No beloved author has squandered her goodwill as much as “Harry Potter” scribe J.K. Rowling.

Starting in 2020, the writer began making controversial comments about transgender people on social media, including claims that the existence and acceptance of transgender people diminished cisgender women. Despite an initial fan backlash, including from some of the actors who starred in the blockbuster “Harry Potter” film franchise, Rowling has repeatedly doubled down on her comments and has become one of the leading voices of the British anti-trans movement.

While longtime fans of her work and prominent figures alike condemn her comments, the author continues to benefit from industry support, and she co-wrote the screenplay for the latest “Fantastic Beasts” film “The Secrets of Dumbledore,” premiering in theaters Friday, April 15.

Feel like tapping into the magic genre, without the bitter Rowling aftertaste? Check out these adventure films instead:

‘The Colour of Magic’ (2009) and ‘Hogfather’ (2006)

It’s been seven years since the world lost beloved English fantasy master Terry Pratchett to early-onset Alzheimer’s, but his magical library detailing the history of the Discworld lives on. Set on a flat Earth carried on the back of a giant space turtle, the fictional world is full of heroes, wizards, vampires and a lot of progressive social commentary. While not every Discworld adaptation has been great, two Sky One live-action productions make for a wonderful intro to the universe.

“The Colour of Magic”调整前两个布莱切特的书。它follows a hapless wizard (David Jason) and the Disc’s first-ever tourist (Sean Astin) as they explore the world and then have to keep it from ending.“Hogfather”is set in the Disc’s version of Christmas, and follows as the granddaughter of Death (Michelle Dockery) must rescue the holiday spirit from an assassin or else the sun will no longer rise. These are slightly janky British television productions rather than polished Hollywood blockbusters, but they capture the enormous heart and wry wit that were Pratchett’s contribution to the genre.

Watch:Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

‘Willow’ (1988)

“Willow” is considered one of George Lucas’ most underrated works, and finding a home on streaming services is giving it newfound, and well-deserved, attention. Warwick Davis (who also appeared in the “Harry Potter” films as Professor Flitwick) stars as the title character, a simple farmer who is dragged into a quest to protect a princess from an evil queen. Along the way, Willow begins training to be a wizard, eventually saving the day.

The film showcased revolutionary visual effects for the ’80s and still holds up fairly well alongside other fantasy classics of the era like “Labyrinth” and “Legend.” Evidently, Disney feels there is something more to be said with the character. A new television show currently in production is set to continue the film’s story, with Davis returning to play Willow.

Watch it:Available to stream onDisney+.

‘Just Add Magic’ (2015)

Searching for a new trio of teen wizards to root for? “Just Add Magic” is the series for you. Three girls (Olivia Sanabia, Abby Donnelly and Aubrey Miller) love learning to cook together, but when they find a strange recipe book. they discover that their concoctions actually have magical powers. Eventually, they realize that they are the new protectors of a branch of kitchen magic and have to use their growing powers to battle curses and a time-traveling teen warlock from the 1950s.

The episodes explore serious subjects like generational trauma, the illness of a relative and social anxiety, while keeping things lighthearted enough not to scare young viewers. The idea of recipes being able to magically alter the world is also a welcome twist for parents who want to interest their kids in the kitchen.

Watch it:Available to stream onAmazon Prime的视频.

‘Onward’ (2020)

One key aspect that keeps “Harry Potter” prevalent is the way Rowling was able to craft meaningful relationships among her characters.“Onward”did that even better. In a fantasy world of elves and monsters, magic has been replaced by science and mundanity. Two brothers (voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) are mourning their deceased father when they receive a magic staff he once owned. Harnessing the little magic left in their world, they try to bring him back to life with a spell, only to end up with his legs and lower torso. What follows is a hilarious road trip to complete the spell before their dad disappears again forever.

The movie captures the simple sorcery of family as well as the anxiety of living up to others’ expectations. Holland and Pratt also nail the brother dynamic, as they both try to find out where they fit in a world where magic is returning.

Watch it:Available to stream onDisney+.

‘The Mummy’ (1999)

While not technically about wizards, no other action movie scratches that Harry-Ron-Hermione itch like “The Mummy.” Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and John Hannah shine as a trio of adventurers who must band together to take on an ancient Egyptian sorcerer bringing the 10 plagues to modern day.

While definitely scary, the visual effects and monsters are not really any worse than Voldemort growing out of the back of someone’s head. The real star of the film is the growth of trust and respect among the heroes in the midst of trying circumstances. There’s magic, a bald dark lord, fantastic beasts and even a really amazing ride at Universal Studios based on the film. About the only thing “Harry Potter” does better are sequels, which did drop off sharply in quality for “The Mummy.”

Watch it:Available to stream onHBO Max.