The Lion King (2019)
Kernel Score: 80% · 10,660 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family, Animation
Released: 2019-07-12
Runtime: 118 minutes
Is The Lion King worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A technically impressive remake that copies the original shot for shot, but loses emotion without expressive animal faces. It looks real but feels flatter than the 1994 film.
Watch it if you
- haven't seen the 1994 original and want a modern version
- love photoreal animals
- want a family film with great music
Skip it if you
- have seen the original and want more of it
- want expressive animation
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Lion King
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.
The Lion King parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that The Lion King (2019) is a PG family film with a father's death, betrayal, and exile as central plot points.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes a father's death and family betrayal, intense for young viewers but presented in a family film.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Lion King
If you liked The Lion King, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Lion King (1994) — 94%: The original, which has more emotion and style.
- Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) — 84%: Follow-up exploring the same story world.
- The Wild Robot (2024) — 91%: Touching animated tale about belonging.
- Inside Out (2015) — 89%: Pixar film about emotions and growing up.
- Tarzan (1999) — 85%: Disney adventure with a jungle setting.
- Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) — 87%: Animated animal adventure with strong feeling.
Director
Cast
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar (voice)
- John Oliver as Zazu (voice)
- Donald Glover as Simba (voice)
- James Earl Jones as Mufasa (voice)
- John Kani as Rafiki (voice)
- Alfre Woodard as Sarabi (voice)
- Beyoncé as Nala (voice)
- JD McCrary as Young Simba (voice)
- Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala (voice)
- Penny Johnson Jerald as Sarafina (voice)
The Lion King FAQ
Is The Lion King worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A technically impressive remake that copies the original shot for shot, but loses emotion without expressive animal faces. It looks real but feels flatter than the 1994 film.
Where can I watch The Lion King?
In the US you can stream The Lion King on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Lion King OK for kids?
The Lion King is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that The Lion King (2019) is a PG family film with a father's death, betrayal, and exile as central plot points.
What movies are like The Lion King?
If you liked The Lion King, try The Lion King, Mufasa: The Lion King, The Wild Robot and Inside Out.