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The Lion King

Play trailer 1:13 Poster for The Lion King G Released Jun 24, 1994 1h 28m Kids & Family Musical Adventure Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 176 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
This Disney animated feature follows the adventures of the young lion Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), the heir of his father, Mufasa (James Earl Jones). Simba's wicked uncle, Scar (Jeremy Irons), plots to usurp Mufasa's throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. But Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult (Matthew Broderick) to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella).
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The Lion King

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Critics Consensus

Emotionally stirring, richly drawn, and beautifully animated, The Lion King is a pride within Disney's pantheon of classic family films.

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Critics Reviews

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David Denby New York Magazine/Vulture The grandeur of the Serengeti Plain comes through the animation, and the young audience may actually feel something like amazement. Dec 20, 2024 Full Review Rob Salem Toronto Star The unique matching of voice to visual makes each of the characters sing, in the figurative as well as the literal sense. Rated: 4/4 Dec 19, 2024 Full Review Rob Lowing Sydney Morning Herald Visually exciting, verbally amusing entertainment with detailed quality animation which makes its peers look like flicker books. Rated: 3.5/5 Dec 19, 2024 Full Review Jeffrey Gantz Boston Phoenix Best of all is Scar: his sly treachery is worthy of Shakespeare's master overreacher, and Jeremy Irons responds as if born to play Richard III. Dec 20, 2024 Full Review Nanciann Cherry Toledo Blade A superb movie, with a timeless story, many levels of humor, and artwork that conveys images and themes that real-life movies could only hint at. Rated: 4/4 Dec 20, 2024 Full Review Michael D. Reid Victoria Times Colonist (B.C., Canada) Apart from the brilliant, incredibly-detailed animation, the film's most overwhelming asset is the inspired vocal casting. Dec 20, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ben W Great! Classic! Amazing music and touching story. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/11/23 Full Review A it's a wonderful movie. I didn't get to watch it in Theaters because I was too young at the time. it's a great movie and all the kids and parents will love it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/02/23 Full Review Ash T A movie I have grown up watching and definitely my favourite. From the character to the songs to the entire plot, this movie has it all. Scar is by far, the best disney villain and Timon and Pumbaa are the funniest sidekicks in history. A highly recommended movie for those who wish to give their kids an authentic disney experience!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/26/25 Full Review Kellie G Some of the most perfectly cast voices in the history of animation Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/06/25 Full Review Amir S A perfect movie - better than the 3D. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/24/25 Full Review Luiz Eduardo R É indiscutível: O Rei Leão não é apenas a maior animação já feita pela Disney, mas também um dos marcos mais grandiosos da história do cinema. Desde sua abertura impactante – uma das cenas mais emblemáticas já concebidas – até o desfecho emocionante, cada quadro desta obra-prima tem propósito e significado. A trilha sonora, com canções inesquecíveis de Elton John e Hans Zimmer, eleva a experiência a um nível transcendental, capturando a grandiosidade e a emoção da jornada de Simba. A animação 2D, com sua riqueza de detalhes e fluidez impressionante, representa o auge da técnica e da arte dentro do estúdio, entregando visuais que permanecem insuperáveis até hoje. A narrativa equilibra perfeitamente aventura, drama e comédia, com coadjuvantes carismáticos como Timão e Pumba, que trazem leveza e humor sem jamais desviar a trama de sua profundidade emocional. O romance é desenvolvido com naturalidade e sensibilidade, enriquecendo ainda mais a jornada do protagonista. Scar, um dos vilões mais brilhantemente escritos da Disney, combina astúcia, crueldade e presença magnética, tornando-se uma ameaça memorável. E Simba, com sua evolução impecavelmente construída, se solidifica como um dos heróis mais icônicos da animação. Com um roteiro coeso, diálogos marcantes e uma execução visual e sonora impecável, O Rei Leão transcende a definição de filme infantil e se consolida como uma obra-prima cinematográfica atemporal. Simplesmente perfeito. Nota 10. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/23/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Roger Allers

Director

Rob Minkoff

Director

Matthew Broderick

Adult Simba the Lion

Jeremy Irons

Scar the Lion

James Earl Jones

King Mufasa the Lion

Madge Sinclair

Queen Sarabi the Lioness

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The Lion King

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The Lion King

A pungent warthog named Pumbaa (Bottom) and his fast talking meerkat friend, Timon (Top) become unlikely guardians to an angst ridden lion cub named Simba. Simba (left) falls in line with Timon (right) and Pumbaa's (center) "hakuna matata" philosophy as he grows from cub to adult lion. King Mufasa (left) shows his son Simba (right) the extent of the kingdom he will one day inherit. A young lion named Simba (left) gets some valuable life lessons on surviving in the jungle from his father, the mighty King Mufasa (right). (left to right) A trio of hysterical hyenas - Ed, Shenzi and Banzai - try and get the last laugh as they do Scar's dirty work. Simba (right) returns home after a long absence to contront his evil Uncle Scar (left) and reclaim his royal right to the throne. Simba (left), a lion on the lam, finds a happy home with the carefree duo of Pumbaa (right), an pungent warthog, and Timon (center), a fast talking meerkat. Simba (left) and Nala (right) welcome a newborn cub (center right) into their family as a wise baboon named Rafiki (center left) lends a hand. Timon (center right) and Pumbaa (left) have an uneasy feeling that Simba's (center left) reunion with childhood pal, Nala (right) is giong to put a crimp in their "hakuna matata" way of life. A pungent warthog named Pumbaa (left) and his fast talking meerkat friend, Timon (right) become unlikely guardians to an angst ridden lion cub named Simba. View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis This Disney animated feature follows the adventures of the young lion Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), the heir of his father, Mufasa (James Earl Jones). Simba's wicked uncle, Scar (Jeremy Irons), plots to usurp Mufasa's throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. But Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult (Matthew Broderick) to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella).
Director
Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Producer
Don Hahn
Screenwriter
Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton
Distributor
Walt Disney Pictures
Production Co
Walt Disney Pictures
Rating
G
Genre
Kids & Family, Musical, Adventure, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 24, 1994, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Jul 12, 2024
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 15, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$95.6M
Runtime
1h 28m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, SDDS, DTS-ES, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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