The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998)
Kernel Score: 76% · 4,628 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Family, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Romance
Released: 1998-10-24
Runtime: 81 minutes
Is The Lion King II: Simba's Pride worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A pleasant but second-tier sequel that echoes the first film's story. Kids will enjoy it, but it lacks the original's depth.
Watch it if you
- loved the original Lion King
- want a gentle film for young kids
- enjoy musicals with lions
Skip it if you
- want something as moving as the first film
- dislike direct-to-video sequels
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 II: Simba's Pride
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
The circle of life continues for Simba, now fully grown and in his rightful place as the king of Pride Rock. Simba and Nala have given birth to a daughter, Kiara who's as rebellious as her father was. But Kiara drives her parents to distraction when she catches the eye of Kovu, the son of the evil lioness, Zira. Will Kovu steal Kiara's heart?
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is a G-rated animated family film with mild peril and themes of family and forbidden romance.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Mild animated peril typical of a G-rated family film, with no graphic content.
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 II: Simba's Pride
If you liked The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Lion King (1994) — 94%: The original classic
- Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) — 84%: More Lion King lore
- Tarzan (1999) — 85%: Jungle adventure with warmth and good songs
- Aladdin (1992) — 92%: Classic Disney musical
- Hercules (1997) — 85%: Fun Disney adventure
- Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) — 87%: Animal adventure about freedom
Director
Darrell Rooney
Cast
- Matthew Broderick as Simba (voice)
- Neve Campbell as Kiara (voice)
- Jason Marsden as Kovu (voice)
- Nathan Lane as Timon (voice)
- Ernie Sabella as Pumbaa (voice)
- Andy Dick as Nuka (voice)
- Robert Guillaume as Rafiki (voice)
- James Earl Jones as Mufasa (voice)
- Moira Kelly as Nala (voice)
- Suzanne Pleshette as Zira (voice)
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride FAQ
Is The Lion King II: Simba's Pride worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A pleasant but second-tier sequel that echoes the first film's story. Kids will enjoy it, but it lacks the original's depth.
Where can I watch The Lion King II: Simba's Pride?
In the US you can stream The Lion King II: Simba's Pride on Disney+ and rent it from Fandango At Home.
Is The Lion King II: Simba's Pride OK for kids?
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is a G-rated animated family film with mild peril and themes of family and forbidden romance.
What movies are like The Lion King II: Simba's Pride?
If you liked The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, try The Lion King, Mufasa: The Lion King, Tarzan and Aladdin.