User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 322 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 30 out of 322

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  1. Sep 22, 2011
  2. Sep 19, 2011
  3. Nov 17, 2012
  4. HunterH.
    Dec 31, 2002
    Yup, Lion King is great. To Michelle P. - Spirited Away was NOT a Disney movie. They just dubbed Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece and slapped their name on it. Just so posterity knows. :)
  5. Bequiet!Thismovie'sgreat!
    Mar 20, 2003
    A beautiful movie that needs better respect from everyone who says "'Lilo and Stitch' was better. It had no singing". True, "Lilo and Stitch" is a great movie, but not the greatest. "The Lion King" contained no sign humanity. Had there been humanity, this movie would be a disaster. It had gorgeous animation and true characters. If only disney made more movies like this.
  6. KeithS.
    Mar 19, 2003
    The story of Hamlet as told by Disney, through a lion, by way of Osama Tuzuka's "Kimba the White Lion." Putting aside where Disney generated the idea from, this movie clearly delivers a solid emotional punch. However, you have to ignore, or not notice, the variety of plot discrepencies, shut your eyes to "clicky" animation (which anyone in the ani field can point out), and try not to be insulted by the racial stereotyping. While the film veers off into the land of symbollism a couple of times, altering the subjective POV for no reason, and -- at one critical point -- fumbling its way into a Leni Reifenstahl remake, these things do nothing to the story which, in the end, still has more holes in it than the good ol' fashioned proverbial Swiss cheese. Those professionals who enjoyed it should try to stop enjoying the free trips to Disney World and start watching the movies. Expand
  7. Sander
    May 1, 2008
    Fuck Disney. They RIPPED-OFF Kimba the white lion, without even giving any credit to Ozamu Tesuka, the creator.
  8. Simbapeter
    Jan 13, 2003
    What can I say about it? Since 1994 when I was 16 I saw the movie here in Venezuela. I could not imagine how good it was. I'm 24 now and "I can't wait to see it" bad joke I know. I just want to say that. If you didn't see it in the past, run to your nearest Imax theather and see it. At least rent the VHS video and you will see that this movie worth the money you will expent on it.
  9. Katherine
    Jul 24, 2006
    This is my favorite Disney movie. I know that it is not that it does not have very much facts, but it's just a movie. It's fantasy, and fantasy can have anything. So yes I give it a 10.
  10. JaredB.
    Mar 22, 2007
    This is one of my favorite movies of all time. The cast, led by Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick, was simply amazing. The animation was absolutely brilliant. The movie is just incredible. If you haven't seen it, I strongly recommend it for kids and adults
  11. J
    Feb 21, 2009
    The is the most amazing film ever created by disney. I cannot imagine anything they could have done better. It is a memerable classic, and touches the heart of young and old alike.
  12. [Anonymous]
    Dec 26, 2002
    It's ok, but didn't like it.
  13. MichelleP.
    Dec 29, 2002
    Come ON people! This is the greatest Disney animated feature (next to Spirited Away) ever! The animation is beautiful, the songs are either beautiful or catchy, and it was just an all-around fantastic film! This is the kind of movie Disney doesn't make enough of. Now they're making corny films like "Treasure Planet" and "Scamp's Adventure". It's no wonder this got a 98. I thought it deserved a 100 (it's the most acclaimed animated film in history!) but 98 is good enough. Way to go, Disney! Expand
