Ever wondered what magical adventures unfolded decades before Harry Potter stepped into Hogwarts? The Fantastic Beasts series, a captivating prequel to the Harry Potter saga, takes you back to the 1920s and 1930s in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. Following Newt Scamander, a quirky magizoologist, this film series dives into a world of magical creatures and the looming threat of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. If you’re looking for a clear guide to the Fantastic Beasts movies in order, you’re in the right place! This article provides a chronological list of the films, key details, and tips to enjoy
Overview of the Fantastic Beasts Series
The Fantastic Beasts series is a spin-off prequel to the iconic Harry Potter films, set in J.K. Rowling’s expansive Wizarding World. Directed by David Yates, the franchise began with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), inspired by Rowling’s fictional textbook of the same name. The series follows Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a magizoologist dedicated to studying and protecting magical creatures, as he navigates a world on the brink of the First Wizarding War. Alongside Newt, the story weaves in the legendary Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (portrayed by Colin Farrell, Johnny Depp, and Mads Mikkelsen across the films). Set across New York, Paris, and beyond, the Fantastic Beasts series order spans the 1920s to 1940s, offering a thrilling blend of magic, adventure, and historical intrigue.
Also Read: Harry Potter Books in Order
Fantastic Beasts Movies in Chronological Order
Below is the complete list of Fantastic Beasts movies in order by release date, which also aligns with the chronological timeline of the series. Each film builds on the last, making release order the best way to experience the story.
1. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
- Setting: 1926, New York City
- Plot Summary: Newt Scamander arrives in New York with a magical briefcase full of extraordinary creatures. When some creatures escape, chaos ensues, threatening the delicate balance between the magical and No-Maj (non-magical) worlds. Newt teams up with Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol), and No-Maj Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) to recapture the beasts. Meanwhile, a mysterious force linked to Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) and the shadowy Percival Graves (Colin Farrell) stirs trouble, hinting at the rise of Gellert Grindelwald.
- Key Characters: Newt Scamander, Tina Goldstein, Queenie Goldstein, Jacob Kowalski, Credence Barebone, Percival Graves/Gellert Grindelwald.
- Notable Details: This film marks J.K. Rowling’s screenwriting debut and grossed over $814 million worldwide, earning praise for its whimsical tone and visual effects.
2. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
- Setting: 1927, Paris and London
- Plot Summary: Months after his capture, Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) escapes and begins rallying followers to dominate non-magical beings. Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law), unable to confront Grindelwald directly, enlists Newt Scamander to thwart his plans. Newt reunites with Tina, Queenie, and Jacob, while new characters like Leta Lestrange (Zoë Kravitz) and Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner) deepen the story. The film explores Credence’s identity and Grindelwald’s dangerous vision, setting the stage for a global conflict.
- Key Characters: Newt Scamander, Albus Dumbledore, Gellert Grindelwald, Tina Goldstein, Queenie Goldstein, Jacob Kowalski, Credence Barebone, Leta Lestrange, Theseus Scamander.
- Notable Details: The film grossed $654.9 million but received mixed reviews for its complex plot, with fans intrigued by Dumbledore’s expanded role.
3. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
- Setting: 1930s, UK, US, China, Germany, Bhutan
- Plot Summary: As Grindelwald (now played by Mads Mikkelsen) gains power, Dumbledore assembles a team including Newt, Theseus, and professor Eulalie “Lally” Hicks (Jessica Williams) to stop him. The story spans multiple continents, delving into Dumbledore’s past and his complex relationship with Grindelwald. Newt’s magical creatures play a key role, while Credence’s true identity as Aurelius Dumbledore unfolds. The film builds toward the Wizarding World’s involvement in World War II.
- Key Characters: Newt Scamander, Albus Dumbledore, Gellert Grindelwald, Credence Barebone, Theseus Scamander, Eulalie Hicks, Jacob Kowalski.
- Notable Details: Grossing $407 million, the film faced production challenges, including a cast change for Grindelwald and COVID-19 delays. Reviews were mixed, but its global scope was praised.
Future of the Series: Originally planned as a five-film series, the Fantastic Beasts franchise is currently on hold. In 2022, Warner Bros. indicated that further films depend on The Secrets of Dumbledore’s performance. Director David Yates noted in 2023 that the series is “parked,” and stars Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law suggested in 2024 that the third film might be the last, though Newt Scamander may appear in Universal’s Wizarding World attractions.
How many Fantastic Beasts Movies are there?
There are three Fantastic Beasts movies: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), and The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022).
All Fantastic Beasts Movies in Order of Release date
Here is the list of Fantastic Beasts movies in order of release date:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them — 18 November 2016
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald — 16 November 2018
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore — 15 April 2022
Fantastic Beasts movies Viewing Order Tips
For the Fantastic Beasts watch order, stick to the release order (2016, 2018, 2022), as it matches the chronological timeline of the story (1926–1930s). This ensures you follow the narrative progression of Newt’s adventures and the escalating conflict with Grindelwald. If you’re exploring the broader Wizarding World, consider watching the Harry Potter films (set in the 1990s) after Fantastic Beasts to maintain historical context, though both series stand alone. As of 2025, you can stream the Fantastic Beasts movies on platforms like Max, Peacock, or rent them on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or YouTube. Start your Fantastic Beasts marathon today and immerse yourself in the magic!
Fun Facts and Trivia about Fantastic Beasts
- Inspired by a “Textbook”: The series stems from J.K. Rowling’s 2001 book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written for Comic Relief, posing as Newt Scamander’s in-universe guide to magical creatures.
- Casting Changes: Gellert Grindelwald was played by Colin Farrell (disguised as Percival Graves) in the first film, Johnny Depp in the second, and Mads Mikkelsen in the third due to casting controversies.
- Academy Award Win: The first film won an Oscar for Best Costume Design, a first for the Wizarding World franchise.
- Real-World Connections: The films incorporate historical settings, like 1920s New York and 1930s Europe, blending magic with the looming Second World War.
- Theme Park Presence: Newt Scamander appears in Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic area, opened in 2025, featuring 1920s wizarding Paris.
Conclusion:
The Fantastic Beasts movies in order—Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), and The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)—offer a magical journey through the Wizarding World’s past, filled with enchanting creatures and epic battles. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or new to the franchise, this Fantastic Beasts timeline provides everything you need to dive in. Rewatch these films to explore Newt Scamander’s adventures and Dumbledore’s fight against Grindelwald. Which Fantastic Beasts movie is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the magic with fellow Wizarding World fans!
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