The Lion King Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Life's greatest adventure is finding your place in the Circle of Life.
The King Has Returned. [for Christmas 2002 IMAX release.]
The Circle of Life
A young lion prince is born in Africa, thus making his uncle Scar the second in line to the throne. Scar plots with the hyenas to kill King Mufasa and Prince Simba, thus making himself King. The King is killed and Simba is led to believe by Scar that it was his fault, and so flees the kingdom in shame. After years of exile he is persuaded to return home to overthrow the usurper and claim the kingdom as his own thus completing the "Circle of Life".
| Jonathan Taylor Thomas | Young Simba |
| Matthew Broderick | Adult Simba |
| Jeremy Irons | Scar |
| James Earl Jones | Mufasa |
| Nathan Lane | Timon |
| Moira Kelly | Adult Nala |
| Ernie Sabella | Pumbaa |
| Niketa Calame | Young Nala |
| Robert Guillaume | Rafiki |
| Rowan Atkinson | Zazu |
| Whoopi Goldberg | Shenzi |
| Cheech Marin | Banzai |
| Jim Cummings | Ed |
| Madge Sinclair | Sarabi |
| Zoe Leader | Sarafina, Nala's Mother |
| Roger Allers |
8.20 out of 10 (127693 votes)
Visitor Reviews
"The greatest animated film ever made"
posted on 27 Aug 2009The Lion King (1994)Top 4 - 1994Top 100 - All Time Best Animated Film Of All Time The Lion King is a stunning Disney Classic, and in my opinion the greatest animated feature ever made, without a doubt one of the top 5. Released in 1994 this Oscar winning classic smashed the box office with an intake of an astonishing $785,000,000. This is Disney's finest achievement and probably one of the best films ever made. With masterful music from Hans Zimmer and superb backing from lyricist Tim Rice and Academy Award Winner Elton John, the Lion King is a breathtaking event in cinema that should be cherished forever.The Lion King is a powerful film and definitely one of the greatest films of all time. It is an intensely human story about real, relevant things such as life, family, power, struggle, friedship and greed; plus an array of fabulous music, comedy and vivid colours. This is a breathtaking event in cinema and shall not be missed.10/10
Love this movie!
posted on 24 Aug 2009so i watched this movie today but before i saw it (i haven't seen it in a long time) i thought i like this movie OK i guess i can watch it. wen it started i thought wow i didn't remember how good this movie was. i really recommend it 2 any age. especially the play on Broadway. my favorite song (which is stuck in my head) is can u feel the love tonight because for 1 thing its just a great song and another i did a solo part for this song a while back and hearing it 2day while watching the movie was so amazing. i love this movie and recommend itSuper great animationLove the songsI especially love when Simba is a child he is so cute Nala toorent or buy this movie
Another stereotype
posted on 10 Jul 2009I first saw this movie when I was 10 and cried when Mustafa died. I loved it. However, I watch it as an adult and see some sad stuff. Disney has sought to create movies about various cultures. That's admirable, however, in this particular film about Africa, everyone is an animal. This links to the stereotype of Black beastiality. Also, the voices have only 2 black actors behind them and there's an English voice for Scar. Are they saying that Blacks can't even play themselves? This movie could have worked just as well with humans in Africa. Why wasn't that an option? Whites have all their numerous films, Native Americans got Pochahontas, People of Mideastern descent got Aladdin, Asians got Mulan, blacks get The Lion King. I see something quite wrong with that. I know that it's a beloved movie, but also think about what it's saying to little kids about Africa.
Not as Good as Everyone Says.
posted on 07 Jul 2009When I first watched the Lion King back 8 years ago, I thought it was a pretty good movie, but not as good as everyone gives it credit for. Sure, it has a lot of action for a kids movie, and an excellent score from Elton John (this is coming from a Billy Joel fan), and even some comic relief in the form of Timon, among others. As far as the plot goes, it isnt really a very exciting plot for anyone over the age of 20, but kids will really enjoy the movie. The voiceovers were well done, especially the always dependable Matt Broderick, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons.This is a very good movie, isnt the best animated movie ever, but the kids will like it.7/10
Best Disney Movie Of All Time
posted on 28 Jun 2009I personally love movies. Love them to death. No greater one then the Lion King. Magnifcint for people of all ages. It teaches you a lot even if it is a cartoon. It teaches us to face your pass even if you don't like it. It teaches you so much that I just can't explain. I love it to death I can watch it thousands of times just to hear "I Just Can't Wait To Be King!" This movie has been out for over ten years and I think it's a classic you can just never out grow. It's something so powerful. Did you know that originally people thought that this movie wasn't going to do good. They thought Pocohauntas was going to be better. But they changed a lot of it just by the power of Mufasa and Simba. They made it so powerful. I just love the part when grownup Simba sees his dad in the sky and just is so confused. That scene made this movie worth remembering. I'll always love this movie no matter what. Oh and this movie also has a very great voice talent of very famous stars.
