Harry Potter: 15 Spells Ranked From Weakest To Strongest
10. The Full-Body Bind Curse (Petrificus Totalus)
The thought of being completely paralysed without warning is a fear I think most people have, which is why the Full-Body Bind Curse is such a sinister spell.
When cast, Petrificus Totalus renders its target immobile. They can't speak or move, and often have no idea what's happening or who's cursed them.
The spell is used to comedy effect in The Philosopher's Stone, when Hermione curses Neville so she, Harry and Ron can escape the dorm room, but it's used with much crueller intentions in The Half-Blood Prince, where Draco curses an eavesdropping Harry on the Hogwarts Express.
The effects of the curse are only temporary, but even so the results are nothing short of terrifying. Or amusing, depending on the context.