With J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings getting a prequel series on Amazon and the recent adaptations of epic stories such as The Witcher and Wheel of Time, it's a great time to be a fantasy fan. But even these exciting works are nothing like the original C.S. Lewis novels that have spawned radio dramas, television serials, a film trilogy, and an upcoming Netflix adaptation (that we'll hopefully hear a bit more about soon). Obviously, we're talking about The Chronicles of Narnia, one of the greatest fantasy stories of all time.
The Narnia books are considered some of the most beloved fantasy tales ever imagined in the last century and for good reason. Between the Christian allegory and moralistic messages that the Pevensie children learn on their travels, to the exciting battles between fantastical armies and mythical creatures, there's something in Narnia for everybody. Whether you're a fan of the Focus on the Family radio dramas, the Walden Media/Disney films, or the BBC serials, there's no doubt that the original works reign supreme. Only they can transport you into a completely different world.
Obviously everyone has their own personal favorites, and while it's hard to choose between each novel in such a beloved series (and even harder to decide whether to read it in chronological order or by release date), here are all the Chronicles of Narnia ranked.
7. Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia
Lewis' first sequel to the magical world of Narnia, Prince Caspian introduced fan-favorite characters Caspian X, the valiant mouse Reepicheep, and the doubting dwarf Trumpkin as they team up with the four Pevensie children on their triumphant return. Of course, it takes a good while before Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy actually meet up with the runaway prince, but once everyone's together it all picks up real quick. The battle for Old Narnia doesn't disappoint.
Originally published as Prince: Caspian: The Return to Narnia, this book might just be the slowest of the bunch as Caspian's story is mostly told to the Pevensie's via flashback. Regardless, there are plenty of incredible moments that keep Prince Caspian interesting such as Lucy's childlike connection to Aslan, the traitorous subplot surrounding the resurrection of the White Witch, and the eventual battle between Peter and the villainous King Miraz. There's always something exciting brewing in Narnia, even if it takes us a few chapters to get there.
Although Prince Caspian is at the bottom of our list, there's no doubt that it remains a vital addition to the Narnia series that serves the greater Narnian narrative and leaves us only wanting more.
6. The Last Battle
The final entry in the series, The Last Battle is one of the most violent, dark, and brutal of all Lewis' writings. With casual human sacrifices, bloody battles between nations, and the complete destruction of an entire world, Lewis smashes all his favorite toys here only to rebuild them again even better. The further up and further in this story takes you, the less you'll want it to end, knowing that with it ends The Chronicles of Narnia themselves.
New characters like King Tirian and his unicorn pal Jewel set the stage for Narnia's final hour, while villains like the ugly ape Shift and the dark demon-god Tash enrage and terrify. The Friends of Narnia are also given their chance to shine here (especially Eustace and Jill), and there are plenty of reunions to make the heart swell fondly on this classic Narnian tale. Of course, many have criticized Lewis' decision to exclude Susan from their ranks here, but thankfully Lewis stated on numerous occasions that she could eventually return to Narnia, "...in her own way."
As the final curtain closes on Narnia, Aslan (and Lewis himself) makes it abundantly clear that the true story is really beginning, and that "every chapter is better than before."
5. The Horse and His Boy
A seemingly stand-alone Narnia story, The Horse and His Boy takes place during the Pevensie's 15-year reign over Narnia that we see the tail end of in Lewis' original classic. While Susan, Edmund, and Lucy all appear as royalty here, the story actually follows the young orphan Shasta, the Calormene noble Aravis, and their talking horses Bree and Hwin as they escape Calormen for Narnia. Their perilous quest grows and defines them as they learn of their true origins and purpose.
What sets The Horse and His Boy apart from the rest of the Chronicles is that it's a story set completely in the world of Narnia, further exploring the surrounding countries, cities, and cultures outside Narnian borders. As Shasta and his friends ride on, they explore the Calormen city of Tashbaan before arriving in peaceful Archenland. Out of all Lewis' Chronicles, this one might have the most Narnia world building, allowing us the pleasure of understanding this magical world's cultures through the eyes of those who live there rather than some random children from England.
Whether it's the desert wasteland, the vast cities, or the characters themselves, The Horse and His Boy doesn't fail to entertain, or remind you that your everyday choices truly matter.
4. The Silver Chair
The first Narnia book not to feature any of the original Pevensie children, The Silver Chair really holds its own in spite of an initially unlikeable protagonist, Jill Pole. Thankfully, like Eustace before her, she grows on us quickly as Aslan uses her travels through Narnia to develop her into a more mature and considerate person. As Jill, Eustace, and our favorite Marshwiggle, Puddleglum, journey across the giant lands and eventually Underland, they soon discover their heroic purpose.
The Silver Chair combines Medieval-inspired storytelling with epic world building that brings in a darker element to The Chronicles of Narnia. As our heroes track down the lost Prince Rillian, battle the Lady of the Green Kirtle, escape the mouths of giants, and discover the hidden mysteries of the Black Knight, they grow to better understand themselves and the vast world around them. There's a lot to love about The Silver Chair, and even though it feels different from many of the other Narnia stories, it holds its own among the rest and remains as fantastical as ever.
A truly magical tale, The Silver Chair is full of mystery, intrigue, and compelling heroics that will keep you invested until the very end.
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
This swashbuckling Narnia epic takes the adventure out to the open seas as Edmund, Lucy, and their cousin Eustace Scrub (he "almost deserved" the name) join King Caspian's voyage to find the Seven Lost Lords of Narnia. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is an excellent novel that has yet to be properly adapted to the screen but certainly deserves the chance. From the Lone Islands to the edge of the world, Dawn Treader goes boldly where no Narnia story has gone before.
It's hard not to put this one further up on the list, as the countless adventures the Dawn Treader crew embarks on are each as interesting and profound as the last. From freeing the slaves of Felimath and Eustace's time as a dragon to the temptations of Deathwater Island and Reepicheep's final journey to Aslan's Country, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is one of the most remarkable, and notable, stories of all the Chronicles. These aren't even half of the crew's daring escapades, but the rest you'll just have to read for yourselves (or re-read if it's been a while).
If seafaring tales are your thing, or you just have a knack for fantastical adventures, then this is definitely the Narnia story for you, working great as either a standalone tale or part of a whole.
2. The Magician's Nephew
This might be a hot take, but Lewis' only Narnia prequel, The Magician's Nephew, is easily one of the best (if not the best) that Narnia has to offer. Telling the magical origins of Narnia, this novel sets the stage for all the stories to come (chronologically anyway), all through the eyes of the young Digory Kirke (the Professor from the first novel) and his adventuring companion Polly Plummer. If you want the ultimate Narnia tale, then the beginning is the best place to start.
Multiverses are common in movies, television, and comic books now, but C.S. Lewis was a bit ahead of his time here when he developed the Wood Between the Worlds, a place that connects Earth, Narnia, and the dead world Charn (among countless others). Here, Lewis crafts an adventure that sparks the beginning of everything. From Jadis the White Witch to the seemingly out-of-place lamppost, all your questions about Narnia's origins are answered in this mythic prequel. Aslan singing the world into existence alone is enough to get excited about.
While some have considered The Magician's Nephew the weakest in the series, it's actually one of the absolute best, masterfully aligning all the pieces necessary for The Chronicles of Narnia.
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The original Narnia classic that we all know and love, it's no wonder that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is at the top of this list. Certainly the most famous of the Chronicles of Narnia, and the one with the most blatant Christian imagery, this story follows the four Pevensie children as they travel through a mysterious wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia. As they explore this world that is "always winter, but never Christmas," they soon realize their purpose and destiny.
Whether you're angry when Edmund lies about traveling through the wardrobe or your heart breaks after Aslan arrives at the Stone Table to settle the score with the White Witch, the original Narnia tale always evokes the most passionate of reactions. The tight story, honest characterization, magical world, and high stakes all merge together perfectly into one of the greatest fantasy novels of all time. Aside from some dated language, you'd hardly know that over 70 years have passed since this story was published (which could be a lot longer in Narnia time).
Certainly, C.S. Lewis' most famous novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a masterclass in storytelling and a high fantasy epic that, while aimed at children, pulls everyone in to enjoy.