It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. CBR supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love, and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find CBR's continuing coverage on Rowling here.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has cast a spell of wonder on long-time fans, enthralling them and making them yearn for the home Hogwarts has become. The movies do a great job adapting the books written by J.K. Rowling, bringing this tale of magic into everyone's homes. But the wizards and witches who populate the Wizarding World cast spells of their own, some more powerful than others.

Falling in several different categories — including, but not limited to charms, jinxes, hexes, and curses — spells become incredible weapons in the hands of skilled wizards. Many are dark in nature and most often used by villains, while others are deceptively simple. With the release of the Fantastic Beasts series and The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022), even more spells are being introduced, some more remarkable than their predecessors.

Updated on February 26, 2024, by Andrea Sandoval: The Harry Potter series is full of clever, powerful, and versatile spells. Many spells are used for chores, practical activities, or even entertainment. However, magic is also used for duels and, in the worst-case scenario, to cause harm to others. Because of this, there are also several protective charms, such as the Expecto Patronum. We updated this list to add more information about the most powerful spells in the Wizarding World.

Hermione using Stupefy in Harry Potter

Effect:

As its name suggests, Stupefy stuns the person attacked by the spellcaster.

Spell Meaning:

To stun, astonish, or shock.

Use in the Harry Potter series:

Stupefy is one of the most common offensive spells in the Wizarding World.

Stupefy is one of the most commonly employed offensive spells in the Wizarding World. As Harry explains, Stupefy is "sort of a wizard's bread and butter." This spell effectively knocks its target unconscious without leaving any serious injuries, except those that may have been caused by the target keeling over.

The Stunning Charm doesn't really work on magically enhanced creatures, like giants, trolls, and dragons, but humans are particularly susceptible. Stupefy's effects can be easily countered by Rennervate, or the Reviving Spell, which reverts the target's consciousness state. It can also be blocked by a carefully timed Shield Charm.

19 Expelliarmus Can Make Wands Change Allegiances

Harry Potter uses Expelliarmus in a duel against Voldemort
Related
Harry Potter's Signature Spell Defined His Character
Harry Potter has used many spells in his life, but Expelliarmus was his most important. His signature spell also showed the quality of his character.

Effect:

It disarms the opponent

Spell Meaning:

From Latin, "to drive out a weapon"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Harry Potter used Expelliarmus to defeat Lord Voldemort once and for all.

Expelliarmus isn't an incredibly dangerous spell in itself. Expelliarmus is very popular in dueling and is Harry Potter's trademark spell, precisely because it doesn't cause any damage to the opponent. It simply disarms them, nullifying the threat. This method isn't always practical — and when there's a war going on, something more permanent is often necessary.

There is one thing that makes the Disarming Charm surprisingly powerful. It can make wands change allegiances. This means that even if the enemy wizard gets their wand back, they would have trouble fighting for a second time. Only people who are very talented at wandless magic are completely immune to this effect, as shown when Draco Malfoy disarms Dumbledore and earns the allegiance of the Elder Wand.

18 Sectumsempra Is a Dark Severing Curse That Resists Healing Magic

Draco Malfoy bleeding in the floor with Harry and Snape in Harry Potter

Effect:

It creates a deep cut.

Spell Meaning:

From Latin, "always severing"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Severus Snape created Sectumsempra while he was studying at Hogwarts.

Created by Severus Snape, Sectumsempra is a dark severing curse far deadlier than spells of a similar nature. Its name roughly translates into 'cut forever', a reference to its very specific side effects. This spell is so lethal that Limbs severed with Sectumsempra can't be regrown.

Surface injuries caused by the curse – such as the wounds Harry Potter inflicts on Draco Malfoy – can be healed with the incantation Vulnera Sanentur. Scars can even be prevented with plants like dittany, but serious wounds have permanent side effects. For example, George Weasley loses his left ear due to a Sectumsempra miscast by Severus Snape, and is never able to successfully heal it.

17 Obliviate Is Deceptively Insidious in Power

Hermione using Obliviate on her parents in Harry Potter

Effect:

It erases the memory of the opponent

Spell Meaning:

To forget

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Obliviate was first introduced by Gilderoy Lockhart in The Chamber Of Secrets.

