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The Lion King

  • 19941994
  • GG
  • 1h 28m
IMDb RATING
8.5/10
1.1M
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
362
51
Matthew Broderick in The Lion King (1994)
Tricked into thinking he killed his father, a guilt ridden lion cub flees into exile and abandons his identity as the future King.
Play trailer1:20
10 Videos
99+ Photos
AnimationAdventureDrama
Lion prince Simba and his father are targeted by his bitter uncle, who wants to ascend the throne himself.Lion prince Simba and his father are targeted by his bitter uncle, who wants to ascend the throne himself.Lion prince Simba and his father are targeted by his bitter uncle, who wants to ascend the throne himself.
IMDb RATING
8.5/10
1.1M
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
362
51
  • Directors
    • Roger Allers
    • Rob Minkoff
  • Writers
    • Irene Mecchi(screenplay by)
    • Jonathan Roberts(screenplay by)
    • Linda Woolverton(screenplay by)
  • Stars
    • Matthew Broderick(voice)
    • Jeremy Irons(voice)
    • James Earl Jones(voice)
  • Directors
    • Roger Allers
    • Rob Minkoff
  • Writers
    • Irene Mecchi(screenplay by)
    • Jonathan Roberts(screenplay by)
    • Linda Woolverton(screenplay by)
  • Stars
    • Matthew Broderick(voice)
    • Jeremy Irons(voice)
    • James Earl Jones(voice)
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 1.1KUser reviews
    • 231Critic reviews
    • 88Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #36
    • Won 2 Oscars
      • 42 wins & 36 nominations total

    Videos10

    3D Re-release Version
    Trailer 1:20
    Watch 3D Re-release Version
    Jaws, Shreks, & Lion Kings: A Summer Blockbuster History
    Clip 7:23
    Watch Jaws, Shreks, & Lion Kings: A Summer Blockbuster History
    Hollywood's Shared History with Broadway
    Clip 6:12
    Watch Hollywood's Shared History with Broadway
    IMDbrief: Will 2019 Be Disney's Biggest Box Office Yet?
    Clip 2:46
    Watch IMDbrief: Will 2019 Be Disney's Biggest Box Office Yet?
    What We Know About 'The Lion King' ... So Far
    Clip 3:16
    Watch What We Know About 'The Lion King' ... So Far
    Shot for Shot: 'The Lion King' (2019) vs. 'The Lion King' (1994)
    Clip 1:26
    Watch Shot for Shot: 'The Lion King' (2019) vs. 'The Lion King' (1994)
    The Lion King: Diamond Edition
    Featurette 0:42
    Watch The Lion King: Diamond Edition
    'Sonic the Hedgehog' Star Tika Sumpter Answers Life's Big Questions About Film
    Full Episode 2:46
    Watch 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Star Tika Sumpter Answers Life's Big Questions About Film
    'Creed II' Cast on Knockout Soundtracks and Inspiring Scenes
    Video 2:26
    Watch 'Creed II' Cast on Knockout Soundtracks and Inspiring Scenes
    Tika Sumpter of 'Nobody's Fool' Answers Life's Big Questions About TV and Film
    Video 2:50
    Watch Tika Sumpter of 'Nobody's Fool' Answers Life's Big Questions About TV and Film

    Photos1632

    James Earl Jones in The Lion King (1994)
    Robert Guillaume in The Lion King (1994)
    Nathan Lane in The Lion King (1994)
    Nathan Lane in The Lion King (1994)
    The Lion King (1994)
    Robert Guillaume in The Lion King (1994)
    Nathan Lane in The Lion King (1994)
    James Earl Jones, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and Jason Weaver in The Lion King (1994)
    James Earl Jones, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and Jason Weaver in The Lion King (1994)
    Robert Guillaume in The Lion King (1994)
    Jeremy Irons in The Lion King (1994)
    James Earl Jones and Robert Guillaume in The Lion King (1994)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Matthew Broderick
    Matthew Broderick
    • Simba
    • (voice)
    Jeremy Irons
    Jeremy Irons
    • Scar
    • (voice)
    James Earl Jones
    James Earl Jones
    • Mufasa
    • (voice)
    Whoopi Goldberg
    Whoopi Goldberg
    • Shenzi
    • (voice)
    Rowan Atkinson
    Rowan Atkinson
    • Zazu
    • (voice)
    Niketa Calame-Harris
    Niketa Calame-Harris
    • Young Nala
    • (voice)
    • (as Niketa Calame)
    Jim Cummings
    Jim Cummings
    • Ed
    • (voice)
    • …
    Robert Guillaume
    Robert Guillaume
    • Rafiki
    • (voice)
    Moira Kelly
    Moira Kelly
    • Nala
    • (voice)
    Nathan Lane
    Nathan Lane
    • Timon
    • (voice)
    Zoe Leader
    • Sarafina
    • (voice)
    Cheech Marin
    Cheech Marin
    • Banzai
    • (voice)
    Ernie Sabella
    Ernie Sabella
    • Pumbaa
    • (voice)
    Madge Sinclair
    Madge Sinclair
    • Sarabi
    • (voice)
    Jonathan Taylor Thomas
    Jonathan Taylor Thomas
    • Young Simba
    • (voice)
    Frank Welker
    Frank Welker
    • Lion Roars
    • (voice)
    • …
    Cathy Cavadini
    Cathy Cavadini
    • Additional Voices
    • (voice)
    Judi M. Durand
    • Additional Voices
    • (voice)
    • (as Judi Durand)
    • Directors
      • Roger Allers
      • Rob Minkoff
    • Writers
      • Irene Mecchi(screenplay by)
      • Jonathan Roberts(screenplay by)
      • Linda Woolverton(screenplay by)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Frank Welker provided all the lion roars. Not a single recording of an actual lion roaring was used because the producers wanted specific sounding roars for each lion.
    • Goofs
      The elephant skeletons would have to come from freakishly large elephants. Hyenas could not pass through the trunk socket of an elephant's skull.
    • Quotes

      Adult Simba: I know what I have to do. But going back means I'll have to face my past. I've been running from it for so long.