Very touching Disney classic about survival and self-discovery for all ages that will warm your heart
posted on 22 Jun 2009THE LION KING, in my opinion, is a very touching Disney classic about survival and self-discovery for all ages that will warm your heart. I really loved the music. If I could have, I would have helped young Simba (voice of Jonathan Taylor Thomas) get to safety myself. The only problem is how I would get them to safety, since I don't drive. All in all, the music was good, the animation was perfect, everyone was cast perfectly, and the direction was flawless. In conclusion, I highly recommend this very touching movie about survival and self-discovery for all ages to anyone who hasn't seen it. You're in for a real treat and a good time, so go to the video store, rent it or buy it, kick back with someone close to you, and watch it. I guarantee you you'll thoroughly enjoy it.
whore of Babylon masked by a smiling mouse
posted on 22 Jun 2009Absolutely nasty bit of racist pandering, masquerading as a children's story.The jackals (etc.) are "the negro", get it? - the natives that the lions must civilize - or destroy - in order to rule Africa without opposition.A staunch defense of the supremacy of the Europeans, and why the rest of the world ought to bow down before them (?!).Well, why should the world bow down before them!? Because they can churn out such vomitus as this wannabe animated "film"!? The basic lesson of the vast bulk of Disney propaganda - and this has been documented time and again over the past 50 years - is that non-Northern Europeans should "learn their place" and service the needs of the triumphant Northern Europeans in Europe and America; my father was wounded fighting the Nazis for spewing such garbage, and yet it finds its way into the hearts of unsuspecting millions just because it's masked by a smiling mouse.This film is a distillation of that crap, and I am shocked and dismayed that more haven't recognized it, especially among African Americans.Well, in 1500, no one doubted the supremacy of the Pope; by 1600 Luther's converts were openly calling him "the whore of Rome".Disney, you whore of Babylon, your time will come.(Besides which, the music just sucks.)
A Beloved Classic
posted on 16 Jun 2009This is my second favorite Disney film (next to Dumbo, only because that was my childhood favorite). I watched the new DVD recently, and it's just amazing as always. From the wonderful opening sequence to the inspiring finale, this movie is perfect from beginning to end.While computer animation seems to be getting all the attention lately, The Lion King is just as beautiful and amazing as the latest Pixar films. The soundtrack is just absolutely amazing. Every song is catchy and very memorable. Hans Zimmer's score puts you right back in the movie. Thank goodness I have my Lion King soundtrack!The characters are great too. Who doesn't remember the classic scene where Mufasa appears to Simba?! On the other side, Scar makes for a very treacherous and diabolical villain. And Timon and Pumbaa are lovable and hilarious; which means I'm looking forward to LK 1.5 just for them (which is saying quite a bit for a direct-to-video film!)This movie also transcends generations. My 2-year old niece was absolutely fixated on this movie for the whole 90 minutes, and that's saying something!
I can't think of anything wrong with this movie. Perfect score!!!My IMDB score: 10/10. My Yahoo! Grade: A+ (Oscar-Worthy)
The best ever film ever made by Disney!!