  14. JessicaK.
    Feb 23, 2003
    It's so obvious that people will look at this movie, and say, "Oh yeah...the Lion King, it's the dumbest movie ever because it's a kid's movie, a disney movie, and it has songs". The fact that it's a movie for kids doesn't mean it's only for kids, it means it'll be appealing for them. I mean, Spirited Away was called a Kid's Movie, yet the older ones can still love and enjoy it. The fact that it's a disney film doesn't mean anything at all. This is one of disney's better movies along with other masterpieces like Beauty and the Beast. That movie (and the Lion King) have been enjoyed by childeren, teenagers, and adults alike. The reason most people think disney movies are stupid, is because they haven't gone back to the old ones, which, like the Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, are true classics, and most of the disney movies out are either a poor ones like, Treasure Planet or the new sequels to the disney classics like Peter Pan or Lady and the Tramp, or they're mediocre films like Tarzan or Lilo & Stitch. As for the songs, so what? Chicago had songs, and it was still fantastic (in fact, that was main reason it was fantastic). The Lion King included some memorable catchy songs as well, go buy the soundtrack if you're too embarassed to see the movie. Yes, the animals do talk, but that's because there's no humans seen or mentioned in the film at all, so it wouldn't ruin it. The animation was positively gorgeous. Not a single character looked absurd. The lion's movments when walking were done so accurately, and the voice acting is perfect. The plot may sound small, but when you watch the movie or read the script, you'll see what a true epic it is. I think the Lion Kind deserves more praise, respect, and a higher score (but it's still a universal acclaim, and I suppose that's good enough). See it, and be amazed at its beauty. Expand
  15. ChrisM.
    Apr 28, 2007
    Perhaps it's because it's an essential part of my childhood, but The Lion King will always be regarded by me as one of the greatest cartoons ever made. Yes, it's an adaptation of Hamlet, but one that communicates with children and adults alike. There is depth to Simba which is unparalleled in many other Disney movies. Perhaps it's nostalgia, but I think kids today cannot comprehend what they're missing. I, for one, miss the anticipation of the yearly 2-D Disney cartoon. I guess I'm still a kid at heart. Expand
  16. Oct 1, 2011
    The Lion King may not be *the* greatest movie of all time, but it's probably in the top 10 or so. The plot is pretty standard fare, but it doesn't even matter, because it's all about the presentation of that story. Speaking of which, the animation, voice acting, songs, and emotional element of The Lion King carry it to such great heights, and come pretty close to perfect. I look back on it today, and some of the opening scenes still give me goosebumps when I watch the sun rising over the savanna. And then you have the saddest scene in just about any modern Disney movie... those who've seen it (everybody at this point) know what I'm talking about. All in all, it's a beautiful film of love, fatherhood, death, betrayal, revenge, friendship, and rising to destiny. Expand
  17. Aug 14, 2011
    This movie was simply well made. The songs were memorable and amazing, the characters were believable (and arguably acted more human than many movies with human actors), and the animation was vibrant and lush, depicting a unique style of art, and still getting the movements of the characters down pat. The story really digs deep into Simba's character, which leaves the other characters a bit stagnant, but that's not to say they aren't developed. They each have their own part to play in the story. The comic relief detracts from the heavier story just enough to keep the feature from being too depressing (it is disney, they like a lighter feel to their movies).

    Now, on the controversy some people have brought up about "Disney ripping off 'Kimba: The White Lion'", I looked into it, and in terms of story and characters, it seems the two are separate. Some art direction seems to have gone the same direction, although Disney and the guys who did Kimba did start working together on a project related to Kimba. The project was scrapped, but the people who had worked on the project probably decided to adapt some concept art to Lion King. Btw, the similarity of the names "Simba" and "Kimba" is probably coincidental, considering most of the names in "The Lion King" are based on Swahili words (simba means 'lion').

    Regardless, it is a solid movie that I recommend.
  18. Jan 7, 2012
    An epic and lovely adventure in every way, this animated production is definitely an icon of its genre. First of all the storyline is great, very unique and funny that will submerge you into a whole new world inside this movie with its very well made visual production and style. The plot is interesting and entertaining too, with a friendly story and a light atmosphere that takes exiting shifts as it progresses introducing different scenarios that all together construct a beautiful movie. The characters are just adorable with charming performances, and often a musical number with a memorable soundtrack is included that adds to the wonderful experience this is from beginning to end. Expand
  19. May 6, 2012
    Who would believe this is my first time watch this classic Disney jewel in the crown and the location was ruefully in the plane. After last year's mega-successful re-entering into 3D multiplexes, clearly it becomes more urgent for me to cancel it from my unfinished masterpiece list (there are more horrifying ones on my list which I wish I could show it here). THE LION KING is a timeless artwork, it's technical index could not remain its cutting-edge 2D advances in 1994, the story nevertheless is in perfect pitch for audience from every degree of ages, the HAMLET-inspired plot could feasibly find more evocation with adult groups while the colorful appealing is irresistible for youngsters. It's an archetypical win-win Disney Animation. The narrative is tightly intriguing, the O.S.T. is top-notch although I can hardly admit Elton Johnâ Expand
  20. Feb 16, 2013
    With it's amazing animation, great voice acting, funny humor, amazing music, and stunning visuals this movie is a masterpiece and is worth seeing many times.
