The Lion King movies have made people happy for a long time. But when you compare them, it’s tough to say which one is the best or worst. The first movie came out in 1994, and became the highest-grossing animated film back then.
Since the first movie did so well, Disney was convinced to make a series of sequels and spin-offs. They even made a TV show called “Timon and Pumbaa” and a live-action remake.
But do you know what’s the correct order to watch the films? If no, you are here to help. In this guide, we will tell you the sequence of the films and also share the details of each movie. So, if you are ready to relive your childhood memories of The Lion King, give this article a read.
The Lion King Movies In Order
Here’s a rundown of all the Lion King movies. You should watch the movies in the order as given.
1. The Lion King (1994)
Released in 1994, The Lion King, transformed the animation industry with its brilliant characters, and engaging plotline. The story is about Simba, a young lion who is supposed to be king. But things go wrong when his uncle Scar kills his father. Simba, along with his friends Pumba and Timon, goes on a journey to find peace.
What makes The Lion King special is its great story and characters. It perfectly blends touching scenes, tense moments, and humour to make a movie that everyone can like. Not to mention, the animation makes the African savannah look amazing.
The music in The Lion King, made by Tim Rice and Elton John, adds to the magic. Two of the songs “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” and “Circle Of Life” even won awards. On the other hand, the voice actors, like James Earl Jones, and Matthew Broderick make the characters interesting.
The Lion King isn’t just a cartoon; it also teaches about loyalty, family, and becoming a better person. It shows the importance of not giving up, and being kind to others. People have loved The Lion King for over 30 years, and it’s still popular. If you like a good story and great animation, The Lion King is a must-watch.
2. The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998)
The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, is a continuation of the first movie, and was released in 1998. Directed by Rob LaDuca and Darrell Rooney, the sequel follows Simba’s daughter Kiara, as she goes about life, discovering about herself and falling in love.
The movie talks about important things like how intolerance affects us, commitment, and being yourself, making it interesting and real for the audience. Even though Simba’s Pride isn’t as big as the original, it is pretty good, and the music is great. Matthew Broderick, who voiced Simba before, and the rest of the cast bring the characters to life again, making it a fun experience.
Simba’s Pride mixes old memories with new stories, bringing back the characters we love and introducing new ones like Kovu. Kovu’s relationship with Kiara adds more depth to the story.
It might not be as amazing as the first one, but Simba’s Pride is still a great addition to The Lion King franchise. It explores important themes and ideas, adding to The Lion King legacy. If you loved the first one, we are sure, you will enjoy watching Simba’s Pride too.
3. The Lion King 1 ½ (2004)
The Lion King 1½ is a fun and clever spin-off that adds more to the first movie from 1994. Bradley Raymond tells us the funny adventures of Pumba and Timon. It’s full of snappy dialogues, jokes, and funny moments, where they know they are in a movie, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Pumba and Timon, the best-friend duo are the main characters. The events in The Lion King 1½ happen at the same time as the first movie, showing us what Pumba and Timon were up to. They face challenges as they explore the Pride Lands and meet new friends.
The friendship between the two is sweet, and the characters are voiced by Ernie Sabella and Nathan Lane. As far as the animation is concerned, it boasts smooth movements and bright colours, matching the feel of the original movie.
Don Harper, who made the music, deserves a shoutout for creating catchy songs that perfectly fit the film. In short, The Lion King 1½ is an exciting and entertaining movie that adds more fun to the old story.
4. The Lion King (2019)
This is the new version of the original Lion King movie that brings the amazing animated film to life using advanced technology and awesome graphics. It follows the journey of the Simba, the young lion prince, just like the 1994 version.
Similar to the original cartoon, this movie shows how Simba grows from a little cub to a brave king trying to take back his throne. Beyonce and Donald Glover give their voices to Nala and Simba, making the characters sound even better.
The film’s aesthetics are great, and all the animals look real. For someone watching the movie for the first time will be surprised at the life-like environments and animal behaviours. Even though the more realistic style might not be as fun as the original, the updated songs are cool. They remade the famous tunes like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Circle of Life” to boost the overall impact.
The new Lion King movie is a visually stunning tribute to the original story. While it might not be as awesome as the first one, it’s still an amazing movie, and a must-watch for all the Lion King fans. The movie explores important themes like destiny, bravery, and family, and keeps you interested, whether you know the story well or are just starting.
Other Lion King Movies And TV Series
The Lion King franchise includes a few other movies and TV series that fans should know. We will cover those extras in brief in this section.
1. The Lion King’s Timon & Pumbaa (TV Series) (1995-1999)
The Lion King’s Timon & Pumbaa is a cartoon series follows the adventures of Pumba and Timon, sometimes with other characters from the movie. The show aired for three seasons, starting in 1995, and ending in 1998.
The first two seasons were overseen by Tony Craig and Bobs Gannaway, and from Season 3, Blair Peters and Chris Bartleman took over, with Tedd and Patsy Cameron-Anasti as executive producers.
2. The Lion Guard: Return Of The Roar (Television Movie) (2015)
In 2015, a new animated movie called The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar was released after an eleven-year break. This movie is connected to The Lion Guard TV series and takes place during the events of The Lion King 2. It focuses on Kion, Simba’s young son.
3. The Lion Guard (Tv Series) (2017-2019)
The Lion Guard, created by Ford Riley, revolves around Kion, second cub of Simba, who becomes the leader of the Lion Guard. The Lion Guard protects the Circle of Life and Pride Lands.
The Lion Guard is a sequel to The Lion King, happening during the time-gap in The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride from 1998.
4. Mufasa: The Lion King (Movie) (2024)
After The Lion King made a massive $1.6 billion worldwide in 2019, a new Lion King movie was announced. But instead of carrying on the story or redoing The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride from 1998, this film is going to be a brand-new prequel.
It happens before the events in The Lion King from 2019 and tells the story of King Mufasa’s early years. The release date of the movie is not decided yet, but it is expected to arrive sometime in 2024.
Are All The Lion King Movies And Series Connected?
Yes, all The Lion King movies and TV series are connected and share the same overall story. As mentioned before, the first movie came out in 1994, followed by the second movie in 1998, continuing with Simba’s daughter, Kiara. Then comes The Lion King 1½’ which shows a funny perspective on the first film’s events from Pumba and Timba’s view.
Apart from the movies, the franchise released “The Lion Guard” series, following the story of Simba’ second cub, Kion. He becomes the king and protects the Pride Lands.
To sum it up, all the movies and series in the franchise are connected to the same story. Some people might find the order confusing. That’s why we suggest you to watch them in the order they were released. The timeline gets more confusing with the 2019 movie.
Final Words
The Lion King movies have made a lasting impact on people all around the world. The beautiful animation, timeless story, and emotional music, have captivated audience for a long time. Even though some people might have different views on each Lion King movie, what brings everyone together is the story’s ability to touch hearts, inspire new generations, and remind us about the importance of bravery, and love.