posted on 10 Jun 2009This film is a true classic and deserves to be top of the top 100 ever films.Apart from its fantastic storyline, the lion king offers a great animated sequence, and the most memorable characters in any disney film. The film is a blend of humour, and morals which invoke children with the best values. The film cleverly uses humour to teach children about the order of life in the wild. The characters Simba, Timon and Pumbaa are so memorable they will stay in viewers minds for eternity!! simply great this film is a must see for all the family!! Hey i am 15 and still intregued by the most fascinating film of all time
Disney at their best
posted on 07 Jun 2009Not a lot to say because, simply, it can't be put into words. I was only three or four when this film came out, and never saw it at the cinema, but I remember watching it over and over again when I was younger - and loving it. For kids it's a perfect film, and on re-watching it a few days ago for the first time in years (and crying like an idiot at the age of fifteen) I can say that this, alongside The Shawshank Redemption, is my favourite movie of all time.To people who watched it when they were younger, it's even better when you look back at it. Disney has an amazing subtlety in this film that makes the in-jokes of "Shrek" and other more recent offerings look outdated. It's beautifully drawn, beautifully executed, and makes you long for the good old days before 3D animation. Add to this a gorgeous score (the opening shot of 'Circle of Life', with the sunrise and the singing - which I think is Swahili - brings tears to your eyes) and an incredible storyline, and you get Disney's best film to date. On that note - it's been twelve years, and it's not aged at all. It's just got better.
On My Top 10 List of Favorite Movies Since I was Little
posted on 29 May 2009* The Lion King is one of my most favorable movies. It is one of Disney's greatest and funniest movies. I love the songs like "i just can't wait to be king" and " the circle of life". * It's really sad how Scare killed his brother just to become king and he blamed it on Simba. Without Scare killing his brother, Simba wouldn't have met Timon and Pumba. I love them. Timon and Pumba are so funny. They make the movie complete. * If you didn't see this, this is a movie that you should must see. Doesn't matter if your a kid or not, but its a cute, funny, cartoon movie. so if you didn't see The Lion King, you must get it and see it. I hope you will enjoy the movie. Once you have seen it, show it to you friends.
Disney Has Forgotten
posted on 20 May 2009It seems that animated motion pictures nowadays lack the true epic quality that makes am movie memorable and try to make up for that lacking in weird attempts at modern comedy that appeals to a young audience. Disney's serious efforts in producing something extraordinary as in The Lion King are no longer showing. With that, I'd like to say a few things about the animated classic, The Lion King. The Lion King is an amazing animated film with great music, great art, and an incredible plot with astounding voice-overs. I saw this moving pic. a hundred times and never got bored of it once. Of course most of the times I've seen it when I was much younger, but even now it does not fail to keep me listening and paying attention and being entertained. The movie is a great family film and I recommend it for every person out there who wants to get that inspiring rush, kind of like an aftershock, at the end of a great epic film or your favorite sports team winning an important game, if not "the" important game. Moving pics. don't move me much emotionally, especially nowadays, but The Lion King is a pic. worth seeing if you want some good, moving entertainment that may also teach a valuable lesson or two.
what a sweet, cute movie!!
posted on 17 May 2009this movie was so sweet and cute and at some times even funny, well to me anyway. Most people including me and my family and friends love this movie so much. The 2nd one was kind of stupid, i was expecting a lot more out of it than what i got but the first one is the best disney movie ever!!!
The Best Animated Film I Have Ever Seen
posted on 17 May 2009The Lion King is a great film. Along with a great story (inspired by William Shakespeare's Hamlet), terrific animation, and an all star cast of voices, there are the lessons that are learned from this film (despite being a little rough for the younger children). Like responsibility and honor.I rank this animated film among the great films I have ever seen. It was part of my childhood and it is a film experience I will never forget. And hopefully, you won't either. A++
Disney's greatest achievement
posted on 11 May 2009In the early 1990s Disney hit a revival in animation starting with The Little Mermaid, followed by the only animated best picture nominee, Beauty and the Beast, and reaching its peak in 1994. The Lion King was a marvelous achievement in animation and a worldwide phenomenon that remains to this day the greatest Disney animated film of all time.The story is about a young lion cub, Simba, the only son of Mufasa, the king. His uncle, Scar, is jealous and greedy, and wants the throne for himself. In a Hamlet-like turn of events Scar kills Mufasa and takes over the kingdom as Simba is forced to live in exile. Simba must find his place in the world and let go of the past in order to regain the Pridelands from his evil uncle.One of the highlights of any Disney movie is the music, and the Lion King is no different. Hans Zimmer won an Oscar for the background score, which is lively and exciting, obviously with some African influence. Tim Rice and Elton John wrote the songs. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" also won the movie an Oscar, while two other songs were nominated. The voice work is fantastic. James Earl Jones provides authority and command for the king, Mufasa. Jeremy Irons plays the perfect villain, and also gets to show off his singing chops.The animation comes to life in a way that is not just entertainment for the kids as so many animated movies are, but a real piece of art that anyone can enjoy. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll have the time of your life watching The Lion King.
