---
title: "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them-2016"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 259316
imdb_id: "tt3183660"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 133
community_rating: 7.3
vote_count: 19792
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a 2016 film set in 1926. The narrative follows Newt Scamander upon his arrival at the Magical Congress of the United States of America. He carries a magically expanded briefcase that serves as a habitat for a number of dangerous creatures. The plot centers on the consequences that arise when these creatures escape from the briefcase. This event forces Newt to contend with American wizarding authorities who pursue him following the incident. Furthermore, the escape of these creatures threatens to strain the existing state of relations between the magical and non-magical communities. While the term fantastic is defined in various contexts as being based on fantasy, not real, or extraordinarily good, the film focuses on the specific challenges Newt faces within this magical setting. The story explores the tension created by the unintended release of these animals and the subsequent reaction of the authorities tasked with maintaining order between the two distinct populations within the United States.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A wizard arrives in 1926 New York with a briefcase full of dangerous magical creatures."

### Why Watch
- detailed creature designs
- immersive world-building

### Caveats & Content Note
- complex plot
- high stakes
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains fantasy action and sequences involving dangerous magical creatures.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: magical, adventurous, period

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, Peacock Premium, YouTube TV, HBO Max, Peacock Premium Plus | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, ITVX Premium, HBO Max | ITVX | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: David Yates
- **Networks / Studios**: Heyday Films, Warner Bros. Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Eddie Redmayne** as *Newt Scamander*
- **Katherine Waterston** as *Porpentina 'Tina' Goldstein*
- **Dan Fogler** as *Jacob Kowalski*
- **Alison Sudol** as *Queenie Goldstein*
- **Colin Farrell** as *Percival Graves*
- **Jon Voight** as *Henry Shaw Sr.*
- **Ron Perlman** as *Gnarlak*
- **Johnny Depp** as *Gellert Grindelwald*
- **Zoë Kravitz** as *Leta Lestrange*
- **Ezra Miller** as *Credence Barebone*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When is the film set?
The story takes place in 1926.

### Q: What is Newt Scamander carrying?
He carries a magically expanded briefcase that houses various creatures.

### Q: Where does the story take place?
The film is set in the United States of America.

### Q: What happens to the creatures?
The creatures escape from the briefcase after Newt arrives.

### Q: What is the main conflict?
The escape of the creatures puts Newt at odds with magical authorities and threatens relations between magical and non-magical people.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [FANTASTIC Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fantastic)
- [FANTASTIC | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/fantastic)
- [Haircuts & Hair Salons Near You | Fantastic Sams](https://www.fantasticsams.com/)
- [FANTASTIC Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com](https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fantastic)
- [FANTASTIC Synonyms & Antonyms - 177 words | Thesaurus.com](https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/fantastic)
- [Fantastic Fiction](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*