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Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane ... see more see more... , Ernie Sabella , Whoopi Goldberg , Cheech Marin , Robert Guillaume , Rowan Atkinson , Niketa Calame , Jim Cummings , Madge Sinclair , Jonathan Taylor Thomas , Zoe Leader , Joseph Williams , Jason Weaver , David McCharen , Philip Proctor , Frank Welker , Cathy Cavadini , Judi M. Durand

One of the most popular Disney animated musicals, The Lion King presents the story of a lion cub's journey to adulthood and acceptance of his royal destiny. Simba (voiced first by Jonathan Taylor Thom... read more read more...as, then by Matthew Broderick) begins life as an honored prince, the son of the powerful King Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones). The cub's happy childhood turns tragic when his evil uncle, Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons), murders Mufasa and drives Simba away from the kingdom. In exile, the young lion befriends the comically bumbling pair of Pumbaa the warthog (voiced by Ernie Sabella) and Timon the meerkat (voiced by Nathan Lane), he and lives a carefree jungle life. As he approaches adulthood, however, he is visited by the spirit of his father, who instructs him to defeat the nefarious Scar and reclaim his rightful throne. Borrowing elements from Hamlet, classical mythology, and African folk tales, The Lion King tells its mythic coming-of-age tale with a combination of spectacular visuals and lively music, featuring light, rhythmic songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, and a score by Hans Zimmer. Embraced by children and adults alike, the film also spawned hit songs ("Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "The Circle of Life") and a hit Broadway musical. In late 2002, The Lion King was re-released in the large-screen IMAX format. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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89% liked it

1,177,009 ratings

Critics

89% liked it

94 critics

G, 1 hr. 27 min.

Directed by: Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers

Release Date: September 16, 2011

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DVD Release Date: October 7, 2003

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Stats: 82,736 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (82,736)

  • samoriley
    May 10, 2012
    samoriley
    There are good Disney films, then there are films that everyone talks about and loves. The Lion King is one of those films.It features one of the best voice cast in film; from James Earl Jones, to Matthew Broderick, to Jeremy Irons and Nathan Lane. With a touching soundtrack by H... read moreans Zimmer and iconic songs by Elton John. This is defintely one of Disney's finest films of all time.
  • fb100001581602053
    March 31, 2012
    fb100001581602053
    The Lion King: Really enjoyable, pleasant film with astoundingly beautiful animation. A few of the key musical numbers feel ruthlessly tacked on (looking at you, "I Wish I Could Be King," or whatever) and Matthew Broderick sounds dead inside, but it's solid, breezy entertainment... read more with a huge heart. The Lion King 3D: Awesome. Glad it's really successful and a new generation of children are being introduced to a childhood classic on the big screen. But i seriously do not want a Disney theater re-release every two months for the sake of milking our cartoon loving spirits. Nor do I think this re-release was necessarily..... Needed. Or even requested.
  • aquateen2
    December 24, 2011
    aquateen2
    The best movie ever made. Period. From the technical side of things, when it's in 3D its fine. When it's in 2D its breathtaking.
  • willyt1
    November 7, 2011
    willyt1
    There was a period from 1984-1994 where a team of artists and animators worked together to create what would now be known as some of the best movies the Walt Disney Company had to offer. Such classics like "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin" were released... read more during this time. The last film to be released during this golden age of Disney was called "The Lion King." It was a huge success, financially and critically. To this day, it's the highest grossing hand-drawn animated film of all time. Many critics and fans alike call it their favorite in animation. 16 years later Disney has re-released it for a second time but this time with a more modern touch. Which is...3D! So, is the movie as wonderful and joyous as it was originally? Let's find out.

    Unless you've been living under a rock for the for the past sixteen years you know what this movie's about. Everyone knows the plot of "The Lion King." The story centers around a young lion named Simba who aspires to be king of the animal kingdom some day just like his father, Mufasa. But when Simba's uncle Scar becomes jealous of Mufasa he deliberately throws him off a cliff into a stampede and kills him. Simba is ashamed because he thinks the death of Mufasa os his fault and is told by his Uncle Scar to "run away and never return."

    To me, the heart of "The Lion King" is after Simba leaves the gorge and goes into an exotic jungle to meet his pals to be, Timon and Pumbaa. From the time when there's hilarious, introductory voice-over work from Nathan Lane to the point when the three characters are singing "Hakuna Matata," dancing, and having fun is an example of when true Disney magic is put up on screen. It's one of those rare moments you'll find in a movie. It's something that sticks with you for a long, long time. It isn't necessarily the storytelling, animation, or music, but all of those things put together in which make that scene put a look of happiness on every audience member's face.

    There's something that's taken away from the film seeing it now. It's not the 3D rendering. I like it a lot. There's even a few surprise moments in here where things really pop out at you. For the first time in a long time, the selling point doesn't look a financial gimmick as the 3D blends in quite nicely to the sixteen year old film reel. The thing that takes away from the theatrical re-release is the fact that it was a theatrical release. It wasn't nearly as special watching it with a group of strangers as it was watching it while sitting on the couch with my family at home. This special element isn't existent because when you go see the movie in the theatre you feel like you're going to see a new movie that probably isn't going to be a classic. But when you watch it at home you feel like you're going back to your childhood. My best suggestion for the people who want to see "The Lion King 3D" is not to go to the theatre, but buy the 3D DVD, curl up on the the couch with your family or whoever and see it at home. It's the best way to do it. If you don't have 3D that's ok. It's always a great movie while watching it in the comfort of your own home, no matter what format.

