Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy are two of the lead characters within the Harry Potter franchise, with the two characters growing up together as bitter rivals throughout the movies. They butt heads from their first encounter and that continues throughout, from their duel as young wizards to Harry almost killing Draco in the bathrooms.
They have totally different personalities and their characters both go through big journeys which heavily involve the other. Neither of them is perfect, as they each make big mistakes, but the fact that their characters are so engaging is what makes them two of the best in the franchise. But is it the Boy Who Lived who is the ultimate star of this franchise, or is it Draco's descent into darkness that takes the focus?
Harry Potter: From Muggle To Wizard
One of the most exciting parts about this franchise is the fact that audiences get to see Harry Potter grow as a wizard. While all of the students improve, the fact is that people like Draco Malfoy already have knowledge and experience, and Draco isn't afraid to let others know that.
While Harry is also from a magical family, he's not aware of that until he first starts getting letters from Hogwarts. He starts out as a novice, and seeing his journey from that point to someone who can go toe to toe with Lord Voldemort is an enjoyable journey.
Draco Malfoy: Trying To Impress His Father
Draco Malfoy does a lot of poor things throughout the movies, which makes him one of the main villains. However, everything he is doing is actually to try and impress his father, who he never really gets any affection from, with Draco trying to do things that he thinks he will like.
It's very similar to what Harry is doing, except it's visible due to Lucius still being alive. Harry spends his life wondering about his parents, wanting to learn more about them and hoping that they'd like what he's done. But the fact viewers are able to see that nothing Draco does impresses his father and the way he reacts makes him a more interesting character.
Harry Potter: Relationships With Adults
For the most part, Draco Malfoy is shown with other students his own age, only managing to gain a few interactions with older characters throughout the movies. However, that isn't the case with Harry Potter, who gets to interact with plenty of adult characters, which, in-turn grows his character and makes him more mature.
When Draco interacts with the likes of Bellatrix or Lord Voldemort, he is typically very scared and shy. Yet that is never the case with Harry, who is happy enough to stand up against people and speak his mind, which is what drives the movie forwards, shifting its tone.
Draco Malfoy: He's More Skilled
When it comes to actual ability as a wizard, a case can certainly be made that Draco Malfoy is more talented than Harry. The only thing that Potter beats Draco at is his flying ability on a broomstick, but even then Draco pushes him all the way.
All of Harry's successes often come thanks to the help of others, whether that be Hermione, Ron, Neville, or someone else. However, Draco always has to act alone, with his work on fixing the vanishing cabinet being a great example of how skilled he is as a wizard.
Harry Potter: Romantic Storylines
Harry Potter has plenty of romantic storylines throughout, with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger's love being one of the best. However, Harry Potter also brings plenty of that to the movie, with his feelings for Cho Chang, and then his eventual relationship with Ginny Weasley being some of the franchise's best storylines.
It brings a different dynamic to the movies, and that is important. It helps to create real emotional stakes in everything that Harry does, as he has something to fight for, which is what makes him a more interesting character, as Draco is never able to have that type of story.
Draco Malfoy: His Story Is More Emotional
Harry Potter goes through a lot emotionally, but it doesn't come close to Draco Malfoy. Once Lord Voldemort decides he wants Draco to be his protegé, the toll it takes on him is clear to see, with Draco going through physical changes, looking gaunt, as well as being emotionally tired.
He has a very poor relationship with his parents, and unlike Harry, he doesn't have tons of people looking out for him, attempting to aid his every decision. This all adds up to Draco's breaking point at the very end when he just walks away with his parents. Having that side of him shown in detail makes him a more complex and enjoyable character.
Harry Potter: Brings Comedy
Draco might provide some fantastic emotion to the franchise, which helps to make the movies have a serious tone, one of the reasons the franchise was such a hit is because there was room for comedy too. That often comes through Harry Potter, especially with his scenes with Ron Weasley.
Harry is able to bring a lighter side to the franchise, and that is what makes the movies so easy to connect with. People enjoy these lighter moments, such as the three of them goofing around in the Gryffindor common room, and that's something that Draco never brings.
Draco Malfoy: Brings The Best Out Of Harry
While Harry Potter is obviously the lead character in the movies, he is always pushed by Draco. Whether it's the competition they have when playing Quidditch or how Draco uncovers Harry training Dumbledore's Army, he is always forcing Harry to be at his best.
They're classic school rivals and while it is Draco who takes up the bully role in their story together, everything Draco does typically affects Harry and therefore has big shifts on the plot of the movie overall. This is why he's such a crucial and important character to the story.
Harry Potter: He Fights For The Greater Good
Unlike Draco Malfoy, who has moments where he does help the dark side, Harry Potter is always fighting for the greater good. He might not ask for the responsibility, but there are tons of witches and wizards relying on Harry, who always steps up to fight against Lord Voldemort.
Because the story of all the movies is good vs. evil, it's very easy to find the leader of the heroic side of the right the best character. He gets tons of action scenes, great dialogue, and a large amount of focus across the movies, with the positive journey he brings being something that makes him a great character.
Draco Malfoy: He Has A Redemption Arc
Draco Malfoy's overall character arc was one of the most enjoyable of the franchise. He starts out very arrogant due to the wealth and status of his family, but when he's thrust into the true dark side of the magic world, Draco learns that it isn't what he expects.
This leads to a redemption arc when he pretends to not recognize Harry when Bellatrix has him. He showcases his real kindness and his character comes full circle as he proves what type of person he wants to be. Harry has a great story, but it doesn't see this much character development, which is why many find Draco a better character.