  21. Jan 23, 2014
    I watched this wonderful masterpiece when i was only six years old. Up to now i have still remembered every detail about it, about the story that i know inspired millions of people not only children but also adults all around the world. This is like "The Godfather" for children, with a little exception that it is bright, funny and, most importantly, humanitarian. I think even grown-up men can learn something meaningful from Disney's greatest animation - The Lion King. Expand
  22. OmarA.
    Apr 4, 2004
    The Lion King is more than a 10 I give it a 100. The Lion King is the best movie I have ever seen!
  23. KevinG.
    Aug 13, 2008
    The best Disney film ever drawn.
  24. Mandys
    Apr 3, 2008
    best film ever!!!! camera angles are very great! detail of shading in the characters, backgrounds and the way the film has been animated couldn't have been any better. people who don't see the sense of the film are just brainless and don't have any kind of imagination and a sense of seing films in a different way! it's the best traditional animated film by far and i wish there will be more films like that in future. Expand
  25. YoonMinC.
    Oct 10, 2003
    Wonderfully animated but otherwise very stupid movie, even for kids. I know it's a cartoon but why are all the animals happily greeting the birth of a lion cub? And, why if the King and Queen lions sound black, does the cub sound like Matthew Broderick? Stupid pompous cartoon for kids. And the songs suck.
  26. Traustik
    Mar 2, 2003
    Never really got it.
  27. GustavoH.R.
    Jan 11, 2004
    An animated tear-jerker. And a glorious one at that.
  28. KellyJ.
    May 12, 2004
    If i could I would give this movie a 13! Best Movie since Beauty and the Beast.
  29. GlennM.
    Dec 14, 2005
    This is the greatest Disney film of all time and possibly the most greatest cultural achievment of the the 20th century. I dont feel these critic reviews are accurate because they only watched this once and did not fully grasp the brilliance of this fim in its entirity.
  30. AlexJ.
    Feb 22, 2005
    Are you guys crazy? How can you give 0 or 3 to such a classic movie? If you don't like it, then you have a big problem as far as taste is concerned. Lion King is probably the best cartoon ever made. It is worth more than the Universal Acclaim Score. It is worth a nice and clean 10.0.
  31. MattP.
    Jun 7, 2005
    It's a great children's film.
  32. Vixi
    Jul 18, 2005
    This was the last great Disney film - and in my opinion the best. I don't understand how anyone could give it a low score. So, OK, all the animals do celebrate at the beginning, but to mark it down because of this is missing the point - it's like taking Lord of the Rings and saying 'thats a bad film because those creatures don't exist.' It is great entertainment with fantastic songs and a powerful storyline - way better than the pixar stuff that's taken over. Expand
  33. Eric
    Mar 17, 2006
    THis film is a definite masterpiece, nearly flawless. The story is excellently told, the soundtrack is breathtaking. The animation is a feast for the eyes. There's plenty of humor for adults and kids. This has classic written all over it.
  34. NickL.
    Jul 23, 2008
    i love this film so much. I used to watch it when i was little but i didn't really understand the meaning of this film. before, it was just a film which entertained me. now after i watched it, not only does it entertain me but also gives me a message. This film is truly the best film ever made, it's entertaining, friendly, funny and makes me feel like a new person. i rate this movie an 11. Expand
  35. PaulM.
    Mar 16, 2003
    Saw it as a youngster and loved it. And even now, I say it's the greatest Disney movie ever made.
  36. G.M.D.K
    Dec 4, 2004
    One of the best films of all time!
  37. Paul
    Feb 7, 2004
    How can you not like this movie???
  38. [Anonymous]
    Mar 28, 2004
  39. DanC.
    Apr 14, 2004
    Hakuna Matata!
  40. MelissaG.
    Jun 16, 2004
    It's the best, seriously. I love it all.
