Ranking the Fantastic Beasts Films by Their Unforgettable Soundtracks

The Fantastic Beasts trilogy, released from 2016 to 2022, took the Wizarding World far beyond the familiar halls of Hogwarts. With James Newton Howard at the helm, the music for these films had the tough job of following John Williams’ legendary original score. Howard’s compositions had to match the energy of stars like Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, and Johnny Depp ( later replaced by Mads Mikkelsen), while also carving out a fresh identity for a new era of magic on screen.

Setting the Stage: The Films at a Glance

Before diving into the music, here’s a quick look at the trilogy’s key details. All three movies were directed by David Yates. The first, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, premiered on November 10, 2016, earning a 7.2/10 IMDb rating and a 74% Rotten Tomatoes score, with a box office haul of $816 million. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald followed on November 16, 2018, with a 6.5/10 IMDb rating, 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, and $655 million at the box office. The final installment, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, arrived on April 15, 2022, scoring 6.2/10 on IMDb, 46% on Rotten Tomatoes, and $407 million in ticket sales.

The Secrets of Dumbledore: A Subtle, Somber Score

Landing in third place, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore features the trilogy’s lengthiest soundtrack, with 39 tracks recorded at Abbey Road Studios in late 2021. Howard’s music here leans into the film ’s more serious mood, focusing on themes of politics, loyalty, and secrecy rather than grand magical moments. Tracks like We Can Free Each Other, Same Blood, and The Room We Require highlight a gentler, more introspective side. The bonus song Heaven, which was eligible for Best Original Song at the Oscars, adds a surprisingly personal touch. However, this score doesn’t deliver many instantly memorable themes, instead reworking familiar motifs from earlier films.

The Crimes of Grindelwald: Embracing Darkness

In second place, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald marks a clear shift toward a darker, more intense sound. Howard’s score matches the film’s heavier tone, moving away from the playful spirit of the first movie. Tracks like Leta’s Theme and Dumbledore stand out, while Spread the Word builds a sense of unease and looming danger. The music here is dense and sometimes overwhelming, but it ’s confident in its direction, pulling listeners into a more complex and shadowy Wizarding World.

Where to Find Them: The Magic of Discovery

Topping the list, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them delivers a soundtrack that feels vibrant and full of life. Released in 2016, this score captures the excitement of exploring a new corner of the magical universe. The music is playful and energetic, with themes that are easy to remember and hum long after the credits roll. Tracks like Main Titles, Newt Says Goodbye to Tina, and The Demiguise and the Occamy perfectly blend wonder and warmth. Each creature’s theme is distinct, making the score as memorable as the story itself.

All three Fantastic Beasts films are available to stream on HBO Max.