---
title: "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader"
year: 2010
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader"
fi1m_id: "the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader"
imdb_id: "tt0980970"
tmdb_id: 10140
wikidata_id: "Q474082"
fi1m_score: 56
critics_score: 47
critics_reviews: 18
published: "2026-10-05T11:52:13.591174+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T11:52:14.033966+00:00"
region: "AR"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

Directed by Michael Apted · 1h 53m · Adventure, Family, Fantasy

## Identity

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader
- **IMDb ID:** tt0980970
- **TMDB ID:** 10140
- **Wikidata ID:** Q474082
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0980970/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10140, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q474082

**Fi1m score: 56** · Critics 47 from 18 reviews

*In a sentence:* Seven lost lords, seven magic swords, one green mist and a mouse doing most of the work

> Michael Apted’s Narnia is a pleasant cruise with a good boy and a good mouse aboard, and no reason to be at sea. The swords and the mist are inventions, and they feel like it. Fine for a wet Sunday; the book deserved more.

## Synopsis

England, during the war. Lucy Pevensie (Georgie Henley) and her brother Edmund (Skandar Keynes) have been sent to stay in Cambridge with their cousin Eustace Scrubb (Will Poulter), who keeps a diary, resents them both and does not believe a word about Narnia. A painting of a ship on the bedroom wall begins to spill seawater, and all three are pulled through it and hauled aboard the Dawn Treader, where King Caspian (Ben Barnes) is sailing east to find seven lords banished by his uncle. With him are his captain Drinian (Gary Sweet) and the mouse Reepicheep (voiced by Simon Pegg), who wants to reach the end of the world. Their first landfall is the Lone Islands, where slavers run a market in the harbour town and a green mist has been taking people from the shore.

## Review

Michael Apted takes over the Narnia films for the third voyage, and he has drawn the hardest of the books to film. C. S. Lewis’s *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader* has no villain and barely a plot; it is a ship going east and stopping at islands, and the islands are the point. Christopher Markus, Michael Petroni and Stephen McFeely have given it a plot anyway: seven swords to be collected and a green mist to be seen off. The result is a tidy, good-natured 113 minutes that is never dull and never once worries you, and we think the book’s shapelessness was worth more than the film’s shape.

Will Poulter is the best thing in it, and it is not close. Eustace Scrubb is written as a prig who records everything in a diary and resents everyone he meets, and Poulter plays him with a jutting chin and a voice pitched a note too high, like a boy who has read how grown-ups complain and is practising. He is funny from his first scene. We laughed, and then noticed we were only laughing when he was on screen.

Reepicheep is the other reason to stay. Simon Pegg voices the mouse as a small, courteous knight who is slightly too pleased with himself, and the animators give him a rapier, a feather and a face that can do wistful. He wants to sail to the end of the world and says so plainly, and he is the only character aboard whose want is his own rather than the script’s.

Everybody else is collecting things. The seven swords are not in Lewis and they play like a shopping list. The green mist drifts in whenever the writers need a threat and drifts out when they have finished with it, and because it has no rules we never learned what it could do. Rick Shaine cuts the voyage as a run of arrivals: an island, a trial, a sword, the next island, each stop over before we know what the place is like. The slave market on the Lone Islands ought to be frightening and is cleared up in minutes with a sword fight nobody is in danger of losing.

The ship is lovely, and it is the one thing the money bought that Lewis would recognise. Barry Robison’s Dawn Treader has a gilded dragon’s head for a prow, a purple sail and a deck you could walk around in your head afterwards, and Dante Spinotti lights it in a warm, late-afternoon gold whenever it is under way. Isis Mussenden keeps the Narnians in rich greens and leather and the English children in grey wool, which is the right joke. David Arnold’s score swells on every landfall, and there are a great many landfalls.

The Pevensies have become a problem the series did not see coming. Georgie Henley and Skandar Keynes have grown into capable, solemn teenagers, and the script gives Lucy a wish to be beautiful and Edmund a wish to be king and resolves both with a speech. Ben Barnes’s Caspian is handsome and underemployed. Tilda Swinton’s White Witch returns for a minute or two of whispering out of the mist, and Liam Neeson’s Aslan arrives to explain what everything meant, which, since the film has already explained it, feels like being told twice.

Andrew Adamson, who directed the first two films and produces this one, staged his battles as if they mattered. Apted films the fights as something to get through, and the camera is often in the wrong place to tell you who is winning. Most critics have been harder on the film than we are. We think the charge of cynicism is unfair, because Poulter, Pegg and that ship are plainly the work of people who liked the book. The charge of lazy plotting sticks.

It is a PG, and a gentle one, and a child of eight will have a decent time with it. Adults who loved the book should know that the last stretch of the quest is handled in a hurry, and that its best moments are the ones with nothing to collect.

*Fi1m score 56, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find this third Narnia film a middling adventure, and the reviews lean more negative than mixed. Where there is praise it gathers in two places. Will Poulter’s Eustace is picked out again and again as the liveliest thing on screen, and Simon Pegg’s voicing of Reepicheep is the other performance that earns consistent warmth. Several reviews also enjoy the fantastical set pieces, the sea serpent among them, whatever they think of the story around them.

The complaints cluster on the script: a quest most critics find arbitrary and without tension, religious messaging some call heavy-handed, and direction more than one review describes as perfunctory. The spread is wide. Radio Times calls it the best of the series and Den of Geek finds the franchise revitalised, while The Hollywood Reporter calls it a major failure and IndieWire the weakest entry. The warmer notices come mostly from British outlets, the harshest from the American trade press.

## Straight answers

**Is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader worth watching?**

*The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader* is a pleasant, good-natured family adventure that we scored 56: fine for a wet Sunday, not worth seeking out. Will Poulter's priggish Eustace and Simon Pegg's courteous mouse Reepicheep are the reasons to stay, and the ship itself is lovely. The invented swords and green mist plot plays like a shopping list.

**How long is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and what is it rated?**

*The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader* runs 1h 53m. It is an adventure and family film.

**Where can I watch The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in Argentina?**

*The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader* is streaming on Disney+ in Argentina. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader compare to Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World?**

*The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader* is the gentler and slighter of the two, a children's fantasy cruise beside Peter Weir's grown-up naval adventure. *Master and Commander* is the better film: its ship and crew feel real, where Narnia's stops at islands pass before you know what each place is like. Choose Narnia for a child of eight, Weir for everyone else.

**Is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader based on a true story or a book?**

*The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader* is based on C. S. Lewis's novel, not a true story. The book has no villain and barely a plot, so the screenwriters invented seven swords to collect and a green mist to see off, and we think the book's shapelessness was worth more. Knowing the novel is not required, but readers who love it should expect the quest to be hurried.

**What should I watch after The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader?**

After *The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*, try [*Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World*](https://film.one/film/master-and-commander-the-far-side-of-the-world) (2003, Fi1m 86): A ship you believe in, and a crew you would follow to the Galápagos. Then [*Spirited Away*](https://film.one/film/spirited-away) (2001, Fi1m 92): A child in a strange world where the rules are odd but always kept; and [*Time Bandits*](https://film.one/film/time-bandits) (1981, Fi1m 80): A boy pulled out of his bedroom into history; funnier and much stranger.

### Reviews we read (18)

- **Radio Times**, Alan Jones (4/5): Jones calls it the best of the Narnia films and praises its nonstop escapism. He singles out the dynamic direction and impressive special effects. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-avjjb7/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader/)
- **Screen Daily**, John Hazelton (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a review, but its verdict is hidden behind the access wall. The available text does not reveal what the critic praises or criticizes. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/-the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader/5021281.article)
- **The Guardian**, Andrew Pulver (60/100, inferred): Pulver finds the film confident and visually assured, but says its human performances weaken the adventure. He praises Will Poulter’s comic turn as Eustace while faulting the Pevensies’ acting and Liam Neeson’s Aslan speeches. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/dec/01/chronicles-of-narnia-review)
- **Time Out**, Wally Hammond (3/5): The 3/5 rating suggests a middling verdict, though the full review is unavailable. The visible description raises the film’s nostalgic, American-financed context but does not reveal a specific point of praise or complaint. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-1)
- **Total Film**, Matt Mueller (3/5): Mueller finds the film an entertaining enough adventure, though its religious messaging is heavy-handed and its script weakens the characters and humor. He praises the lively array of fantastical encounters, especially the sea serpent and other imaginative set pieces. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-review/)
- **Empire**, Dan Jolin (50/100, inferred): Jolin finds this a mixed, rushed installment that still offers enjoyable spectacle. He praises Will Poulter as the series’ best child actor so far. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/chronicles-narnia-voyage-dawn-treader-review/)
- **The AV Club**, Tasha Robinson (C-): Robinson finds the adaptation poorly plotted, clichéd, and soulless. She singles out the vague fantasy rules and unexplained sword quest as evidence of its lazy storytelling. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treade-1798166796)
- **Slant Magazine**, Simon Abrams (1.5/4): Abrams pans the film as clunky and rigid in its allegorical lessons. He particularly criticizes the children’s trials as arbitrary and unearned, leaving the story without real tension. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (35/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film a visually lovely family outing but says its script and lack of tension let the adventure down. She singles out Simon Pegg’s witty voice performance as Reepicheep and Will Poulter’s spirited turn as Eustace for praise. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-dec-10-la-et-narnia-20101210-story.html)
- **IndieWire**, Gabe Toro (D-): Toro dismisses the film as cynical, perfunctory, and the weakest entry in the series. He particularly faults Michael Apted’s direction and the flat, unconvincing 3D effects. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/news/general/review-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-is-a-cruise-ship-to-inanity-121453/)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (30/100, inferred): Dargis finds the film largely dreary and bland, with its effects and performances often poorly balanced. She praises the human touch in the scene of Eustace as a forlorn dragon. [Read](https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/movies/10chronicles.html)
- **Variety**, Justin Chang (25/100, inferred): Chang finds the film routine and risk-averse, saying it sacrifices the novel’s sense of wonder for a formulaic fantasy quest. He praises Simon Pegg’s affectionate voicework as Reepicheep as one of the few elements that feels true to C.S. Lewis’s conception. [Read](https://variety.com/2010/film/reviews/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-1117944164/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (10/100, inferred): McCarthy finds the film perfunctory and arbitrary, calling it a major failure for the franchise. He singles out the listless direction and action scenes, along with the film’s choppy storytelling. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/film-review-chronicles-narnia-voyage-56782/)
- **Den of Geek**, Louisa Mellor (4/5): Mellor finds the franchise revitalised, calling the film lighter and more engaging than its predecessors. She particularly praises its adaptation choices and the striking visual effects in the opening and closing scenes. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-review-2/)
- **Eye for Film**, Amber Wilkinson (70/100, inferred): Wilkinson finds it a solid, worthwhile family adventure, though it falls short of the series’ strongest entries. She praises the story’s tests of the characters’ flaws and Will Poulter’s wit, while criticizing the retrofitted 3D and the tacked-on ending. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-film-review-by-amber-wilkinson)
- **HeyUGuys**, Rebecca-Jane Joseph (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the adaptation enjoyable and soulful despite its uneven pacing and other flaws. She singles out Will Poulter’s lively, believable performance as Eustace for particular praise. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/the-chronicles-of-narnia-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-3d-world-premiere-review/)
- **The Playlist** (42/100, inferred): The headline indicates a strongly negative verdict. It characterizes the film as an inane cruise, but the review text is inaccessible. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-is-a-cruise-ship-to-inanity-20101206/)
- **Digital Spy**, Stella Papamichael (15/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a weak, damp adventure that fails to make its characters’ journeys convincing. She singles out Eustace’s irritating comic cowardice and the underwhelming, tensionless quest for criticism. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a291655/chronicles-of-narnia-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader/)

## Details

- **Director:** Michael Apted
- **Director:** Michael Apted
- **Screenplay:** Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Michael Petroni
- **Novel:** C. S. Lewis
- **Cinematography:** Dante Spinotti
- **Editor:** Rick Shaine
- **Music:** David Arnold
- **Production design:** Barry Robison
- **Costume design:** Isis Mussenden
- **Producer:** Andrew Adamson, Mark Johnson, Cort Kristensen
- **Cast:** Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie; Skandar Keynes as Edmund Pevensie; Ben Barnes as Caspian; Will Poulter as Eustace Scrubb; Anna Popplewell as Susan Pevensie; Tilda Swinton as White Witch; William Moseley as Peter Pevensie; Simon Pegg as Reepicheep (Voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 53m
- **First release (Australia):** 2 December 2010
- **Genres:** Adventure, Family, Fantasy
- **Budget:** $155 million
- **Box office:** $416 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuGUVkO0cRM

## Where to watch in Argentina

- Disney+: streaming, hd

*Checked 2026-10-05.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Jason and the Argonauts* (1963): Another island-hopping quest, with monsters that still feel heavier than most pixels.
- *Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World* (2003), Fi1m 86: A ship you believe in, and a crew you would follow to the Galápagos. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/master-and-commander-the-far-side-of-the-world.md)
- *Spirited Away* (2001), Fi1m 92: A child in a strange world where the rules are odd but always kept. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/spirited-away.md)
- *Time Bandits* (1981), Fi1m 80: A boy pulled out of his bedroom into history; funnier and much stranger. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/time-bandits.md)
- *Paddington 2* (2017), Fi1m 91: British family filmmaking with proper jokes, a real heart and nothing to collect. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paddington-2.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader