The Lion King (1994)

“You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the Circle of life.” – Mufasa

To say which of Disney’s animated films is the best is quite a tall order. To some, the early movies like “Snow White” hold that honor. To others, it’s those early Renaissance films from the 90’s. “Beauty and the Beast” is usually noted for its many award nominations and the respect it gained from the media. Still more point to 2013’s “Frozen”, holding position as the highest grossing film in the animated canon. Yet, there is one film that still seems to outshine the rest. It remains a staple of pop culture, and a symbol of Disney’s legacy with animation. No Disney animated film may hold the proper title of “king” better than 1994’s “The Lion King”.

On the plains of Africa’s savannah, young Simba is born to Mufasa, the reigning Lion King. Mufasa works to teach his son how to be a wise and responsible king in order to maintain balance in the circle of life. However, Mufasa’s jealous brother, Scar, seeks the throne for himself. His dastardly plot, complete with a loyal army of Hyenas, unfolds  and ends in the death of Mufasa. Convinced by Scar that he is responsible or his father’s demise, Simba exiles himself from the savannah. Growing up with two wisecracking sidekicks (Timon and Pumbaa), Simba finds himself coming to grips with his destiny and struggling to understand how he fits into the circle of life.

“The Lion King” holds the place as the highest grossing hand-drawn animated film in the box office records. For its time, this movie knocked every other film before it out of water. It was the high water mark of the Disney Renaissance. While it did not garner the award nominated recognition of “Beauty and the Beast”, “The Lion King” was an even bigger success on a financial and cultural level. Disney executives never really expected this movie to be a knockout success, so when it became a home run, the shock was enormous. The story is immensely relatable. While it takes some similarities from Hamlet and “Bambi”, it also draws from Biblical stories like Moses. The hero having to assume responsibility for their destiny and go on to save the day and rescue their people. The lesson of accepting responsibility is something that speaks to every generation, and continues to endear the movie to millions of fans the world over. The design and beautiful animation of those Disney artists helps the film as well. The craft that was perfected in classics like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin” is on full display here, and truly shows in every character movement and ever colorful background. The scene most pointed to is when Simba talks to his deceased father from the heavens above and is given the confidence to reclaim the throne. The heart touching scene is backed not only by a wonderfully written script, but brilliant visuals that etch the very picture into your conscious. The movie’s authentic feel, fantastic animation, and unforgettable story make it a masterpiece of animated storytelling, but are still only one piece of this masterful puzzle. 

The characters of “The Lion King” may be the most memorable of all of Disney’s animated canon and add a significant flair to the film’s success. Simba is a sympathetic lead and a wonderful hero to root for. Voiced by a young Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Actor Matthew Broderick, Simba comes across as easy to relate with and understandable in his feelings. As he grows and develops throughout the movie, his character goes through one of the deepest transformations in dramatic storytelling that endears him to the audience. Nala, Simba’s love interest, doesn’t have the greatest amount of screen time, but cements her place in the story as a strong female lead and romantic partner for our hero. Mufasa, voiced by the iconic James Earl Jones, remains the strongest presence in the film in terms of voice and personality. Even in death, you can feel the character’s shadow. Scar, voiced by the talented Jeremy Irons, is portrayed as possibly the greatest villain in Disney’s animated canon. Cruel and calculating, his evil seethes underneath his composed voice, and his presence in the film makes him a fantastic addition. However, it’s probably Timon and Pumbaa who steal the show. The wisecracking and comedic duo bring light hearted humor to the darkest portions of the film, and easily worm their way into your hearts with their jokes and endearing character. Without this magnificent cast of characters, it’s doubtful “The Lion King” would be as remembered as it is today among audiences.

It’s debatable that “The Lion King” has the best soundtrack of any Disney film. The score was composed by the talented Hans Zimmer, who excellently blends traditional African style with heart-wrenching symphonic tunes to create a unique and unforgettable background. Themes for each major portion of the film etch themselves in your memory, and form the backbone of the film’s emotional grip on your heartstrings. The songs were written by pop-star Elton John, who brought a similar blend of African style and Broadway pop to the soundtrack. “Circle of Life”, probably the most recognized song of the bunch, serves as the framing for the beginning and ending of the film. The hopeful lyrics point towards a better future for all of us, and seek to encourage the audience to not let a moment of life escape them. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” is a wonderful romantic ballad that not only sees Simba and Nala fall in love, but Timon and Pumbaa mope in desperation. This was the only song to be nominated for an award, and the way it has trickled throughout our pop culture certainly reflects that. “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Hakuna Matata” are both high energy, light hearted tunes that are not only good pick-me-ups between the dramatic action, but catchy songs that will never cease to leave your conscious. “Be Prepared” is Scar’s dark, militaristic call to action, complete with Nazi-like Hyenas marching on parade. Each song has become so much more than just the movie, and circulate our collective pop culture on a daily basis. The music of “The Lion King” is not only the heart and backbone of the film, but the synthesis that weaves the characters and story together into one unforgettable whole.  

“The Lion King” was just one of the films from the Disney Renaissance to bring animation back from the dead. If not for the financial success of “The Lion King” and its successors, Disney’s latest hits like “Frozen” and “Moana” would not be possible. “The Lion King” proved to be the most popular and best selling film of the Renaissance, surpassing every film Disney had ever made up to that time. It spawned spin-offs, sequels, merchandising, theme park attractions, and a beloved Broadway musical. In 2019, the film was remade with realistic CGI to create a “live action” feel. Yet, all of this success depends upon the original film. If not for the victory that Disney scored with “The Lion King”, animation might still be a niche industry and not the box-office powerhouse it is today. A remarkable story, amazing visuals, unforgettable characters, and a fantastic musical score created the perfect storm for this cherished animated classic. To many, including myself, 1994’s “The Lion King” has rightfully earned its title as “king” of Disney’s animated feature films.