The Lion King

Name: The Lion King
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Animation, Family, Musical
Released: June 15, 1994
Duration: 89 min
Rating: 88
Cast: James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Matthew Broderick, Whoopi Goldberg

1994

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 30 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 922 Ratings

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8.8

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8.8	User Score Universal acclaim based on 922 Ratings

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The Lion King

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Movie Details & Credits

Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: June 15, 1994 | G

Starring: James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Matthew Broderick, Whoopi Goldberg

Summary: Embark on an extraordinary coming-of-age adventure as Simba, a lion cub who cannot wait to be king, searches for his destiny in the great "Circle of Life." [Disney]

Director: Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers

Genre(s): Adventure, Drama, Animation, Family, Musical

Rating: G

Runtime: 89 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Dolores Barclay

A mystical, thrilling and breathtaking coming-of-age movie. [14 June 1994]

100

Steve Persall

More than any other Disney delight, The Lion King involves our full emotions; we're biting fingernails one minute and laughing the next at characters who deserve their spots on toy store shelves. [24 June 1994, p.6]

100

Jay Boyar

This is getting a little monotonous, but yes, it's another instant classic. [24 June 1994, p.17]

Roger Ebert

Basically what we have here is a drama, with comedy occasionally lifting the mood. The result is a surprising seriousness; this isn't the mindless romp with cute animals. Read full review

Michael Wilmington

In The Lion King, the savannas gleam and the meerkats swing. And when the animators click, their lions sing tonight. [24 June 1994, p.C]

Jeremy Gerard

A dazzling -- and unexpectedly daring -- addition to the Disney canon. Read full review

Hal Hinson

Shakespearean in tone, epic in scope, it seems more appropriate for grown-ups than for kids. If truth be told, even for adults it is downright strange. Read full review

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User Reviews

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 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

0 of 1 users found this helpful

RezzaDee

Sep 19, 2011

An outstanding film, back when people put there heart into everything to be proud of there achievements and to express there talents which were recognized by Disney later choosing the cast very, very well. This film I want to say is my best Disney film however I also love Aladdin :). ThenAn outstanding film, back when people put there heart into everything to be proud of there achievements and to express there talents which were recognized by Disney later choosing the cast very, very well. This film I want to say is my best Disney film however I also love Aladdin :). Then B&TB and Hercules. Anyway. This film has a lot of guidance and morals for all ages. Makes me think whats happened to Disney :( Mufasa (James Earl Jones) is Simba's dad and has the perfect voice for a strong lion teaching his son the lessons in life. Like not to take being future king for granted, it's not about getting your own way. And that everyone is one. He also tells his son about the stars, and if he is not here in later life, then to look up at the stars as all of the great kings are up there watching over him. Samba being a small cub has to learn the hard way because of his evil uncle scar. At first he truss to trick samba and forces him to go against his fathers will. It ends up with samba leaving pride rock, but finds two true friends who bring him back to his normal self with the help of an old friend and his fathers friend who christened him at birth. Samba returns to pride Rock some years later, returning the once great land back to how it used to be. And continues with Simba and Nala having a child of there own. And continues, the circle of life. such powerful scenes that can make grown men cry (who are not dead inside) and powerful voice acting that fit each roll perfectly. A brilliant soundtrack that fits very well. And also the meanings and morals in this film alone are what society today is very rappdley loosing. If only James Earl jones could be the king of England! Ohh and must say that I love zazu too :) (probally spelt it wrong)… Expand

14 of 16 users found this helpful142

FlutterPie93

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.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Robwinz

Jul 28, 2020

I was very lucky to see the Lion King Live Musical a few months ago in Edinburgh and it was very good, I enjoyed it quite a bit. So, I decided to give the original movie a watch since we're in Lockdown and my god, this movie holds up so well. The animation for this movie holds up very wellI was very lucky to see the Lion King Live Musical a few months ago in Edinburgh and it was very good, I enjoyed it quite a bit. So, I decided to give the original movie a watch since we're in Lockdown and my god, this movie holds up so well. The animation for this movie holds up very well and it doesn't look dated at all. Also, the plot for this movie is great and so are the characters and the voice actors for these fantastically well developed characters. Even the characters are very memorable, I honestly don't think they're forgettable at any moment throughout this masterpiece of a movie. Finally, the score is outstandingly beautiful from the man himself Hans Zimmer and it works very well throughout the movies scenes. Also, I forgot to mention the sing along songs throughout this movie worked very well, which I really liked. Overall, it's a masterpiece from Disney and it's one of my honest favourite's and it holds up very well if that's with the animation, voice actors, the score you name it, all together it's an amazingly well made movie and it's worth the watch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Dunkaccino

Mar 30, 2023

Every moment in this film is full of heart. The center of the story seems like a classic revenging tale, but along the way, there are scenes that evoke a kind of warmth and sweetness.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

drlowdon

Jun 12, 2022

In the Pride Lands of Africa, Lion King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi rule over the animal kingdom. When their son is born, Musafa’s brother Scar plots to take the throne.

A beautifully animated and emotional journey full of great songs, The Lion King ranks among the very best Disney movies.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Sander

May 1, 2008

Fuck Disney. They RIPPED-OFF Kimba the white lion, without even giving any credit to Ozamu Tesuka, the creator.

1 of 34 users found this helpful

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