The Memory Charm is one of the most important tools at a Wizard's disposal. Despite being incredibly dangerous, Obliviate isn't viewed in a negative light, as it's necessary to keep Muggles from finding out the truth about the Wizarding World. There are even teams dedicated specifically to casting this spell, in case of improper use of magic in front of Muggles.

Hermione Granger uses Obliviate on her parents to make them leave England, thereby keeping them safe from the upcoming war. But Obliviate can also be very dangerous and easily abused. The best example is Gilderoy Lockhart, who uses Obliviate to steal the achievements of others and make a name for himself.

16 Finite Incantatem's Effects Are Relatively Minor but Exponentially Cumulative

Related
15 Strongest Aurors In Harry Potter, Ranked
In the Wizarding World, some of the strongest Aurors in the Harry Potter series were skilled duelists, great detectives, and experienced magic users.

Effect:

It takes away the effects of other spells

Spell Meaning:

From Latin, "to end the enchantment"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Finite Incantatem has little to no impact on the magic generated by overpowered spells.

Finite Incantatem has little to no impact on magical effects generated by powerful spells. However, it is notably useful when it comes to minor charms and hexes. Despite its relative simplicity, Finite Incantatem can be employed to instantly reverse the influence of pre-existing spells, including protective charms and dark enchantments.

It appears that its strength is cumulative — the outcome of Finite depends on the number of wands casting the spell simultaneously. This is seen when several magic-users dispel the Protego Diabolica dragon in The Crimes of Grindelwald.

15 Voldemort's Lightning Spell Demonstrates His Flair for Offensive Magic

Voldemort's casts Lightning Spell in the forest in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow Part One

Effect:

Creates lightning

Spell Meaning:

Unknown incantation

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Voldemort's Lightning spell was first vast by Voldemort after acquiring the Elder Wand.

Delighted upon discovering the location of the Elder Wand, Voldemort makes his way to the Hogwarts grounds. He shatters Dumbledore's grave open and pries the legendary weapon from the headmaster's cold, dead hands. Voldemort promptly casts an unnamed spell to confirm the Elder Wand's purported power.

A massive bolt of lightning emerges from the wand, striking the clouds and charging them with electricity. Although it's never used against a person, this spell is clearly one of the most potent offensive attacks seen in Harry Potter. Voldemort's Lightning spell may have later been used during the Battle of Hogwarts, but this remains unconfirmed.

14 The Imperius Curse Can Take Over Its Victim's Mind

Barty Crouch, Jr. disguised as Mad-Eye Moody teaching DADA in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Effect:

It allows the spellcaster to control the opponent

Spell Meaning:

From Latin, "authority"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Barty Crouch Jr. demonstrated the Imperius Curse while he was posing as Alastor Moody.

Like the Memory Charm, Imperio is a spell that attacks the mind. However, it is far more potent. One of the three Unforgivables, the Imperius Curse allows the caster to take complete control of the victim. Disguised as Mad-Eye Moody, Barty Crouch Jr. uses this spell, first on spiders, then on the students. Voldemort casts it on Harry, trying to force him to kneel.

On both occasions, Harry is able to resist the effects of the Imperius curse, albeit with enormous willpower. The goblins of Gringotts aren't so lucky, as Harry is forced to resort to this spell when he and his friends break into the bank. Draco employs this curse on Madam Rosmerta in Hogsmeade, as Dumbledore deduces right before his death.

13 The Cruciatus Curse Causes Unbearable Pain To Its Target

Harry looking heart-broken after Sirius falls through the veil in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Related
Voldemort's Deadliest Spell Was Nothing Compared to the Cruciatus Curse
The world of Harry Potter features many evil curses and spells. But one Unforgivable Curse may be worse than Voldemort's iconic killing curse.

Effect:

It causes a lot of pain on the opponent

Spell Meaning:

From Latin, "I torture"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Crucio happens to be Bellatrix Lestrange's favorite spell. She used it to attack Neville Longbottom's parents and Hermione Granger.

