Summary
- Draco Malfoy’s quotes, while often insulting, reveal his insecurities and desire for power and recognition.
- His insults towards Harry Potter and others show his need to assert dominance and maintain his family’s status.
- Despite his antagonistic behavior, Draco’s character develops into a more sympathetic and complex figure as the series progresses.
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Draco Malfoy might be the school-yard antagonist of Harry Potter throughout the franchise and take a backseat to bigger threats, but Draco Malfoy quotes also stick with the audience. Draco (Tom Felton) is known for his one-liners aimed at Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends throughout the series of movies. He might not always have the wittiest lines, but his insults certainly get right to the point.
When the movies begin, Draco is a bully, used to getting his way around his peers. His family’s wealth and status have afforded him the comfort and luxury that makes him expect to be, if not liked, then feared, by his classmates. As the movies progress, however, it’s clear that Draco is trying to hold onto the Malfoy family’s status in an increasingly dangerous world. Even fun one-liners can’t save him when he’s being given tasks to complete by Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and he becomes a much more sympathetic character for Harry Potter fans.
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25 “It’s True Then, What They’re Saying On The Train. Harry Potter Has Come To Hogwarts”
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter’s Hogwarts rival establishes himself as a memorable antagonist from the moment he’s introduced, and because of this, many of the best Draco Malfoy quotes come directly from 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. One of Draco Malfoy’s first lines in the Harry Potter franchise shows that, before they’ve even met, Draco has it in for Harry, and is determined that their time at Hogwarts together will be eventful whether they end up as friends or enemies.
It’s the first sign that Draco Malfoy is obsessed with Harry Potter. It’s not his best line in the franchise, but it’s an important one. It demonstrates that Draco Malfoy has heard the stories of Harry Potter, and that he fully intends to use his proximity to the Boy Who Lived in one way or another. He’s ready to understand whether Harry Potter could be an ally or an enemy with just this one line.
24 “Potter!”
Various Harry Potter Media
Few characters in the Harry Potter movies have catchphrases, but some, such as Dobby the house-elf, have repeated lines that come close. However, if there was ever a line that became memorable through repetition enough to be a catchphrase, it’s Draco Malfoy saying “Potter!” — an always-hilarious moment thanks in no small part to Tom Felton’s delivery.
This particular Draco Malfoy quote has become the subject of many a meme.
When Draco Malfoy gets angry, he’s often ready to blame Harry Potter. Harry Potter might not be actively in Draco’s way at every turn, but Draco sure feels that way. That’s why the shout of “Potter!” is so easily recognizable by Harry Potter fans. In fact, this particular quote has become a big part of pop culture. This particular Draco Malfoy quote has become the subject of many a meme.
23 “The Dementors Send Their Love, Potter.”
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban
Given how snide, arrogant, and antagonistic he is, it’s little surprise that many of the best Draco Malfoy quotes come when he’s insulting the other characters — especially Harry. If there’s one thing that Draco Malfoy is good at, it’s figuring out the things that bother Harry Potter the most. That’s why so many of the most recognizable Draco Malfoy quotes come directly from moments when he’s trying to get under Harry’s skin.
Draco’s very good at embarrassing other people because of his own insecurities, and he shows this trait in full force when he taunts Harry’s (totally justifiable) aversion to the Dementors in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He knows that Harry is incredibly self-conscious about the Dementors causing him to faint in front of everyone. He’s also aware that Harry is actually terrified of the Dementors. This line, called to Harry, is one meant to get under his skin very quickly.
22 “I Have To Kill You, Or He’s Gonna Kill Me!”
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince
Not all of the memorable Draco Malfoy quotes are those that demonstrate why he’s so easy to hate for audiences. On the contrary, some of his best lines are those where he drops his bullyish facade and shows just how troubled he truly is. Throughout most of the Harry Potter franchise, Draco is used as comic relief, as little more than a school bully. It’s in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince that Draco becomes a real threat though. He’s tasked with killing Dumbledore.
This is a key moment in the Harry Potter franchise because it’s one of the few times in which Draco gets more emotional lines instead of simply quippy one-liners or snarling insults.
This is a key moment in the Harry Potter franchise because it’s one of the few times in which Draco gets more emotional lines instead of simply quippy one-liners or snarling insults. It also leads to a heartbreaking Malfoy quote that emerges during his confrontation with Dumbledore. Dumbledore is teaching Draco right up until the end, and Draco, for all his boasting about being connected to Death Eaters, cannot kill Dumbledore. His crying while he tries to fight his former headmaster is heartbreaking.
