end up crying during that part of the book."
Luna To Harry
"You're Just As Sane As I Am."
There’s no denying that Luna was a brilliant addition to the series and a standout female character in Harry Potter. In Order of the Phoenix, she reassures Harry when he is visibly confused upon seeing a Thestral – something he thought was invisible.
Luna points out that he hasn't gone mad because she can see them too. Harry later discovers that only people who have witnessed death can see them, meaning their trauma in life allows them to see things that others can’t. Reddit user Germanpunkynerd believes "it PERFECTLY describes Luna’s personality. She doesn't think she's weird like most of the others do. She's just herself." They highlight that it's one of the best quotes because "it means so much," reminding people to just be themselves.
Snape To Dumbledore
"Always."
In Deathly Hallows - Part 2, Snape's loyalties are finally discovered when Harry looks back on his memories. "Always" explains to Dumbledore why Snape's Patronus is the same as Lily's and represents the undying love he's had for her since they were children.
The word demonstrates that Snape's actions in recent years have all been to protect Harry and it’s without a doubt the saddest quote in the entire Harry Potter franchise. Reddit user chaishrr believes it is the best quote because there is a "so much deeper meaning" behind this one simple word.
Dumbledore To Harry
"Of Course It Is Happening Inside Your Head, Harry, But Why On Earth Should That Mean That It Is Not Real?"
With Dumbledore came countless wise and inspirational quotes, many of which had a deeper logic behind them. After being struck by the killing curse, Harry awakens in limbo and encounters the deceased Dumbledore. He asks whether this is real or a figure of his imagination, and Reddit user zipzapnomi says Dumbledore's response speaks to them "more than any other in the entire series."
The quote suggests that just because it’s going on inside Harry’s head, it’s no less important than what’s going on outside and he shouldn’t shut down his thoughts. It’s a quote that is open to all sorts of interpretation and is one that many Reddit users, including drclairefraser, "had a real connection with."