Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romeo and Juliet in the pridelands.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Parents say this sequel has its share of problems, including dark themes and troubling lyrics, particularly concerning the main character's portrayal. However, it features catchy songs and a love story that resonates with younger audiences, acting as a lighter extension of the original film, despite some criticism regarding its narrative choices and complexity.
- problematic themes
- catchy songs
- light-hearted sequel
- dark elements
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is an underrated sequel that balances a sweet love story with themes of identity and family, though it may be too mature or violent for younger viewers. While some praise its animation and music, others criticize it for being a rehash of the original with unlikable characters and inconsistent storytelling.
- underrated sequel
- sweet love story
- mature themes
- unlikable characters
- inconsistent storytelling
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Simba the Lion King is now a dad. His daughter Kiara is eager to explore beyond the pridelands, but Simba tries to shelter her from danger. One day while exploring, Kiara bumps into Scar's son Kovu (which means 'scar' in Swahili). They like each other, but Kovu's evil mother Zira and Simba quickly intervene and separate the two. Zira fills Kovu's head and heart with hatred and raises him for the sole purpose of someday killing Simba. Years later, on the day of her first solo hunt, Kiara runs into Kovu again. He rescues her from a fire and then asks to join Simba's pride. It's all according to Zira's evil plan, but Kovu falls in love with Kiara and begins to see that the two prides should be united, not divided.
Is It Any Good?
LION KING II is good by Disney sequel standards and unique in that the story actually follows directly from the first movie. We see a progression of themes and plot elements planted earlier, as if this story were always meant to be told. Indeed, the story of star-crossed lovers from feuding families has been told countless times before, nevertheless fans of The Lion King will enjoy seeing the characters' story continue. Cute characters Timon and Pumbaa don't have a role beyond following Kiara around, but they add some laughs to the heavy love and vengeance plot. The songs are listenable in the moment while not the makings of a child's favorite soundtrack.
Disney did a pretty good job with the DVD extras on this sequel. Timon and Pumbaa host most of the features, making them fun for kids. Particularly cool is a virtual elephant ride in which kids can pick where they go and feel like they're riding an elephant. Several simple, fun games can be played by little ones who can use a mouse. Older viewers may enjoy interviews with the voice cast members Mathew Broderick, Neve Campbell, Suzanne Pleshette, and others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Simba and Kiara's goals are different at first, but they come to better understand each other over the course of the movie. What are good ways for parents and kids to work through misunderstandings?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 31, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : August 31, 2004
- Cast : Matthew Broderick , Moira Kelly , Neve Campbell
- Directors : Darrell Rooney , Rob LaDuca
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : all audiences
- Last updated : March 14, 2026
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