The Dark Arts, also known as Dark Magic, was a term that referred to any type of magic that was mainly used to cause harm to, exert control over, or even kill people and creatures. Most people who practised what was known as The Dark Arts were evil, but not all.

The Dark Arts commonly referred to spells and actions that could be used to harm others, ranging from the powerful Unforgivable Curses, to brewing dark potions and breeding dark creatures. These acts were often illegal or at least heavily discouraged in the wizarding world.