That’s a difficult question.

Richard Harris was really good in the first two films but he was a bit fragile looking for OOTP

I will say Richard Harris though I loved how he was especially in philosopher’s stone

(Australian btw so it will always be philosopher’s stone not sorcerer’s)

^ i agree

i'm american but philosopher's stone just sounds correct imo lol so i'm with ya

I’d say Richard Harrison. I always thought Michael Jambon didn't really fit Dumbledore’s character. Dumbledore’s personality is more calm and mysterious, and imo Michael’s portrayal of Dumbledore was a bit more on the rushed and impatient side. But I guess it did work out in later movies, when things were getting more dark. No disrespect to Michael Jambon tho. I still think he’s a fantastic actor and I have a lot of respect for him.

Yeah

They both suited the eras they played.

First and second books were mysterious, calm and mostly introductions to the magical world. Harris played that role to a tee.

3rd book is a tricky one. It has essences of both, Voldemort isnt yet properly introduced, yet the story definitely gets much darker than the previous two. Either of the Dumbledores would have worked great with this film, as they both wouldve been playing to their strengths and weaknesses in PoA

4th book onwards, the story got darker. More tension, aggravating each other and all together trying to fight for their lives. Theres Gambon's speciality. Harris would have been too fragile, and definitely close to the end if he hadn't sadly passed 2 years previous, which wouldnt have suited Dumbledore's attitude in the books from that time.

They wouldnt have suited the other way around, so I'm glad they worked it like that

Richard Harris will always be my favorite, but Michael Gambon was perfect for the future movies for multiple reasons:

• Richard Harris would not have been able to do some of the things that were required, like Dumbledore and Voldemort's duel in OOTP.

• As the movies got darker, Gambon did an amazing job at portraying that. Yes, Harris would have been able to do that, but not as god as Gambon (in my opinion).

• Is GOF the famous "DID YOU OUT YOUR NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIYAH" line can't be blamed on Gambon, but Mike Newell, the director.