Top 10+ Useless Harry Potter Spells & 10 Unstoppable Ones

Let’s Sort The Spell Chaos

Harry Potter hands you a spellbook that swings between legendary and laughable. But the thing is, not every spell was designed perfectly. Some spells feel like ancient secrets carved into stone. Others seem like they were invented by a bored fifth-year with a wand. If you’re on, let’s start with the ten useless spells that probably should’ve stayed in a dusty corner of the library.

1. Colloportus

Despite sounding intimidating, Colloportus is about as useful as locking a tent with string in a thunderstorm. It was originally taught to encourage caution in young students exploring enchanted spaces, but its place in adult wizarding defense is laughable.

2. Densaugeo

If juvenile wizard duels had a comedy award, Densaugeo would win it every term. All it does is aggressively enlarge a person’s teeth, converting the unfortunate victim into something between a chipmunk and a crocodile.

3. Aparecium

Aparecium only works on simple invisible ink and fails spectacularly against more complex concealments like enchantments or passwords. In fact, most spell-casters prefer more thorough detection spells or charms like Specialis Revelio or Homenum Revelio.

4. Cantis

Cantis is a rare charm that forces its target to sing uncontrollably, but it holds no defensive or offensive power. Though it could be used to disrupt a speaker or cause a moment of chaos, any trained witch or wizard could dispel it immediately.

5. Avis

At first glance, conjuring birds out of thin air sounds impressive. With a flick of your wand and a well-enunciated Avis, a flock appears, fluttering dramatically from your wand tip. But what next? These birds don’t attack unless paired with another charm like Oppugno.

6. Locomotor Wibbly

This charming little hex causes the target’s legs to tremble uncontrollably, turning even the most agile duelist into a wobbly mess. But it’s more of a joke than a threat. It’s often used during playful duels or for minor retribution among peers at Hogwarts.

7. Oculus Reparo

Introduced when Hermione uses it to repair Harry’s broken glasses on the Hogwarts Express in Philosopher’s Stone, Oculus Reparo is a powerful repairing charm. As a result, fans view this spell as a byproduct of over-specialization.

8. Anteoculatia

Anteoculatia causes antlers to sprout from the victim’s head. The worst outcome is a ruined hairstyle and a bruised ego. If your idea of magical triumph is turning your opponent into Rudolph, this spell is your go-to. Otherwise, it’s best left in the past.

9. Waddiwasi

There’s an almost childlike delight in watching a wad of gum shoot into a keyhole with pinpoint accuracy. Waddiwasi offers that joy. It doesn’t work on large items, has no guidance system, and certainly can’t replace summoning spells or levitation charms.

10. Brackium Emendo

Intended to heal broken bones, Brackium Emendo became infamous when Gilderoy Lockhart disastrously cast it on Harry Potter, removing the bones entirely. Since then, the spell has faded into obscurity and distrust.

Coming on to the good ones, here are ten Harry Potter spells that make you nearly unstoppable—and maybe just a little smug.

1. Avada Kedavra

No spell has haunted the wizarding world quite like Avada Kedavra. Cast with enough power and intent, it snuffs out life instantly, with a flash of green light and a whooshing sound that sears into memory. What makes it so feared is the lack of any known magical defense.

2. Fiendfyre

Fiendfyre is the spell you cast when you’ve given up on control and want absolute destruction. The flames grow into creatures—serpents, dragons, and beasts—consuming whatever stands in their path. It was one of the very few magical forces capable of destroying a Horcrux.

3. Imperius Curse

This spell turns enemies into allies and friends into weapons. During the darkest moments of magical warfare, entire governments and law enforcement units fell under its sway. The cruelty lies in the aftermath, as victims are left with guilt and confusion.

4. Protego Diabolica

Grindelwald used this spell during a secret gathering of his followers, summoning a wall of cursed blue flame that spread across the floor. Unlike ordinary shield charms, this one eradicates everything unworthy in its path.

5. Sectumsempra

Blood spills before you hear the scream. That’s the grim efficiency of Sectumsempra, a dark spell invented by a teenage Severus Snape under the alias The Half-Blood Prince. When Harry casts it unknowingly against Draco Malfoy, the result is near-fatal.

6. Cruciatus Curse

The Cruciatus Curse exists purely to hurt. It breaks people not by tearing them apart but by keeping them together long enough to suffer. Bellatrix Lestrange perfected its use, turning torture into a sport, as the curse invades the mind as well as the body.

7. Expelliarmus

Expelliarmus, the Disarming Charm, disarms your opponent instantly, often ending the duel before it starts. Harry Potter used it as his default response, even when facing Voldemort. Underestimate it, and you’ll find yourself unarmed and completely at your enemy’s mercy.

8. Petrificus Totalus

Hermione used this spell to stop Neville from interfering with their first-year mission, and it’s been a staple in magical combat ever since. You don’t need to be violent. You just need to immobilize, and Petrificus Totalus does that without hesitation.

9. Apparition

Disappearing at will sounds like a fancy escape trick until it’s used to outmaneuver you in a duel. Apparition, though classified as a magical transportation method, becomes a deadly combat tactic in expert hands. Therefore, mastering it provides a significant tactical advantage.

10. Obliviate

Obliviate is one of the most invasive spells ever created. Gilderoy Lockhart misfired this spell on himself, losing his memories completely. But others have used it more deliberately, vanishing witnesses, erasing trauma, or cleaning up magical accidents.