5 Movies To Watch If You Like ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’

When it comes to movies involving siblings and a magical adventure that changes everything for them, few things come close to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Part of a trilogy, it's a must-watch franchise for anyone who loves vibrant stories of good versus evil, joy, and wholesome family adventures.

Now's also a great time to rewatch the original movies before Greta Gerwig's adaptation of The Magician's Nephew (2027) comes to Netflix. It's one of the few adaptations that not only still holds up to this day, but the magic of the premise feels like a classic that could easily charm every type of viewer. With lovely visuals, solid performances, and a timeless story that'll always feel like an escape, it's a no-brainer if you liked The Magic Faraway Tree.

So Paddington is a little different from The Magic Faraway Tree when it comes to the premise, but there are few things as whimsical and as healing as Paddington Bear. Plus, how he brings indescribable joy and life back to the Brown family? The way that every word out of his mouth feels like exactly what we could always use at any given moment? Inimitable.

It might not feature a far-off location in a nearby spot, but it brought magic and joy to London's Paddington Station in a way that people can visit after the movie and find something sweet to bask in. On a list that features magical movies of all kinds, it'd be a crime not to scream about Paddington from the rooftops. And while you're at it, I'd also immediately watch Paddington 2 (2017).

For many of us, both the book and the adaptation of The Secret Garden started our love for whimsical and magical adventures. Pockets of treasure right in our backyard. Joy right when we need it most. If we're being honest with ourselves, we all likely played pretend with small crevices and corners when we were kids, and it's entirely because of a story like The Secret Garden. And the 1993 version is still as magical as you remember it.

There might be a remake that could perhaps appeal to a newer generation, but the heart of that original is precisely what a movie like The Magic Faraway Tree tries to capture in its messaging. With The Secret Garden, however, the more simple approach to the matter of belonging makes it feel extra nostalgic, wholesome, and fulfilling in every way.

In more ways than one, every Studio Ghibli film would be a beautifully animated follow-up for people who love The Magic Faraway Tree. Stories about discoveries right when people need them the most hit different, and this is often the case with the beloved anime films. But if you're looking for something specific, the underrated gem My Neighbor Totoro delivers joy in spades with a movie about unlikely friendships and healing.

The discoveries are so precious in the movie, and the titular character is one who'll undoubtedly leave its mark on you. There's a rare warmth that makes it a perfect watch at any given season, and it's bound to be a joyful ride from start to finish.

For more siblings and magical discoveries, the underrated The Spiderwick Chronicles is perfect for fans of The Magic Faraway Tree. They might not have the same spark as the Narnia films, but they're still lovely nevertheless and a whole lot of fun where adventures are concerned. In a day and age where there's too much CGI, it's a lot more enjoyable to look back at how films in the past managed special effects.

For the most part, the standalone movie covers substantial material, and for those who don't want to devote themselves to a franchise, this can be a great way to get the fantasy fix you need. With great performances and a genuinely fun story at the helm, it's fun for the whole family.