The Lion King
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.
Critics Sentiment
Mufasa dies in wildebeest stampede after Scar's betrayal
Simba flees Pride Lands believing he caused Mufasa's death
The film drops from its emotional peak during Mufasa's devastating death to its lowest point as Simba begins his guilt-ridden exile, before recovering with the introduction of Timon and Pumbaa.
The Lion King maintains consistently high audience sentiment throughout, with reviewers praising its perfect blend of humor, heart, and epic storytelling. The film peaks emotionally during Mufasa's death scene, which critics call one of cinema's most powerful moments, and reaches its triumphant climax as Simba reclaims his throne. Even the film's lowest-scoring moments receive strong praise, reflecting its status as a universally beloved masterpiece.
Full cast
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Matthew Broderick
Simba (voice)
Moira Kelly
Nala (voice)
Nathan Lane
Timon (voice)
Ernie Sabella
Pumbaa (voice)
James Earl Jones
Mufasa (voice)
Jeremy Irons
Scar (voice)
Robert Guillaume
Rafiki (voice)
Rowan Atkinson
Zazu (voice)
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Young Simba (voice)
Niketa Calame-Harris
Young Nala (voice)
Whoopi Goldberg
Shenzi (voice)
Cheech Marin
Banzai (voice)
Jim Cummings
Ed (voice)
Madge Sinclair
Sarabi (voice)
Zoe Leader
Sarafina (voice)
Frank Welker
Lions Roars (voice) (uncredited)
Cathy Cavadini
Additional Voices (voice)
Judi Durand
Additional Voices (voice)
Daamen J. Krall
Additional Voices (voice)
David McCharen
Additional Voices (voice)
Crew
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