Ranking the Fantastic Beasts Films by Their Soundtracks
Explore how James Newton Howard’s scores shaped the Fantastic Beasts trilogy, from whimsical beginnings to darker turns. See which soundtrack stands out and why fans still hum those magical tunes.
Between 2016 and 2022, the Fantastic Beasts series took the Wizarding World well beyond the familiar halls of Hogwarts. With James Newton Howard at the helm for the music, the films found a new soundscape, following in the footsteps of John Williams’ iconic work. Howard faced a tough gig, especially with big names like Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, and Johnny Depp (later swapped out for Mads Mikkelsen) leading the cast. The music had to match their on-screen efforts, and each film’s score brought something different to the table.
The Secrets of Dumbledore: Subtle Over Spectacle
The third entry, The Secrets of Dumbledore, lands at the bottom of this ranking, but that’s not to say the music isn’t worth a listen. Howard delivered a hefty 39-track score, the most extensive in the trilogy, recorded at Abbey Road Studios in late 2021. The tone here is more restrained, reflecting the film’s focus on politics, trust, and hidden motives rather than grand magical moments.
Tracks like We Can Free Each Other, Same Blood, and The Room We Require highlight a gentler approach. There’s also Heaven, a bonus number that was in the running for Best Original Song at the Oscars, adding a personal touch. Still, the soundtrack doesn’t offer many instantly memorable themes. Unlike the first film’s main tune, which tied in closely with classic Harry Potter sounds, this one mostly reworks familiar ideas without breaking much new ground.
The Crimes of Grindelwald: Darker Tones Take Over
The second film, The Crimes of Grindelwald, marks a clear shift in mood. Released in 2018, it ditches much of the light-hearted curiosity from the debut and heads into heavier territory. Howard’s score matches this, with a sound that’s tense and weighty, mirroring the increasingly tangled world the characters find themselves in.
Standout tracks include Leta’s Theme and Dumbledore, which carry the emotional load, while Spread the Word leans into a sense of unease and looming threat. This isn’t background music for a lazy Sunday; it’s dense and, at times, a bit much. Still, the soundtrack’s commitment to its darker mood is clear, and even if the film split opinions, the music never wavers in its direction.
Where to Find Them: Magic in Every Note
The first film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, easily claims the top spot. Released in 2016, it introduced a fresh corner of the Wizarding World, and the music captured that sense of discovery from the get-go. The score is lively, curious, and full of energy, making it hard not to grin when the main theme starts up.
Tracks like Main Titles, Newt Says Goodbye to Tina, and The Demiguise and the Occamy perfectly blend wonder and warmth. The creature themes are especially distinctive, each with its own flavour. Unlike the later films, these tunes stick with you – you’ll find yourself humming them long after the credits roll. That’s why this soundtrack stands out as the most memorable of the lot.
All three Fantastic Beasts films are streaming on HBO Max.