Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) is a magical adventure that takes us back to J.K. Rowling's wizarding world, but this time in 1920s New York.
Directed by David Yates, who previously helmed the final four Harry Potter films, this movie is a delightful addition to the franchise that will satisfy both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
It boasts an all-star cast including Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Watson, Samantha Morton and Colin Farrell (Banshees of Inisherin) and is the first instalment in the Fantastic Beasts film series.
Grossing over $814m worldwide when it was released, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has remained a fan favourite.
So if you want to watch it today, the big question is – is it on Netflix, Paramount, Amazon or Disney? Let's find out.
Where Can I Watch Fantastic Beasts? Is It On Netflix Or HBO Max?
I have both good news and bad news. The good news is that yes, you can watch Fantastic Beasts in most countries.
The bad news is that you will probably have to RENT or PURCHASE it.
To make this much easier – the film is available to rent or buy on APPLE TV+, AMAZON and GOOGLE PLAY in almost every country.
That includes the US, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, where it is not included in any streaming subscription.
There are, however a few lucky countries where you can stream it. Basically, if you have HBO Max (outside of the US), that's where you can watch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Brazil: Fantastic Beasts is available on HBO Max.
Japan: The only place to stream Fantastic Beasts in Japan is on NETFLIX.
Europe: Fantastic Beasts is, again, largely only available to rent or buy in countries including Ireland, Austria, Germany and France.
Notable exceptions include Spain (HBO Max), Italy (NETFLIX), Portugal (HBO Max), Croatia (HBO Max), Czech Republic (HBO Max).
What Is Fantastic Beasts About?
The movie's plot centers on Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a British wizard who arrives in New York with a briefcase full of magical creatures.
When some of these creatures escape, Newt must team up with a No-Maj (the American term for a Muggle), a former Auror, and her sister to recapture them before they cause chaos in the city.
But there's also a dark force at work, threatening the wizarding community's existence, and Newt's creatures might just hold the key to stopping it.
Is Fantastic Beasts Any Good?
One of the movie's strengths is its themes and tone. Fantastic Beasts explores issues of prejudice, fear, and the danger of the unknown, all of which feel especially relevant in today's world.
But it balances these weighty topics with a sense of wonder and whimsy that captures the essence of Rowling's magical universe. The movie also has a darker edge than some of the earlier Potter films, but it's never overly grim or violent.
The acting and characters are another highlight. Redmayne is perfectly cast as the quirky and endearing Newt, and he's supported by a talented ensemble that includes Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, and Colin Farrell. Each character has their own arc and backstory, and they all feel fully realized and compelling.
The production design and special effects are also outstanding. The creatures are a joy to behold, each one uniquely imaginative and brought to life with stunning visual effects. The 1920s New York setting is also beautifully realized, with intricate attention to detail in the costumes, sets, and props.
Overall, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a fun and enchanting movie that captures the spirit of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world. It's a worthy addition to the franchise that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're a fan of the books or just love a good fantasy adventure, this movie is a must-see.
How Many Fantastic Beasts Movies Are There?
There are currently three Fantastic Beasts movies in the Harry Potter franchise:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Rise of Grindelwald (2021)
Additionally, there are plans for a fourth movie in the series. Though I should point out that it is definitely a few years away – possibly even 2025 before we see it!
Where Was Fantastic Beasts Filmed?
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was primarily filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, which is located just outside London, England. The studio is home to the set of the entire Wizarding World, including the Hogwarts castle and Diagon Alley, among others.
In addition to the studio filming, some exterior shots of New York City were filmed on location in Liverpool and at St. George's Hall in London. The film also features a few scenes set in magical locations, such as the inside of Newt's suitcase, which were created with a combination of practical and digital effects.
Overall, the production design and cinematography of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them seamlessly blend together to create a rich and immersive world that transports the audience to a magical version of 1920s New York.
Is Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts?
Johnny Depp isn't in the first Fantastic Beasts movie. He starred as Grindelwald in the second movie, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
He was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen for the third movie as he was going through a court case with his ex-wife. However, he could now return for the fourth movie but as stated above, nothing has been confirmed yet.
