The Lion King (1994)
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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 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 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
- Directed By
- Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers
- Written By
- Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family, Musical & Performing Arts
- In Theaters
- Sep 16, 2011 Wide
- Studio
- Buena Vista
Critic Reviews
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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.
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Ty Burr, Boston Globe
The story line is a Joseph Campbell hero-quest so stripped down to its basics as to become dull.
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Desson Thomson, Washington Post
A computer-animated scene featuring a stampede of wildebeest is positively breathtaking.
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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.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
The result is a step toward multiculturalism and ecological correctness, though not without a certain amount of confusion.
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)
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Cast
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Matthew Broderick
as Simba
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Jeremy Irons
as Scar
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James Earl Jones
as Mufasa
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Moira Kelly
as Nala
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Nathan Lane
as Timon
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Ernie Sabella
as Pumbaa
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Whoopi Goldberg
as Shenzi
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Cheech Marin
as Banzai
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Robert Guillaume
as Rafiki
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Rowan Atkinson
as Zazu
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Niketa Calame
as Young Nala
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Jim Cummings
as Ed
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Madge Sinclair
as Sarabi
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Jonathan Taylor Thomas
as Young Simba
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Zoe Leader
as Sarafina
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Joseph Williams
as Simba (Singing)
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Jason Weaver
as Young Simba (Singing)
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David McCharen
as Other Voices
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Philip Proctor
as Other Voices
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Frank Welker
as Other Voices
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Cathy Cavadini
as Other Voices
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Judi M. Durand
as Other Voices