21 “Okay. Then I Get Fang!”
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone
Draco Malfoy may talk himself up and brag about his connection to Death Eaters and dark wizards, but deep down he’s a coward, especially in the earlier books and movies like Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. While this definitely isn’t an admirable quality, it does lead to some hilarious Draco Malfoy quotes. When Draco has to serve detention in the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid decides that the group is going to split into two. Though Draco and Harry are paired up, Hagrid goes with Ron and Hermione, leading Draco to request that Hagrid’s dog Fang comes with him.
He’s very quick to make the assertion, certain that Fang will protect him from anything dangerous in the woods. That’s just one of the hints that Draco might actually be afraid of Fang. He is, after all, afraid of even the creatures that Hagrid takes on that aren’t usually dangerous. He might act like he’s better than the creatures that Hagrid loves, but he’s terrified of most of them.
20 “You’d Better Hurry Up, They’ll Be Waiting For ‘The Chosen Captain’ — ‘The Boy Who Scored’ — Whatever They Call You These Days.”
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince
One of Draco’s favorite pastimes is insulting Harry, so it makes perfect sense that many of the Draco Malfoy quotes come from his many inventive verbal jabs at the expense fo the Boy Who Lived. He hates that Harry is the center of so much attention, so it’s natural that some of his attempts at insults would be focused on that.
Having real responsibilities means that he doesn’t have the chance to focus on the things that occupied him before, like tormenting Harry.
Of course, these aren’t his best insults, but that’s because Draco spends so much of Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince focused on the task at hand — finding a way to get Death Eaters into Hogwarts and kill Dumbledore. He’s been a privileged child for most of his life himself, so having real responsibilities means that he doesn’t have the chance to focus on the things that occupied him before, like tormenting Harry.
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19 “Honestly, Goyle. If You Were Any Slower, You’d Be Going Backwards.”
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
Draco is beloved by many Harry Potter fans for his sharp tongue. Though his insults are cruel, they are also usually hilarious — and they’re not always aimed at Harry Potter. This Malfoy quote from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the perfect example of Draco delivering a line that is equal parts insulting and hysterical. Draco’s friends are typically subject to insults from Draco, and yet they remain loyal to Draco through it all.
While Draco having a pair of sidekicks in the movies remained constant, the actors portraying them did not. Josh Herdman (Goyle) is absent for part of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban due to an injury and Jamie Waylett (Goyle) is replaced completely in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 after a string of legal issues sidelined his career.
18 “Famous Harry Potter. Can’t Even Go To A Book Shop Without Making The Front Page.”
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry encounters his soon-to-be Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher at a book signing in Diagon Alley — the fame-hungry Gilderoy Lockhart. Malfoy is also in attendance, and takes chagrin to the fact that, even at an event with another celebrity, Harry once again steps into the spotlight. Draco despises the attention his rival receives and immediately confronts him, spouting this sour line.
This Draco Malfoy quote hints at the insecurities he tries so desperately to hide
This Draco Malfoy quote hints at the insecurities he tries so desperately to hide; he’s desperate for approval from those he admires, and seeing his hated enemy so effortlessly earn it must be equally embarrassing and insulting to him. Of course, Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh) would eventually be revealed as a complete fraud.
17 “Oh, Look, Potter, You Got Yourself A Girlfriend.”
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
In the same scene in which Draco gets angry that Harry’s getting attention in Diagon Alley in Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, he also sees that Harry has caught Ginny Weasley’s attention. Ginny has harbored a crush on Harry since she met him, and she’s quick to defend him, even though she’s only 11 and everyone else around her is older and likely more powerful than she is.
Draco noticing Ginny is what makes Lucius Malfoy notice her, which is what leads to her interacting with Tom Riddle’s diary. This Draco Malfoy quote is really what kicks off everything for the Chamber of Secrets. It’s also, albeit unintentionally, quite prophetic of Malfoy to notice Harry catching Ginny’s eye, since the pair do eventually get married.
16 “You’re Gonna Regret This! You And Your Bloody Chicken!”
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban
One of Draco’s major flaws is his inability to take responsibility for his own actions. When he ignores Hagrid’s advice and approaches Buckbeak in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, he is injured. Even at that crucial moment, Draco is quick to pass the blame on to Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane). A half-conscious Draco, clutching his arm in pain and being carried to the hospital wing by Hagrid, is still hurtling threats and insults.