  41. KittyC.
    Jul 24, 2004
    Okay, so in my opinion, this isn't worth the Universal Acclaim Score. However, it is highly entertaining and a good Disney film.
  42. EmilyW.
    Dec 25, 2005
    This is one of my favourite films of all time. I remember seeing when i was younger (i'm 17 now!) and i recall the fact that i thought it was brilliant the first time i watched it, and it still is!!! From the start of the opening song, it continues to move you throughtout the movie. When Mufasa dies i cry so much!!! It still gets me everytime!!! The first time i saw this movie was also the first time i cried at a movie (so my mum says!!). Apparently a boy saw this film when his own father died and it helped him get through it. So this film means a lot to other people as well. Uh, such a fantastic film!!! The songs were great awell!!! WATCH IT!!! Expand
  43. ChrisS.
    Aug 1, 2005
    One of the top Disney films of all time.
  44. PatrickD.
    Sep 10, 2005
    A great Disney movie. For all you people who immedetly reject it becasue its Disney, I have to say: It has a better plot than your Kill Bill movies.
  45. MandieQ
    Dec 8, 2006
    Lion King is a wonderful movie for kids... Some people not like the miovie because euther they don't have a good enough imagination to appricate it funny characters or they are just to old to like disneyclassic
  46. AliceM.
    Feb 12, 2006
    Can i start with who ever anoymnus is, is out of his/her mind. There isn't a song every other minute for one and honesly the lion king wouldn't be half as good without the music. Disney is serious since wen hav they done a movie like that now. I mean the incredibles that was one of the mist popular films for kids not blade. Yeahe things change now and then but Disney are still the most respected film makers of all time. It's not made for kids anyway why does everyone say that Disney touches the heart of any human being who has one. They are emence. Anyway!! Lion KIng is just amazing it has everything a good film needs when i say everything i mean it. It's a film you just can't fault. At school we are doin my favourite film project in English I'm doing Lion King. I'm 13 yet i still love it to bits and so do all my mates. Even if Disney made films just for kids it wouldn't matter because to be honest growing old is compulsery but growing up is optinal and everyone has a kid inside! Collapse
  47. Tino
    Aug 12, 2006
    This is just the best movie that Diney has made. It's my favortie too. I'm 18 years old and I still watch the movie over and over again. The best music, the best animation, what else can you want?
  48. NedP.
    Mar 12, 2007
    I usually don't care for animated movies but this film is the real deal, this is one of disney's best animated moviesif not the best. The animation is top notch and flawless. This film also features superb work from the vocal cast James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Whoopi Goldberg. This is a standout.
  49. JoshG.
    Jun 22, 2007
    This is probably the best movie disney ever created. It is one of the few movies that makes me laugh, cry, and it's very touching at the same time. I never saw this movie until I was about twelve, which I really regret. It teaches about pride, facing your fears, and many other things. Simba is one of the best characters Disney will probably ever make. I almost cry whenever I think about it. I really hope they make another Lion King movie. Thank you, disney, for this great classic. Expand
  50. JohnM
    Jan 20, 2009
    Agreeing with most of the reviews, I have to say this is my all time most favorite movie that Disney has created even though it was created in 1994. I first watched it when I was very little and never understood the true meaning of what was going on, but thought of it as a sort of comical movie with some sad bits. I admit that I cried at the point where Mufassa had died, but only a true film artist could give such emotion into a movie. Now that I have watched it a few more times, I get the full view of the movie and understand what I did not before. This is one of the only movies that I know of that has been this extraordinary and well thought out. I give tremendous respect to the creators of the excellent animation. Expand
  51. Hades
    Jan 14, 2003
    I never really found this movie appealing in the slightest, even when i was young and it was a "new" film. Good for the kids i guess but not some epic life changing event at all.
  52. raVen
    Oct 25, 2003
    Go on -- see it again. Disney simply refuses to make them like this anymore, and that's sad. After renting this, I suggest you work your way backward. Hunchback, Beauty and the Beast, The Rescuers movies, Aladdin, Little Mermaid, Jungle Book, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, all of them... ...and remember the excellence we used to expect from Disney before they became addicted to CGI. Expand
  53. MitchH.
    Apr 23, 2003
    Probably one of the best Disney films. It packs a powerful story that deals with a lot, death of a father and finding out who you really are. This is a lso a very funny movie with excellent animation. Kids will love it and adults too. I loved this movie.
