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The Lion King film image; animated baboon holding a lion cub up to the sky as the lion parents stand behind them

The Lion King

90s, Baby!

© Disney, 1994

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The highest grossing traditionally animated film of all time, The Lion King is a rare Disney original story (though it’s entirely classical in construction), and it’s spawned not only the obligatory sequels and CGI remakes, but also the legendary Broadway production, a show which might even have eclipsed the original movie. Disney animation was resurgent in the 90s, stacking up hits like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast before digital animation and upstart studio Pixar changed the name of the game. With its beautifully drawn East African setting, its humour, pathos, and engaging characters, as well as its stirring songs, The Lion King stands as the pinnacle of traditional Disney family entertainment.

 

Staff Pick: Brittany, Juan & Samara

 

The Lion King has the resonance to stand not just as a terrific cartoon but as an emotionally pungent movie.

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

The Lion King’s fierce mythic potency has had a huge influence on popular culture.

Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

 

Media Partner

Director

Roger Allers & Rob Minkof

Cast

Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Moira Kelly, Whoopi Goldberg

Credits
Country of Origin

USA

Year

1994

Language

English

Classification Advisory

May frighten young children

G

Open to youth

88 min

Book Tickets

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Credits

Producer

Don Hahn

Editor

Ivan Bilancio

Original Music

Hans Zimmer

Production Design

Chris Sanders

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