This Malfoy quote is so funny both because of him referring to Buckbeak as a “bloody chicken”, and because of how terrified Malfoy clearly is.
This Malfoy quote is so funny both because of him referring to Buckbeak as a “bloody chicken”, and because of how terrified Malfoy clearly is. Of course, the Malfoy family are very well-connected, and they’re able to have Buckbeak sentenced to death shortly after. Fortunately, Harry and Hermione (Emma Watson) free him by using the time turner, but it remained an unfortunate circumstance brought about by Draco’s need to be right.
15 “You’ll Soon Find Out That Some Wizarding Families Are Better Than Others, Potter.”
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone
One of Draco’s most memorable scenes is his first introduction to Harry, and it provides the audience with one of the easiest recognized Draco Malfoy quotes. Though Draco’s role in the films was significantly cut down from the books, his presence is overwhelming in the first movie, and he serves as a secondary antagonist. But, before their relationship grows tense, Draco actually tries to form a bond with Harry.
When Draco and Harry first meet, Draco tries to make an ally of the Boy Who Lived. This isn’t surprising, as Draco loves power and recognition and would have loved to have Harry Potter as an influential ally. Of course, Harry sees right through Draco Malfoy and rejects his invitation, delivering Harry’s famous line, “I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks.”
14 “Excuse Me, Professor, Perhaps I Heard You Wrong. I Thought You Said The Four Of Us.”
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone
One of Draco’s greatest pleasures is getting the golden trio into trouble. When he discovers Harry, Ron, and Hermione wandering the halls late at night past curfew, he is thrilled to report them. Unfortunately, this plan backfires on Draco. When McGonagall (Maggie Smith) delivers her punishment — 50 points detracted from their respective houses for each of them and detention — she includes Draco, as well.
It’s a great moment of fairness from McGonagall, but an even funnier one at Draco’s expense.
Draco is, of course, gobsmacked that he’s also being punished, and his incredulity leads to an incredibly memorable Malfoy quote. Slytherin also losing points shocks him, wiping the smug look off of his face, and he politely questions her decision. McGonagall is quick to point out that, in order for Draco to have caught them, he also must have been breaking the rules. It’s a great moment of fairness from McGonagall, but an even funnier one at Draco’s expense.
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13 “I Don’t Think You’re Gonna Last 10 Minutes In This Tournament. He Disagrees. He Thinks You Won’t Last 5.”
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
Draco can’t resist the urge to antagonize Harry. When Harry is entered into the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, he is clearly petrified. This excites Draco, and he is quick to accost Harry, letting him know how little he and his friends think of Harry. Harry goes on to do very well in the Triwizard Tournament, but he probably would have been better off had Draco’s prediction come true.
Harry suffers greatly over the course of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, starting with no one believing that Harry didn’t put his name in the Goblet of Fire himself, but Malfoy likely feels even more spurned by the increased notoriety The Boy Who Lived inadvertently earned himself.
12 “Another Minute Or Two And I Could Have Lost My Arm.”
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban
In a brief sequence in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Malfoy can be seen showing his bandaged arm to a group of his classmates, boasting that he narrowly survived an attack from Buckbeak the Hippogriff. Eager for attention and approval, Malfoy plays up his injuries, making himself out to be some sort of grizzled war hero after he insults Buckbeak, and the animal lashes out at him.
It’s one of several great Malfoy quotes made all the better by Tom Felton’s delivery, as he plays the melodrama of this Draco moment perfectly.
Malfoy milking that injury is one of the most memorable comedic efforts in the movie. Not only was he not going to lose his arm, but he wasn’t even close to brave during the encounter, dropping to the ground and muttering as soon as he received the slightest scratch. It’s one of several great Malfoy quotes made all the better by Tom Felton’s delivery, as he plays the melodrama of this Draco moment perfectly.
11 “My Father Will Hear About This!”
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone
This is one of the best Draco Malfoy quotes because it’s such a classic Malfoy-Esque catchphrase — using his father’s reputation as a weapon. It reveals that the arrogant school bully is too afraid to fight his own battles, and he has to appeal to his father to get him what he wants. Lucius Malfoy might be an intimidating figure at points, but Draco’s constant weaponizing of his reputation is anything but.