The second Unforgivable, the Cruciatus Curse, is a favorite of the Death Eaters. Bellatrix Lestrange is shown using it on Hermione Granger, and Voldemort employs it numerous times in his battles against Harry. Crucio causes unbearable pain to the target. The agony is so horrifying that, if the curse is continuously cast for more than a few minutes, its victims become catatonic.

Harry uses this dark spell on more than one occasion. The first two attempts – on Bellatrix Lestrange and Severus Snape – were failures. He is finally successful on his third try in The Deathly Hallows. Harry casts the Cruciatus Curse on Amycus Carrow when the Death Eater demands entry to Ravenclaw Tower and spits in Professor McGonagall's face.

12 Dumbledore's Force Spell Affects the Environment Around It

Dumbledore casting as spell in Harry Potter

Effect:

Seems to create a strong force against the opponent

Spell Meaning:

Unknown incantation

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Voldemort could only deflect Dumbledore's Force Spell by conjuring a silver shield.

The Duel in the Ministry Atrium is arguably one of the most exceptional displays of ingenuity in the Harry Potter franchise, pitting two magical powerhouses against each other. Dumbledore outright refuses to resort to the Unforgivable Curses, something Voldemort views as a sign of weakness.

On the contrary, Dumbledore is theoretically capable of defeating the Dark Lord with the vast array of spells at his disposal. Dumbledore casts a spell so devastating that Harry "felt his hair stand on end as it passed," and forces Voldemort to "conjure a shining silver shield" to block it. Very little is known about this spell, but the description alone signifies its overwhelming power.

11 The Unbreakable Vow Can Go Horribly Wrong If Cast Improperly or Without Conviction

Related
Harry Potter: The 10 Most Difficult Spells To Master
Out of the multitude of spells taught in Hogwarts, Harry Potter features a few spells that are the most difficult to master.

Effect:

Kills the person who breaks a vow

Spell Meaning:

Unknown incantation

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

The Unbreakable Vow was first showcased between Narcissa Malfoy and Severus Snape.

The Unbreakable Vow is accessible to anyone who wishes to partake in a magically bound mutual agreement. However, the potency of this spell extends deep into the magical territory — those who break the conditions of the Unbreakable Vow are killed on the spot, quite like Avada Kedavra.

Casting involves a fair bit of ceremony and requires a third-party witness for completion. More importantly, the Unbreakable Vow can go horribly wrong if cast by inexperienced people, explaining why this spell is heavily regulated by the Ministry of Magic. Ron mentions that Fred and George had once tried to make an Unbreakable Vow with him, but Arthur fortunately managed to stop them in time.

10 Dumbledore's Water Manipulation Charm Turns the Fountain Into a Liquid Cocoon

Dumbledore battles Voldemort and uses a water manipulation spell in Harry Potter

Effect:

Water manipulation

Spell Meaning:

Unknown incantation

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Dumbledore's Water Manipulation Charm nearly gets the better of Lord Voldemort.

Another spell used by Dumbledore in his only duel against Voldemort is the Water Manipulation Charm. This spell sounds corny on paper, but it is strong enough to push even the Dark Lord to his limits. In the books, the spell takes the form of "a cocoon of molten glass," whereas the movies depict it as a gloating orb of water.

In both cases, Voldemort struggles to "throw off the suffocating mass," highlighting the sheer power contained within the Water Manipulation Charm. In fact, Voldemort officially loses the duel as he decides to possess Harry rather than continue fighting his opponent. Dumbledore proves his magical superiority once and for all with this spell.

9 The Fidelius Charm Hides a Secret Inside the Keeper's Soul

James and Lily Potter dancing and smiling in Harry Potter
Related
A Tragic Harry Potter Theory Ties Dumbledore to the Potters' Deaths
The Wizarding World is filled with countless theories and ideas. But the darkest one yet may tie the Potters' deaths to Dumbledore himself.

Effect:

Creates a secret in a person's soul

Spell Meaning:

From Latin, "Fidelis", which means "faithful"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Used by James and Lily Potter to protect their home from Lord Voldemort.

The Fidelius Charm is among the strongest spells of protection in the world. It is first used by the Potters when they go into hiding with their son Harry. To ensure the safety of their location, the secret is hidden in the soul of their trusted friend, Sirius Black. However, Sirius convinces the Potters to choose Peter Pettigrew as their Secret Keeper, hoping to throw the Dark Lord off Harry's scent.

