How many Fantastic Beasts films exist
There are five released Fantastic Beasts films as of 2025. This list covers the core Wizarding World prequels that explore the history of Newt Scamander and the rise of Grindelwald. Below you will find a verified table with each film’s title, release year, runtime, and worldwide box office. The series is planned as a multi era exploration of the wizarding world, though future entries beyond the fifth have not been officially confirmed.
Complete Fantastic Beasts film list
| Title | Release year | Runtime | Worldwide box office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them | 2016 | 133 minutes | About $814 million |
| Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald | 2018 | 134 minutes | About $654 million |
| Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore | 2022 | 142 minutes | About $407 million |
Planned and in development
Two additional films have been officially announced. Fantastic Beasts 4 and Fantastic Beasts 5 remain in development, with scripts reportedly in progress. No firm release dates have been confirmed, and casting and directors are still under discussion. These future entries are intended to complete the story arc started in the first three films.
Box office performance at a glance
The first film launched a new franchise, earning strong returns globally despite mixed reviews later entries received. The series has grossed more than 1.8 billion dollars worldwide across its three released movies. Performance tapered off with later sequels, reflecting mixed audience reception and broader franchise fatigue in the Wizarding World.
How the series fits into the Wizarding World timeline
Fantastic Beasts stories are set in the 1920s and 1930s, decades before the Harry Potter main events. The narrative explores the political rise of Grindelwald and the activities of the Aurors and the Hogwarts staff from that era. Viewers see familiar locations and concepts that connect directly to the Harry Potter novels and films, creating a shared continuity across both eras.
Key creative personnel and casting notes
Each released film was directed by David Yates, with J.K. Rowling involved as a screenwriter and story developer. Eddie Redmayne leads as Newt Scamander across three entries. Other principal cast members include Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, and Johnny Depp in key roles. Behind the camera, composers, production designers, and visual effects teams shaped the distinctive look and tone of the series.
Reception trends and audience considerations
Critic and audience reactions shifted over the course of the trilogy. The first film was generally well received, while later sequels drew scrutiny over pacing, narrative focus, and creative choices. Fan discourse often weighs tonal differences against the established tone of the original Harry Potter material. Understanding these shifts helps contextualize viewer expectations for future installments.
What to expect from future Fantastic Beasts films
Project 4 and Project 5 are officially in development, but schedules and details remain fluid. Casting, script status, and director assignments are still being finalized. When they arrive, these films will likely address unresolved arcs and attempt to reconcile earlier storytelling challenges. Until then, the current trilogy stands as the completed portion of the series.