The Most Powerful Wizards In The ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise, Ranked

Who He Is: Albus Dumbledore was the headmaster of Hogwarts and founder of the Order of the Phoenix. He was known as one of the most powerful wizards in the wizarding world. 

What He Does: A wizard of legendary power, he was one of the few people whom Voldemort actually feared. He was the master of the Elder Wand for decades and instrumental in Voldemort's defeat, as well as Harry's journey.

His Strongest Moment: Dumbledore willingly gave his life for the fight against the Dark Lord.

His Weakest Moment: He was forced to drink the Emerald Potion - otherwise known as the potion of despair - in order to give Harry access to one of Voldemort's Horcruxes. The effects of the potion came in three stage: pain, reliving his worst memories, and intense thirst.

Who She Is: Professor Minerva McGonagall is a powerful witch, the head of Gryffindor House, and - in the early films - a Transfiguration professor. She later becomes Headmistress of Hogwarts, and throughout the series, she proves herself a valuable asset in protecting her students.

What She Does: Though competent in many forms of magic, she is incredibly skilled at Transfiguration and the art of Animagus - the ability to transform into an animal. 

Her Strongest Moment: She is instrumental in leading the Battle of Hogwarts and protecting her students from Alecto and Amycus Carrow, both of whom she defeats. 

Her Weakest Moment: When attempting to stand up to Dolores Umbridge and the Aurors in the Order of the Phoenix, McGonagall is hit by four stunners. She lands in the hospital, leaving the students at the hands of the unstable Umbridge. 

Who He Is: This dark and brooding professor taught both Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts, and he was the head of Slytherin House. Snape's interactions with both Voldemort and Dumbledore left his true loyalties a mystery until the very end of the series.

What He Does: Snape was a skilled wizard and was exceptional at brewing powerful potions - at times, he even concocted his own. He was also a skilled dueler and master of defense against the dark arts. Perhaps his biggest strength, however, was his remarkable control over his own mind and emotions, which at times came across as unsettling.

His Strongest Moment: In the final film, all of Snape's seemingly evil actions are explained, and he gives his life in the fight against Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts. 

His Weakest Moment: Throughout the series, Snape is unbearably tough on Harry, even when he's a young child who's only recently escaped a terrible home life. Snape is later revealed to have been in love with Harry's mother and to have suffered mistreatment at the hands of Harry's father. In the end, however, Snape overcame the intense emotions of his past and protected Harry.

Who He Is: Gellert Grindelwald was an incredibly powerful and ambitious dark wizard who attempted to establish a wizarding world order that would rule over Muggles. 

What He Does: Grindelwald was known as one of the most powerful dark wizards of all time - until Voldemort comes along - and he is said to have been as powerful as Dumbledore. 

His Strongest Moment: During his rise to power, he managed to acquire a loyal following, leaving the rest of the wizarding world cowering in fear.

His Weakest Moment: He was defeated at the hands of his old friend, Albus Dumbledore.