How to Watch Disney's 'Narnia' Franchise In Order
Based on the best-selling fantasy novels by authors and illustrators C. S. Lewis, Kyoko Tsuchiya, and Iori Tamaki, The Chronicles of Narnia is a beloved series with a huge following. Unfortunately, while there are seven books, there are only three original films, one of which most fans find to be disappointing. However, Barbie (2023) and Little Women (2019) director Greta Gerwig is set to readapt the series, starting with The Magician's Nephew coming in 2026.
There isn't much news yet on the entire cast or release date, but the Netflix film will presumably have a limited theatrical run. That said, the original trilogy is mostly great. Here's how to watch the Narnia movies in order and where to find them on Disney+, Prime Video, and more.
The first movie to kickstart the magical adventures, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is a perfect starting point and an excellent segue into a world of make-believe that's rooted in a message about empathy and love. The story centers around the Pevensie siblings, Edmund, Lucy, Peter, and Susan, as they uncover a hidden wardrobe in the country home they now live in. Quintessential stories of good versus evil follow, as well as a relatively easy lore that most adults and kids can find joy in.
It isn't every first installment in a fantasy series that's as stunning or thoughtfully crafted as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but for a movie that's now 20 years old, this one shines with its gorgeous effects that provide just the right amount of escapism. It's also the type of movie that can be watched during the holiday season for an extra dose of magic. If you're a fan of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stoner (2001) and somehow have yet to watch the Narnia films, this one's the best place to start.
Rarely is a sequel better than the original, but bring Ben Barnes into the story to play a dreamy prince, and instantly, it'll become everything and more. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is the second film in the trilogy, and undoubtedly, the best one. It's a daring and bold adventure with higher stakes than the first to ensure that the entire viewing experience feels like an adventure. Not only does it expand on the lore, but having a new character that leaves just as big a mark is a feat in and of itself.
In many instances, when viewers watch fantasies like this, the characters they find themselves attached to are the ones who continue selling the story. So it's always a bit tricky when the spotlight focuses on someone else, yet everything about Prince Caspian is proof that with the right screenplay and the right actor, it can be done. Viewers can even jump into Prince Caspian without watching the original, but it's made entirely better with the inclusion of the first.
It's unfortunate that The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader mostly leaves out Peter and Susan because so much of the story fumbles as we move forward in the last installment. It's still an aesthetically gorgeous film, and it's mostly gripping for younger audiences who might not notice as much, but the adults are likely to catch inconsistencies and questionable narrative choices.
The film has the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score of the entire trilogy, and most fans won't revisit it during their rewatch. And again, while some choices are understandable to a degree, it's the execution that fumbles. The story becomes less a character journey and more plot-focused, which also subsequently takes away from the magic of the fantasy genre that makes it special. Still, the last film is worth watching at least once, and if nothing else, Barnes continues to deliver his A-game as Prince Caspian.
