: It was the first film in the entire Wizarding World franchise to win an Academy Award, taking home the Oscar for Best Costume Design .

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) is far more than a Harry Potter cash-in. It’s a bold, sometimes messy, but deeply heartfelt expansion of a universe fans never wanted to leave. From its promotional blitz to its November box office dominance, the film captured a moment when the wizarding world felt infinite again. As we look toward the next decade, this first chapter remains a fantastic — if flawed — gem.

Overall, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is a captivating and immersive film that expands on the wizarding world created by J. K. Rowling. Its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and stunning visuals have made it a beloved addition to the Harry Potter franchise.

Fantasy / Adventure Director: David Yates Screenplay: J.K. Rowling (her screenwriting debut) Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, and Colin Farrell.