Set against the majestic landscapes of the African savannah, "The Lion King" tells the tale of a young lion prince named Simba. Born into the royal family, Simba spends his days exploring the vast Pride Lands and idolizing his father, King Mufasa.
However, not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother and former heir to the throne, harbors resentment and plots to eliminate both Mufasa and Simba to seize the throne for himself. Tragedy strikes, and Simba is manipulated into believing he was responsible for his father's death, leading him into exile.
With the help of newfound friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba adopts a carefree lifestyle. But as he grows, he is reminded of his responsibilities and destiny. The journey of redemption and self-discovery leads Simba back to reclaim his rightful place as the King of the Pride Lands.
Quick Facts:
- Director: Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff
- Producer(s): Don Hahn
- Screenwriter(s): Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton
- Starring: Matthew Broderick (Simba), James Earl Jones (Mufasa), Jeremy Irons (Scar), Moira Kelly (Nala), Nathan Lane (Timon), Ernie Sabella (Pumbaa), and others.
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Musical
- Runtime: 88 minutes
- Rating: G (General Audiences)
- Box Office: Over $968 million worldwide
Cast and Characters:
- Simba (Matthew Broderick): The protagonist of the story, a young lion prince who undergoes a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
- Mufasa (James Earl Jones): The wise and just king of the Pride Lands and father to Simba.
- Scar (Jeremy Irons): Mufasa's envious brother who plots to take over the throne.
- Nala (Moira Kelly): Simba's childhood friend and later his queen.
- Timon (Nathan Lane) & Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella): A meerkat and warthog duo who befriend Simba during his exile and teach him the "Hakuna Matata" philosophy.
- Zazu (Rowan Atkinson): The king's majordomo and a strict, yet well-meaning hornbill who often serves as the comic relief.
Where to Watch
United States (US)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
Stream: Disney Plus
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Australia (AU)
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United Kingdom (GB)
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Germany (DE)
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Brazil (BR)
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Rent/Buy: Not available
Spain (ES)
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France (FR)
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Canada (CA)
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Production:
- Filming Locations: While "The Lion King" is an animated feature, its inspiration and visual references were drawn from various locations across Africa, particularly the Serengeti in Tanzania.
- Budget: Estimated at $45 million
- Production Companies: Walt Disney Pictures and Walt Disney Feature Animation
Reception:
- Critical Reception: "The Lion King" was met with widespread acclaim upon its release. Critics lauded its animation, voice acting, and music. The film's themes of responsibility, redemption, and the circle of life resonated with audiences of all ages. It is often regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time.
- Audience Reception: The film was a massive hit with audiences worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1994. Its legacy has endured, with many considering it a pivotal film of their childhood.
- Awards and Nominations: "The Lion King" won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score (Hans Zimmer) and Best Original Song ("Can You Feel the Love Tonight" by Elton John and Tim Rice). It also garnered multiple Golden Globe and Grammy Awards, among other accolades.