The Lion King

The Lion King (1994)

  • 90% of critics liked it
    (96 reviews)

  • 89% of users liked it
    (1,177,009 ratings)

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 Thomas, then by Matthew Broderick) begins life as an honored prince, the son of the powerful King… More

Play Trailer

In Theaters
Sep 16, 2011 Wide
On DVD
Oct 7, 2003
Buena Vista

Critic Reviews

  • 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.

  • Ty Burr, Boston Globe

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

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

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

  • 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.

  • Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

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

Read all 26 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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

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

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Michael E


    (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… More

  • Eric S


    A well made film with beautiful animation and a great soundtrack. Many of the themes are for a mature audience which isn't necessarily surprising for a Disney feature. It offers a powerful story that can be enjoyed by kids and adults. "The Lion King" is a film that… More

  • Eugene B


    Disney's brings a sensational and prideful story to fruition. Lion King is masterfully executed with its brilliance in CGI, story and dialogue. It's a fantastic film for all ages and continues to roam on as one of Disney's greatest. 5/5

  • Matthew Samuel M


    Memorable and moving, Lion King is a classic film with some glaring missteps.

  • Samuel R


    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 Hans… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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