Parents' Guide to The Lion King (1994)

Movie G 1994 89 minutes
The Lion King (1994) Poster Image: Simba above Rafiki, Timon, and Pumba

Common Sense Media Review

By Nell Minow , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Musical king-of-the-beasts blockbuster is powerful, scary.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Lion King (1994) Trailer
  • The Lion King Movie: Rafiki holds up the newborn Simba
  • The Lion King Movie: Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon march on a log backlit by a full moon
  • The Lion King Movie: Zazu faces away from young cubs Simba and Nala

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 98 parent reviews

Parents say the film is a masterpiece that evokes deep emotion, striking a balance between beautiful animation, catchy songs, and powerful life lessons, especially regarding responsibility and facing one's past. However, many reviewers note its darker themes, including death and violence, which may not be suitable for younger children, suggesting that it should be approached with care when selecting viewing ages.

  • emotional storytelling
  • dark themes
  • beautiful animation
  • powerful music
  • suitable for older kids
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age 6+

Based on 207 kid reviews

Kids say the movie is a beloved classic with powerful themes of family, courage, and personal growth, accompanied by memorable characters and catchy songs, though some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers. Overall, it is highly recommended for both children and adults, balancing humor and emotional depth effectively.

  • family values
  • humor
  • emotional depth
  • memorable characters
  • intense scenes
  • classic animation
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What's the Story?

THE LION KING is the story of Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas as a child and Matthew Broderick as an adult), the cub of Mufasa (James Earl Jones), the king of the jungle. Simba "just can't wait to be king." But his Uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons), bitterly jealous of Mufasa, wants to be king, so he arranges for Mufasa to be killed in a stampede and makes Simba think he's responsible. Simba runs away and finds friends in Pumbaa the warthog (Ernie Sabella) and Timon the meerkat (Nathan Lane), who advise him that the best philosophy is "hakuna matata" (no worries). Simba grows up thinking that he's escaped his past, but then his childhood friend Nala (Niketa Calame-Harris/Moira Kelly) finds him and tells him that, under Scar's leadership, the pride has suffered badly.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 98 ):
Kids say ( 207 ):

One of Disney's biggest hits, this excellent film has echoes of Shakespeare, bringing to mind the plots of both Richard III and Hamlet. The Lion King wasn't just a movie but a marketing phenomenon: This blockbuster was the highest-grossing film of 1994. Of course kids won't know—or care—about that; they'll just be enthralled by the memorable songs and great characters.

The scene in which Mufasa is trampled to death is both sad and genuinely scary. And some of the fights between animals later in the movie can be frightening, too. But the lesson Simba learns—that you have to stand up to your problems instead of running away from them—is a solid one. Just be aware that the animation does unfortunately slip into stereotypes, whether through colorism (villains are painted with black hair and gray fur, unlike the light-colored heroes), or in the way that Scar has effeminate mannerisms and a facial difference (falling into gay- and disabled-villain cliches). Depending on who you're watching with, these subtle but prejudiced creative decisions might be worth a discussion.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

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

  • Talk about the violence and scariness in this movie. What was the most disturbing part? How would the movie be different without the intense moments? How did music and other factors contribute to the intense scenes?

  • How do the characters in The Lion King demonstrate courage, perseverance, and humility? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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The Lion King (1994) Poster Image: Simba above Rafiki, Timon, and Pumba

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