The Lion King
6.8
The Lion King fingerprint
Stunning style, high energy, a touch of humor.
Energy
Epic and tense
- Spectacle10
- Tension7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Nostalgic and awe-inspiring
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Nostalgia10
- Coming of Age9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy4
- Physical Comedy4
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
Growing up, family, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion10
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality4
Craft
Standout storytelling
- Narrative Structure8
- Direction7
- Character Depth7
Style
Standout score, cinematography, and sound design
- Music Composition10
- Music Centrality10
- Cinematography9
Energy
HighEpic and tense
The Lion King is epic and tense.
All energy traits
- Spectacle10Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
HighNostalgic and awe-inspiring
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, awe-inspiring, and wholesome. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia10Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy4Slapstick and visual gags.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
World
MediumGrowing up, family, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around growing up, family, and faith and meaning. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality4Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty2Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Fantasy6Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
All craft traits
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference10Allusions to other works.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
Very highStandout score, cinematography, and sound design
Look and sound: the score, cinematography, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition10Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality10The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle10Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
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The king has returned.
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Lion King
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Lion King worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 62/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 52%, and Metacritic 55). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Lion King rated?
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Lion King?
1 h 58 min
The Lion King runs 1 h 58 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Lion King?
Not quite. Audiences rate The Lion King higher (71) than critics (54). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Lion King a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $260 million to make and earned $1.7 billion worldwide, 6.4 times its budget.
What language is The Lion King in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Lion King?
+70GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Lion King in 84 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Lion King use?
TV Tropes lists 116 storytelling tropes for The Lion King, including Villainous Breakdown, Misplaced Wildlife, Adaptation Dye-Job.