The long-awaited third installment in the Fantastic Beasts series is finally set to be released in the US on Friday, April 15th.
This comes four years after Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald hit our screens, and it will be Mads Mikkelsen's first outing as Grindlewald, taking over from Johnny Depp.
To celebrate the release of Secrets of Dumbledore, what better time to take a look at five fantasy franchises to watch this coming weekend.
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone, 2001
The first, and arguably the best, in the Harry Potter movie franchise, The Sorcerer's Stone (Or Philosopher's Stone in the U.K.) is as magical today as when it first premiered 21 years ago.
Based on the book by J.K. Rowling, after his parents are killed by the dark wizard Voldermort, the boy who lived, aka Harry Potter is sent to live with his non-magic aunt and uncle, destined to grow up without knowing anything about the magical world, nor his fame within it.
The Sorcerer's Stone acts as an introduction for both Potter and movie goers to a magical new world, as Harry learns of his past, and prepares to face an uncertain future.
Starring the baby-faced Danielle Radcliff, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint alongside established names such as Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and Alan Rickman.
Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone, as well as its sequels, can be watched via subscription on HBO Max.
Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring, 2001
Based on J. R. R. Tolkien's renowned book series, The Fellowship Of The Ring really is a cinematic masterpiece, showcasing the best of Peter Jackson's capabilities, as well as some marvelous acting from the likes of Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, and Ian McKellan.
Starting off in the peaceful Shire, a group of hobbits joins an eclectic fellowship including a dwarf, elves, and a wizard, to undertake an epic quest to defeat a great evil power in Middle Earth.
Throw in some adorable horses and the slightly less adorable creature named Gollum along the way, and you've got yourself a must see fantasy.
Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring can be watched via subscription on HBO Max.
Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe, 2005
Based, once more, on a well-known book series (this time by C. S. Lewis), The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe is the inaugural step into the Narnia universe - and arguably the best known of the movies.
After being sent to the countryside to escape 1940s war-torn London, four siblings stumble into Narnia, a magical world hidden inside (you guessed it) a wardrobe. As it turns out, it has been foretold that these children are destined to free this world from the grips of the White Witch, played by Tilda Swinton.
Aided by a wise and majestic magical lion, The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe is an excellent introduction into a coming-of-age series that itself continues to age well.
Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe is available via subscription on Disney+.
The Mummy, 1999
The Mummy has become something of a cult classic in recent years, thanks in no small part to its charming cast led by Rachel Weisz, Brendan Fraser, and John Hannah.
Set in the 1930s, archaeologists uncover and subsequently abandon the lost ancient Egyptian city of Hamunaptra. The race is on for would-be treasure hunters and archaeologists alike to find their way back to the city and its hidden valuables.
However, diving headfirst into the ruins of the city has devastating consequences, releasing the spirit of high-priest Imhotep, who ventures to rise from the dead, resurrect his one true love, and use his powers to kill anyone who gets in his way of life, love and total control.
Thankfully, the mismatched pairing of Weisz's upper-class bookworm, Evelyn Carnahan, and Fraser's rough edged former soldier, Rick O'Connell, is on hand to save the day.
An enthralling, action-filled drama, its occasionally cheesy one-liners only add to its overarching charm and sense of fun.
The Mummy can be watched via subscription on HBO Max.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl, 2003
Pirates, bewitched treasure, and the undead - what's not to like?
The Curse Of The Black Pearl is a true Hollywood blockbuster that kicked off a franchise that refuses to die to this day.
It follows Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow, a self-obsessed pirate, as he battles to resume control of the infamous ship, the Black Pearl. Sparrow is joined by a respected blacksmith in the shape of Orlando Bloom's Will Turner. His aim is to rescue his beau, Elizabeth Swann, played by Keira Knightly, who was kidnapped by current Black Pearl pirates who are searching for a treasure that they believe could lift a curse that befalls them.
Always an entertaining watch, The Curse Of The Black Pearl can be watched via subscription on Disney+.
Local Lead
Fancy enjoying a fantasy-filled adventure of your own? Well, you're in luck as the Scarborough Renaissance Festival kicks off this weekend. The forest outside of Waxahachie is set to be filled with kings, queens, soldiers, and mythical characters of all kinds, as people indulge their inner fantasies - helped along by an ale or two.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD