So, you’re looking for Aslan. It happens to the best of us. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of that snowy lamp-post or just a rainy Sunday afternoon requirement, but finding exactly where to stream Narnia has become surprisingly annoying lately. Licensing deals are a mess. One day a movie is there, the next it’s vanished into the Great Sea.
Disney owns a chunk. Walden Media had their hands in it. Netflix bought the rights to basically everything C.S. Lewis wrote back in 2018, yet we’re still waiting for their "prestige" version to actually show up. If you're trying to figure out which subscription you actually need to pay for this month to watch the Pevensies trip over some fur coats, here is the current reality of the situation.
The Disney Plus Monopoly (Mostly)
Right now, if you want the big-budget spectacles, Disney+ is your primary destination. It’s the most consistent home for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) and Prince Caspian (2008). Because Disney co-produced these with Walden Media, they’ve kept them tucked away in their vault.
It’s weird, honestly. You’d think they’d be front and center next to Marvel, but they often feel like the forgotten step-children of the 2000s fantasy boom. Prince Caspian is darker than people remember. It’s long. It’s gritty for a kid's movie. But it’s there, streaming in 4K if your internet can handle the bandwidth.
But there’s a catch. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) is the black sheep. Disney actually dropped the franchise after Prince Caspian didn't make "Avatar money," so 20th Century Fox stepped in to finish the trilogy. Now that Disney bought Fox, Dawn Treader has finally joined its siblings on Disney+, though regional licensing can still cause it to flicker in and out of the library in certain countries like the UK or Canada. If it’s not there today, it’s probably on a short-term contract with a local cable provider.
📖 Related: Who is Really in the Enola Holmes 2 Cast? A Look at the Faces Behind the Mystery
The BBC Version: A Fever Dream on BritBox
We have to talk about the 1988 BBC version. If you grew up in the 90s, this is Narnia. The practical effects are... well, they’re special. The beaver suits look like people in giant, carpeted mascot outfits. It’s charming and terrifying at the same time.
If you want to stream this version, you usually have to head over to BritBox. It’s rarely on the major platforms like Netflix or Max. BritBox keeps the "Silver Chair" and "Prince Caspian" BBC arcs alive. Honestly, the BBC’s Silver Chair remains the only filmed version of that specific book, so if you’re a completionist, that $8.99 BritBox sub is your only legal route unless you want to dig through a bin of dusty DVDs at a thrift store.
Why Isn't Narnia on Netflix Yet?
This is the question that keeps C.S. Lewis fans up at night. Back in 2018, the C.S. Lewis Company signed a massive multi-year deal with Netflix. It was supposed to be a "Narnia Cinematic Universe." We’re talking movies, series, the works.
Greta Gerwig—yes, the Barbie director—is officially attached to write and direct at least two films. But here is the frustrating part: because Netflix is developing new versions, they don't necessarily have the rights to the old Disney movies. Streaming rights are a legal jigsaw puzzle. Just because Netflix "owns Narnia" doesn't mean they own the 2005 movie featuring Tilda Swinton.
👉 See also: Priyanka Chopra Latest Movies: Why Her 2026 Slate Is Riskier Than You Think
So, while we wait for Gerwig to bring her vision to life, Netflix remains a "Narnia-free" zone in terms of actual content you can watch right now. It’s all pre-production hype and zero actual lions.
Buying vs. Renting: The Reliable Path
If you’re tired of chasing the movies across different apps, the "permanent" digital route is basically the only way to ensure they don't disappear on a Tuesday morning.
- Amazon Prime Video: Usually has the 2005-2010 trilogy for rent or purchase.
- Apple TV / iTunes: Often has the best "bundle" deals where you can snag all three for about twenty bucks.
- Vudu (Fandango at Home): Good for those who prefer keeping their library away from the big tech giants.
Interestingly, the 1979 animated The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe—which is genuinely creepy and wonderful—is the hardest one to find. It’s rarely on any subscription service. You usually have to buy it specifically on Amazon or find a physical copy. It’s a rights nightmare because it was produced by Children's Television Workshop (the Sesame Street people) and Eon Productions.
Regional Snags and VPNs
Streaming is border-dependent. If you are in the US, Disney+ is your best bet. If you are in Australia, you might find them on Stan. In some parts of Europe, they occasionally pop up on Sky Go or Now TV.
✨ Don't miss: Why This Is How We Roll FGL Is Still The Song That Defines Modern Country
If you log into your account and see a "Title Unavailable" message, it’s usually because a local broadcaster bought the "exclusive" rights for a few months. It sucks. It’s the reason people still keep physical Blu-rays on their shelves.
Actionable Steps for the Narnia Fan
Don't just keep scrolling through your TV menu hoping it appears. Here is how to actually watch it tonight without the headache:
- Check Disney+ first. If you have a subscription, search "Narnia." 90% of the time, the three modern movies are there.
- Use JustWatch. This is a free site/app. Type in "The Chronicles of Narnia" and select your country. It updates daily and will tell you if the movie moved from Disney+ to Hulu or somewhere else overnight.
- Check your local library app. If you have a library card, check Kanopy or Hoopla. They often have the BBC versions or documentaries about C.S. Lewis that you won't find on Netflix.
- Look for the "Chronicles" Bundle. If you plan on re-watching these every year, just buy the digital trilogy on Apple or Amazon. Subscription prices are rising, and the "streaming shuffle" isn't stopping anytime soon.
The landscape is changing. Once Greta Gerwig’s movies finally drop on Netflix—likely not until late 2025 or 2026—we might see a massive shift where Netflix tries to buy out the old licenses to have everything in one place. Until then, keep your Disney+ sub active and maybe keep that BritBox trial in your back pocket for the 1988 nostalgia hit.