What Reading Order Should I Follow For Fantastic Beasts Books?

As someone who’s shelved far too many editions and argued with friends about which booklet counts as "canon," here’s a reading map that actually helped me enjoy the world more. If your main goal is to follow the storyline introduced in the films and their published scripts, read the screenplay books in release order: start with the screenplay published as 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' (the film's screenplay edition released in 2016), then continue to 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald' (2018), and then 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' (2022). Those three move the plot forward chronologically and reflect how the movies unveiled characters and revelations — reading them in the same order they came out keeps twists and character development intact, and you get the same pacing as the theatrical experience.

If you’re more of a lore nerd who likes background detail, slot in the original 2001 companion, also titled 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' (the Newt Scamander textbook), either before or after the screenplays. I personally read the screenplay trilogy first and then dug into the 2001 in-world textbook for flavor — it felt like stepping from the main plot into a bestiary, finding little entries that enriched creatures I’d already met on screen. Also consider pairing these with 'Harry Potter' if you haven’t already read it: the Potter books illuminate characters, institutions, and political threads that link back to the beasts material. Companion books like 'Quidditch Through the Ages' or 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard' are optional but nice if you want more of that wizarding-universe vibe.

A few practical tips from my late-night reading sessions: watch out for small retcons between the screenplay texts and older lore — the screenplay novels are adaptations of film scripts and sometimes lean heavily on visual or actor-driven moments. Collector note: different printings and regions sometimes have variant covers and extra photos; if you like art, look for illustrated or special editions. If you prefer audio, check whether the screenplay editions have narration that preserves the filmic tone. Ultimately, for a satisfying, narrative-first experience: screenplay trilogy in release order, then the Newt Scamander textbook for deeper bestiary lore, and sprinkle in Potter canon whenever you want more context — it’s the combo that keeps me turning pages on long subway rides and rainy afternoons.

If you’re jumping in and want the quickest, clearest route: follow the screenplays in release order for the story — 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' (2016 screenplay), then 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald' (2018), and 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' (2022). Those three track the main narrative and character arcs, so release order gives the intended reveal of plot beats.

After that, read the original 2001 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' (the Newt Scamander textbook) if you want creature lore and charming in-universe commentary. I like to dip into the textbook between screenplay installments when I need background or want to savor descriptions of creatures the films only briefly showed. Also, if you care about the wider context, slot the main 'Harry Potter' series somewhere in your queue — it makes political and historical references in the Fantastic Beasts material feel richer. If you want collector’s hints: look for editions with film stills or author notes, and consider the audiobook if you enjoy narrated tone and accents; it turned evening reading into a tiny audio play for me.

Can we talk about the weight of these books? The illustrated textbook is a heavy, gorgeous tome. The screenplays are lighter. So, physically, reading the big heavy one first is a commitment. Then you can relax with the lighter paperbacks. Or, maybe you want to start light and build up to the heavy art book. I'm only half-joking. The physical experience matters! Do you want a cozy small book or a big glossy one? Do you want to read in bed (light screenplay) or at a desk (heavy textbook)? Let your reading habitat decide.

I'm gonna go against the grain and suggest a thematic order. Start with the 'Fantastic Beasts' textbook to fall in love with the creatures. Then watch the first movie. Then read the first screenplay to see the differences. Then read the second screenplay before watching the second movie. Then watch the second movie. Repeat for the third. It's a compare/contrast, deep-study method. It turns the whole thing into a film/literature analysis project. It's not for everyone, but if you love meta-commentary and seeing how scripts translate to screen, it's a fascinating way to engage.