Ranking All Fantastic Beasts Soundtracks From Worst to Best

Between 2016 and 2022, the Fantastic Beasts trilogy took audiences beyond the familiar walls of Hogwarts, with composer James Newton Howard crafting the sonic landscape for this ambitious expansion. Following John Williams' legendary original compositions that defined the franchise, Howard faced an enormous challenge in creating music worthy of the Wizarding World's legacy.

Despite the impressive cast including Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, and the controversial casting changes involving Johnny Depp and Mads Mikkelsen, each film's success depended heavily on Howard's ability to weave musical magic that honored the source material while establishing its own identity.

The Numbers Behind the Trilogy

The three films showed a clear decline in both critical reception and box office performance. The original 2016 entry earned $816 million worldwide with a 74% Rotten Tomatoes score, while 2018's sequel dropped to $655 million and a disappointing 36% rating. The final installment in 2022 managed only $407 million globally with critics giving it a 46% approval rating.

Third Place: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Despite ranking last in this musical evaluation, the 2022 finale's soundtrack deserves recognition for its ambitious scope. Howard's composition spans 39 tracks, making it the longest score in the series. Recorded at London's famous Abbey Road Studios in late 2021, the music reflects the film's more somber political themes.

The score emphasizes intimate moments over grand magical spectacles, with pieces like "We Can Free Each Other" and "Same Blood" showcasing a gentler approach. The inclusion of "Heaven," which earned Oscar consideration for Best Original Song, adds unexpected emotional depth. However, the soundtrack lacks the memorable themes that made earlier entries so distinctive, relying too heavily on recycled motifs rather than creating fresh musical ideas.

Second Place: The Crimes of Grindelwald

The 2018 middle chapter earns its position through Howard's bold decision to embrace darkness. The playful wonder of the first film gives way to a much heavier, more ominous musical landscape that perfectly matches the story's increasingly serious tone.

Standout tracks include "Leta's Theme" and "Dumbledore," which carry emotional weight throughout the film, while "Spread the Word" effectively builds tension and foreboding. This isn't background music you'd casually listen to – it's dense, sometimes overwhelming, but completely committed to its darker vision. Even when the film itself divided fans, Howard's score remained confident in its artistic direction.

First Place: Where to Find Them

The 2016 original claims the top spot without question. This soundtrack captures everything that made the Wizarding World magical in the first place – wonder, discovery, and pure joy. From the opening notes, Howard's music conveys the excitement of exploring an entirely new corner of this beloved universe.

The score bubbles with playful energy and genuine curiosity. Tracks like "Main Titles," "Newt Says Goodbye to Tina," and "The Demiguise and the Occamy" perfectly balance whimsy with emotional resonance. Each magical creature receives its own distinct musical identity, creating a rich tapestry of memorable themes that stick with listeners long after the credits roll. Unlike its sequels, this soundtrack creates melodies you'll find yourself humming days later – the true mark of exceptional film music.