Spells appropriate for Ravenloft games (5e) - and their variations

[alhoon]

I realize this probably has as many as versions as there are Ravenloft DMs. But I would be interested to see what other Ravenloft DMs think.
This is not a thread to do a "list" but more looking for characteristics / thematics. There are other sources about this in this forum, including a discussion on summoning spells.

My personal opinion leans (but not completely) towards "less flashy spells" or implementations of spells. Further I believe spells that throw curses (like bestow curse, Bane etc) should be stronger in Ravenloft, with "higher levels". Spells that divine the nature of, or block a monster type should be less reliable (not necessarily weaker). Something like having a token representing the creature you want to block with the circle of protection etc, like a mushroom from the cave the evil feys you want to block reside or a line of salt for vampires etc.
Last but not least, I lean towards more powerful (or bolstered) cleric spells.