The Most Iconic Quotes from the Harry Potter Films

This is perhaps the most famous line in all of Harry Potter because it’s the moment Harry finds out who he really is. This line, delivered by Hagrid, is one that has been repeated by Harry Potter fans everywhere ever since “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” made it to the big screen.

“Now if you two don’t mind, I’m going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed – or worse, expelled.” 

Hermione’s classic line about getting expelled is so famous because it’s the epitome of her character. When we meet her during Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, she comes across as a know-it-all who believes her value comes directly from her performance in school. It’s even more interesting when we consider the development of her character throughout the series.

“It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices.”

Many of the best Harry Potter quotes about courage come from Professor Albus Dumbledore, who was played by Richard Harris in the first two movies. Dumbledore spoke this line to Harry after asking him why the sorting hat placed him in Gryffindor instead of Slytherin, to which Harry responded, “Because I asked it to.”

“Why spiders? Why couldn’t it be ‘follow the butterflies’?”

It’s no secret to any Harry Potter fan that Ron Weasley isn’t fond of spiders. During this scene, when Harry and Ron are instructed by Hagrid to follow the spiders, it’s a great display of Ron’s willingness to take action despite his fears. It’s also memorable because his extreme fear of spiders comes up again in the series.

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love.”

Harry can always count on Dumbledore to share the wisdom he needs at any given moment. When Harry starts to pity Voldemort, this quote is Dumbledore’s response to him. Love is a recurring theme throughout the series and this quote reinforces the idea that life is not worth living without love.

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

After announcing the horrifying news that the dementors of Azkaban will be posted at every entrance of Hogwarts until further notice, Dumbledore says this line to the gathered students. In such a dark and scary time at Hogwarts, Dumbledore is there to remind them that you can find happiness in any situation.

“Dobby never meant to kill! Dobby only meant to maim, or seriously injure!”

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Dobby the house elf is by far one of the most interesting and sassy characters in the Harry Potter films. This line, one of Dobby’s most famous, addresses Bellatrix Lestrange after Dobby nearly drops a chandelier on her. Dobby’s line was in response to Bellatrix saying, “Stupid elf! You could have killed me!”

“Why is it, when something happens, it is always you three?”

When Professor McGonagall confronts Harry, Ron, and Hermione who have found themselves mixed up in something once again, she says this line to them. What might be even funnier is Ron’s response to the question when he says, “Believe me Professor, I’ve been asking myself the same question for six years.”

“He’s back, he’s back! Voldemort is back!”

This quote is during one of the most emotional and tragic moments in the film, when Harry returns to Hogwarts after the Tri-Wizard Tournament with the body of Cedric Diggory. As Dumbledore tries to discover what happened, Harry hysterically sobs, refusing to leave Cedric. It’s discovered that Voldemort killed Cedric when Harry screams this line.

“Always.”

This quote by Snape is one of the defining moments in the film and for his character. After Dumbledore questions whether Snape has started to care for Harry, Snape casts the Patronus spell, and Dumbledore is baffled that the deer conjured by the spell is the same as Lily’s, Harry’s mother. Dumbledore exclaims, “Lily! After all this time?” Snape’s response of “Always” showed his never-ending love for her, even years after her death.

“The ones that love us never really leave us. You can always find them in here.”

Harry’s life was completely transformed by the loss of his parents. However, this line from Sirius Black is a comfort to Harry. After stating “It’s cruel that I got to spend so much time with James and Lily, and you so little,” Sirius Black reminds Harry that his parents and all those we love never really leave us.

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.”

This quote is one of the Harry Potter famous lines and probably the most repeated line from the films. We first hear this line in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” when Fred and George Weasley teach Harry how to use the Marauder’s Map. This map, which shows where everyone is at Hogwarts all time, is activated with this line.

“You’re a little scary sometimes, you know that? Brilliant, but scary.”

In “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” Neville Longbottom tries to prevent Harry, Ron and Hermione from leaving their room at night, so Hermione casts a spell on him that leaves him temporarily paralyzed. This quote was Ron’s response to Hermione after Neville falls to the floor.

“Dobby is free.”

Dobby the house elf is an iconic character in the Harry Potter series who brings to light how terribly house elves are treated. It’s a powerful and emotional line when Dobby realizes that he no longer has to serve his master after Harry sneaks a sock into Lucius Malfoy’s book. In the series, house elves are freed when their master gives them an item of clothing.

“You’ll never know love, or friendship. And I feel sorry for you.”

Harry’s epic battle with Voldemort in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is made more memorable by this line. During their fight, Voldemort takes over Harry’s mind. However, Harry is able to fight him off with love, one thing Voldemort doesn’t understand. This line is his response after Voldemort claims Harry is weak and vulnerable.