  54. NicoK.
    May 21, 2003
    Best 2D animated Disney film. No exaggeration.
  55. ElizabethK.
    Feb 13, 2004
    It is the best movie I have ever seen.How can you not like it.If you gave it a zero you are weird.
  56. RoastBeef
    Apr 14, 2004
    A pure Disney classic!
  57. SneiblyM.
    Apr 14, 2004
    I wish i was a lion.
  58. AndrewM.
    May 17, 2004
    Gratifying Disney classic that conjures more emotions in 90 mins than one would have thought possible. Like others of the genre, it is a cliched film but this doesn't detract from the experience. Each character in TLK evokes a different response from the viewer but all are as memorable as each other. I'm not a real musical lover but all of the songs in this film are brilliant compositions and perfectly situated in the storyline. Never a dull moment, this film will beguile all who cross its path. Expand
  59. liz
    May 13, 2005
    R U guys crazy who gave it a 1-3?this movie is the best pure disney movie of ALL time,no ifs,ands,or buts end of story,bye bye.
  60. IvyP.
    Jul 12, 2005
    This is an awesome movie! Its got emotion, humour and an excellent storyline! People, this is a true classic!!
  61. GeorgeP.
    Dec 4, 2006
    The thing that makes this movie truly a masterpiece is the fact that it deals with real life. I believe this movie was created to present the meaning of the greatest thing that human beings face.This is the circle of life. I watched this film when I was six and it really stigmatized my life(I'm 18 now).The combination of the melanholic and celebrating soundtrack together with the vivid characters make this movie so wonderful and appealing to all ages.This is definitely one of Disney's greatest successes that has been a strong example to many kids all over the world incuding me. It has beautifully taught us about the meaning and the values of life. This film will always be in our hearts. Expand
  62. Oct 6, 2010
    A classic that will live forever in the hearts of kids who grew up watching this movie, like me. I am really shocked that the movie doesn't have a high user score. Oh well, Hakuna Matata, no worries!
  63. Oct 4, 2010
    A timeless Disney classic that soars near the top of the list of 'Best animated films of all time'. Heartfelt, featuring a stunning musical score and superbly animated, this is one of Disney's finest achievements, and a must watch for fans of animated films.
  64. Jun 11, 2011
    While the Disney Renaissance presented us such great classics like "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty and the Beast", and "Aladdin", they released another movie that has talking lions and other talking animals and such great wonder also known as "The Lion King". Before I begin, let me ask one question: Why is it that every movie you have saw just literally become such great classics? It's because of their creative efforts and mere pride and this movie is one of them.

    The story tells of a young cub named Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), the son of Mufasa (James Earl Jones) who is destined to become king of the Pride Rock. One day, Simba's ruthless evil uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) plots to take over Pride Rock by killing his father and tricks Simba into feeling guilty which causes him to flee from the kingdom never to return. Once he disappears, he meets two friends named Timon, a meek rat, and Pumbaa, a warthog who helps teach him the meaning of "Hakuna Matata". A few years later, after reuniting with his friend Nala, Simba, now an adult (Matthew Broderick) realizes that he doesn't know who he is anymore and is aware that Scar has destroyed everything that the lions had hunted for. He is then persuaded to return to Pride Rock and must overthrow his uncle to restore the kingdom to its rightful place.

    After its success at the box office with $783 dollars which marks this movie as the 32nd highest grossing feature film, everything else has been praised due to Disney and their intelligence.

    The music score by Hans Zimmer and the songs written by Elton John and Tim Rice were considered to be successful in cinema history, The animation and characters were very memorable, The acting was superb and the cinematography was terrific.

    The Lion King is one of the greatest animated movies of all time and is one of my childhood favorites that will teach me that this movie means no worries. Thank you Disney. With your charm and brilliance, a thumbs up from me.

  65. Nov 20, 2011
    Its one of the greatest animation films of all time for a reason (if not the greatest). The Lion King is great from start to finish. I really enjoyed it and I am confused that it has recieved such a low score from critics and users when its so much better then that.