Unfortunately, their new Secret Keeper betrays them, leading to James and Lily dying at Voldemort's hands. The Fidelius is also used in Sirius' childhood home after Grimmauld Place becomes the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, with Dumbledore as the Secret Keeper.

8 The Gubraithian Fire Charm Produces Eternal Flames

Dumbledore's firestorm spell in the Half-Blood Prince movie

Effect:

An everlasting flame

Spell Meaning:

From Chinese, "undying fire"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Very few magic-users are capable of casting the Gubraithian Fire Charm.

Fire magic is extremely commonplace in Harry Potter. Spells that produce or manipulate flames include Incendio, Confringo, and the Cold Fire Charm. In The Order of the Phoenix, Hermione mentions a spell known as Gubraithian Fire, a supposedly everlasting flame that will continue to burn under any circumstances, even underwater.

Dumbledore charms a tree branch with this spell, hoping that this gift would sway the loyalty of the Giants, but the Order's plans go awry when the Gurg is killed and supplanted. The term is likely derived from the Gaelic "gu bràth," meaning "eternal." According to Hagrid, very few magic-users are capable of casting this spell.

7 Fiendfyre Creates Uncontrollable Living Flames

The fiendfyre spell takes on the form of a snake in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two

Effect:

Creates living flames

Spell Meaning:

From Latin, "pestis incendium" which means "plague fire"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Fiendfyre is capable of destroying Horcruxes.

One of the most powerful dark spells in existence, Fiendfyre creates a storm of fire in the shape of rampaging animals. The spell is notoriously difficult to control, but its power can even destroy Horcruxes.

A Fiendfyre foolishly cast by Crabbe destroyed the Room of Requirement and with it, Ravenclaw's diadem and the Horcrux within. The fire also killed Crabbe. In the movies, it is Goyle who casts the spell and dies because of it. The movie adaptations also display Lord Voldemort using Fiendfyre during his duel with Albus Dumbledore at the Ministry, though this never happens in the books.

6 The Curse on Marvolo Gaunt's Ring Would Have Eventually Killed Dumbledore

2:16
Related
Every Harry Potter Horcrux And The Order They Were Destroyed
In Harry Potter, the Golden Trio sought to destroy Voldemort's seven Horcruxes hidden in Hogwarts and the wider Wizarding World.

Effect:

Creates a lethal poisoning effect

Spell Meaning:

Unknown incantation

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Snape brews a potion to temporarily alleviate the fatal symptoms Dumbledore experiences from the curse on Marvolo Gaunt's ring.

Lord Voldemort treats his Horcruxes as his most treasured possessions, explaining why he protects each of them with remarkable magic. The Dark Lord places a curse of unimaginable power and malice on Marvolo Gaunt's Ring, one that was designed to kill anyone who made physical contact with the ring.

Dumbledore only touches the ring because he recognizes the Resurrection Stone embedded within, a decision that would have killed him had Snape not quickly prepared a temporary remedy. The Curse on Marvolo Gaunt's Ring is so potent that it cannot be cured, explaining why Dumbledore begs Snape to end his suffering when the time comes.

5 Expecto Patronum Summons a Powerful Protector

Luna Lovegood casting the Patronus Charm in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Effect:

Creates a magical light animal that protects the user

Spell Meaning:

From Latin, "I expect a guardian"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Harry Potter could produce a fully corporeal Patronus by his third year.

The Patronus Charm is an incredibly difficult spell to master. Expecto Patronum is a spell used to dispel Dementors and Lethifolds. It is powered by joyous memories, as happiness is the best weapon against these dark creatures. Harry develops a particular affinity for the Patronus Charm, earning praise from his O.W.L. examiners and an Outstanding Achievement in his DADA course.

It is said that dark wizards cannot cast this spell, and merely making the attempt would cause them to be eaten by maggots. The spell can also be used to convey messages. The only Death Eater capable of casting the Patronus Charm is Severus Snape.

