Year: 2016
Runtime: 133 min
Language: English
Director: David Yates
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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Still thinking about how Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind 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
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