Tools for this page
Print

The Lion King

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Disney's tuneful king-of-the-beasts blockbuster.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The main character learns to face his problems and learns how to be a good leader. The pack of hyenas (just like the crows in Dumbo) is voiced by minority characters, bringing some negative stereotypes to mind.
  • Violence & scariness:

    Some scary scenes, including death of parent. Animals fight one another ferociously.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Lion King

Parents need to know that the death of Mufasa by trampling is genuinely scary. So are some fights among the animals.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about facing your problems instead of running from them. Why doesn't the idea of "hakuna matata" or "no worries" always work? Can anyone get through life without a little worry and conflict?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Lion King?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 47 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    cute disney movie

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Good for adults and 9 year olds

    In general, Disney movies disguise adult contents and themes, dressing them up in children like characters. Read all the Adult reviews in this section and proof is there. As an adult and from a theatre production standpoint, Lion King is absolutely fantastic and has a great sound track. I have seen the movie and the show. Would I recommend it to 5 year olds? No. The themes are not appropriate from a development point of view to what 5 year olds needs or could be experiencing. The presence of violence, sex innuendos, reinforcement of social stereotypes and gender roles are constant throughout Disney's movies. Again, great for adults, poor choice for young kids.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  5. I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    An enjoyable movie about a young lion's journey to manhood (or lionhood). Deals with death and some occasional scary scenes, but some musical pieces kids will love (except when Rowan Atkinson started singing, I nearly puked).

  6. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Lion king

    Its the best disney movie the only thing is the part where it hides a word.

  7. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    The Sweetest Movie Ever

    This is the sweetest movie ever, a true classic. This will definitely on for decades, even centuries and it will still give the same message. But Parents: It is still pretty dark and I would not reccomand it for kids under the age of 6, because they do not really understand the concept of death, and I don't think it's nessacary for them to start worrying when they'll die or when their own parents will die. I think it should be PG, I think it has too many scary parts to be G.

  8. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Hate it or Love it (if your into child p*******phy films)

    From the get go,I knew Simba was going to be a poor role model. He is selfish (always singig about himself becoming a king), arrogant and a h**** pig. I could not believe the way they had simba DRY H*MP nala while rolling down the hill! geeze wanna put some PENETRATON SHOTS while your at it?!?! Half the songs were all "celverly" disguised innuendo. I think the only good part of the movie was when Scar killed that selfish, h****, pigs uncle. Only thing is it was not GRAPHIC enough!! I wish they would have shown simba's uncle falling off the cliff in slow motin while his face was SCARPING THE EDGE OF THE CLIFF TEARNG HIS CHEEKS OFF. and as that was happening he would be crying out to his sweet little w****, Nala. or whatever her name was. Then when he hit the ground his eyes would POP OUT OF HIS SOCKETS AND HIS TEETH WOULD FLY OUT!!! It would then show the stampede bulldeong whats left of his head in and crush his internal organs (it wold show it by skeltal imagery) Then those HEORINE ADDICTED hyeinas can FEAST ON HIS CORPSE! That would probably have ben more age appropriate to show you cant always get what you want and karmas a ***** baby! (thats what i screamed at the screen when he died). I took my son to see this in theatres because my wife forced or she would divorce me if I kept showing what she calls "sick" movies. So, I went, and to show my disdain for the situation I wore my "Life ****ing ****s" T-shirt. So I behaved myself through the previews, but my v**** bag was already half full of partially digested snow-caps from v******** to all the p*****ilie films coming to MY THEATRE! So the movie starts. And I am already suffering from double viison. Let me tell you, With all the innuendo, I stood up and screamed WHAT THE **** IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU MORONS FOR TAKNG YOUR CHILDREN TO SEE P*****TED P***PHILISH GARBAGE LIKE THIS. I took my son by the arm to leave the theatre while Tomon and poo**** or whatever the **** his name was were eating bugs and singing about how gloious it is to be a sc*mbag in the third world. My son was crying and I had to beat the **** out of him with my belt, threw him over my shoulder and whipped him in my 56 convertible and tookff at 80 mph back home. A got a couple tickets but it was worth it to keep him away from the disgusting, vile, p****rted, p********sh garbage that Walt Disney spewed up from his intestines.

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Excellent beyond reason

    The greatest Disney film ever made, and my favorite movie ever. This one is dark, but don't worry your kids could use some more adult themes for a while, they aren't babies. It's impossible to hate this movie.

