12 Most Deadly Spells In The Harry Potter Universe

Given that the Harry Potter movies are set in what's generally called a family friendly universe, there's a surprising amount of death. Even the first movies, which were comparatively toothless compared to the increasingly dark sequels includes one of the most disturbing deaths at the end of it. It's all very traumatic.

But then, of course there'd be death in a world ruled by magic. As with anything, there is light and dark in JK Rowling's Wizarding World (and shades of grey between them) and because of the great and terrible acts of the worst villains, even the most morally incorruptible aurors have to turn to an arsenal of deadly spells. Because not everyone can inexplicably use Expelliarmus as well as Harry Potter for ALL situations.

And that's not to mention the creative, despicable spells dreamed up by the dark wizards. But which are the most deadly of all?

12. Imperio

Imperio is the least direct of the deadliest spells in the Potterverse, but there's something altogether more grim about it at the same time. Because the spell doesn't depend on explosions, eviscerations or even theatrical violence of any sort - it effectively just weaponises your own brain against you.

Used a few times during Harry's seven years at Hogwarts, the Imperius Curse is mostly notable as the Unforgivable Curse Harry uses surprisingly casually to break into Gringotts. But as the fake Mad-Eye Moody reminds everyone morbidly in his Defence Against The Dark Arts class, someone using the curse could just as easily make their target drown themselves as submit to their will.

It might not be directly deadly, but it's a horribly dangerous spell all the same.