There’s no shortage of great modernfantasybooks for kids to immerse themselves in, but millennials' childhoods were defined by several specific series. Like other generations, many millennials were introduced toJ.R.R. Tolkien’sLord of the Ringsbooksand C.S. Lewis’Chronicles of Narniaseriesin school. These classics make great entry-points into the fantasy genre, but they’re old enough that their influence spans multiple generations.
By contrast,there are several fantasy series that made their debuts as millennials were coming of age, cementing themselves in the cohort’s consciousness. Millennials grew up alongside these narratives, so they hold a special place in these readers' hearts. Whether they transported millennials to magic schools or introduced them to vampire romances, these books played an important role in their most formative years — and likely informed their fictional preferences long after.
5Harry Potter
By J.K. Rowling
If there’s a single fantasy series that defined millennials' childhoods, it has to beHarry Potter.TheHarry Potterbooksbecame a pop culture phenomenon in the early 2000s, introducing readers to the now iconic Wizarding World and the Boy Who Lived.Harry Pottergave millennials a detailed fantasy world to immerse themselves in, and it took them on a journey alongside characters who were growing up at the same rate they were. It also featured timeless themes and lessons that allowed the story to resonate with its audience long after they’d come of age.
Harry Potterhad such a huge impact on millennials that it became a running gag that they still identify themselves using their Hogwarts houses, even as adults.
Harry Potterhad such a huge impact on millennials that it became a running gag that they still identify themselves using their Hogwarts houses, even as adults. Whilecontroversy surrounding J.K. Rowlinghas dimmed the excitement surrounding the series for some members of this generation,Harry Pottershaped many of their childhoods. For some, it kickstarted their love of the fantasy genre. For others, it got them into reading overall.
4Percy Jackson & The Olympians
By Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson & the Olympiansmay have surfaced too late for older millennials, butthe younger side of the generation were just the right age to enjoy Percy’s demigod shenanigans. LikeHarry Potter,Percy Jacksoncemented itself with iconic locations and relatable characters — and it really pulled readers in with Percy’s distinctive voice. Riordan offered readers a hero whose differences were his greatest strength, and he also infused that hero’s narrative with creativity and comedy.
WhilePercy Jacksonwas a hit among millennials and Gen Z, it got enough attention during the former’s formative years to define their taste in fantasy.
ThePercy Jacksonbooks’unique take on Greek mythology made it stand out among other children’s fantasy books at the time, and it quickly became a widely recognized franchise. This continued as Riordan released spinoff series, and Disney’sPercy JacksonTV show is reigniting the enthusiasm surrounding this story. WhilePercy Jacksonwas a hit among millennials and Gen Z, it got enough attention during the former’s formative years to define their taste in fantasy.
3The Inheritance Cycle
By Christopher Paolini
The 2006Eragonmovie may have been a box office failure, but the book was a hit among millennial readers, many of whom were in middle school or high school when the first installment came out. Christopher Paolini’sInheritance Cyclewas aimed at young teens, but its detailed world-building, charming characters, and political stakes proved appealing even to older readers. It was the perfect fantasy story to reach a wide audience, and as with many children’s fantasy books, it allowed these readers to evolve alongside its story and characters.
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Many millennials still look back onEragonfondly, and the fact that Paolini has added to the world since the original series' ending in 2011’sInheritancekeeps the excitement alive.Eragonis supposed to be getting a TV adaptationon Disney+, so the story could reach new generations soon enough. However, it will remain a nostalgic piece of millennials' childhoods, with many of them likely to tune in as well.
2Twilight
By Stephenie Meyer
Twilightis a series that came out while many millennials were in high school or college, and plenty of them got drawn into the vampire craze that followed its debut. With “Team Edward vs. Team Jacob” being a regular topic of conversation around the book’s release, it was difficult for anyone to avoid the impactTwilighthad on pop culture. For younger millennials, it was one of their earliest encounters with fantasy romance books. And even for older, more seasoned readers, it was so popular that you just had to see what the hype was all about.
Twilighthad a divisive reputation even when the books were coming out, but many millennials look back on the source material and their adaptations with nostalgia.
Twilighthad a divisive reputation even when the books were coming out, but many millennials look back on the source material and their adaptations with nostalgia. Whether they laughed atTwilightduring their childhoods or genuinely adored it,Stephenie Meyer’s story was a significant part of their formative years.
1His Dark Materials
By Philip Pullman
Philip Pullman’sHis Dark Materialstrilogy was published from 1995 to 2000, making it an ideal fantasy read for millennials — and many of them immersed themselves in Lyra Belacqua’s prophesied journey with ease. Pullman’s intriguing world-building, compelling female lead, and daemon concept madeThe Golden Compassa must-read during the ’90s and early 2000s. The book and its sequels felt timeless, likeThe Chronicles of NarniaandThe Lord of the Rings,but they offered a more modern take for those growing up at the time.
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Pullman’s story is still looked back on kindly, with HBO’sHis Dark Materialsadaptation being one of the most underrated additions to thefantasygenre in recent years. The books may not be as frequently discussed decades later, but they’re still a great gateway to the genre — and they’re well worth revisiting.
