Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Available Now

Over two decades ago, J.K. Rowling introduced the enchanting universe of Harry Potter. Since then, the magical realm has expanded, introducing a diverse array of creatures that characters like Harry and Hagrid adore — and sometimes fear (looking at you, Draco!).

Readers of "Harry Potter" encountered numerous magical creatures during their journey to Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class. These beings were meticulously cataloged in Newt Scamander's essential guide, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," a must-have in every wizard's library. This iconic textbook has now inspired its own film series, with the first installment premiering in November 2016.

Here’s a glimpse of some of the magical creatures you’ll encounter in the film.

The Niffler

Nifflers are charming yet mischievous creatures known for their love of shiny objects. They hoard glittering treasures in a magical pouch on their bellies. While goblins use them to hunt for buried riches, Newt Scamander keeps one simply out of affection. Fans of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" may recall Hagrid using nifflers in his Care of Magical Creatures class, rewarding the student-niffler duo that collected the most leprechaun gold. In "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," a particular niffler plays a pivotal role in driving the plot forward.

The Bowtruckle

Bowtruckles are tiny, tree-dwelling creatures with leafy hair that helps them blend seamlessly into their surroundings. They act as protectors of their trees and, occasionally, of people. Their slender, twig-like fingers are perfect for picking locks and extracting wood lice. Newt Scamander houses a group of them in his enchanted case, with one even treating him like its personal tree. Wizards, such as Garrick Ollivander, have learned to manage bowtruckles, as they often guard trees whose wood is ideal for crafting wands. Offering wood lice, as Hagrid taught, can calm them long enough to harvest wand wood.

The Swooping Evil

The Swooping Evil is a fresh addition to the wizarding world, making its debut in this film. Despite its ominous name, it isn't inherently malevolent, though it can be fierce. These creatures remain coiled in small cocoons until threatened, at which point they unfurl into large, butterfly-reptile hybrids. They consume brains and produce a venom that, when diluted, can erase human memories. Newt Scamander carried one in his suitcase during his 1926 visit to New York, just a year before his renowned book on magical creatures was first published.

The film introduces audiences to a variety of magical creatures, from the nearly invisible demiguise to the aggressive murtlap. For enthusiasts of magizoology, this movie is a delight. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" marks the beginning of a five-part series by Warner Bros., penned by J.K. Rowling and directed by David Yates.