For 10 years, the Harry Potter franchise welcomed audiences into the magical land of the Wizarding World. Enticing us with its detailed world-building, fantastical action, and immensely intriguing characters, there's no wonder why it's a franchise everyone regularly returns to. Yes, there may be a little bit of nostalgia involved, but overall, this is a timeless story that truly connects with every person, across the entire world. And where the narrative may center around Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), the supporting ensemble is just as integral. In this case, we're focusing on Hermione Granger (Emma Watson).
As one of Harry's best friends, alongside Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Hermione is a huge fan-favorite with her masterful intelligence, emotional maturity, and unwitting humor. She's built into the backbone of the Harry Potter universe. Without her, and her guidance, they would never have succeeded in any mission. She's also the provider of some of the best quotes. They're wise, insightful, snarky, and fierce—a clear indicator of why she's one of the best film characters in cinematic history.
"I checked this out weeks ago for a bit of light reading."
'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' (2001)
Hermione (Emma Watson), Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), and Ron (Rupert Grint) sit around the library table, reading a thick medieval-looking book.
Alright, sure. The quote itself might not stand out for most, but let's remember the context. After learning about a mysterious pact between Dumbledore (Richard Harris) and Nicolas Flamel, the gang tries their best to figure out who Flamel is and what he's got to do with whatever Fluffy the three-headed dog is guarding. Of course, Hermione eventually solves the mystery as she soon drops a gigantic book of evidence on the library table, telling Ron and Harry that the book was coincidentally a part of her "light reading".
This short joke, though unintentional, perfectly captures the youthful essence of Hermione Granger. She's intelligent, somewhat self-righteous, and, at times, a little out of touch with reality—but only because she's on her own high playing field. This is something audiences love to see in her character as it harbors an immense charm. Hermione's perspective on life is so refreshing, we can't help but find it a tad bit funny.
"He's been poisoned, you daft dimbo. And for the record, I've always found him interesting."
'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' (2009)
Hermione looks at Ron smiling at his bedside
After years of building their connection, the lead-up to Ron and Hermione's romance finally caught some steam in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. And where Ron spends most of the film coupled up with the intensely loving (yet extremely possessive) Lavender Brown (Jessie Cave), he ultimately reveals his true feelings for Hermione—even if it was unintentional.
In the scene, as both women stand at his bedside, Lavender accuses Hermione of only having a sudden interest in Ron because of his recent rise in success and popularity. Obviously, Hermione takes offense, leading her to not only insult Lavender without a beat, but also reinforce her own admiration for Ron. Yes, Hermione's wit knows no bounds, but that's what we adore her for.
"I've always admired your courage, Harry, but sometimes you can be really thick."
'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' (2009)
Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Hermione (Emma Watson) look down at the mysterious locket, with concern expressions on their faces.
With every Harry Potter film growing increasingly darker, The Half-Blood Prince took a whole new turn following the death of Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) and the discovery of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Riddled with grief and vengeance, Harry pledges to Ron and Hermione that he'll complete Dumbledore's mission on his own, while still keeping in touch with them to update his location.
Of course, Hermione sighs and gives Harry a real dose of truth, balancing her kindness with some blunt honesty. Sure, her response is a little comical, but what she's ultimately trying to convey is how at no point will Harry ever be alone in his quest. From the very beginning, the trio have cemented themselves as an unbreakable unit. And even despite Harry being the "chosen one," neither Hermione nor Ron intends to break that pact of togetherness.
"At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in. They got in on pure talent."
'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' (2002)
Hermione (Emma Watson) sits in a bathroom brewing Polyjuice Potion in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
No matter the environment, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) always finds a way to become a nuisance. Whether it be because he bullied or bought his way through life, there is seemingly nothing he can't get. For instance: his seeker position on Slytherin's Quidditch team. Who would've thought that Harry's biggest adversary would become his foe on the pitch? When did Draco ever possess that talent? Well, spoiler alert. He didn't.
As Ron notices the Slytherin team's new high-quality brooms, they reveal it was a gift from Draco's father. Leave it to Hermione to connect the dots and blatantly denounce that Draco's selection was a result of cheap bribes, not merit. Where they may only be in the second year, Hermione isn't afraid to call out nonsense. After all, she's a character that's all about integrity. Plus, her line delivery is filled with iconic levels of sass. What's not to love?
"You foul, loathsome, evil, little cockroach!"
'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' (2004)
Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) raises her wand to Draco (Tom Felton) while Ron (Rupert Grint) and Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) watch in 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'
As a Gryffindor, bravery is a trait that is to be expected. And where audiences have consistently seen moments of bravery across the first few films, none have been more entertaining, nor satisfying, than in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Indeed, it is here where Hermione confronts Draco right before the execution of the innocent Hippogriff, Buckbeak.
Enraged by the bully's blasé attitude and arrogance, she charges at Draco in a rage, spewing insults right to his face. Mind you, it's completely warranted given that he's the reason behind Buckbeak's cruel sentencing. But what makes this Hermione moment so iconic? Probably what happens right after as Hermione goes in for the swing and punches Draco right in the face. As always, Hermione isn't afraid to stand up for the innocent. And sometimes it requires a little bit of ferocity and tenacity.
"Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself."
'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' (2002)
Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) glares at Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Where we often remember Hermione for her wit and unintentional humor, her strength often lies in her ability to embrace her intelligence and wisdom. One moment where audiences recognize this is in The Chamber of Secrets, when the trio finally meet Draco's villainous father, Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs). Critical of the way Harry nonchalantly mentions the Dark Lord by name (a.k.a Voldemort), Lucius stares down at the young wizard to make his opinions clear.
Hermione is the first one to step in and challenge Lucius' intimidation with a retort of her own—one that is a true bomb of wisdom, especially in the fear-ridden world they live in. Her actions are even more impressive given how discriminatory the Malfoys are when it comes to muggle-born wizards. Audiences may not know that at the time, but this is a brave moment that's only more poignant upon a second re-watch.
"Stop, stop, stop. You're going to poke someone's eye out. Plus you're saying it wrong. It's leviOsa, not leviosA."
'Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone' (2001)
Hermione, played by Emma Watson, performing Wingardium Leviosa in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
As one of the most quotable lines of the entire franchise, it would be criminal not to acknowledge the scene that completely captures Hermione's "know-it-all" nature. We are, of course, referring to the first-year Charms class where Hermione shows Ron how to correctly cast the levitation spell. Is there a bit of condescension and smugness in her tone of voice? Sure. But we can't fault her for having confidence.
What we can criticize, however, is her arrogance. Thankfully, this is something she grows out of as the films go by, making this a scene fans can fondly remember. Plus, Hermione's teaching proved important and necessary since Ron ultimately used the same exact spell to save her own life. So here's to celebrating her magical prowess.
"When are you going to get it into your head? We're in this together!"
'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' (2007)
Hermione (Emma Watson) pointing her wand for a wizard duel.
Throughout the entire franchise, the themes of love, family, and loyalty often shine through, especially between the main trio. And none of these themes felt more heightened than in The Order of the Phoenix when Harry, Ron, and Hermione, scramble to find a way to save Sirius Black (Gary Oldman)—who's supposedly being tortured by Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) in the Ministry of Magic.
Coming up with no other solution than to use floo powder in Professor Umbridge's office, Harry suggests that he escape on his own to protect the others from danger. But of course, Hermione refuses and simply reiterates the unshakable nature of their friendship. No one stands alone. Whatever dangers lie ahead, the three will face them together as a team. Such sentiments may be a little cheesy for some, but for most, this was a beautifully earnest display of love and unbridled devotion. A true testament to their enviable friendship.
"It's sort of exciting, isn't it? Breaking the rules."
'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' (2007)
Ron, Harry, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Fred, and George walk across the Hogwarts bridge in their winter clothes.
From the very introduction to the Harry Potter world, Hermione Granger established herself as the "know-it-all" rule follower who always respected academic authority. But even the strongest of people have their breaking points, and for Hermione, it was the grueling ascension of Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton)—the worst Harry Potter villain of them all. Fed up with Umbridge's grip on Hogwarts, and her infantilization of the Defense Against the Dark Arts, Hermione helps set up a rogue class, with Harry as their teacher.
When questioned about the possible consequences, Hermione responds in the most unlikely manner. She's excited to break some rules—an act that completely defies her goody-two-shoe ways. What makes it even better is her obvious giddiness to do so as she grins and chuckles at the thought of being rebellious. It is this innocence that leaves audiences (and the characters) so charmed and humored.
"I'm going to bed before either one of you comes up with another clever idea to get us killed, or worse, expelled."
'Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone' (2001)
Hermione (Emma Watson) standing in between train carriage doors, looking down while her chin is raised.
No Hermione Granger quote better encapsulates her youthful desire for success than in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Sure, we already knew she was a bookish girl who loved to excel in her studies, but this iconic line really proved what her exact priorities were at the time. Indeed, after the trio's first terrifying encounter with Fluffy the three-headed guard dog, Hermione decrees that it was more concerning to lose their academic status than to lose their own lives.
Like most things she says, it's a comical statement. But alas, a true indicator of her frame of mind. Of course, this didn't stop Hermione from getting involved in Harry and Ron's reckless adventure. If anything, it only took time for her priorities to shift away even more. What's even better is how Watson has also called this her own favorite Hermione line. And no wonder. It's the most memorable and most quotable.