Disney animation at its best.
posted on 08 May 2009I haven't been a big fan of Disney animation lately but this is a fine film!
It is one of the best examples of the classic hero's journey. This film has deep characters, a wonderful story, beautiful animation, and a wonderful message. Oh, and the songs are actually GOOD. This is one of the only animated musicals that has songs that are catchy, and move the story forward at the same time. Excellent voice performences by Jeremy Irons, and James Earl Jones. 9 of 10.
Another great Disney feature!
posted on 02 May 2009The Lion King is another great Disney film. In an African prairie known as Pride Rock, a lion cub is born to Mufasa and Sarabi. His name is Simba. Mufasa teaches Simba about the circle of life in Pride Rock. Simba has a jealous uncle name Scar. Scar wants to be king and tells Simba about an elephant graveyard. He takes his friend Nala there with Zazu following. Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed are a group of hyenas who want the eat them but are stopped by Mufasa. Simba only went there to be brave but Mufasa says that being brave doesn't mean you go looking for danger. Scar them tells the hyenas about his plans to kill Mufasa and Simba. Scar has Simba wait for a surprise and tells his to practice his roar. When he roars, a stampede of wildebeest chases him. The stampede was started by the hyenas. Mufasa saves Simba from the stampede by Scar pushes Mufasa into the stampede. Simab sees that his dad's dead and Scar convinces Simba that it's his fault that his dad is dead. Simba runs away. Scar takes over Pride Rock with the Hyenas and years later it becomes a waste land. Simba befriends Timon and Pumbaa who teach him Hakuna Matata which means no worries. This film is worth 10 out of 10!
One of the best Disney films that can be enjoyed by both young and old.
posted on 14 Apr 2009Lion King has got to be one of the better movies that Disney has put out in all time. It has many well known voice talents and is just a great piece of work. No matter what the age most people who see this movie will like it and want to see it again because it is just so well made. 7 *'s out of 10 *'s.
this movie is great!!
posted on 09 Mar 2009I think think this film is excellent and nothing can ever relate to it. I will love this movie my whole life i know i will!! Its great :) The music, the sounds, the characters,the whole movie is great. Its definitely great for kids and it always will be this movie will never grow old. People will still like it when they are 60+. I bet there are people sixty and over who do love this movie.. I am glad that i grew up with this movie its great and i just have to say fare play to the directer i love it!!! I am happy i found this sight i think it is great it give the public a chance to see how there favorite movie is rated by people all over the world. And i think it is excellent the public is aloud to vote!
A Question of Values
posted on 30 Aug 2009While I don't deny that 'The Lion King'is well animated and has a terrific score, I believe it principally a capitalist parable. Recall the scene where Mufasa walks with Simba through the plains and explains the 'natural order of things'--where the strong prey upon the weak to maintain overall balance and perfection. "We eat the antelope, the antelope eat the grass, etc." (trickle-down effect?) And that thrilling opening scene, where all of the animals gather to witness Simba's birth. Isn't there something a little twisted about a bunch of zebras and antelopes gathering to bray joyously about the birth of yet another lion? The lions are the heroes, and we're lead to believe that the establishment rules with an even paw. The underdogs (hyenas) are villains, and when they challenge the established order, the result is chaos and decay. Simba's decision to live the hakuna matata philosophy throws the kingdom's delicate balance out of whack. Only when power returns to the son of the old king is the land restored. The messages? Don't question the established order. It is natural and fair for the strong to take down the weak. Do your job, fulfill your function. It's best if power stays in the same hands for generation after generation. Now, this may be all well and good in the actual ecosystem of the savanna or whatever, but Disney's whole gimmick is to blur the line between animal and human, and give animals human characteristics and values. Don't underestimate the power of these messages--children obsess over animated characters. I remember as a child fighting with my friends over who would get to play 'Cinderella' in our make-believe game. Merchandise (dolls, toys, halloween costumes, spin off books, amusement parks) reinforces the message, serving as a constant reminder. So it's simply a question of what values you want your children to absorb. If they include: social darwinism, unquestioning defense of the status quo, and contempt for the underdog, this is the film for you. Otherwise, I would stick to muppets.