Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Year: 2016

Runtime: 133 min

Language: English

Director: David Yates

AdventureFantasyFamily

In 1926, magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York City with a suitcase full of magical creatures. What begins as a brief visit quickly spirals into chaos when his suitcase is accidentally opened, releasing a number of fantastical beasts into the city. He finds himself joined by a Muggle named Jacob and encounters a series of unexpected events that threaten to expose the wizarding world and disrupt the balance between magic and the non-magical.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

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.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:03

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?

Still wondering what the ending of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

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.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59

Unlock the Full Story of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Don't stop at just watching — explore Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Timeline

Track the full timeline of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Ending Explained

More About Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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