Birthday binge list: A look at the best movies from the magical world of David Yates

There is an overabundance of geniuses at work in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, but one essential factor commonly gets overlooked: David Yates, the director of the franchises.

He isn’t a flashy filmmaker, which is perhaps why his contributions rarely come up in the many, many conversations about the hugely successful franchises.

He may not cast actual spells, but what he does on the silver screen is absolute wizardry — especially when the subject matter is JK Rowling’s Wizarding World.

Below is the best work of David Yates’ magical world. Do not forget to watch Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast as Sony PIX celebrates David’s 56th birthday.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One
While the decision to split the last Harry Potter movie into two parts would've been a disaster, in the end, this was what the story needed. Seeing Harry, Ron, and Hermione hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes and infiltrate Death Eater locations was a pure treat. The most exciting part about the film was seeing it prepare itself for a climactic finale at Hogwarts. Director David Yates managed to keep audiences entertained in a movie that could have been pure exposition. Catch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One on Sony PIX.
 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two was the cap for the entire series. It was the culmination of everything the films had built up to since the first part. This part is the one with flashbacks, flash-forwards, weird death dreams, and one humongous battle. The movie is the most blockbuster of all films, and there are times when the special effects threaten to overwhelm the human drama. But the climax is thrilling, from the broomstick chase through the blazing Room of Requirement to the ultimate, sparks-flying magical duel, it has it all.
 

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Fantastic Beasts introduced us to the new cast, the New York setting, the niffler, No-Majs and Obscuruses. Warner Bros, JK Rowling and David Yates who started out on the right foot with this one. Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander was an excellent casting choice, he brought a lot of awkwardness and charm to the role while many male protagonists can’t pull it off. This highly entertaining twist breathes fresh life into the Potter franchise – and, with its themes of a society divided and the persecution of minorities, the film finds itself to be perfectly timed. Watch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on Sony PIX.
 

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is the latest movie in the Wizarding World. As the first sequel in this new franchise, the film left a lot to be desired. There were highlights in the form of Johnny Depp’s Grindelwald and Jude Law’s Dumbledore. The movie was even more stunning than the first one, with even more beautifully designed 'Beasts'. The filmmakers have tried building this franchise while maintaining the Harry Potter legacy. The fans of this magical world are expecting a blast from David Yates and JK Rowling for the upcoming parts of the franchise.
 

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a different film altogether. While it needed to be bleak as the last Hogwarts movie before the finale, it was also the last opportunity to show viewers the things they loved about the series. It was the last time we could get romantic drama and it was the last time we could see Quidditch and Potions Class. Catch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Sony PIX.