The Complete List of Harry Potter Spells

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has cast a spell on me for years! But it was when I started playing Hogwarts Legacy that I really became obsessed with learning all the unforgettable spells of the Wizarding World. 

For those who haven’t played Hogwarts Legacy, a huge chunk of the first half of the game is all about learning spells and building up your magical skillset. The more spells you master, the more powerful you become as a witch or wizard. 

This had me practically geeking out Hermione-style, eager to ace all my spellwork as quickly as possible - each new spell brought back a flood of Harry Potter memories from the books and films, making the experience all the more enchanting.

As I picked up new spells like Accio and Protego along the way, I found myself understanding much more clearly as to how each spell connected to the larger Harry Potter universe. The more I played, the more fascinated I became with the spells and their unique uses, both in the game and in the stories I loved.

A Charm-ing Introduction to Spells

All that being said, you don’t just need to be a Hogwarts Legacy player to learn the complete list of Harry Potter spells. Everyone should be able to learn the magic of the Wizarding World, even us muggles!  

So in this article, I’m diving into the complete list of Harry Potter spells, exploring their effects, uses, and why they hold a special place in the hearts of muggles like me.

Spells in Harry Potter aren’t just words; they’re the lifeblood of wizarding adventures. From lighting up a dark cave with Lumos to defending yourself against dark forces with Protego, spell knowledge is a must in the Wizarding World.

To give you a better understanding of all the spells, here’s my complete list of Harry Potter spells. Then, I’ll break them down to help you grasp each one in detail.

The Complete List of Harry Potter Spells

Charms

  1. Alohomora - Unlocks doors and objects.

  2. Lumos - Lights up the tip of the wand.

  3. Nox - Extinguishes the light from the wand.

  4. Accio - Summons objects to the caster.

  5. Wingardium Leviosa - Levitates objects.

  6. Expelliarmus - Disarms an opponent.

Curses

  1. Avada Kedavra - The Killing Curse.

  2. Crucio - Inflicts excruciating pain (The Cruciatus Curse).

  3. Imperio - Allows the caster to control another person’s actions.

Defensive Spells

  1. Protego - Shields the caster from spells.

  2. Rictusempra - Tickling charm, often used in duels.

  3. Stupefy - Stuns the target.

Transfiguration Spells

  1. Animagus Transformation - Transforms a witch or wizard into an animal.

  2. Aparecium - Reveals invisible ink or hidden writing.

Healing and Utility Spells

  1. Episkey - Heals minor injuries.

  2. Reparo - Fixes broken objects.

  3. Obliviate - Erases memories.

Dark Magic Counterspells

  1. Finite Incantatem - Stops the effects of ongoing spells.

  2. Expecto Patronum - Conjures a protective Patronus to ward off Dementors.

  3. Rennervate - Revives someone who has been stunned or knocked out.

Miscellaneous Spells

  1. Riddikulus - Used against Boggarts to transform them into something humorous.

  2. Sectumsempra - Causes deep cuts on the target (created by Snape).

  3. Petrificus Totalus - Full Body-Bind Curse, immobilizing the target.

  4. Muffliato - Fills surrounding ears with an unidentifiable buzzing to prevent eavesdropping.

  5. Engorgio - Enlarges objects.

The Complete List of Harry Potter Spells by Wizard Emporium

Now that you’ve seen the complete list of Harry Potter spells, let’s dive a little deeper into what makes each one special. From their uses and meanings to the unforgettable moments where they were cast, there’s so much magic to explore. So, let me guide you through the highlights of these iconic spells... starting with the fan favourites.

Popular Spells Every Wizard Should Know

1. Alohomora

The Unlocking Charm is my go-to spell for bypassing locked doors and objects. I can’t help but think of Hermione Granger frequently using it during her adventures with Harry and Ron.

2. Lumos and Nox

Lumos is perfect for lighting up dark places, and Nox is ideal for putting that light out when you’re done. I always imagine myself walking through Hogwarts’ corridors with the soft glow of Lumos lighting the way.

3. Expelliarmus

This is Harry Potter’s signature move, and I admire its simplicity and brilliance. The Disarming Charm is proof that cleverness often outshines brute force.

4. Expecto Patronum

The Patronus Charm is one of the most beautiful spells. Each Patronus reflects the caster’s inner strength, and I love imagining what mine might look like—maybe a phoenix or a stag.

5. Accio

The Summoning Charm is such a practical spell. Whether it’s summoning your broomstick or retrieving your wand, I’d love to shout, "Accio Firebolt!"

The Dark Arts and Their Counterparts

Magic isn’t always light-hearted. My complete list of Harry Potter spells wouldn’t be fully authentic without exploring some of the darker spells - and the ways to counter them.

The Unforgivable Curses

  • Avada Kedavra: The dreaded Killing Curse.

  • Crucio: The Cruciatus Curse, used to inflict unbearable pain.

  • Imperio: The Imperius Curse, which takes control of another’s will.

These curses highlight the dark side of magic and serve as a constant reminder of the ethical boundaries that wizards must respect.

Counter-Spells

Thankfully, the Wizarding World isn’t without defences. Spells like Protego create magical shields, while Finite Incantatem ends ongoing magical effects. These spells are must-haves in any duel.

Fun and Mischievous Spells

Not all magic is serious business. Some spells are downright fun!

1. Wingardium Leviosa

The Levitation Charm is a classic, and I always smile remembering Hermione teaching Ron, "It’s Wing-GAR-dium Levi-O-sa, not Levio-SA!"

2. Riddikulus

This spell transforms your worst fears into something ridiculous. Professor Lupin’s lessons on this spell are some of my favourite moments in the series.

3. Muffliato

A charm to keep your conversations private—this spell would have been so useful during my school days!

Healing Spells and Household Magic

The complete list of Harry Potter spells wouldn’t be complete without practical magic for everyday life.

1. Reparo

The Mending Charm is so handy for fixing broken objects. I’d love to use this after accidentally dropping my favourite mug!

2. Episkey

This healing spell is great for minor injuries. It’s perfect for Quidditch players—or someone as clumsy as me.

3. Scourgify

A cleaning charm that makes tidying up a breeze. Even magical households need a bit of cleaning now and then.

Rare and Mysterious Spells

Some spells appear only briefly in the series, but they’re unforgettable nonetheless.

  • Sectumsempra: A powerful and dangerous curse invented by Snape.

  • Aparecium: Reveals hidden writing, perfect for uncovering secrets.

  • Obliviate: Erases memories—a spell that always fascinated me for its potential and consequences.

Iconic Scenes Where Harry Potter Spells Shined

When I first tried to think of the complete list of Harry Potter spells, some scenes stand out as unforgettable because they capture the brilliance of magic in action. Here are a few of the most popular moments where these spells left us spellbound.

Wingardium Leviosa in Charms Class

Who could forget the moment in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when Hermione corrected Ron’s pronunciation of Wingardium Leviosa? It wasn’t just a lesson in levitation but also an early glimpse into Hermione’s brilliance. 

This scene became a fan-favourite because it’s relatable - let’s face it, we’ve experienced trying something and feeling absolutely rubbish at it the first few times. 

Expelliarmus in Harry’s First Duel

Harry’s first duel with Draco Malfoy in The Chamber of Secrets gave us a clear demonstration of Expelliarmus, the Disarming Charm that would later become Harry’s signature spell. 

Watching Harry instinctively use it during the duel cemented the charm as a symbol of his unique approach to magic - choosing defence over attack. This moment also foreshadowed his future battles, especially the climactic duel with Voldemort.

Expecto Patronum Against the Dementors

The Patronus Charm is a truly breathtaking piece of magic. My heart still races when I think of Harry casting his first Expecto Patronum in The Prisoner of Azkaban. Facing a swarm of Dementors, Harry’s stag Patronus charged across the water, protecting him and Sirius Black. It was an emotional and powerful moment that showed the strength Harry drew from his happiest memories.

Accio During the Triwizard Tournament

One of the coolest uses of Accio was in The Goblet of Fire when Harry summoned his Firebolt during the first Triwizard Tournament task. 

The spell may be simple, but the stakes were sky-high as he used it to outmanoeuvre the Hungarian Horntail dragon. That heart-pounding scene showcased Harry’s quick thinking and mastery of magic under pressure, making it one of my favourite action-packed moments.

Riddikulus in Lupin’s Class

Professor Lupin’s Boggart lesson in The Prisoner of Azkaban remains one of the most memorable and heartwarming scenes. Watching Neville Longbottom transform Snape into his grandmother was a true example of the creativity the Wizarding World. This spell gave everyone a much-needed laugh while demonstrating how fear can be conquered with a little creativity and courage.

Magical Beasts and the Spells That Tamed Them

Spells weren’t just for duels and everyday magic; they were also crucial in handling magical beasts. Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them frequently relied on charms and enchantments to care for his fantastic creatures. 

One standout moment was his use of Reparo to fix a destroyed building after a Niffler caused chaos. Watching him expertly wield spells to calm and control beasts like the Erumpent added a whole new layer to how magic interacted with the natural (and magical!) world.

In the same series, we see Accio and Protego used during duels with dark wizards and when capturing mischievous beasts. These moments give me a deeper appreciation for how versatile and vital spells are in navigating magical chaos.

Muggle Magic Created by JK Rowling 

What makes the spells in Harry Potter so captivating isn’t just their effects - it’s the creativity and imagination behind them. Looking at this complete list of Harry Potter spells shows a true testament to J.K. Rowling’s ability to build a magical world that feels real.

Take Lumos, for example - a spell to produce light - derived from the Latin word "lumen," meaning light. 

Similarly, Nox, the counter-spell to extinguish light, comes from the Latin word for night. These linguistic nods ground the magic in a sense of historical depth, making it feel ancient, which creates an even more authentic feel. 

Rowling’s wordplay doesn’t stop there; spells like Expelliarmus (to disarm) combine "expellere," meaning to drive out, and "arma," meaning weapon. By weaving Latin and etymology into her spell names, Rowling gives her magic system a scholarly edge. 

How to Make Your World More Magical

Want odd Harry Potter spells to your day-to-day life?

I have! Spells like Lumos and Accio have even made their way into our world with tech like Siri recognising these commands! I share more about this, in this article: 




So whether you’re a casual fan or a devoted Potterhead, exploring this complete list of Harry Potter spells is a brilliant way to reconnect with the magic of Hogwarts. 

Which spell is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!

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