The Lion King (1994)
Kernel Score: 94% · 19,444 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Family, Animation, Drama, Adventure
Released: 1994-06-15
Runtime: 89 minutes
Is The Lion King worth watching?
Must-watch. The Lion King mixes a Shakespeare-style family betrayal with great songs and bold animation. The father's death is hard for small children, but the story, music and ending have lasted.
Watch it if you
- love Disney musicals
- want a story about growing up and responsibility
- enjoy animals with big personalities
Skip it if you
- worry about a sad scene for young children
- dislike musical numbers
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
Young lion prince Simba, eager to one day become king of the Pride Lands, grows up under the watchful eye of his father Mufasa; all the while his villainous uncle Scar conspires to take the throne for himself. Amid betrayal and tragedy, Simba must confront his past and find his rightful place in the Circle of Life.
The Lion King parents' guide: ages 5+
Parents need to know that this beloved G-rated Disney musical includes the traumatic murder of a father and a menacing villain, alongside strong themes of courage and responsibility.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — A central father-murder (Mufasa's death), a scheming villain, and peril give the film genuinely frightening and sad moments despite its G rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G 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 Little Mermaid (1989) — 89%: Disney musical with the same hit-song energy
- Tarzan (1999) — 85%: Disney adventure with a lost-and-found hero
- Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) — 84%: Gives the story's backstory and mythology
- Bambi (1942) — 78%: Classic animal coming-of-age tale
- The Prince of Egypt (1998) — 82%: Epic animated musical about family and duty
- Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) — 86%: A beautiful quest about family and loss
Director
Roger Allers
Cast
- Matthew Broderick as Simba (voice)
- Moira Kelly as Nala (voice)
- Nathan Lane as Timon (voice)
- Ernie Sabella as Pumbaa (voice)
- James Earl Jones as Mufasa (voice)
- Jeremy Irons as Scar (voice)
- Robert Guillaume as Rafiki (voice)
- Rowan Atkinson as Zazu (voice)
- Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Young Simba (voice)
- Niketa Calame-Harris as Young Nala (voice)
The Lion King FAQ
Is The Lion King worth watching?
Must-watch. The Lion King mixes a Shakespeare-style family betrayal with great songs and bold animation. The father's death is hard for small children, but the story, music and ending have lasted.
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 G. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 5+. Parents need to know that this beloved G-rated Disney musical includes the traumatic murder of a father and a menacing villain, alongside strong themes of courage and responsibility.
What movies are like The Lion King?
If you liked The Lion King, try The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Mufasa: The Lion King and Bambi.