Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)

Kernel Score: 84% · 2,545 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Adventure, Family, Animation

Released: 2024-12-18

Runtime: 118 minutes

Is Mufasa: The Lion King worth watching?

Worth watching. A prequel showing how Mufasa rose from lost cub to king, with strong visuals and songs. It's a pleasant family adventure that doesn't match the original but has charm.

Watch it if you

  • grew up on The Lion King
  • want a family musical
  • enjoy photoreal animal animation

Skip it if you

  • want something as moving as the 1994 film
  • dislike CGI that can feel flat

Best for: Family movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Mufasa: The Lion King

  • Stream: Disney+
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

Mufasa, a cub lost and alone, meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of a group of misfits searching for their destiny.

Movies like Mufasa: The Lion King

If you liked Mufasa: The Lion King, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Lion King (1994) — 94%: The original story this film leads into
  • The Lion King (2019) — 80%: Photoreal retelling of the same world
  • The Jungle Book (1967) — 83%: Classic animal adventure with songs
  • Coco (2017) — 90%: Musical family adventure with heart
  • The Wild Robot (2024) — 91%: Warm animal-centered story
  • Klaus (2019) — 92%: Heartfelt, well-crafted family story

Director

Barry Jenkins

Cast

  • Aaron Pierre as Mufasa (voice)
  • Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka (voice)
  • Tiffany Boone as Sarabi (voice)
  • Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki (voice)
  • Preston Nyman as Zazu (voice)
  • Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara (voice)
  • John Kani as Rafiki (voice)
  • Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros (voice)
  • Seth Rogen as Pumbaa (voice)
  • Billy Eichner as Timon (voice)

Mufasa: The Lion King FAQ

Is Mufasa: The Lion King worth watching?

Worth watching. A prequel showing how Mufasa rose from lost cub to king, with strong visuals and songs. It's a pleasant family adventure that doesn't match the original but has charm.

Where can I watch Mufasa: The Lion King?

In the US you can stream Mufasa: The Lion King on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

What is Mufasa: The Lion King rated?

Mufasa: The Lion King is rated PG.

What movies are like Mufasa: The Lion King?

If you liked Mufasa: The Lion King, try The Lion King, The Lion King, The Jungle Book and Coco.