Why Does This Disney Classic Film Still Resonate With So Many 20 Years After Release?

Disney+ is currently highlighting The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a must-watch film on the platform as part of an anniversary push of the movie.

The 2005 adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s classic still strikes a chord with fans nearly twenty years later. And with new Narnia films on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to look back at why this movie has held up so well.

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The World of Narnia Appeals to All Generations

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a timeless story that transcends generations, offering a universal tale of courage, faith, and growth. For younger viewers, Narnia is full of wonder, curiosity, and the thrill of adventure as it makes growing up itself part of the story. For adults, the layers of symbolism and moral themes add depth, which helps create a balance that makes the film meaningful for the whole family.

This genre of fantasy film combines storytelling that grows with its audience with magical realms that provide the opportunity for escapism for viewers. Magical worlds allow viewers to experience places that are out of the ordinary and enter worlds where the possibilities are endless. The Harry Potter films are another strong example of a fantasy franchise that has evolved into a story that continues to grow with its audience. Both these films were part of the 2000s fantasy boom in cinema, which combined fantasy worlds as they made the journey of childhood into an epic adventure.

Narnia Characters Continue to Connect with Viewers

But beyond world-building, Narnia also resonates because of its characters. The characters in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe each go on their own distinct journeys that reflect how challenging and complex growing can be. Edmund struggles toward redemption, while Peter takes on the weight of reluctant leadership. Lucy’s unwavering faith is a contrast with Susan’s cautious pragmatism, which highlights different ways of facing uncertainty. These character arcs show how mistakes, resilience, and self-acceptance are all part of the transition from childhood into adulthood.

Viewers keep coming back to these stories not just for their immersive fantasy realms but for the emotional honesty in watching these young characters grow. Watching The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has become a nostalgic rewatch for many audiences.

Tilda Swinton’s Unforgettable White Witch

Every strong fantasy world has to have an unforgettable villain. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is no exception in this case.

The stunning portrayal of the White Witch by Tilda Swinton blends darker themes of temptation and tyranny. Swinton excels at contrasting these qualities in this character, whether she is presented as alluring or terrifying. This skill has cemented her as one of the most memorable villains in fantasy films. It is hard to imagine another actress playing this role, although we shall see a new take on this character quite soon.

It's Almost Time to Go Back to Narnia

Disney's decision to highlight this iconic film this fall is especially timely as a new Narnia project is currently in development. This new film is titled Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew and is based on C.S. Lewis's novel of the same name, which is the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series. Greta Gerwig is set to write and direct this adaptation as the first in a pair of Narnia films being made for Netflix.

Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is slated for a theatrical release on November 26, 2026, in IMAX before it debuts on Netflix on December 25, 2026. Gerwig is most recently known for directing Barbie, which was a box office success in 2023.

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Revisiting The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on Disney+ not only reminds us why the story remains timeless, but also sets the stage for the excitement of seeing Greta Gerwig’s new vision for Narnia next year.

First photo via Disney.

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