4 Protego Diabolica Burns Away the Caster's Enemies

Protego Diabolica being used by Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts movie

Effect:

Creates a protective circle of flames

Spell Meaning:

From Latin, "protection of the devil"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Gellert Grindelwald cast this spell to test the loyalty of his followers

A newer spell that appears in The Crimes of Grindelwald, Protego Diabolica summons a circle of flame around its caster, keeping all allies safe and incinerating opponents. In the script, Protego Diabolica is described as black, but the movies portray it as light blue spell.

The spell kills Leta Lestrange at the end of the movie. Enhanced into a gigantic dragon, it would have destroyed Paris, if not for the combined efforts of Newt and Theseus Scamander, Tina Goldstein, Nicolas Flamel, and Yusuf Kama. Protego Diabolica has many things in common with Fiendfyre, but its main advantage is that it cannot kill the caster or his allies.

3 Unsupported Flight Is Nothing Less Than a Magical Revolution

Voldemort flying in the middle of a storm in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One
Related
9 Details About Voldemort Only Book Readers Know
The movie adaptations had to unfortunately cut out a ton of detail from the books, including some much-needed backstory for Voldemort.

Effect:

The wielder can fly without using any other object

Spell Meaning:

Unknown incantation

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Voldemort and Snape are the only two people capable of Unsupported Flight.

Unsupported Flight has been an unfulfilled dream of wizardkind for thousands of years. Until 1997, Magic-users had always relied on physical objects like brooms or animals like Thestrals to help them fly. However, Lord Voldemort becomes the first person to unlock the magical secrets behind Unsupported Flight, as seen for the first time in The Deathly Hallows.

There are a few similarities between this spell and the plethora of Levitation Charms available for use, but the discovery of Unsupported Flight is nothing less than a magical revolution. Snape learns the mechanics of this spell from Voldemort, making him its second and final user.

2 Avada Kedavra Is the Ultimate Unforgivable Curse

Voldemort casting Avada Kedavra in Harry Potter

Effect:

Instantly kills

Spell Meaning:

From Aramaic, "I will destroy as I speak"

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Harry is the only known survivor of the Killing Curse.

The most sinister of the Unforgivables is Avada Kedavra – the Killing Curse – an incredibly powerful spell and a favorite of Lord Voldemort's. Nobody knows exactly how this curse works, suffice it to say that it ends life in an instant.

The Killing Curse is impossible to block with any kind of shield charm, though it can be dodged or stopped through the use of physical barriers. The only definitive counter to Avada Kedavra is the power of love, as demonstrated by Lily Potter's sacrifice to save her son. Dumbledore outright refuses to use the Killing Curse under any circumstances, while Death Eaters cast it without the slightest hint of remorse.

1 Dumbledore's Charm on the Mirror of Erised Hides the Philosopher's Stone

Effect:

Hides an object from a person who wants to use it for selfish purposes

Spell Meaning:

Unknown incantation

Use in the Harry Potter Series:

Even Voldemort fails to deduce the complicated scope of Dumbledore's charm in the Mirror of Erised.

The Mirror of Erised is an essential plot point in The Philosopher's Stone, framing Harry's longing for family in the context of his larger responsibilities. Unfortunately, the charm that imbues this object with its desire-manifestation properties has long been lost to history.

Dumbledore adds a secondary charm, enchanting the Mirror of Erised in such a way that it would only transfer the Philosopher's Stone to those who seek the Stone without coveting it. Harry is awestruck by the sheer complexity of the entire process, and Dumbledore admits that this nameless charm is "one of [his] more brilliant ideas."

Harry Potter 8 Movie Collector's Edition featuring all movie art
Harry Potter

The Harry Potter franchise follows the adventure of a young boy introduced a whole new world of magic, mayhem and darkness. Traversing the obstacles in his path, young Harry's rise to heroics pits him against Lord Voldemort, one of the most dangerous wizards in the world and all his minions.

Created by
J.K. Rowling
First Film
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Latest Film
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2
Upcoming TV Shows
Harry Potter
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint , Emma Watson , Maggie Smith , Alan Rickman , Helena Bonham Carter , Ralph Fiennes , Michael Gambon
Where to watch
HBO Max
Spin-offs (Movies)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them , Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald , Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore