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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2016

Directed by

David Yates

David Yates

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


In 1926, the British wizard and Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York City by ship, heading towards Arizona. The Wizarding World is on the brink of chaos, facing threats from dark forces led by the notorious Dark Wizard Grindelwald, whose whereabouts remain a mystery. In the U.S., the ownership of magical creatures is strictly forbidden, and Percival Graves [Colin Farrell], a high-ranking Auror and Director of Magical Security for MACUSA, is hot on the trail of Grindelwald. Concerned over a recent incident involving a magical beast, MACUSA President Picquery fears that the creature’s attack could invoke panic among No-Majs.

As Newt navigates the city, he encounters Mary Lou Barebone, a non-magical woman who leads the New Salem Philanthropic Society. During one of her speeches, a mischievous Niffler escapes from Newt’s magically expanded suitcase. In the chaos that ensues, Newt meets Jacob Kowalski [Dan Fogler], an aspiring baker whose briefcase mistakenly gets swapped with Newt’s. While trying to capture the Niffler, Newt inadvertently draws attention and ends up in a bank where he displays his magical abilities to evade capture.

After the commotion, Tina Goldstein [Katherine Waterston], a demoted Auror, apprehends Newt for being an unregistered wizard and failing to wipe Jacob’s memory. Struggling to regain her position, she learns that Newt’s intentions revolve around finding a rare Appaloosa Puffskein. However, following some shenanigans involving Jacob’s suitcase, Newt is briefly released.

Amidst the unfolding drama, Henry Shaw Sr., the owner of a newspaper, dismisses Mary and her children, calling them freaks and ignoring their claims of magical occurrences. Meanwhile, Tina introduces Newt and Jacob to her Legilimens sister, Queenie [Alison Sudol], whose ability to read minds sparks a mutual attraction between her and Jacob, complicated by strict wizarding laws prohibiting interactions with No-Majs.

Inside Newt’s suitcase, Jacob discovers an Obscurus, a dark force within magically gifted children who suppress their powers. Newt reveals his mission to return a Thunderbird, a creature in dire need, to its natural habitat. After a series of encounters, the group manages to capture the escaped beasts, but not before being accused of a senator’s death due to one of Newt’s creatures. Things take a dire turn when Graves [Colin Farrell] magnifies the situation, claiming Newt is a conspirator with Grindelwald, leading to disastrous consequences.

In a desperate bid for freedom, the trio - Newt, Tina, and Jacob - find themselves involved in a chaotic attempt to regain control, battling Graves and the dark forces at play, while Credence Barebone [Ezra Miller], Mary’s troubled adopted son, struggles with his own inner demons. As the destruction intensifies, Graves reveals his true identity as Grindelwald while manipulating the events for his advantage.

Ultimately, amidst the magical chaos and impending exposure of their hidden world, Newt ingeniously releases the Thunderbird to create a rain that restores New Yorkers’ memories, shielding them from the truth. As he departs for Europe, Newt promises to revisit Tina and leaves behind a legacy that ties both Jacob’s bakery dreams and the memory of their magical escapades together, demonstrating that the bonds they forged would linger long after their adventures.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Newt arrives in New York City

In 1926, Newt Scamander arrives in New York City by ship, aiming to continue his journey towards Arizona. This marks the beginning of his adventures in a new and unfamiliar magical world filled with chaos.

1926 New York City

Threat of Grindelwald

News of dark forces led by the notorious Dark Wizard Grindelwald looms over the Wizarding World. His whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery, causing concern among magical authorities.

MACUSA's response

MACUSA President Picquery fears a recent incident with a magical beast could incite panic among No-Majs. This leads to heightened security measures and scrutiny of magical activities in New York.

MACUSA Headquarters, New York

Encounter with Mary Lou Barebone

While exploring the city, Newt meets Mary Lou Barebone, a non-magical woman who leads the New Salem Philanthropic Society. During her speech, Newt's mischievous Niffler escapes from his suitcase, creating chaos.

New York City

The suitcase swap with Jacob

During the commotion caused by the Niffler, Newt inadvertently swaps briefcases with Jacob Kowalski, an aspiring baker. This mix-up sets off a chain of humorous and magical events as they both navigate their new partnership.

Arrest by Tina Goldstein

Tina Goldstein, a demoted Auror, arrests Newt for being an unregistered wizard and failing to erase Jacob's memory. She seeks to restore her reputation and is curious about Newt's true intentions.

MACUSA

Discovering the Obscurus

Inside Newt's suitcase, Jacob discovers an Obscurus, which is a dark force born from magically gifted children suppressing their powers. This revelation complicates their understanding of the magical threats looming around them.

Newt's suitcase

Newt's mission revealed

Newt reveals to Tina and Jacob that he is on a mission to return a Thunderbird to its natural habitat. Their understanding of his purpose deepens as they band together to aid him in his quest.

Accusations of a senator's death

As events unfold, Newt and his companions are accused of being responsible for a senator's death caused by one of Newt's creatures. This accusation places them in grave danger and escalates the tension with MACUSA.

New York City

Graves reveals his true identity

Percival Graves, the high-ranking Auror, manipulates events to his advantage and reveals himself to be Grindelwald. This shocking revelation turns the tides as the stakes rise dramatically for all involved.

New York City

The climatic battle

Newt, Tina, and Jacob engage in a chaotic battle against Grindelwald and his dark forces. Their determination to protect the wizarding world and each other leads to high-stakes confrontations with severe consequences.

Restoring memories

Amidst the chaos, Newt cleverly releases the Thunderbird, creating a rain that restores the memories of New Yorkers. This act ensures the magical world remains hidden while allowing those affected to forget the tumult.

New York City

Departure to Europe

As the dust settles from their adventure, Newt prepares to leave for Europe, promising to stay connected with Tina. Their bond symbolizes hope amid the ongoing struggles within the Wizarding World.

New beginnings

Jacob is inspired to pursue his bakery dreams, fueled by the magical escapades he shared with Newt and Tina. Their experiences not only change their lives but solidify friendships that will last beyond their adventures.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Characters

Explore all characters from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Newt Scamander

Newt Scamander is a passionate Magizoologist who embodies empathy towards magical creatures. His curious nature drives him to recover and protect various beasts, showcasing his dedication to the magical world and his resilience against adversity.

🐉 Magizoologist 💖 Compassionate 🧳 Adventurer

Tina Goldstein

Tina Goldstein is a determined former Auror seeking to regain her status within MACUSA. Her commitment to justice and deepening bond with Newt reflect her strength as a character, as she navigates the complexities of her magical world.

🕵️‍♀️ Strong 💫 Ambitious 💔 Romantic

Jacob Kowalski

Jacob Kowalski is an aspiring baker and an everyman character caught up in the magical chaos. His initial naivety evolves into bravery and loyalty as he supports Newt and Tina, showcasing growth in a bizarre world.

🥖 Baker 🧡 Loyal 😄 Humorous

Queenie Goldstein

Queenie Goldstein possesses the unique ability to read minds and is characterized by her warmth and charm. Her attraction to Jacob adds a layer of complexity, contrasting with the strict regulations of the wizarding world.

✨ Empath 💕 Romantic 🌟 Charismatic

Credence Barebone

Credence Barebone is a troubled young man struggling with inner demons and the suppression of his magical powers. His character embodies the theme of hidden potential and the darker aspects of magic when left unchecked.

💔 Troubled 🎭 Mysterious ⚡ Powerful

Percival Graves

Percival Graves is a high-ranking Auror who initially appears as a protector of the magical community but later reveals his dark intentions. His character introduces the theme of deception within the ranks of authority.

🛡️ Authority 🕶️ Deceptive ⚔️ Antagonist

Mary Lou Barebone

Mary Lou Barebone leads a society that promotes anti-magic sentiments, reflecting societal fears about the unknown. Her character serves as a representation of the conflict between magical and non-magical beings.

📢 Leader ❌ Intolerant 👮‍♀️ Antagonistic

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Settings

Learn where and when Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

1926

The year 1926 is characterized by the roaring '20s, a time of great change and excitement. The events unfold in a period where the wizarding world is facing rising tensions with dark forces, notably the threat of Grindelwald, mirroring real-world anxieties of the time.

Location

New York City, Arizona

New York City serves as a bustling backdrop, filled with magical creatures and secret lives, highlighting the tension between the magical and non-magical communities. Arizona is mentioned as a destination for Newt, adding a sense of vastness and adventure to the magical world he explores.

🏙️ City 🌵 Desert

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Themes

Discover the main themes in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🦄

Magical Creatures

The film explores the themes of coexistence and the enchanting world of magical creatures, focusing on Newt's efforts to protect and understand them. This theme highlights the importance of compassion and respect for all beings, regardless of their nature.

⚔️

Conflict

Conflict is a central theme as characters navigate the dangers posed by dark wizards and societal pressures. The struggle between good and evil is emphasized through Newt's journey against Grindelwald and the societal fears regarding magic.

💔

Friendship

The bonds of friendship and support are evident throughout the film, particularly between Newt, Tina, and Jacob. Their relationships emphasize the importance of trust and camaraderie in facing dark challenges.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.


The ending of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them leaves several key questions open, emphasizing that this story is only the beginning of a larger saga. Credence Barebone, the mysterious character revealed to be an Obscurial, survives despite appearing to be killed in the chaos of a confrontation. A crucial clue shows his floating Obscurus dispersing into the distance, and since Obscuruses can’t survive their hosts’ deaths, it’s clear that Credence is still alive and set to play a bigger role in the story ahead. The film hints that Credence’s unresolved fate will tie into the rise of Grindelwald and the larger dark forces brewing in the wizarding world.

In the climax, the real Percival Graves is revealed to have been killed by Grindelwald, who was disguised as him throughout the film — a stark reminder of Grindelwald’s sinister and manipulative nature. Though the actual Graves doesn’t appear later, it’s implied Grindelwald eliminated him early on, highlighting his ruthless methods. The villain’s goal is to gain power and influence, and his lack of compassion is his greatest weakness, which the heroes ultimately utilize to their advantage.

Additionally, a brief glance at Leta Lestrange hints at her connection to the larger wizarding world, tying the story further into the Harry Potter universe. Her inclusion suggests that her family’s dark history and her relationship with Newt might impact future events, especially considering her mysterious past and possible connections to other known Harry Potter families.

The ending underscores that friendship and compassion are vital, contrasting the cold brutality of Grindelwald. While the heroes manage to prevent immediate catastrophe, their victory is fragile and sets the stage for the ongoing battle between good and evil. This finale also foreshadows a monumental conflict between Grindelwald and Dumbledore, which is a key storyline in the Harry Potter series. Although the franchise was cut short after three planned films, this ending makes it clear that the story of these characters and their fight against darkness is far from over. Overall, the conclusion of Fantastic Beasts offers hope through camaraderie and hints at the great wizarding battles to come, leaving fans eager for what’s next in this expanding universe.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.


In 1926 the bustling streets of New York become the unlikely backdrop for a quietly extraordinary journey. Newt Scamander, a British magizoologist, steps ashore carrying a weather‑worn suitcase brimming with fantastical beasts. The city’s restless energy and its 1920s glamour clash with the subtle hum of hidden magic, setting a tone that feels both nostalgic and marvelously uncanny. As the suitcase’s contents hint at a world unseen, the narrative promises a delightful collision of the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Soon, Jacob Kowalski, an affable baker with a talent for getting into the right place at the wrong time, is swept into Newt’s whirlwind. Their partnership is built on curiosity and good‑natured bewilderment, each learning from the other’s very different outlook on life. The chemistry between a meticulous scholar of magical creatures and a warm‑hearted, non‑magical everyman creates a lively, heart‑felt core that drives the story forward, inviting the audience to share in the wonder of discovering something impossible amid everyday routines.

Meanwhile, Tina Goldstein represents the disciplined side of the hidden magical community. As an Auror navigating the delicate balance between enforcing secrecy and confronting the chaotic spill of magical creatures into the city, she embodies the tension between order and chaos. Her interactions with Newt and Jacob highlight the cultural divide between the regulated world of wizardry and the free‑spirited curiosity of those who have never known it, adding a layer of intrigue and gentle conflict to the mix.

Together, these characters weave a narrative that feels both adventurous and intimate, flavored with the sleek aesthetics of the Roaring Twenties and a playful reverence for the unknown. The film’s tone balances whimsical spectacle with earnest character moments, promising a journey where the ordinary becomes magical, friendships are forged across worlds, and the city itself seems to breathe with secret possibilities waiting just beneath the surface.

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