    This movie is such a classic. Everything from its beautiful animation, memorable music, to its bold method of storytelling that flows perfectly so that children and adults can, not just sit through the film, but also be fully submersed in its narrative. It's lovable characters make the movie a Disney classic, not to mention a classic in all of film history. It's in a class all by itself. "The Godfather" of hand-drawn animation has gotten massive recognition over the years and deservedly so. To this day, it shines with the perfect blend mature thematic elements, laugh out loud humor, and Disney magic.
  • neoshredder
    October 18, 2011
    neoshredder
    You know, I really don't know how to review this..it's basically the same movie in almost every way, except for the 3D, which I must say is actually GOOD IN THIS MOVIE?! You must be thinking; "Whaaaaaaaat? A 3D effect in a theater that's actually good and not just an excuse for y... read moreou to spend ten dollars more?" But yes, it's true, the 3D is good, and that's all there is to it.
  • skeletonking101
    October 17, 2011
    skeletonking101
    (3D review) When hearing they were remaking one of my favorite Disney animated films in 3-D for its 20th anniversary, you can bet I got hyped, and boy did this film not disappoint. I saw this on opening day, now prior to hearing about this I hadn't seen the film in about 3 years ... read moreso I didn't want it to be ruined if I watched it the week/night/month before seeing the film, and that was a wise decision on my part, because the refreshing of my memory with this film worked and it was almost like a new experience to me. Also the 3-D in this film is incredible, I'm rarely blown away by 3-D but here, my god, the 3-D matched the animation so perfectly, that this film and 3-D were made for each other.
  • StarCrossedVoyager
    October 10, 2011
    StarCrossedVoyager
    an ok film i guess. liked it more when i was younger
  • EightThirty
    October 9, 2011
    EightThirty
    06/10/2011 (CINEMAS, 3D)
  • FilmFanatik
    October 8, 2011
    FilmFanatik
    The Lion King is considered by many to be the greatest animated film of all time, and I would have to disagree with that. Mainly because this particular family entertainment is self-aware of the audience that it's aiming for: children. That being said, the animation, shading and ... read morepace are all fantastic. The music is very good too... much better than one would expect. The film is grandly epic in scale and features some great voice work from a variety of different actors. The only problem is the comic relief which is dumbed down and aimed straight at anyone under 10. It sticks out to me and actually ruins the tone of certain scenes and is also a signal of the coming decline of 2-D animated films. I'm not saying The Lion King isn't good at all. It is, but it isn't perfect like people make it out to be. It could have been a little bit better.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    October 5, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    I remember seeing The Lion King when I was a kid, and I very much enjoyed it. This is a definite childhood favorite that is lots of fun for people of all ages. The film is lavishly drawn, and brilliantly performed by the talented cast. Jeremy Irons is absolutely intense as the vo... read moreice of Scar, his voice is incredible, and it's hard to see any other actor in the part. The film is wonderful, and it has a great amount of comedy mixed in with the dramatic elements. The story is engaging, and well crafted. I thoroughly enjoyed the film, and it's a must see film for every one of all ages. The thing that makes The Lion King so good is that I felt that it was very different than any other previous Disney films, and it had a much more fun vibe than previous Disney releases. Not saying that Disney's animated films are crap, but The Lion King, I felt is a much accessible film because everything about it is excellent. Like some Disney films are pretty dark, and melancholic, this one certainly has those elements, but it strays in a different direction, one that is refreshing. The Lion King is one of the best animated films in Disney's history. This is an animated classic, and remains a film that everyone can enjoy. A wonderful film. The Lion King blends comedy and drama into one great film, and it's one of the few animated Disney films that I still enjoy. A must see for the entire family!

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Critic Reviews

Elizabeth Weitzman
September 17, 2011
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News

Everyone, young and old, will find something to appreciate in this Shakespearean tale of a young lion discovering his rightful place in the world. Full Review

Ty Burr
September 15, 2011
Ty Burr, Boston Globe

The story line is a Joseph Campbell hero-quest so stripped down to its basics as to become dull. Full Review

Desson Thomson
March 4, 2008
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

A computer-animated scene featuring a stampede of wildebeest is positively breathtaking. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
March 4, 2008
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

The Lion King, more than any of the recent wave of Disney animated features, has the resonance to stand not just as a terrific cartoon but as an emotionally pungent movie. Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum
March 4, 2008
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

The result is a step toward multiculturalism and ecological correctness, though not without a certain amount of confusion. Full Review

Glenn Abel
October 14, 2003
Glenn Abel, Hollywood Reporter

A crown jewel of modern Disney animation.

Stephen Holden
May 20, 2003
Stephen Holden, New York Times

More so than the exuberant movie miracles that came before it, this latest animated juggernaut has the feeling of a clever, predictable product. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

A royal treat.

Jeremy Gerard
February 13, 2001
Jeremy Gerard, Variety

Some of the richest imagery the studio's animators have produced and held together. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

There clearly has been a conscious effort to please adults as much as children. Happily, for those of us who generally stay far away from 'cartoons,' they have succeeded. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Mufasa: You deliberately disobeyed me. And what's worse, you put Nala in danger.
    • Timon: What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?
    • Timon: Gee. He looks blue.
    • Pumbaa: I'd say brownish-gold.
    • Timon: No, no, no, no. I mean he's depressed.
    • Pumbaa: Oh.
    • Timon: Hey, where are you going?
    • Simba: Nowhere.
    • Timon: You okay kid?
    • Simba: I guess so...
    • Pumbaa: You nearly died.
    • Timon: I saved you!
    • Pumbaa: [snorts]
    • Timon: Well, uh, Pumbaa helped. A little.
    • Scar: Long live the King...
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The Lion King Trivia

  • "What do you want me to do, dress in drag and do the hula?"  Answer »
  • Which 1994 Disney movie has made more money than any other G rated feature?  Answer »
  • what was the name of simba's young play mate in The Lion King?  Answer »
  • From which movie is the song "Can you feel the love tonight"?  Answer »
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