  66. Nov 15, 2011
    A masterful film that is the absolute best from Disney. I say this is my favorite animated film of all time, if not my overall favorite. Disney put their best effort into this film, and all the haters can suck Mufasa's nuts.
  67. Nov 6, 2013
    Disney's greatest movie. Every song in this movie is at worst extremely good, with Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight just being amazing; the worst song in this movie is better than most musicals' best songs by a fairly wide margin.

    Amazing, beautiful animation, a solid story, strong characterization, good flow it just works.
  68. Apr 18, 2011
    I first watched The Lion King when I was eight, and enjoyed it for all the quirky characters. But after rewatching it years later, I discovered the deeper meaning behind it. This is one of my favorite movies of all time, and is the last epic disney movie. They could have done better with Lion King 2, but you cant win all the battles. And to the people that said that this is a rip off of Kimba the White Lion, What the **** are you talking about? I read the plot line, its about humans trying to kill animals. I dont understand your point of view to this movie. And this is also probably one of the darkest things I have ever seen, and I saw Suckerpunch and played Portal. Expand
  69. Feb 19, 2011
    This is one of Disney's best movies, it has likable characters, humor, action, drama, a great plot, ultimately this is one of the best movies ever a must see.
  70. Oct 31, 2011
    This movie brings back so many childhood memories. I loved it then and I love it now and I will always love it. Recommend it HIGHLY. In my opinion, one of, if not the best, Disney movie
  71. Mar 14, 2011
    Classic. Emotion, suspense, stunning visuals and audio, great storyline, entertainment- what more can you want from a movie? The Lion King is the best animated movie of all time. An epic story, but better visuals.
  72. May 29, 2011
    The best animated movie of all time. And one of the greatest movie ever made! Every time I see The Lion King I get a special feeling inside me, something that I can't explain with words. The movie is so beautiful and the characters are memorable. The songs are excellent, the soundtrack made by Hans Zimmer is so touching and the opening scene itself are breathtaking. The Lion King is a true masterpiece. Expand
  73. Oct 9, 2011
    A beautifully drawn animation allied with a strong narrative and fantastic musical numbers made "The Lion King" one of the Disney greatest accomplishments.
  74. Sep 21, 2011
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. PURELY BOOOOOORING
    the lion king was great when i was 6 but i recently watched this and thought what the hell was i thinking, THIS MOVE SUCKS!!! lame jokes, random singing, and terrible voice acting. my opinion: WORST DISNEY MOVIE EVER!
  75. Jul 24, 2012
    Funny how Disney and Pixar can make films and get praised for them. I mean, I love the songs - Hakuna Matata is my favourite - it's understandable though that they can say it's merely 'a coincidence' that this is similar to another animation and obtain a huge profit. It's unfair how companies like this can prey on the smaller ones for the sake of it. They can add these certain things to films, but I'm not saying that they're bad. I love how they can inject humour into animation, which I only really saw when Timon and Pumbaa were on the screen, and actually make the characters work, but this doesn't mean it's completely original. I don't think The Lion King can actually be given a higher score, because, although it did work, it didn't feel like they had done it themselves. Expand
  76. Nov 5, 2011
    Emotionally resonant and beautifully animated. The Lion King stands tall within Disney's pantheon of classic family films. This should have gotten a Best Picture nomination at the1994 Oscars. 4/4 stars.
  77. Nov 18, 2011
    The Lion King has great characters and a lot of memorable songs. I think that the story is thin and short though, which makes the idea of the film very simple.
  78. Nov 16, 2011
    Hands down one of the greatest movies of all time, if not the best animated one. Only few movies can take a very sad moment and then turn around and make you life when just a few minutes.
  79. Feb 7, 2013
    Honestly, The Lion King may not get the highest rating from me but it will always be my favorite animated movie of all time. Star studded cast that does their job well, Great and memorable songs, Likeable characters. Only thing I don't care for was the casting of Matthew Broderick as the adult Simba, I didn't feel that he fit the part well. Aside from that, It's a great movie and once again, My favorite animated film of all time. Expand
  80. Apr 2, 2012
    An absolute masterpiece. A truly wonderful film for the whole family. This movie is a cartoon but it is more compelling, emotional then most non animated films. Truly spectacular.
