Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a 2016 fantasy adventure film, serving as a prequel and spin-off to the beloved Harry Potter series, set in 1920s New York City. The story follows eccentric British magizoologist Newt Scamander as his suitcase of magical creatures is inadvertently opened, unleashing several 'fantastic beasts' into the city. Alongside an American No-Maj (Muggle) named Jacob Kowalski and magical sisters Tina and Queenie Goldstein, Newt endeavors to recapture his creatures while also getting embroiled in a dangerous conflict involving a powerful dark force known as an Obscurus and the looming threat of the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. The film explores themes of prejudice, conservation, and the discovery of one's place in the world, catering to a teenage and adult audience with its blend of whimsical magic and darker, more intense plotlines.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film contains frequent fantasy action violence, including magical duels, extensive property damage, and the destructive force of the Obscurus. Characters face implied child abuse, death sentences, and direct harm, with some visual depiction of consequences.
1. Credence Barebone is shown to be a victim of severe child abuse by his adoptive mother, Mary Lou Barebone, who whips and beats him. Scars and cuts are visible on Credence's hands. 2. The Obscurus, a powerful dark magical entity, causes widespread destruction and deaths in New York City, leaving victims looking withered and wrinkled. Newt Scamander and Tina Goldstein are sentenced to death by MACUSA, with a scene depicting an unsettling execution procedure.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighThe film is deeply rooted in a fictional magical world, centrally featuring witchcraft, wizardry, and various supernatural elements. Characters utilize spells, wands, and magical creatures as fundamental aspects of the narrative.
1. The entire premise revolves around a secret society of witches and wizards in 1926 New York, who routinely use wands to cast spells for various purposes, including transportation, object manipulation, and combative duels. 2. The main character, Newt Scamander, is a 'magizoologist' who studies and interacts with numerous magical creatures, and a key plot device is the 'Obscurus,' a dark parasitic magical force that manifests from suppressed magical abilities in children.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains significant scary and intense content, primarily driven by the destructive power of the Obscurus, magical confrontations, and themes of child abuse and persecution. These elements can be frightening and disturbing for younger viewers.
1. The Obscurus is depicted as a terrifying, chaotic black cloud that destroys buildings and causes death, generating highly intense and suspenseful sequences throughout the city. Credence's transformation into the Obscurus is particularly visually and emotionally scary. 2. Scenes involving the physical and emotional abuse of Credence by Mary Lou Barebone are disturbing. Additionally, Newt and Tina face a frightening death sentence at MACUSA, where they are coaxed onto a chair that is engulfed by a corrosive, memory-extracting substance, intended to kill them.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumWhile the first film subtly implies same-gender attraction, the broader 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise and creator statements establish prominent LGBTQ+ themes, particularly regarding Albus Dumbledore's sexuality. J.K. Rowling confirmed Dumbledore's gay identity in 2007, and subsequent films explicitly portray his romantic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, demonstrating an evolution of LGBTQ+ representation within the series.
1. J.K. Rowling, the screenwriter, publicly stated in 2007 that Albus Dumbledore is gay. She also hinted at exploring more LGBTQ+ issues within the 'Fantastic Beasts' series, of which this is the first installment. 2. Although only subtly implied in this specific film, the romantic relationship between Albus Dumbledore and the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald becomes explicitly canon and a central plot point in later 'Fantastic Beasts' sequels, directly evolving from the narrative established in this film.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomance is mild and mostly implied, with some instances of kissing. There are also a few brief visual elements of suggestive clothing and implied sexual innuendo in a nightclub setting.
1. There is mild romantic attraction and a kiss between the characters Jacob Kowalski and Queenie Goldstein at the end of the film. 2. In a magical speakeasy, female characters wear 'scanty dresses,' and a scene shows a woman in her underwear before seductively putting on a dress. Additionally, a pamphlet with a drawing of 'some naked women' is briefly seen.
Profanity
MediumThe film features infrequent use of mild profanity and some instances of cruel name-calling, generally keeping the language within acceptable bounds for a PG-13 rating.
1. Mild profanity is used infrequently throughout the dialogue. 2. Cruel name-calling and verbal abuse occur, particularly directed towards Credence by his adoptive mother, Mary Lou Barebone, and by Percival Graves as he manipulates Credence.
Substance Use
MediumThe movie includes scenes where adult characters consume alcohol in a social setting, with some characters displaying affected behavior. Smoking is also briefly present.
1. Characters are shown drinking 'gigglewater' (a magical alcoholic beverage) in a speakeasy dive bar, with some exhibiting behavior affected by the alcohol. 2. A character is seen smoking a cigar.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe narrative features prominent themes of rebellion against established magical laws and societal norms. Characters openly defy authority, and a primary antagonist aims to subvert the magical world's secrecy.
1. The antagonist, Gellert Grindelwald (disguised as Percival Graves), actively works to defy the laws of the American wizarding community (MACUSA) and expose wizards to the No-Maj world, openly expressing disdain for the existing magical order. 2. Credence Barebone, subjected to severe abuse, acts defiantly against his adoptive mother, Mary Lou Barebone, and ultimately unleashes his destructive Obscurus power, rebelling against his suppressive upbringing.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe film introduces the 'New Salem Philanthropic Society' (or 'Second Salemers'), a radical religious group that actively persecutes and attempts to expose the magical community. While the film does not criticize Christianity directly, it negatively portrays religious extremism and fanaticism.
1. Mary Lou Barebone leads the 'Second Salemers,' a fanatical group that preaches against witchcraft and publicly denounces wizards, drawing parallels to historical witch hunts. This group is presented as prejudiced and harmful. 2. The film portrays this extremist religious movement as a source of conflict and danger for the magical community, highlighting their intolerance and aggression towards those who are different, rather than critiquing faith itself.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental Guidance Recommended for ages 13+. The film is rated PG-13 primarily due to fantasy action violence and several intense, scary scenes, including child abuse themes and widespread magical destruction. Younger children may be disturbed by the dark tone, frightening creatures, and themes of persecution and death. While containing humor and positive messages, the complexity and intensity of the narrative necessitate a more mature audience.
Additional Notes
The film is the first in a planned five-part series, and parents should be aware that subsequent installments delve further into some of the darker and more complex themes introduced here, including more explicit depictions of violence and evolving LGBTQ+ representation. The movie's blend of fantasy and darker thematic elements, such as child abuse and radical extremism, may require discussion with younger viewers.
Related Reviews
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
David Yates
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
David Yates
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
David Yates
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
David Yates
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
David Yates
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
David Yates
Is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required