10 Most Powerful Wizards in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has unfolded through four phases, featuring an array of superheroes and supervillains. The powers of these characters stem not only from technological advancements and scientific experiments but also from mystical forces that defy logical explanation through science.

Since the introduction of Doctor Strange, audiences have been attracted by the blend of magical arts and advanced martial skills exhibited by Stephen Strange and his peers. Despite their powerful abilities, they are outmatched by Scarlet Witch in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

The MCU has showcased a spectrum of magical powers wielded by both heroes and villains. But who are the mightiest among them? This article highlights the most powerful practitioners of magic in the Marvel universe.

1. Wanda Maximoff

Initially an adversary to the Avengers alongside her twin brother, Pietro, Wanda Maximoff switched sides after recognizing Ultron’s malevolent plans. She stands as one of the most formidable witches in the Marvel universe, surpassing even Doctor Strange in power.

Wanda’s magical abilities are comprehensive. Originating from Hydra's experiments with the Mind Stone, her powers include psionic abilities, which allow her to manipulate minds, emotions, and souls. She possesses telekinesis, telepathy, and can even foresee future events.

Her offensive capabilities include firing potent red energy blasts and forming protective barriers. Wanda is also capable of flight and swift movement.

The unlocking of Chaos Magic marked a significant enhancement of her powers, enabling her to fabricate an entire reality in Westview, where she lived an idyllic life with Vision. Wanda’s powers of transmutation allow her to alter physical objects and even create children using Hex magic.

During her confrontation with Agatha Harkness, Wanda absorbed all of her adversary’s magical energy. Her study of the Darkhold further amplified her abilities, granting her the power to summon beings from other dimensions, access the astral plane without losing consciousness, and manipulate time, weather, and various elements.

Additionally, Wanda developed dream-walking abilities, which she used to exert control over her counterpart in another universe, leading to the demise of all the Illuminati members there. Through the Darkhold, Wanda significantly boosted her physical capabilities beyond ordinary human limits.

2. Doctor Strange

Originally a neurosurgeon, Stephen Strange's career was derailed by a traumatic car accident that left his hands permanently trembling. His search for healing led him to the Ancient One, who introduced him to the world of Eldritch Magic.

Under the tutelage of the Ancient One and Karl Mordo, and with the support of Wong, Strange explored the magical studies. His successful defense of Earth from Dormammu's onslaught secured his position among the Masters of the Mystic Arts, mastering the highest levels of Eldritch Magic.

Doctor Strange is proficient in creating large Tao Mandalas used as shields and can open portals to his desired locations, even across different dimensions.

His spell-based magic was notably seen when Peter Parker sought his assistance to make people forget his identity, though a distraction caused the spell to malfunction, opening portals to various universes.

Strange can also project energy blasts to combat foes and is adept in the arts of the Mirror Dimension, often disorienting his opponents when trapped within. Additionally, he can project his soul into the astral dimension.

A master of transmutation, Doctor Strange can transform objects at will, such as turning a cup of tea into a self-refilling glass of beer. He is also capable of flying, telekinesis, teleportation, and manipulating fire. With these diverse abilities, he is undeniably one of the most powerful wizards in the Marvel Universe.

3. Loki

Though only the adopted son of Odin and Frigga, Loki was raised with the same love and guidance as their biological son, Thor. Frigga, in particular, imparted her extensive magical knowledge to Loki, equipping him with a mastery of magic surpassing Thor’s divine powers.

Loki's expertise includes creating illusions so convincing that even the Avengers have been repeatedly deceived. He is skilled in impersonating others, a tactic he frequently uses to gather information or mislead, often taking the form of fellow Avengers.

In combat, Loki utilizes his ability to replicate himself multiple times, enhancing his strategic edge. His magical influence extends to controlling the minds of others, compelling them to follow his commands, as demonstrated with Erik Selvig. Additionally, he can make objects vanish or appear, adding to his arsenal of illusions.

As the son of Laufey, the Frost Giant King, Loki possesses enhanced endurance and strength, making him a formidable opponent in battles. Despite his prowess, Loki’s life came to a tragic end at the hands of Thanos after surrendering the Tesseract.

4. Wong

Wong is Doctor Strange's partner and they both learned Eldritch Magic together. He was a member of the Masters of the Mystic Arts and once guarded the library at Kamar-Taj. Later, he became the caretaker of the New York Sanctum.

When Doctor Strange vanished during Thanos' Blip, Wong took over as the Sorcerer Supreme. Despite not looking very imposing, Wong is one of the most skilled and experienced sorcerers in the world of Eldritch Magic. He gained his expertise through rigorous study from a young age and by diligently completing all his assigned tasks.

He has memorized countless spells because he's managed the Kamar-Taj library. Like Doctor Strange, Wong can create large Tao Mandalas that act as shields.

With his Sling Ring, Wong can open portals to different places, including other dimensions. He can also conjure weapons, like swords, from magical energy.

Additionally, Wong is skilled in the Mirror Dimension, which he uses to trap opponents. Unlike Doctor Strange, Wong is also highly trained in martial arts and is adept with various weapons.

