If you have not seen this Disney movie and absolutely love it then we’ve got a problem. Released in 1994 The Lion King is without question one of, if not the, best Disney movies of all time (and I’d love for anyone to argue otherwise). I have seen this movie consistently listed as people’s top 10 Disney movies of all time; most of the time in the top 5 at least. This was one of the first Disney movies I watched as a kid, and much to my parent’s annoyance one of the ones I watched frequently. If for some reason you have not watched the movie, SPOILER alert because it is impossible to avoid. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.
King Mufasa (James Earl Jones), a lion, rules over the Pride Lands of Africa, living on Pride Rock with his Queen Sarabi (Madge Sinclair) and the other lionesses. His son Simba (Matthew Broderick as an adult with Jonathon Taylor Thomas as a child, Joseph Williams and Jason Weaver provide the singing voices) is presented to the animal kingdom as their future king by Rafiki (Robert Guillaume) a mandrill who is somewhat of an adviser and shaman. Mufasa tries to teach Simba how the animal kingdom is connected in the circle of life and how he will always be there for him, but Simba, along with his best friend Nala (Moira Kelly as an adult with Niketa Calame as a child and Sally Dworsky and Laura Williams provide the singing voices) constantly get in trouble and by extension Zazu (Rowan Atkinson) a hornbill who is the majordomo to the king. Unbeknownst to all Mufasa’s brother Scar (Jeremy Irons) plots to take over the throne by killing off Mufasa and Simba, along with the help of three hyenas Shenzi, Banzi and Ed (Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin and Jim Cummings). The four of them start a wildebeest stampede with Simba in a gorge. Mufasa rescues Simba, but when trying to get out Scar lets him go and Mufasa is killed. Scar convinces Simba that it was his fault and tells him to run away. The hyenas go after Simba, but he outruns them; the hyenas do not tell Scar Simba is alive as he takes over the Pride Lands much to the horror of the lionesses. Meanwhile Simba is found by a meerkat and warthog named Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumba (Ernie Sabella) who take him into their carefree life of “Hakuna Matata” (Swahili for no worries). Simba grows up into an adult, but when Nala comes back into his life (and falls in love with her) Simba must remember who he was and confront his past, including his uncle who has drained the Pride Lands of everything. After discovering the truth a huge fight breaks out between Simba, Scar and the other characters with Scar receiving one of the most gruesome death scenes in animated movies. Simba takes his rightful place and the pride lands are restored to its natural balance.
To call this one of the best not just Disney but animated movies of all time would be a gross understatement. The opening scene alone with the animals coming together and the song “Circle Of Life” is one of the greatest opening scenes of all time. The wildebeest scene, while it is very sad later on, is one of the most beautifully animated scenes I’ve ever seen as is at the end when Simba accepts his place as king. The story, characters and writing are so well done; I cannot stress that enough. I have also seen many videos online of kids watching this movie for the first time and how enthralled they are (don’t even get me started on their reactions to Mufasa dying). Every character is so perfect in one way or another; Scar as the villain, Timon and Pumba as comic relief, Rafiki as the weird guy who is funny (I crack up every time he gets in the fight scene) you get the point.
Of course I cannot forget the absolutely amazing soundtrack written by the incredible team of Tim Rice (one half of the team who wrote so many incredible Disney songs) and the legendary Elton John (so even if for some reason you haven’t heard of the songs you have to know how incredible they are with this team). There are five songs they wrote that I know every single Disney fan considers to be five of the best songs to ever come out of Disney. “Circle of Life” is the first song heard in the opening scene and sets a high standard. “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” is a fun number with Simba, Nala and Zazu as Simba expresses his desire to do what he wants as a king (as a kid he doesn’t know any better). “Be Prepared” is Scar’s song as he tells his evil plan, on a side note it is one of the best villain songs ever. “Hakuna Matata” brings the mood back up after the sad scenes. Last but not least “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” is not only an award winning song (out of all the songs this one has the Oscar and Grammy) and one of the most romantic numbers in all of love songs, not just in movies.
If you think The Lion King stops here, oh boy are you wrong. There is a Broadway musical (one of the longest reigning shows on Broadway) a spin off TV series starring Timon & Pumba, a sequel and prequel direct to DVD films (both I plan to review later) and most recently a show on Disney Junior staring Simba and Nala’s son (which if you have younger kids I’ve heard is good). In 2019 a CGI adaption of The Lion King will be released in theaters. Not gonna lie and say I was a little concerned about how Disney was gonna do it, but after seeing the cast I am hopeful, the other live action adaptions have been great but those are for another day. I encourage you, no I IMPLORE you, to watch this movie if for whatever reason you have not. The Lion King is one of the best animated movies ever done and should be watched over and over again.
Films or Television Worth Watching 