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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (NR, 1988)

common sense media says

A classic tale of good vs. evil.

parents & educators say
See all 5 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film features little, if anything, to worry about. The battle scenes and the White Witch might scare younger viewers. And some parents might also find the religious overtones of the film objectionable.

Positive messages: The film has religious overtones.
Violence & scariness: Some battles between the kids and the White Witch's army.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how this film compares to the book. Is it a faithful adaptation? Is this better or worse than other movies you've seen adapted from books? What would you have included or left out if you were making the movie? What are some of the challenges of adapting a book for cinema? Families could also compare this adaptation to the new version of the film.

What's the story?

What's the story?

Originally aired as a made-for-TV movie, this BBC adaptation of C.S. Lewis's popular story is a classic, quasi-religious story of good versus evil, four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy wander into the magical world of Narnia through the back of an old wardrobe. Because of the evil White Witch's reign, Narnia has been kept in a state of perpetual winter, and its inhabitants are in a constant state of fear. Help comes in the form of Aslan, the good lion king. The children must fulfill their destiny by battling the White Witch, taking their places on the four thrones, and turning Narnia back into the paradise it once was.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This BBC adaptation of Lewis's story has stood the test of time. It's an enduring and engaging story with a moral. Despite some truly appalling special effects that might look a cheap by today's standards, the movie still brings to life the magical world of Narnia and the classic battle of good versus evil. The film is likely to appeal to a wide range of ages, but at nearly three hours long, parents might need to break the movie down into smaller chunks for younger viewers.

 

The Chronicles of Narnia is highly recommended for family viewing. Families who enjoy this version of the story will want to check out the big-budget version of the story, released in December 2005.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: BBC
Director: Marilyn Fox
Cast: Barbara Kellerman, Richard Dempsey, Sophie Wilcox
Genre: Drama
Run time: 171 minutes
Theatrical release: November 13, 1988
DVD release: November 12, 1999
MPAA Rating: NR
MPAA explanation: general audiences
This review was written by Caroline Gates-Shannon
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Pirogue
adult
7
 
The BBC Version, not the Disney Version
This is a BBC production of some of CS Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia (The Magician's Nephew, The Horse and His Boy and The Last Battle are absent). I don't mind that The Last Battle is absent - I really think of all of the Narnia books, that is the weakest. These are live action, there is a little violence (defeat of the White Witch, for instance), but it is mild violence. I preferred reading these books (minus The Last Battle) to my child, but this is another way to get the story across. Not nearly as realistic as the Disney version of the movies that have been released over the past several years.
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Isaac W.
teen, 15 years old
9
 
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (TV Movie, 1988) review-Iwilder reviews
This film debuted as a television series in 1988 and was later put together into a full-legnth film, which debuted on BBC, along with the series. Arguably, this is one of the stupidest, least thought-out movies l have ever seen. It's an OK film, but it is very VERY hard to follow for younger viewers. However, I did laugh throughout the entire film; it was SO stupid, it was hilarious. My brothers busted out laughing every time they saw Lucy's face, smiling or crying. I'll have to admit, it is very funny, as well as the 6-foot beavers. And what happened to the all-out battle at the end? I don't think roaring the queen off a cliff counts, it's just stupid. I recommend this to anyone with a taste in cheesy movies.
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ILoveReading765
teen, 14 years old
8
 
there are some scenes that are to violent for young viewers. most of them are between the white witch and the kids but other than that it is a good movie that i still love.
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Dodds
adult
 
A classic story for all ages.
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CSM Screen ...
teen, 18 years old
 
If i lived in 1988....awful special effects
This, if it were more real, would be rated PG. However, everything looks fake and in battle scenes you can hardly tell people are fighting. There are no, but if it was made good there would be, intnse action. I think this would be appropriate yet very hard to understand for a 4 year old. The unicorns and other animals are either people in a bad costume or a cartoon animated creature. (For example beavers look like bears, since there people in costumes). BOTTOM LINE: appropriate for 4 and up with terrible special effects. Watch the new one in cenima's now.
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