With witches and wizards who cast spells here and there and everywhere, it’s easy to get sucked into the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rich lore waiting within. And that might mean becoming obsessed with the various spells and chants, including how they’re used and when to use them. While some of the spells are as simple as granting a glass of water or lighting up a candle, it can get a lot more interesting. Here are some of the best spells featured in the Harry Potter movies feature and why they’re so awesome.
10. Expecto Patronum
This charm spell is used to drive away Dementors and Lethifolds, first seen being used during Prisoner of Azkaban. It’s said to be the most powerful defensive charm—so advanced that not all witches and wizards are able to conjure it. The spell can be conjured in two forms: corporeal (having a distinct form, especially that of an animal) and incorporeal (forming a shield with an indefinite figure from the tip of the wand).
9. Wingardium Leviosa
This harmless spell is used to send an item or person floating in the air. If only it were real, as it would be one of the most useful spells for getting chores done and lifting heavy objects!
8. Expelliarmus
This offensive spell is used to disarm the target of any weapons or things at hand (including wands). It’s Harry Potter’s favorite spell of all time as he seems to use it for solving pretty much any encounter, making it his signature spell. In the movies, we can see that targets are even sent flying when they’re hit by Expelliarmus, like when Professor Snape used it against Professor Lockhart in demonstration.
7. Riddikulus
Riddikulus (the Boggart Banishing spell) is one of the rare spells that’s actually funny and happy. It’s used to defeat Boggarts, which are shape-shifting creatures that manifest as a person’s worst fear. During Prisoner of Azkaban, Professor Lupin teaches his class the charm using a Boggart in the wardrobe, in which we saw Severus Snape as one of Neville’s worst fears. He turned Boggart Snape into an old lady, making the room burst into laughter.
6. Alohomora
This spell is used to unlock any doors or containers. Hermione Granger used this spell in Philosopher’s Stone to unlock the third-floor corridor of the school, which is forbidden. The most useful spell for sneaky students or when someone locks you in a room.
5. Colloportus
If you’re someone who prefers to watch anime or movies alone and doesn’t want to be disturbed, the Colloportus spell is for you. It can lock gates, doors, and other objects that are able to be opened, closed, and locked. Your only enemy is someone who can use the aforementioned Alohomora spell to undo your locking!
4. Capacious Extremis
This awesome spell is a godsend for anyone who has a tiny home, as it can make even the smallest of rooms spacious enough to house many more people and furniture. With this, the caster can make a 25-square-meter room into a mansion complete with appliances and accommodations.
3. Protego Totalum
One of the best defensive spells is the Protego charm, which includes the Protego Totalum. It doesn’t cause any damage or pain to anyone; instead, it protects an area and grants sanctuary. Hermione uses this spell in Deathly Hallows to protect their tents. (She also used the Repello Muggletum charm spell to keep Muggles away from the area.)
2. Accio
If you’re feeling lazy but in need of an item, whether close or far, the Accio spell is the perfect choice. It can summon items that are in direct sight of the caster directly to hand. Surely the best use of this spell is when you want to grab a snack from the pantry, but don’t want to get up and interrupt your movie!
1. Obliviate
Obliviate is a charm spell used to remove certain memories from the targets. Hermione used it on her parents to remove herself from her parents’ memories, and she used it again on the Death Eaters who followed them after managing to escape. This spell is quite useful yet risky, as Gilderoy Lockhart lost some of his own memory after the spell backfired due to his broken wand.
Harmful & Deadly Harry Potter Spells
Not all spells are harmless and defensive. There are these harmful and deadly spells you should be wary of (especially if you’re a Muggle). Crucio is a curse spell that inflicts considerable pain on the target. Though it may not kill them, the pain is literally unbearable, as seen when Lord Voldemort used it on Harry during Goblet of Fire. The pain is said to be best for torture purposes and punishments. Avada Kedavra is a killing curse, frequently used by Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters to kill their targets. The curse is said to have no counter spells, yet Harry managed to be saved from Lord Voldemort’s spell several times in the movie. Stupefy is a curse spell that stuns a target and renders them unconscious. Although it doesn’t inflict much pain or damage itself, being unconscious for a while can cause a lot of trouble. Sectumsempra is a curse spell that acts as a sword, slashing the target and causing mortal wounds. The way the wounds form is determined by how the caster waves his wand during casting. Harry nearly kills Draco because he doesn’t know what it does! Read next: Popular nerdy media franchises that shaped geek culture
