The Lion King (1994)

REVIEW:

I honestly don’t know whether there will ever be a greater Disney classic than The Lion King! Ever since its release, this movie has become a mandatory experience for every child to sit down and watch with their family. It’s a story that transcends generations, combining powerful themes of responsibility, loss, and redemption with breathtaking animation and unforgettable music. Even after all these years, it remains a cinematic masterpiece that holds a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.

I recently had the chance to revisit The Lion King with my kids, and from the very first moments, it reminded me why this film is so beloved. As the opening notes of The Circle of Life began to play and all the animals started congregating around Pride Rock to witness the introduction of Simba, I felt an uncontrollable urge to pick up my four-month-old baby boy and lift him high in the air. Surely, I am not the only one who has done this? That scene alone is so powerful that it creates a sense of awe and reverence every time you watch it, setting the tone for the epic journey ahead.

Beyond its grand storytelling, The Lion King showcased the most stunning animation of its time. The landscapes of the Pride Lands, from the sun-drenched savannas to the eerie Elephant Graveyard, feel vibrant and alive. Every frame is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, whether it’s the flowing mane of Mufasa in the wind or the terrifying hyenas lurking in the shadows. Even in an era dominated by CGI, the hand-drawn artistry of this film remains unparalleled.

Of course, no discussion of The Lion King is complete without mentioning its incredible soundtrack. Composed by Hans Zimmer, with songs written by Elton John and Tim Rice, the music elevates every moment of the film. From the inspiring Circle of Life to the playful Hakuna Matata, each song perfectly captures the emotions of the characters and enhances the storytelling. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? remains one of Disney’s most beautiful ballads, while Be Prepared gives us one of the most menacing villain songs in the studio’s history.

The film’s emotional weight is another reason why it stands the test of time. The father-son relationship between Mufasa and Simba is incredibly moving, making Mufasa’s tragic death one of the most devastating moments in animated cinema. Scar, voiced with sinister charm by Jeremy Irons, is a villain who embodies manipulation and cruelty, making Simba’s eventual triumph all the more satisfying. The themes of grief and self-discovery are handled in a way that resonates with both children and adults, making The Lion King more than just a kids’ movie—it’s a film with genuine depth.

The only criticism I have is that I wish we had seen more of the Pride Lands’ deterioration under Scar’s rule. While we get glimpses of the kingdom falling into ruin, a more detailed exploration of the suffering caused by his reign could have made Simba’s return even more impactful. That being said, I understand that adding more to the film’s runtime might have affected its pacing, and it certainly doesn’t diminish the overall experience.

With its mix of adventure, humour, heartache, and triumph, The Lion King remains an unparalleled achievement in animation. Timon and Pumbaa bring in the perfect balance of comic relief, while Rafiki provides wisdom and spiritual guidance, making every character feel essential to the journey. It’s a movie that knows when to make you laugh, when to make you cry, and when to leave you in awe.

When I consider all the Disney greats—Snow White, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, and so many others—The Lion King will always reign supreme in my eyes. It is the perfect blend of storytelling, music, and animation, a film that will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come. If ever there was a movie that deserved the title of Disney’s greatest, this is it.