D&D 5E 5E essential spells?

[Uller]

Faerie Fire is probably one of the most useful first level spells in the game. Even at very high levels, giving your allies advantage on all attacks is not to be underestimated, especially when fighting a high AC foe.

Bonus action spells and spells with durations that aren't concentration are always a favorite. Spiritual Weapon for instance.

 

[CapnZapp]

One thing to consider is that while healing of any kind has classicallly been a wizard blindspot, that doesn't necessarily make it desireable, for the wizard. Having a heal spell prepped puts tremendous pressure on you to use or reserve your slots for healing, since it is such a critical function. Better to leave healing to another PC or PCs in the party with less varied spell lists than your wizard, especially your wizard with 6 non-wizard spells available to him.

Only if your party is desperately short of healing, or if the healers can't be depended upon to be there for every session, should you even consider taking up that burden.

Take Cure Wounds, but don't tell the other players...?