# Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

> 2016 film directed by David Yates

**Wikidata**: [Q18199330](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18199330)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantastic_Beasts_and_Where_to_Find_Them_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them

## Summary
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a 2016 fantasy film directed by David Yates, serving as the first installment in the Fantastic Beasts film series set within the Wizarding World. It premiered in multiple countries between November 16–18, 2016, and is accompanied by an official website (http://www.fantasticbeasts.com). The film is formally titled Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them I and laid the groundwork for subsequent films in the franchise.

## Key Facts
- Directed by David Yates, released in 2016.
- Part of the Fantastic Beasts film series (sitelink count: 19).
- Preceded by no prior film in the series; succeeded by *Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald* (2018).
- Release dates: November 16, 17, and 18, 2016, across different regions.
- Official website: http://www.fantasticbeasts.com.
- Wikidata description: "2016 film directed by David Yates."
- Sitelink count: 65 (indicating cross-platform references).
- Wikipedia title: *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (film).
- Alias: *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them I*.

## FAQs
- **When was Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them released?** The film debuted in select countries on November 16, 2016, with wider releases on November 17 and 18, 2016.
- **Who directed the film?** David Yates, known for his work on the Harry Potter film series, directed the movie.
- **Is this film part of a larger series?** Yes, it is the first installment in the Fantastic Beasts series, followed by *The Crimes of Grindelwald* (2018).
- **Where can I find official information about the film?** The official website is http://www.fantasticbeasts.com.
- **What is the film’s relationship to other Wizarding World content?** It expands on the Harry Potter universe, focusing on magical creatures and events in 1920s New York.

## Why It Matters
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them revitalized the Wizarding World franchise after the conclusion of the main Harry Potter film series. As the first entry in a planned five-film saga, it introduced audiences to new characters and historical lore while maintaining continuity with J.K. Rowling’s established universe. The film’s success demonstrated the viability of spin-off projects in major franchises and reinforced David Yates’ role as a key creative figure in Wizarding World storytelling.

## Notable For
- First film in the Fantastic Beasts series, launching a new cinematic arc in the Wizarding World.
- Directed by David Yates, who previously helmed four Harry Potter films.
- Unusual multi-date release strategy (November 16–18, 2016) across global markets.
- Part of a franchise with significant cross-media reach (sitelink count: 65).
- Official website serving as a central hub for promotional and canonical content.

## Body

### Overview
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a 2016 fantasy film that marks the inaugural entry in the Fantastic Beasts series, a spin-off of the Harry Potter franchise. Directed by David Yates, the movie premiered across three consecutive days in November 2016 (16th, 17th, and 18th) in different regions, reflecting a staggered international release strategy. It is formally recognized by the alias *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them I*, emphasizing its foundational role in the series.

### Release and Production
The film’s release dates—November 16, 17, and 18, 2016—highlight its global rollout, with staggered premieres tailored to specific markets. Directed by David Yates, who previously directed *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* (2007), *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* (2009), *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1* (2010), and *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2* (2011), the film benefited from continuity in creative leadership. This connection to the core Harry Potter series bolstered its appeal to existing fans.

### Series Context
As the first installment in the Fantastic Beasts series, the film established a new narrative thread within the Wizarding World, focusing on magizoologist Newt Scamander. The series itself (sitelink count: 19) represents a significant expansion of J.K. Rowling’s fictional universe. The film was succeeded by *Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald* in 2018, directed by Yates, ensuring a consistent creative vision across the early films.

### Digital Presence
The official website (http://www.fantasticbeasts.com) serves as a central platform for information about the film and its sequels, underscoring Warner Bros.’ digital engagement strategy for the franchise. The site’s existence reflects the modern emphasis on online promotional hubs for major cinematic releases.

### Legacy and Impact
With a sitelink count of 65 on Wikidata, the film is recognized across numerous platforms, indicating its broad cultural and commercial footprint. Its role in launching the Fantastic Beasts series—intended to span five films—cemented its importance in sustaining the Wizarding World’s relevance post-Harry Potter. The film’s release also sparked renewed interest in ancillary content, such as the original *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* companion book by J.K. Rowling, first published in 2001.

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