The Harry Potter houses have been the source of many quizzes and debates. It’s only natural, as we’ve all imagined ourselves sitting in the great hall with the sorting hat as it decides our fate.
However, ranking the Harry Potter houses from worst to best is no easy task, as it is incredibly subjective. But, here’s my list ranking Harry Potter houses.
4. Hufflepuff: House of Loyalty
Founder: Helga Hufflepuff
Mascot: Badger
Colors: Yellow & Black
Values: Loyalty, fairness, patience, hard work
Famous Members: Cedric Diggory, Newt Scamander
So yes, someone had to come last, and this time it’s Hufflepuff. But don’t despair Hufflepuffians – you still have plenty going for you.
In fact, in terms of values, I might say Hufflepuff has the lead on the entire group. There is almost nothing more valuable than loyalty to your friends, and hard work.
And the characters we meet from Hufflepuff are quietly competent, such as Cedric Diggory. They’re also less exclusive than the other houses, which can be a huge plus in trying times.
The main issue that comes up with Hufflepuff is that, while these are undoubtedly critical values, they aren’t particularly narratively intriguing. Hufflepuff has been plagued with a negative stereotype of being boring, and while their character is something I would love to be around in real life, most of the chaos that makes stories fun comes from the bombastic Slytherin or Gryffindor.
Also, we simply get less time with them (especially in the movies), so they have a bit less impact as a whole. But I’d love to see more from them!
3. Ravenclaw: House of Wisdom
Founder: Rowena Ravenclaw
Mascot: Eagle
Colors: Blue & Silver (Blue & Bronze in the Books)
Values: Intelligence, learning, curiosity, creativity
Famous Members: Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, Filius Flitwick
Ravenclaws are intellectual, wise, and creative. They problem solve in unique and exceptional ways. Generally, they’re more thoughtful and strategic rather than reactionary, which can provide a nice counterbalance to the impulsive amongst us.
And, they host a lot of quirky and loveable characters, such as Luna Lovegood. Who is, obviously, a fan favorite.
And while I have seen people in my personal life disappointed with a Pottermore quiz outcome of Hufflepuff, most are more than content with getting Ravenclaw. It also helps that they have a little bit stronger presence in the books and films than Hufflepuff. Even up to The Deathly Hallows, with the Lost Diadem.
2. Gryffindor: House of Bravery
Founder: Godric Gryffindor
Mascot: Lion
Colors: Red & Gold
Values: Bravery, courage, nerve, chivalry
Famous Members: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Albus Dumbledore
I’m placing the likely fan favorite here at 2 because, well, I find the first place position the most exciting and interesting!
But it’s clear that Gryffindor is the most important to the story of Harry Potter. Most of our heroes come from Gryffindor, so we all have a strong emotional connection to the house as a whole. They encourage courage, daring and leadership. And, even individuality.
I love how Gryffindor as a house encourages rule-breaking when the rule is worthy of being broken – a philosophy I carry with me into my everyday life.
However, some of the values of Gryffindor are a bit overrated. Bravery, courage, and nerve are all great traits – in moderation. sometimes it’s truly shocking how single-minded Gryffindors can be.
One of the silliest examples of Gryffindor bravado is in The Philosopher’s (or Sorcerer’s) Stone when Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide to sneak past Fluffy, the three-headed dog, on basically no plan at all. They have zero backup, no strategy, and rely entirely on their courage—clearly breaking every rule Hogwarts has for a reason.
It’s heroic in hindsight, because it worked, but wildly reckless and could have easily ended in disaster.
But I can’t help but love the house that brought to life all of my favorite characters!
1. Slytherin: House of Ambition
Founder: Salazar Slytherin
Mascot: Serpent
Colors: Green & Silver
Values: Ambition, cunning, resourcefulness, determination
Famous Members: Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy, Tom Riddle
While Slytherin obviously poses a lot of vile characters in the movies and books, it’s important to note how intriguing many of the Slytherin characters are. They have the most complex and nuanced characters of the series in Slytherin – from Snape, to Draco, to Slughorn.
I love their emphasis on cunning, strategy, resourcefulness – traits that are again more nuanced than simple bravery. There’s careful thought and intention behind their decisions.
Of course, they also brought to life Voldemort. But think about it this way. If there’s no Voldemort, there’s no Harry Potter story. And as much as we hate them, they’re villains we love to hate! Slytherin unites all of Harry Potter fandom in that.
And finally, they’re the most exciting. When you’re placed in Slytherin (as I am), you’re almost always going to feel something. They inspire you to be thrilled to be in the “cool” house, or angry to be in the “evil” house.
And a house in a fictional story that inspires me to feel so much deserves to be first on my list.
See my ranking of the Harry Potter Movies from worst to best.
Leave a Reply