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

  11. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    Small children may be disturbed by scene where Simba's father is killed by the stampede.

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Nevada
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Fantastic!!!

    Best movie in a long time. It is so cue and perfect for young children, but then even high schoolers I know like it. It is a real crowd pleaser, and your'e sure to love it. The violence is on such a low level it's fine for young children, but none below five.

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    Ranks with some of the best children's movies ever made

    This movie ranks with classic flims such as Bambi, Snowwhite, Pinnochio, and Fantasia. This movie is a classic, and deserves the title. With beautiful rich animation, colorful characters, and poginant moving moments that will make you cry, this is definitly something you should check out.

  14. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    The Lion King Review:

    Have you ever watched a movie that inspires you or fills you with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence? The Lion King has done this for me. Set under the heavenly clear blue skies and starlit nights, in between the lush green meadows and dry bush's of Africa's Savannah, some animated wild animals come to life. Simba, a new born baby cub, (voice by Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is growing up in the joyous grasslands of Africa. But Simba isn't just any ordinary cub, his father, Mufasa (voice by James Earl Jones) is the king. Not only is he the king, but the hero of his son’s life. Soon "everything the sun shines on in the savannah" will belong to Simba, the future king. Yet, there is a problem. The problems name is Scar (voice by Jeremy Irons). One of the most evil lions that trot around the outskirts of the savannah. There is good and bad in everyone, but Scar has more of the bad. He also struggles to fight the battle of jealousy. Eventually, his jealousy of Simba becoming the future king leads him to killing Mufasa (the king) in a stampede of buffaloes. He makes Simba seem responsible for it and Simba being only a young child believes the fact that he was the one responsible for killing his father and runs away. As he grows up (adult voice by Matthew Broderick) and adapts a new life in the jungle, he manages to make friends with two hilarious and heart-warming characters, Timon (voice by Nathan lane) and Pumba (voice by Ernie Sabella.) Pumba is a warthog and Timon is a meerkat. Together, they teach Simba important, basic, life lessons and of course, "hakuna matata," Swahili for "no worries" They teach Simba to not worry about his past, but to face it and learn from it. One sunny afternoon, as the sun is beaming down and the wind is rustling in the lovely agaisha trees, Nala (voice by Moira Kelly), one of the lioness’s from Simba's childhood comes across Simba while hunting. She tells him that Scar is king now and doing a horrible job therefore Simba is needed to rule. Simba decides to return to the place he once lived in, to rule. He fights Scar, his evil uncle, for the position as king. The question is, does he win the fight? I recommend you watch The Lion King to find out. This movie not only brings tears and laughter, but teaches both young and old about important life lessons. There are many great aspects of film making in this movie. Music is one of them. The music and each song of this movie fit each scene perfectly and will keep your head bopping up and down throughout. The music in the movie is sung by the characters. Another great aspect of the film making of this movie is the set design. It is an animated movie, yet everything looks as if it could be real and is drawn extremely well. The lions are drawn well, as well as the savannah and the other animals. This movie is quite old and is drawn very well considering it is so old. I love this movie. It is beautiful and memorable. In my opinion, it's the best Disney movie ever made. 1994 is when it was made and it is still being watched today. The movie reminds me of my childhood since I grew up and lived in Africa for 8 years of my life. What an excellent movie it is. I think people should continue watching it over the years!

  15. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0

    i liked

    i like it sooooooooooooooo much

  16. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Great Movie!

    Its a wonderful movie for young kids and families. although some scary scenes, but nothing to give your kids nightmares. for ages 3+

  17. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    The best Disney movie ever made.

    This movie was absolutely beautiful. I saw this first when I was younger, and it touched so many emotions. I laughed aloud and cried bitterly. Little kids will be disturbed with the death of Mufasa, but that's part of what makes the movie so wonderful; Simba is able to overcome that and become king.

  18. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Very cute, nice and good for all ages.

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    An Amazing Movie

    I really like this movie a lot, but the violence and theme is a little iffy. I recommend this movie to anyone who loves lions. I really enjoy it and I hope you would, too.

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

    The Lion King

    Sexual Content (Not an Issue): None, but it's rumored that you can see some dust briefly form the word "sex" in one scene. Violence (Pause): A sad scene involving the death of a parent. Animals fight ferociously. Some slapstick style humor. Language (Not an Issue): None. Social Behavior (On): Simba learns to not run away from his problems. Some crude humor. Commercialism (Not an Issue): None. Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco (Not an Issue): None.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name