If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ve probably heard of the Fantastic Beasts series. But here’s the big question: should you watch Harry Potter before watching the Fantastic Beasts movies? Well, you’re in the right place to find out! With two interconnected universes, there are plenty of plot twists, characters, and magical elements to consider. Whether you’re new to the wizarding world or a die-hard fan, this article will help you decide the best viewing order for maximum enjoyment and understanding. Let’s unpack the magic of both series and guide you through the adventure that awaits!

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1. The Connection Between Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts

The Fantastic Beasts series is intricately connected to the Harry Potter universe, although it takes place decades before the events of the beloved Harry Potter books and films.

Set in the 1920s and 1940s, the Fantastic Beasts series delves into the early history of the wizarding world, introducing us to several key figures: Newt Scamander, the author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (the textbook Harry Potter uses at Hogwarts); Gellert Grindelwald, the dark wizard who plays a pivotal role in Fantastic Beasts and later becomes a major antagonist in the Harry Potter series; Albus Dumbledore, who, as a younger man, is deeply involved in the events surrounding Grindelwald, providing a deeper look into their complex relationship.

The Fantastic Beasts series also expands on the magical lore introduced in Harry Potter, showcasing the history of wizarding politics, magical creatures, and the fight between good and evil that continues to shape the world Harry Potter eventually inherits. By exploring these connections, Fantastic Beasts not only enriches the Harry Potter narrative but also builds a more complete picture of the wizarding world’s past, making it a must-watch for fans who want to experience the entire magical saga.

And if you also want to explore more of the wizarding world beyond the movies, both the Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts movies, you should check out these must-read Harry Potter companion books.

2. What to Expect from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts (Timeline & Setting)

The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, while both set in the magical world, differ significantly in their timeline and settings. Harry Potter takes place primarily in the 1990s, following the life of a young wizard, Harry, as he navigates his journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, facing the rise of dark forces led by Voldemort. In contrast, Fantastic Beasts is set several decades earlier, primarily in the 1920s and 1940s, showcasing a period long before Harry’s time.

The events in Fantastic Beasts unfold in different locations around the world, from New York City to Paris, with a focus on magical history and the rise of the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. While Harry Potter is centered around the familiar settings of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest, Fantastic Beasts introduces viewers to a broader global magical community, showing magical politics and conflicts that laid the groundwork for many of the events in Harry Potter.

The time shift between the two allows Fantastic Beasts to explore the origins of several iconic elements from the Harry Potter series, such as the origins of several magical creatures, the intricacies of the wizarding government, and the deepening conflict between good and evil. By understanding the distinct yet interconnected timelines, viewers can appreciate how the past events in Fantastic Beasts influence the world Harry Potter inherits.

If you’d also like to know everything about the timeline of the wizarding world, and not just the big events, check out this timeline.

The Wizarding World Timeline from Pottermore

3. Should You Watch Harry Potter First? (Pros and Cons)

Watching Harry Potter first provides a strong emotional connection to the characters, particularly Harry, Hermione, and Ron, whose growth and adventures are central to the series. and also allows you to experience the magical world in chronological movie release order, starting with Harry’s first steps into Hogwarts and gradually unfolding the complexities of the wizarding world. This approach sets up a deeper understanding of key concepts, like magical creatures, spells, and the wizarding society, which will enhance your viewing experience of Fantastic Beasts.

However, there are also a few downsides to watching Harry Potter first. For one, you may encounter spoilers regarding the fate of important characters like Grindelwald and Dumbledore, whose backstories and origin stories are explored in-depth in the Fantastic Beasts movies. Additionally, knowing the outcome of the central conflict in the Harry Potter series may diminish some of the suspense and excitement in Fantastic Beasts, as you’ll already be familiar with the ultimate resolutions.

Despite the cons, watching Harry Potter first is still a great option for those who want a more connected and emotionally rewarding experience, as it provides a clear foundation for everything that happens in Fantastic Beasts.

4. Should You Watch Fantastic Beasts First? (Pros and Cons)

Now, choosing to watch Fantastic Beasts before Harry Potter comes with its own set of pros and cons, making it an interesting option for some fans.

One of the major advantages of starting with Fantastic Beasts is the opportunity to explore the origins of many characters and magical elements that are pivotal to the Harry Potter series. For instance, you get to see the early rise of Gellert Grindelwald, a key antagonist in Harry Potter, and learn about his complex relationship with Albus Dumbledore, which deepens the understanding of their roles in the later series. Fantastic Beasts also offers a fresh perspective on the wizarding world, taking you through the historical context of magical politics, creatures, and societal issues, all set in visually stunning locations like 1920s New York and Paris. This prequel-focused approach offers a rich backstory that enhances the narrative depth of the Harry Potter series when watched afterward.

However, watching Fantastic Beasts first can come with significant drawbacks. Since the series is a prequel, it reveals much about the fates of important characters, which can spoil key plot twists in Harry Potter. For example, knowing how Dumbledore’s past unfolds or how certain conflicts resolve in Fantastic Beasts may lessen the impact of these revelations when watching Harry Potter. Furthermore, if you’re not already familiar with the wizarding world, you may miss out on the full emotional depth of the later Harry Potter films, as they build on the character arcs and plot developments that Fantastic Beasts touches on.

In conclusion, watching Fantastic Beasts first offers a fascinating glimpse into the magical world’s history, but it might reduce the suspense and emotional payoff when you eventually turn to Harry Potter.

5. How Watching Order Affects Your Experience of Both Series

The order in which you watch Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts significantly shapes your overall viewing experience, influencing how you perceive the characters, storylines, and magical elements.

Watching Harry Potter first creates a sense of progression as you follow Harry’s journey from a young, unaware wizard to a hero who faces the dark wizard Voldemort. This emotional journey builds a strong connection to the characters and their ultimate fates, setting a solid foundation for understanding the wizarding world. If you watch Fantastic Beasts afterward, you’ll be able to appreciate the backstory of iconic characters like Dumbledore, Grindelwald, and even Newt Scamander, which adds layers of depth to their roles in Harry Potter.

However, starting with Fantastic Beasts first offers a unique perspective, as you’ll be introduced to the magical world in its earlier, more historical context. You’ll gain insights into the rise of dark forces and how certain pivotal events, such as the Grindelwald-Dumbledore conflict, shape the future. This can make the events of Harry Potter feel more like the conclusion of a long story, enriching your understanding of the larger conflict at play. However, knowing the fates of key characters ahead of time might spoil some of the mystery and drama that Harry Potter builds up.

Ultimately, whether you watch Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts first, each order offers a unique experience—one grounded in emotional connection and character development, the other in unraveling the deeper history of the wizarding world. Regardless of the order, both series come together to form a rich, interconnected universe that is best enjoyed in its entirety.

So, should you watch Harry Potter before Fantastic Beasts?

The answer to that question depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for! Watching Harry Potter first provides a more emotionally connected journey, allowing you to dive into the magical world with Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and experience their growth and struggles firsthand. This order also gives you a solid foundation for understanding the wizarding world when you watch Fantastic Beasts afterward.

On the other hand, watching Fantastic Beasts first offers a fascinating look into the magical world’s past, revealing the origins of key characters and magical lore that shape the events in Harry Potter. While this may spoil some surprises, it can also deepen your understanding of the history behind the magical conflict. Ultimately, whether you start with Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts, both series are rich with magic, adventure, and heart. So grab your wand, and dive into whichever series speaks to you first—it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the wizarding world!