Born Free

Born Free (1965)

  • 92% of critics liked it
    (12 reviews)

  • 80% of users liked it
    (8,262 ratings)

Born Free is the heartwarming true story of a British couple who teach their pet lioness how to survive in the wilds of the African jungles. Joy and George Adamson (portrayed by real-life married couple Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers) involuntarily domesticate several lions while living in Kenya.… More

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PG, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By
James Hill, Tom McGowan
Written By
Joy Adamson, Lester Cole
Genres
Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family
In Theaters
Jun 22, 1966 Wide
On DVD
Mar 4, 2003
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

  • Common Sense Media Editors, Common Sense Media

    A compelling classic nature story with some animal violence.

  • Emanuel Levy, Screendaily

    A popular family film, also known for its Oscar-winning score and song

  • Common Sense Media Editors, Common Sense Media

    A compelling classic nature story.

  • Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com

    A bona fide tear-jerker classic.

  • Forrest Hartman, Reno Gazette-Journal

    Although the movie is a family favorite, the DVD treatment is rather shoddy.

Read all 6 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Stuart B


    a classic

  • Chihoe H


    The second half was much better than the first that laid most of the groundwork. Some parts were dreary and drawn out too long, but the movie was very moving and informative.

  • Barry L


    What can you say. A classic.

Trailers & Clips