5. Frigga

Frigga is Odin’s wife and Thor's mother. She grew up learning magic in Asgard, where she was taught by witches. Over time, Frigga became a powerful witch whose abilities were crucial in Asgard's battles.

As a witch, Frigga possesses several advanced magical skills. She can transform objects, such as turning a flower into a frog—a trick she once taught to Loki, who amusingly used it to turn Thor into a frog.

Frigga can also create illusions. She can appear as a shadow to anyone to deliver messages or take on the appearance of other people to trick her enemies. Sadly, her life was ended by Algrim, a trusted Dark Elf of Malekith.

6. Ancient One

The Ancient One was the most powerful wizard of Eldritch Magic and the Sorcerer Supreme, safeguarding Earth for centuries. He chose Stephen Strange as his apprentice based on Karl Mordo's recommendation.

One of his students, Kaecilius, fell under the influence of Dormammu and learned the magic of the Dark Dimension. In their final confrontation, the Ancient One suffered critical injuries and despite efforts to save him, he passed away.

As a master of Eldritch Magic, the Ancient One knew all the spells his students did. He could create portals with his Sling Ring, travel through dimensions, and form Tao Mandalas as shields.

Having harnessed energy from the Dark Dimension, the Ancient One gained eternal life. He could also manipulate reality, trap enemies in the Mirror Dimension, project his soul into the astral dimension, and even peek into the future.

7. Agatha Harkness

Agatha Harkness is a witch skilled in Dark Magic from Salem. Over 330 years ago, she faced execution by the townspeople for her practices but survived, eliminating the entire community and even her own mother, influenced by the sinister power of the Darkhold book.

She befriended Wanda in Westview, aiming to seize Wanda's Chaos Magic. However, her plan backfired, and instead, Wanda absorbed her powers.

Agatha possesses a range of dark magic abilities including longevity, energy manipulation, telekinesis, and soul control. She can fly, read minds, change objects, teleport, create protective talismans, and sense the energy of others.

At more advanced levels, she can even resurrect the dead. Agatha clashed with Wanda in the "WandaVision" series and will return in "Agatha: Coven of Chaos."

8. Karl Mordo

Karl Mordo, a member of the Masters of the Mystic Arts, was instrumental in introducing Stephen Strange to the Ancient One. After the battles with Kaecilius and Dormammu, unlike the jubilant Doctor Strange and Wong, Mordo grew disillusioned. He believed that the use of magic was destabilizing the world, prompting him to leave the order.

Mordo, like other wizards of Eldritch Magic, can create Tao Mandalas for protection and wields a whip as his primary weapon. His abilities include casting spells, absorbing others' powers, opening portals, traveling through dimensions, and levitating using the Vaulting Boots of Valtorr.

After departing from the Masters of the Mystic Arts, Mordo began targeting other wizards, including Doctor Strange. In an alternate universe, Earth-838, he serves as the Sorcerer Supreme and a member of the Illuminati council.

9. Tina Minoru

Tina Minoru is a New York-based witch who mastered Eldritch Magic and joined the Masters of the Mystic Arts. However, her exploration of magic from the Dark Dimension eventually led her down a darker path.

Tina is also the founder of Wizard, a tech company that collaborates with a villainous group known as PRIDE, of which she is a part.

She possesses the Staff of One, a powerful wand she appropriated from her magical academy. This artifact was later handed down to her daughter, Nico Minoru.

In addition to her typical witchcraft abilities like spellcasting and wielding a magic wand, Tina excels in blood magic and black magic. She also has the ability to travel between dimensions with Nico’s assistance. Beyond her magical talents, Tina is skilled in martial arts and a successful entrepreneur.

10. Morgan le Fey

Morgan le Fay, a striking witch from King Arthur’s era, spent centuries trapped in the Dark Dimension. She once collaborated with Tina Minoru to seize the Staff of One but was betrayed and sent back to the Dark Dimension.

Her return was orchestrated through the manipulation of Nico Minoru’s mind, allowing Morgan to temporarily seize control of Wizard from Tina. Despite her brief ascension, she was thwarted by the combined efforts of the Runaways and PRIDE and was banished once more to the Dark Dimension.

Morgan le Fay, as a practitioner of Dark Magic and a queen of black magic, wields formidable powers. She is adept in telepathy, illusion creation, energy manipulation, soul manipulation, rapid healing, portal opening, mirror communication, teleportation, fire creation, telekinesis, and weapon absorption. Her abilities are prominently displayed in Season 3 of "Runaways."

These witches represent just a segment of the magical prowess in the Marvel universe. Not all beings with magical abilities are considered witches, however.

For instance, Moon Knight derives his powers from Divine Magic, bestowed by Khonshu, the ancient Egyptian moon god. Similarly, Shang-Chi’s powers come from Ta Lo Magic, inherited from his mother, Ying Li. While these characters possess significant magical capabilities, they are not classified as witches.

Who do you think ranks as the most powerful witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Will more witches join the ever-expanding magical landscape of Marvel? Only time will tell what new enchantments await.

In the meantime, enjoy the films and series that showcase these powerful magical figures. Happy watching!