Okay, let's talk Fantastic Beasts. We all love a bit of magic, right? But let's be honest, the order of these movies is a little…wonky.
I'm just going to say it: nobody asked for five movies. Three felt like a good number. Did anyone really need the story stretched out quite this much?
My Radically Simple Fantastic Beasts Order
Now, before you grab your wands and hex me, hear me out. I have a proposal. A better way, perhaps? This is all just my opinion, of course.
The Way It Is (and Why It's a Bit of a Mess)
Officially, we have:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
The plan was five, but, well…
This order seems straightforward. But things got complicated, didn't they? Characters changed. Plots thickened. Some might say, a little too much.
My (Possibly Unpopular) Opinion
Ready for it? I think we should watch only first and third movies.
I'm serious! Hear me out before you unleash the Nifflers.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is amazing! It's pure magic. Newt is adorable, the beasts are fascinating, and the story is simple. It's a perfect, self-contained adventure. It should be appreciated.
Then skip right to Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. It brings a satisfying (if a little rushed) conclusion to the Grindelwald story.
The middle movie Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald? Let's just say it has… issues. Too many plot threads. Too many characters introduced and then dropped.
A lot of people weren't big fans of the Johnny Depp replacement. And that's perfectly fine.
But What About the Missing Pieces?
Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking. You'll miss some stuff. Characters’ arcs. Relationships developing. But really, do you *need* to know all the intricate details?
You get the gist. Grindelwald is bad. Dumbledore is conflicted. They have a complicated history. You can fill in the gaps with fan theories and internet deep dives!
And honestly, sometimes less is more! Think of it as a director's cut, but chosen by… me.
The Benefits of My Chaotic Order
First, you save yourself from some convoluted storytelling. Less confusing plot, more time to enjoy the cute creatures. Newt Scamander is a precious bean.
Second, you get a more focused narrative. The overarching theme of good vs. evil remains clear. Plus, Jude Law as young Dumbledore? Always a win. He is amazing!
Third, you have more time for rewatching the original Harry Potter series. Because let's be honest, we all prefer that anyway.
Give it a Try (Maybe?)
So, next time you feel like watching the Fantastic Beasts movies, consider my "controversial" viewing order. Start with the first, skip to the third.
Worst case scenario? You disagree with me. Best case? You discover a new appreciation for the series, or at least save yourself from some movie-watching frustration.
At the end of the day, it's all about enjoying a bit of movie magic. Even if that magic needs a little… tweaking.