  81. Mar 26, 2012
    You can't go wrong with classic Disney. The Lion King is phenomenal in every aspect - the songs, the characters, the animation, and the musical score by Hans Zimmer. It's an amazing movie and it's guaranteed to entertain people of all ages for years to come.
  82. Mar 26, 2012
    When Simba is young he is naive to the world. Like any child he easily believes almost anything someone tells him and he is eager to discover new things. When his father tells him that one day he will to be king, Simba immediately gets that sparkle of astonishment in his eyes. However being the naive child he is, he thinks being king is all about having power and just doing what he wants. This can symbolize the way kids think when they are little, they think growing up means you can boss around anyone you want and you have no responsibility. As he goes into exile he develops a more carefree attitude and thinks he has found what it means to be an adult. Like many of us when we were teens, we didnâ Expand
  83. Jul 18, 2012
    I seriously can't find any flaws. It's a masterpiece. It has great visuals, a touching and epic story, and many songs and sequences that make you cry not only out of nostalgia, but also because it's just so touching.
  84. Nov 15, 2013
    It surely isn't the best Disney movie but it's still a powerful and emotional adventure. In my opinion, the film will be more appropriate for grown-ups. I'm not saying that kids shouldn't see this, it's just that adults might find the themes in the film more understandable and suitable.
  85. Apr 20, 2013
    Amazing movie, set the bar for modern-day animation, really stays in your heard for years after you watch the movie, with exceptional work on soundtracks by the brilliant Hans Zimmer. The characters are depicted extremely well, making viewers empathetic with characters like Simba, Mufasa, Zazu etc. Overall, this is a great movie and will be remembered for generations.
  86. Nov 9, 2012
    If you don't like The Lion King than I don't like you.
  87. Mar 27, 2013
    If you have not seen this movie, do so. The Lion King is my favorite movie ever, on all levels. It's not just a fantastic kid's movie. It's a movie that just about all people can enjoy. There are no flaws that bring down this movie whatsoever. Every single level of production goes way beyond its expectations. From the excellent main cast to the classic musical numbers, everything about this movie is memorable. This film should be used as a tool for up-and-coming animators who want to make movies at the same level of this movie. There aren't any movies that are as good as this, and there never will be another movie that even surpasses this movie in quality. The Lion King is an epic masterpiece that takes so many risks and overcomes all of them. Expand
  88. Feb 2, 2013
    One of Disney best movies. Simba and Mustafa are awesome characters and the story is heartwarming. Animation's best movie is the Lion King, screw the Aladdin and Snow White, this is the best Disney movie of all time!
  89. Mar 12, 2013
    My words are not necessary! I'm sure you watched this masterpiece...if you haven't seen it, then do it now! The soundtracks are amazing! The story is very instructive and emotional, a pure perfect Disney classic!
  90. Sep 19, 2013
    A classic tale of "survival of the fittest", The Lion King is an all-time classic for the ages that will never die and will remain as one of the best animated movies ever made.
  91. Sep 18, 2013
    One of the biggest hits created by Disney in 1994 was The Lion King. This movie entices children with its memorable songs and fantastic characters. It is one of Disney’s greatest musicals, even though there are some scary moments. Despite the few violent scenes, the overall messages portrayed are hope, love, family, and responsibility. This film is a great choice for children as well as adults.
    The film is about Simba (Jonathon Taylor Thomas) and how he “just can’t wait to be king.” That being said, his evil Uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) is extremely jealous of his brother Mufasa (James Earl Jones) because Mufasa is the king of the jungle. His extreme jealously gets the best of him, and Scar has Mufasa killed by a stampede and makes Simba feel responsible. Simba, feeling overwhelming guilt and despair, then runs away and becomes friends with Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella) and Timon (Nathan Lane) who teach him that the best philosophy is “Hakuna Matata”, which means no worries. Simba is having the best time while with Timon and Pumbaa. He feels free and great about himself because he has nothing to worry about. Simba grows up thinking he has escaped his childhood until his old friend Nala, who is living under Scar’s leadership, finds him and tells him that the tribe has been having severe issues.
