In all but a few countries, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them apparated into theaters across the globe this week, and to the relief of many fans of the Harry Potter series, the film surpassed even the most magical of expectations.

From opening to closing credits, the team behind Fantastic Beasts, including J.K. Rowling, David Yates, David Heyman, and Steve Kloves of Potter, provided audiences with a brand new story, without losing touch of what made the original films as successful as they were. With touches of musical details harkening back to the soundtrack we know and love, Newt’s Hufflepuff scarf around his neck,  and hearing a few familiar spells and charms, you won’t feel cheated out of a real, wizarding world experience.

Not only were fans introduced to the creatures we’d read about for years, like mooncalves and nifflers, but fantastic new faces as well. Tina, Queenie, and Jacob were the perfect team for Newt to adventure with, and adventure they did. The story is written in such a way to make audiences fall hard for these characters the moment we meet them, and find relatable traits in them as the film continues to keep us hooked.

Action, romance, suspense, and both heartbreaking and heartwarming moments await you in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a pure and true love letter to Hufflepuffs around the world.

Tell us your thoughts on the first of five Fantastic Beasts films in the comments below, or find me on Twitter @fanspeakfiles and @bekahbabble!

Image Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures