Where to start withThe Three Musketeers
8 versions · originally a book, 1844
Themes: Friendship, Loyalty, Intrigue, Political Intrigue, Honor.
Start with The Three Musketeers (Richard Lester, 1973) — the film. The Three Musketeers exists in 8 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1844; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The saga of D'Artagnan and his comrades remains the definitive blueprint for swashbuckling camaraderie, political intrigue, and loyalty.
✦ Most fans start here
The Three Musketeers (1973)
The original novel
The Three Musketeers
Alexandre Dumas · Book · 1998
The 1998 book edition provides the foundational literary experience, offering the most comprehensive look at the Gascon gentleman's initial journey and the intricate bond between the four iconic musketeers.
1973 film
✦ Start hereThe Three Musketeers
Richard Lester · Film · 1973
The 1973 movie is a masterclass in adaptation, perfectly capturing the wit and high-stakes political maneuvering of 17th-century France. This is the gold standard for fans of the source material.
1979 series
D'Artagnan and Three Musketeers
Georgi Yungvald-Khilkevich · Series · 1979
The 1979 TV series presents a spirited, character-driven interpretation of the classic rivalry against Cardinal Richelieu, making it an essential watch for those who appreciate classic, serialized adventure storytelling.
2004 film
Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers
Film · 2004
The 2004 movie reimagines the legend through a lighthearted, family-friendly lens, replacing the traditional musketeers with beloved cartoon characters for a whimsical take on the pursuit of noble deeds.
2009 film
Barbie and the Three Musketeers
William Lau · Film · 2009
The 2009 movie offers a creative, youth-oriented spin on the mythos, focusing on a group of girls in Paris pursuing their dreams of musketry through special talents and teamwork.
2014 series
The Musketeers
Adrian Hodges · Series · 2014
The 2014 TV series portrays the musketeers as an elite band of soldiers fighting for justice, ideal for viewers who prefer a modern, action-heavy approach to the legendary quartet.
2023 film
The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan
Martin Bourboulon · Film · 2023
The 2023 movie, D'Artagnan, delivers a high-octane, gritty cinematic experience that emphasizes the protagonist’s origin story and his entanglement in the violent political conflicts of the French court.
2023 film
The Three Musketeers: Milady
Film · 2023
The 2023 movie, Milady, serves as a direct, tension-filled continuation that leans heavily into the escalating religious conflict and the mysterious, recurring threat posed by the formidable Milady de Winter.
Common questions
What order should I watch the 2023 films, The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan and The Three Musketeers: Milady?
You should watch The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan first as it serves as the initial part of this two-part cinematic adaptation. The Three Musketeers: Milady follows as the direct sequel, concluding the narrative arc established in the first film.
Is The Three Musketeers (1998) a direct adaptation of the 1844 book?
Yes, The Three Musketeers (1998) is based on the original 1844 novel by Alexandre Dumas. While many versions exist, this adaptation maintains the core plot involving d'Artagnan and his companions as they navigate the political intrigue of 17th-century France.
How does The Musketeers (2014) TV series compare to the original book?
The Musketeers (2014) is a television adaptation inspired by the characters and setting of the 1844 book, The Three Musketeers. While it utilizes the established world and primary figures, it presents a serialized take on their adventures rather than a strict scene-for-scene recreation of the source material.
Are Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers and Barbie and the Three Musketeers based on the same story?
Both Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers and Barbie and the Three Musketeers are loose adaptations that draw their primary inspiration from the characters and premise of the 1844 novel, The Three Musketeers, reimagining the classic tale for younger audiences through their respective animated formats.