From Hogwarts to Marvel
Magic is a quintessential part of fiction, from mages to superheroes to wizards; we simply can’t get enough. If you’ve ever wondered who the most powerful magic users in video games, comic books, and television were, then here’s the only list you’ll need. Ranked from strongest to weakest, would you agree with this line up?
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1. Gandalf
Gandalf is undoubtedly the most powerful magic user to ever exist. Merely second to the creator of Middle Earth, Gandalf is part of the Maiar, a class of divine spirits blessed with immense power. Even when he loses a battle, he simply returns stronger than before.
2. Lucifer
Lucifer has made numerous appearances, although one of his most popular iterations hails from Mike Carey’s comic books. This angel-turned-devil has access to unlimited divine power. As one of the first creations, he is invulnerable and immortal and can mold entire universes.
3. Morpheus
While Morpheus concedes his defeat to Lucifer, the Sandman is part of the Endless family. He is an all-powerful cosmic being responsible for the very fabric of worlds, particularly sleep and dreaming. What makes him so strong is the fact that he isn’t a person but rather a concept with control over reality.
Álvaro Fernández G on Wikimedia
4. Dante
Fans of the Devil May Cry series know that Dante is one of the most exhilarating and powerful protagonists in video game history. Equipped with demonic power and the ability to transform and gain access to special attacks, he’s quite the force. Additionally, he has unique weapons, such as guitars that summon lightning, and regenerative capabilities.
KniBaron from Bangkok, Thailand on Wikimedia
5. Scarlet Witch
Marvel’s Scarlet Witch started off as a B-tier villain in the X-Men comics, but she has quickly become an unstoppable powerhouse. Now equipped with the ability to harness chaos magic and warp entire realities, she can simply rewrite the existence of her foes.
greyloch from Washington, DC, area, U.S.A. on Wikimedia
6. Bayonetta
Bayonetta is on par with Dante as a fearsome and ferocious video game protagonist capable of handling any threat. She’s a witch with access to demonic contracts, magical speed, and shapeshifting skills. Since she often has to fight beings far stronger, it’s safe to assume she can take on most below her.
7. Loki
The Norse God of Mischief is known for his creative and cunning use of magic. While he can throw energy blasts and teleport around the room, what makes him especially dangerous is his use of illusions and mind control.
8. Gale (Ascended)
Baldur’s Gate 3’s Gale starts off as a simple companion with wizardly aspirations. However, if you allow him to achieve his full power by the end of the story, he becomes one of the strongest beings in Faerûn. Practically the equivalent of a god of magic, Gale is a top contender on this list.
9. Merlin
There are many iterations of Merlin to choose from, but many consider him the quintessential wizard. In some works, he is the father of the arcane and has created entire worlds. In others, he’s tasked with guarding and protecting the most legendary of heroes.
10. Dumbledore
In the wizarding world, Dumbledore has proven himself time and time again as an ultimate force for good. He not only has access to the Elder Wand but also vast knowledge of hundreds of spells, artifacts, and charms. His academic prowess paired with his tactical mind makes him one of the strongest magic users out there.
11. Dr. Strange
Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange actually is a real doctor. That means when he’s not using the Eye of Agamotto to induce astral projection and dimensional travel, he can easily stitch up his own injuries. Additionally, he has extensive knowledge of the multiverse, making him a useful ally.
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12. Zatanna
Some may argue that Zatanna is way too high on this list, but in reality, if her powers are used correctly, she’s unstoppable. This is because Zatanna can warp reality just like the Scarlet Witch. By simply speaking backward, she can bring anything into existence.
Marnie Joyce from New York City, USA on Wikimedia
13. Doctor Fate
Serving as an avatar of an ancient god known as Nabu, Doctor Fate is more so a helmet than an actual person. Whoever wears the helmet can travel dimensions, go back in time, and access vast magical knowledge. While he’s not always the best in hand-to-hand combat, his ability to harness the fabric of magic makes him formidable.
14. Yennefer
Yennefer of Vengerberg is known throughout The Witcher universe as one of the strongest forces out there. She is well-educated on the magical world, able to harness both elemental transfiguration and necromancy. In tune with the chaos of the world, she can unleash torrents of magic when pushed to the edge.
Victoria Romanova a.k.a. Milligan Vick on Wikimedia
15. John Constantine
The only reason John Constantine isn’t higher on this list is because, at the end of the day, he’s just a human sorcerer—albeit one of the best human sorcerers out there. His mastery of demonology and occult magic means he can probably come up with a way to take down some of the heavy hitters on this list.
16. Sephiroth
A villain in the Final Fantasy series, Sephiroth combines both magic and science to reach new heights. Not only is he a skilled swordsman who can summon meteors and disrupt celestial bodies, but his genetic enhancements make him dangerous in close proximity too.
17. Raven
Some may think Trigon belongs in this place, but considering Raven has defeated him countless times, she gets to take her father’s spot. Born half-demon, Raven can manipulate emotions, astral travel, and summon dark magic. She was initially created to destroy the world, so she’s definitely packing some power.
18. Ainz Ooal Gown
Many consider this undead overlord to be one of the most strategic and knowledgeable magic users out there. Able to harness necromancy and summon countless undead minions, he’s your typical big bad guy.
Michael Ocampo from United States on Wikimedia
19. Harry Potter
While Harry is the Boy Who Lived, he’s merely one person at the end of the day. He deeply understands hexes and can summon powerful Patronuses, but despite his bravery, he’s only really useful if you’re going after He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.
20. Lux
League of Legends’ Lux is another quintessential mage. Able to channel light-based magic, the extent of her abilities has been showcased in music videos and in-game. With a burst of energy, she has proven herself against titans.
