Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Directed by David Yates

Released 2018

7Good — Solid, enjoyable, would recommend

Watched: June 28, 2026
Format: Phone
Platform: HBO Max
Location: Parents home

My take

I can't think of a better improvement between a first and a second movie. Here are a few reasons I liked it. (a) had a good conversation with Joshie where he put up a valiant defense of the series so I think I came into this one with a more open mind. (b) there's so much more actual connection to the original series, including a very fun and familiar visit to Hogwarts. (c) Dumbledore felt mostly real and the same younger version of himself. (d) The special effects felt much better. (e) Grindlewald felt a bit more real this time and his plot line was pretty good. So, why only a 7 "good" instead of higher? because (i) I just don't love the central character really that much or feel like he's the right protagonist for the story, though I don't have a suggestion for how else to do it. (ii) the magic doesn't feel like the same magic from the series, they verged too far from it (for example, the briefcase feels like a cheat version of Hermione's bag or the weird breathing everyone is doing). (iii) relatedly, the creatures in general just aren't my favorite and feel like they make the series too easy. But all of this said, I'm genuinely excited to see the next movie and I'm already sad that they didn't finish the planned full sequence. I watched this one and will watch the next one on my phone in 20 or 30 minute stints, which is also not ideal. But I'll probably return to them and give them their full attention in 5 or 6 years when the kids want to go through all of them.