    The Lion King was originally inspired by William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. The Lion King’s themes and imagery relate to cultural and political situations in the United States and Africa. Along with this, many parts of the film resemble a famous Japanese television show Kimba the White Lion. Two characters in this show are Kimba and Simba. In The Lion King, the camera angles and composition are almost identical to this television show. The voice of Simba almost believed he was working on a remake of Kimba because he was familiar with the show. The movie is mainly about lifestyle choices and collective responsibility. This is where the majority of the movie got several of its ideas.
    The protagonist, Simba, starts off as a rebellious character whom then grows up and learns to accept his responsibilities instead of seeking revenge. The characters in the film are always filled with energy which shows how much hard work went into each character and their personality, looks, and overall appearance. Each character has there own appealing look and personality, which draws so much attention to them. Along with this, they each have a voice that is very engaging to listen to. The characters have comical senses of humor and perform each scene in a joyful way. When Mufasa emerges in a cloud for Simba and talks to him, he gives Simba hope and inspires him to go and regain his throne. This scene shows how family is always there for you, even when all hope is gone. Not only are the characters funny, but they have a meaningful and serious side as well.
    The Lion King is a spectacular film for all ages. Although the movie is a cartoon, it is appealing to adults as well because it has a message behind it that can captivate even the oldest of audiences. Even if the children do not grasp the entirety of the overall message, they still love the film because of its entertainment. It keeps you interested the entire time and captivates everyone into feeling compelled to finish it. The directors and producers used great sounds effects and were able to get the audience to sing along with them. The colors and their brightness that was used enhances the film and makes it much more enjoyable and fun to watch. Every scene has an attracting look and amusing music, which always makes it pleasurable to watch. They used music to connect the funny scenes back to the overall message such as “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata”. Circle of Life is played during the ceremony when Simba is born and at the end for Simba and Nala’s newborn club. Simba is baptized here and the whole kingdom comes together to see him. Hakuna Matata is played when Simba arrives at the jungle home and continues to play during a sequence in which Simba grows up. This shows that Simba puts his problems behind him and lives the life he wants. The music makes a child not want to take their eyes off the screen because of the energetic characters and catchy rhythm. The filmmakers used animated programs to show their visuals. The stampede scene was created in a 3D computer program so the characters could be multiplied. The visuals are very clever and give off a fun, loving, and spirited tone. The movie is presented with amazing animation, music, and choreography. The animators of the story studied real-life animals for reference and some even journeyed on a trip to Africa. This assisted in how the animators made the characters act during many of the scenes. This also helped them to better understand the animal environment and way of life. A wildlife expert visited the studio to help the writers with the animal behavior and to help the artists with their drawings. Brenda Chapman, one of the story heads, said that writing an original story is very challenging because there is nothing to fall back on.
    The Lion King displays that if one is in a dark place, be strong and take the next challenge as it comes. Each character has there own way of doing this, which makes the film so much more interesting to watch. The film portrays many different ideas and responsibilities making it a movie for everyone to watch and enjoy with a lesson learned. The writers created a wonderful original story. The filmmakers did an incredible job with the characters, scenery, and animation. The Lion King is a warm, loving, fun film that everyone should have a chance to see.
  92. Dec 14, 2013
    I grow up with this and my children's will, too. I have no intention to make them watch the (sorry) of cartoons of these days. This is just a masterpiece. Extremely funny, engaging, colorful, intelligent. Immortal.
  93. Mar 8, 2014
    Very good plot, with an unforgettable music and makes you think about the blows of life. I do not see bad things, but on the contrary, this great, amazing, wonderful and serious, but I do not give 10, and I'll tell you why: the movie itself is good, but the characters like Scar and the hyenas were disturbing , desperate and perverse. You can not think clearly about the attitude of these characters, I was left stunned. And the other characters did not cause me any grace, except Mufasa, which was great, but the others are ridiculous or strange, this was the only bad thing about this movie. Expand

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Reviewed by: Rob Humanick
    Sep 12, 2011
  3. Reviewed by: Robert Faires
    It's a thumping good adventure.