      [Rafiki hits Simba on the head with his stick]

      Adult Simba: Ow! Jeez, what was that for?

      Rafiki: It doesn't matter. It's in the past.

      [laughs]

      Adult Simba: Yeah, but it still hurts.

      Rafiki: Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.

      [swings his stick again at Simba, who ducks out of the way]

      Rafiki: Ha. You see? So what are you going to do?

      Adult Simba: First, I'm gonna take your stick.

      [Simba snatches Rafiki's stick and throws it and Rafiki runs to grab it]

      Rafiki: No, no, no, no, not the stick! Hey, where you going?

      Adult Simba: I'm going back!

      Rafiki: Good! Go on! Get out of here!

      [Rafiki begins laughing and screeching loudly]

    • Crazy credits
      There are no opening credits.
    • Alternate versions
      This film was re-released in IMAX and other large format theaters on December 25, 2002. The following changes were made to the film for this release: -This movie opens with "The Lion King: Special Edition" title card, following the Walt Disney Pictures logo. -The pouncing lesson scene was replaced with an all-new song, "Morning Report", originally from the stage show. -The animation of crocodiles in the "I Just Can't Wait to be King" sequence was completely re-done. -The animation in some of the scenes went back through the clean-up animation department a second time, to correct problems such as wavering lines and missing details, which, while not very noticeable during a traditional 35mm showing of the film, would have been discomforting on a much large IMAX screen. Small details, such as the characters who had faces that were too small to be seen in the original had faces, were also added. -The waterfalls in the "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" sequence were enhanced. -The 2003 Platinum Edition release contains the different end credits from the 2002 IMAX/Special Edition re-release.
    • Connections
      Edited into The Lion King: A Musical Journey with Elton John (1994)
    • Soundtracks
      Circle of Life
      (1994)

      Music by Elton John (uncredited)

      Lyrics by Tim Rice (uncredited)

      Arranged and Produced by Hans Zimmer

      Performed by Carmen Twillie

      African Vocals Performed by Lebo M.

      Background Singer: Rodney Saulsberry (uncredited)

      Chorus: Maxi Anderson, Terry Bradford, Johnny Britt, Baby Cele, Lucky Cele, Rick Charles, Gugwana Dlamini, Kevin Dorsey, Wendy Fraser, Linda Gcwensa, Clydene Jackson (as Clydene Jackson), Matoab'sane Jali, Luyanda Jezile, Bob Joyce, Faith Kekana, Sphiwe Khanyile, Faca Khulu, Stella Khumalo, Skhumbuzo Kubheka, Thembi Kubheka, Ron Kunene, James Langa, Edie Lehmann Boddicker, Rick Logan, Tsidi Manye, Khanyo Maphumulo, Abner A. Mariri, Myrna Matthews, Batho Mhlongo, Vusi Mhlongo, Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Thembi Mtshali, Bheki Ndlovu, Nandi Ndlovu, Bongani Ngcobo, Nini Nkosi, Bobbi Page, Phindile, Rick Riso, Philile Seme, Alfie Silas, Happy Skhakhane, Kipizane Skweyiya, Sindisiwe Sokhela, Susie Stevens-Logan (as Susan D. Stevens), Khuluiwe Sithole (as Khuluiwe S'thole), Thandazile, Carmen Twillie, Sam Vamplew, Julia Waters, Luther Waters (as Luther N. Waters), Maxine Waters Willard (as Maxine Waters), Oren Waters, John J West, Yvonne Williams, Terry Young, Zolile Zulu

    User reviews1.1K

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    10/10
    The best Disney animated film ever...
    The best Disney animated film ever...This film had it all, it was funny, emotional, had family drama, and above all, great animation and songs! My personal favorite character is Rafiki, the Baboon! I still cant forget the line he says to Simbe, "Past can hurt, but as I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it!" it is so true! i loved Zazu's weirdness, and shenzi's humor, above all, i loved Pumba's innocence and Timon's intelligence! In short, i found the film the best film ever... The voice cast is also great. Mathew did complete justice to Simba, and what can I say about Mufasa, He is the best King, and dad anyone can ever get! The movie is not meant for kids, its meant to teach every adult a lesson...to find our place in the great "Circle Of Life". I give this film a perfect 10.
    helpful•320
    51
    • gdswalia
    • May 10, 2005

    50+ Movies in the Billion-Dollar Film Club

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    FAQ10

    • Why was Nala away from Pride Rock when she tried to hunt down first Pumbaa, then Timon?
    • Are Timon and Pumbaa inspired by Ren and Stimpy in any way? The duo seem like toned down versions, with Timon having some of Ren's arrogance and Pumbaa being as nice but flatulent as Stimpy.
    • Is 'The Lion King' based on a book?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 24, 1994 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Languages
      • English
      • Swahili
      • Xhosa
      • Zulu
    • Also known as
      • King of the Jungle
    • Production companies
      • Walt Disney Pictures
      • Walt Disney Animation Studios
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $45,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $422,783,777
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $1,586,753
      • Jun 19, 1994
    • Gross worldwide
      • $968,511,805
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 28 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Stereo(Dolby Stereo Spectral Recording, original release)

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