Malfoy may talk a big game at school, but the truth is that he is a child who is desperate for his father’s approval. Upon closer inspection, Malfoy becomes a pitiable character, and his evil ways are likely more a result of nurture than nature. That becomes even more apparent as his character grows over the course of the eight Harry Potter movies.
10 “Longbottom, If Your Brains Were Gold, You’d Be Poorer Than Weasley—And That’s Saying Something.”
Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone
Harry is the target for most of Malfoy’s insults, with Ron being a close second, but Draco also goes out of his way to target Neville Longbottom. Draco may be small-minded, but he has a history of delivering incredibly scathing insults. The spirit of these comments is incredibly mean and unnecessary, especially considering how often he throws them at his classmates.
What makes this insult particularly good from Draco’s perspective is that it also manages to include a jab at Ron, too.
Neville has the misfortune of being on the receiving end of many of Draco’s insults because he’s an easy target in the first few movies. Neville is afraid to stand up to Draco, and he’s unflinchingly loyal to Harry, making Draco take particular pleasure in insulting him as he does in this line after stealing Neville’s remembrall. What makes this insult particularly good from Draco’s perspective is that it also manages to include a jab at Ron, too.
9 “Scared, Potter?”
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
This Draco Malfoy quote from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets gets the often-quoted Harry response of, “you wish.” There was a point in time when Harry Potter fans couldn’t go anywhere without people reciting these lines. It is a part of the Chamber of Secrets trailer, and, ever since then, it has become an iconic moment in the Potter series. It shows off Harry Potter’s true sass, and it reveals that, as much as Malfoy tries, he can never intimidate Harry. It also proves that Malfoy is a pretty poor wizarding duelist.
At this point in the franchise, Harry hasn’t gone up against all the evil Voldemort will set in front of him, but even at 12 years old, he isn’t intimidated by Malfoy’s bluffs. Malfoy soon shows his true colors too, as the appearance of a snake from Harry’s wand is more than enough to have him crippled by fear.
8 “Trust Me, I Was Chosen.”
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince
Draco Malfoy’s darkest hour occurs during the climax of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Eager to prove himself to his malevolent master, Malfoy corners Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) atop a Hogwarts spire and threatens to kill him, revealing that he now bears the dark mark. Yet, in spite of all this, Malfoy cannot bring himself to kill his headmaster, leaving Snape to fulfill the duty.
What’s most important in this Draco Malfoy quote is that no matter how much Draco says he’s doing Voldemort’s work and that he’s loyal, he doesn’t have the true venom needed to kill someone.
This was, of course, all planned ahead of time by Snape and Dumbledore, though this isn’t revealed until the seventh Harry Potter installment. What’s most important in this Draco Malfoy quote is that no matter how much Draco says he’s doing Voldemort’s work and that he’s loyal, he doesn’t have the true venom needed to kill someone. It’s the first time the audience sees that he doesn’t actually want to be a villain.
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7 “Training For The Ballet, Potter?”
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
The earlier Harry Potter movies contain some of the best Draco Malfoy quotes because, at this point in the franchise, they have more of a schoolboy rivalry than a genuine animosity born of the fact that Draco is a servant of Voldemort. Draco and Harry have such a classic back-and-forth in this instance, and Harry isn’t afraid to fight back, leading to a memorable moment between the two rivals. In this scene from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry is playing the Slytherin team in a game of quidditch.
Harry is not doing too hot, and he’s spinning and twirling all over the place on his broom. Thus, Draco asks with amusement if Harry is training for the ballet. Harry ultimately wins the day, but it comes at an incredible cost as he actually ends up breaking his arm during the match and having to regrow his bones after Lockhart botches a spell.
6 “Imagine Being In Hufflepuff. I Think I’d Leave, Wouldn’t You?”
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone
Draco was kind of ahead of his time when he said this line in Sorcerer’s Stone because people making fun of this Hogwarts house has become an internet meme phenomenon. Although Hufflepuff is one of the most lovable and incredible houses at Hogwarts, Draco sees it as lesser than the others. Hufflepuff doesn’t have the prestige of Slytherin, or as many pure-blood wizards in it.
Hufflepuff is all about hard work and loyalty — qualities that Draco definitely doesn’t possess.
Hufflepuff is all about hard work and loyalty — qualities that Draco definitely doesn’t possess. The house isn’t for someone like Draco who prefers to find sneakier ways to climb to the top instead of putting in the work himself. His loyalty is only to his family as well, which doesn’t exactly make him someone to be trusted.