I have a lot of criticisms for their spells and magic system, but I figure I haven't seen a "what spells Bethesda did right" thread, so here it is.

So far my favorites have been -

#1. Conjure Dremora Lord
Yeah, it's just a summon spell like any other. Except it has awesome voice acting, and it chops people's heads off. I'd probably be using even if it weren't also probably most powerful summon.

#2. Bound Bow
This will be my weapon of choice for all archer characters. The fact that it now comes with bound arrows to match was a great change. The animation of your character fluidly conjuring and equipping it is also just great, I wish the melee animations matched it's quality.

#3. Healing
Basic healing spell but I had to pick it just for the new to TES channeled casting. I wish the spell had scaled versions, because channeling healing spells just feels better than the standard casting method, has a better animation especially when dual cast, and it's probably the most efficient design for a healing spell since you don't "overheal" as much.

Fireball - Giant booms, camera shakes and excellent sound effect if you cast two at once.

Lightning - Nothing more fun than playing the Sith for awhile.

Runes - LOL, you stepped in it. (Wish they had expert or master level varieties.)

For me the top two were Destruction in general and Wards. I just got a kick out of wards cause I really liked the idea of a magical shield that works against spells as well as physical damage. As for Destruction, in previous gamse you had the options of ranged and non ranged, with area of effect available. Now you have effects ranging from a flamethrower to a giant explosion oriented on the player. I do have critiques I could make about Destruction, but considering the spirit of the thread I can be satisfied with the impressive variety Skyrim incorporated.

My favorite and most used spells are -

Frenzy - Aim at the toughest guy in a group and watch them kill each other
Calm - Use on the last guy standing to get another 3x stealth bow shot in
Close Wounds - Yay heals

Frenzy is highly entertaining.

Fury is always fun. Watching 2 Bandits fighting it out then finishing off the winner. Was having a bit of fun with telekinesis the other day picking up kettles and seeing if I can kill anyway with it (sadly, only rabbits else I'd need a LOT of kettles )
Also picking up dead bodies and trying to see how far I could launch them over Dragonsreach with incinerate was quite entertaining.

Candlelight by far. It may not be the coolest, but is sure is the most usefull.

I like the concept of candlelight but the actual light is too bright, harsh, and ugly. Would've preferred a warmer light, more like the light a candle would actually cast.

Despite the ridiculous animation for master spells, I'm a fan of Bane of the Undead and Guardian Circle.

Also, in the TestHall, there's a Tome for a spell that shoots a spectral arrow out of your hand

Dremora Lord, Transmute, and Soul Trap.

Yeah, Soul Trap. I'm a svcker for enchanting things, even things that aren't anywhere near 'the best'. Though I still don't really use the Silent Moons enchantment.

Paralyze, i love depriving giants of their kill.