Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

movie

PG-13, 2016, Fantasy, Adventure

WISE
68%

WISE Score

74

Avg. Tomatometer

J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World expands to 1920s New York with magical creatures, but darker vibes than you might expect from 'family' branding.

IMDb7.2
RT Critics74%
MC66
TMDB7.3
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: Fantastic Beasts wants to be a whimsical family adventure about magical creatures, but it's also trying to launch a five-film franchise with Serious Themes about fascism and trauma. The result is tonally uneven—gorgeous creature moments sit alongside genuinely dark content that'll scare younger kids.

If your kid loved Harry Potter and can handle the later films' intensity, they'll probably enjoy this. The creatures are legitimately charming, Eddie Redmayne's Newt is endearing, and the 1920s setting is fun. But if they're coming in fresh or are on the younger side of the PG-13 range, be warned: there's child abuse, people die (sometimes graphically), and the Obscurus sequences are nightmare fuel.

It's also... kind of a lot of plot? MACUSA politics, Grindelwald's schemes, Credence's tragic backstory, the creature escapes—it doesn't come together as cleanly as the original series. Solid for Potter completists, but not the magical slam-dunk the marketing promised.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-16, especially kids already invested in the Harry Potter universe. Younger Potter fans may be frightened by the darker tone; older teens may find it a bit juvenile compared to their expectations.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72

Models friendship and cooperation between Newt, Jacob, Tina, and Queenie. Newt is a compassionate protagonist who cares deeply for creatures others fear. However, the emotional tone skews darker than typical family films—there's prejudice, fear-mongering, and a traumatized child subplot (Credence) that's quite heavy. Pacing is uneven with some slow stretches.

Imaginative
85

The magical creature designs are genuinely inventive and visually stunning—Nifflers, Bowtruckles, Thunderbirds, and the expanded briefcase concept invite wonder. The 1920s wizarding New York setting is richly imagined. Newt's passion for magical zoology models curiosity and care for misunderstood beings. Sparks creative interest in creatures and world-building.

Safe
62

PG-13 territory with some genuinely frightening sequences: the Obscurus is a dark, destructive force; Credence's abuse backstory is disturbing; multiple character deaths including a somewhat graphic execution scene; intense magical combat. The climax features building destruction and scary imagery. Not gore-heavy but darker and more violent than typical 'family' fare—closer to later Harry Potter films. Younger kids may find it genuinely scary.

Enriching
68

Themes of acceptance, empathy for misunderstood creatures, and standing against prejudice are present. The historical setting offers mild educational value. However, the plot is convoluted with too many threads (Grindelwald subplot, MACUSA politics, Credence's story) that don't fully cohere. Entertainment value is solid for Potterheads but may drag for newcomers. Emotional payoff is muted compared to the original series.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • The magical creature designs are legitimately delightful—kids who love animals will be enchanted by Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and the Thunderbird
  • Newt Scamander is a refreshingly gentle, introverted hero who models compassion for misunderstood beings
  • Gorgeous production design brings 1920s magical New York to life with real visual flair
  • For Potter fans, it's a nostalgia hit that expands the universe they love
  • The friendship between Newt and No-Maj Jacob is genuinely sweet and funny
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What to Watch For

  • This is darker than the 'family' label suggests—there's child abuse, character deaths (including an execution scene), and genuinely frightening sequences with the Obscurus
  • The plot is overstuffed and convoluted; younger viewers may struggle to follow the multiple storylines
  • Credence's storyline involves severe emotional and physical abuse by his adoptive mother—it's heavy and may be triggering
  • Runtime is 2+ hours and pacing drags in the middle—not all kids will stay engaged
  • If your kid hasn't read/watched Harry Potter, much of the magical world-building may feel confusing or alienating

Conversation Starters

  • "Newt really cares about creatures that other people think are dangerous or scary. Have you ever felt like someone judged you without getting to know you?"
  • "Why do you think people in the movie were so afraid of magic? How is that like prejudice in the real world?"
  • "If you could have a magical creature as a pet, which one would you choose and why?"
  • "Jacob was brave even though he wasn't a wizard. What does it mean to be brave when you don't have special powers?"
  • "The movie shows how fear can make people do cruel things. Can you think of times when fear made things worse?"
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