The Lion King
Seen it?2019 | 118 min | Adventure, Drama, Family, Animation
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It made about 6 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest, though it had middling reviews (52% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for adventure fans and families. If you loved The Lion King, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Emotional (bring tissues), feel-good.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 58 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much: an easy pick for most people.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
52% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerVery strong
$1.7 billion worldwide on a $260 million budget; interest faded quickly after launch
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 664K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Lion King
Friday Night FlickThe 1994 original this version is based on. It's a critically acclaimed musical animated story.
Mufasa: The Lion King Sunday Safe BetA prequel to The Lion King: a musical adventure, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Sunday Safe BetAnother musical family film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Catch Me If You Can Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved drama.
Beautiful Boy
Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Cast & crew
Directed by Jon Favreau
- Chiwetel EjioforScar (voice)
- John OliverZazu (voice)
- Donald GloverSimba (voice)
- James Earl JonesMufasa (voice)
- John KaniRafiki (voice)
- Alfre WoodardSarabi (voice)
- BeyoncéNala (voice)
- JD McCraryYoung Simba (voice)
- Shahadi Wright JosephYoung Nala (voice)
- Penny Johnson JeraldSarafina (voice)