How To Watch The Fantastic Beasts Movies In Order: By Release Date & Chronologically

The Fantastic Beasts franchise, a spin-off of the beloved Harry Potter series, has captivated audiences worldwide with its magical creatures, thrilling adventures, and richly detailed world-building. With three movies already released and more on the way, it can be confusing to know how to watch the Fantastic Beasts movies in order. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best way to experience the franchise, both by release date and chronologically.

Watching the Fantastic Beasts Movies in Order by Release Date

If you want to watch the movies in the order they were released, here’s the sequence:

1. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016): The first movie in the franchise, directed by David Yates, introduces us to magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his adventures in 1920s New York City.
2. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018): The second installment, also directed by David Yates, takes us to Paris in 1927, where Newt and his friends must thwart the plans of the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp).
3. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022): The latest movie in the franchise, directed by David Yates, explores the complex relationships between Newt, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law), and Grindelwald, set against the backdrop of the wizarding world’s growing darkness.

Watching the Fantastic Beasts Movies in Chronological Order

If you prefer to watch the movies in chronological order, here’s the sequence:

1. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022): Although released third, this movie takes place first in the franchise’s timeline, exploring the early years of Albus Dumbledore and his connections to Grindelwald.
2. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018): Set several years after the events of The Secrets of Dumbledore, this movie follows Newt and his friends as they navigate the increasingly dark wizarding world.
3. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016): The first movie in the franchise takes place last in the chronological order, introducing us to Newt Scamander and his magical creatures in 1920s New York City.

Why Watch the Fantastic Beasts Movies in Chronological Order?

While watching the movies in release date order provides a more traditional viewing experience, watching them in chronological order offers a unique perspective on the franchise’s story arc. By starting with The Secrets of Dumbledore, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between the main characters and the events that shape the wizarding world. This order also allows you to appreciate the franchise’s themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle against darkness in a more cohesive way.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to watch the Fantastic Beasts movies in release date order or chronological order, the franchise offers a captivating and immersive experience that will transport you to a world of magic and wonder. With more movies on the horizon, now is the perfect time to embark on this enchanting journey and discover the secrets of the wizarding world.