Summary
Although it doesn’t feel like it,Mufasa: The Lion Kingis part of a true franchise.The Lion Kingis one of Disney’s most beloved properties since the idea of reshaping Shakespeare’sHamletinto animated format came in the early 90s. Although not every release has been marked by the same sort of anticipation that the recent live-action remakes have generated,The Lion Kingfranchise remains a wealth of great characters, animation, and most especially, songs.
The Lion Kingfilms are spread across various formats, types of release and popularity. Some Disney fans won’t have seen any of the original animated follow-up films, for instance.The Lion Kingis set for more films in the future based on recent success and plans, but thus far this is the entire list of films from the beloved world of Pride Rock.
6Black Is King
The Companion Album Movie
Although it isn’t an officialLion Kingmovie,Black Is Kingis thought of as part of the franchise. Beyoncé made the film as a visual companion toThe Lion King: The Giftalbum. As an important part of the modern franchise, Beyoncé and the music she brought to the screen, alongside some stunning visuals and a story closely inspired byThe Lion Kingmade for something surprisingly rewatchable.
Telling the story of a young African Princewho is exiled and returns to claim his throne with the guidance of an ancestor, played by Beyoncé herself,Black Is Kingis an incredible allegory. Meant to represent the story of African descendants reclaiming their stories and heritage, the film’s themes are hugely relevant today and made for a great companion piece and a worthy part of the franchise overall.
5The Lion King 1 1/2
The Shining Spotlight For Timon & Pumbaa
It might seem, and is in fact, unusual for a Disney film to receive a 1 1/2 entry. The unusual numbering refers to the fact that, instead of a sequel, this film is something of a side-quel. This means the story takes place (mostly) concurrently with the originalLion King, as Timon and Pumbaa tell the story of how they met and were more involved in the events of the first film than initially thought.
With reprisals in their roles by both Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella,The Lion King 1 1/2shows Timon’s origins, elaborates on Pumbaa’s troubles, and shows the two meeting. It also adds to the events of the first film, not making it necessary viewing, but useful and interesting at the very least.
4The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride
An Exciting Follow-Up Faithful To The Original
Although the direct-to-DVD (or VHS) Disney film sequels aren’t all that popular these days, there are a few of them worth checking out.Simba’s Prideis a follow-up that featured the return of most of the voice cast fromThe Lion Kingand took inspiration in its story fromRomeo & Julietto continue the franchise’s theme of borrowing from Shakespeare.
Simba’s daughter, Kiara, falls for Kovu, a member of an outcast pride of lions formerly loyal to Scar. Simba and Kovu’s treacherous mother Zira attempt to keep the two apart, resulting in a heartbreaking and fascinating story that Disney fans have forgotten and missed out on for decades. Including an amazing voice castwhich added the likes of Neve Campbell, this film was so much more than another unnecessary Disney Toon sequel.
3Mufasa: The Lion King
A Prequel Worth Telling About A Beloved Figure
Although it was a controversial idea to make a prequel before moving forward withThe Lion King 2,Barry Jenkins took the helmof this story centered on Simba’s father, dedicated the film to the late James Earl Jones, and helped create a new legacy forThe Lion Kingfranchise that broke away from what fans might have expected to see.
Telling how Mufasa lost his family and was raised by a king alongside a brother named Taka, and ventured forth to seek out the legendary Milele alongside Sarabi, Zazu and Rafiki. With incredible new songs, appearances by familiar characters and the full story of how a young lion became a legend,Mufasais a film worth seeingfor any fans of the franchise that promises a bright future for the series.
2The Lion King (2019)
A Worthy Live-Action Successor
Though Disney has been maligned by some fans and critics for their many live-action remakes of beloved animated properties lately, there are some of these films which have done enough to confirm they deserve their own place in cinematic history.The Lion Kinghas a star-studded cast including Donald Glover and Beyoncé. Itsaw the reprisal of James Earl Jones as Mufasa, and it retold the story of Simba with beautiful new visuals, a lengthier runtime and an amazing new score by Hans Zimmer.
Though the story was the same, the incredible CGI and breathtaking visual aspect lent itself to a retelling ofThe Lion King. Jon Favreau took everything he learned from helming the remake ofThe Jungle Bookand crafted a beautiful new take on the story. Beyoncé’s new song Spirit, the revamped other songs, already beloved scenes and lines blurred with new ideas, jokes and inspirational moments helped makeThe Lion Kinga worthy restart to the franchise.
1The Lion King (1994)
The Original Masterpiece, Never To Be Outdone
It has been thirty years since the release ofThe Lion King, yet it remains one of the true pinnacles not just of Disney, but of the entire animated film genre. The story of Simba tricked intorunning away by his uncle after the death of his father, is iconic and ingrained into every inch of pop culture.
The incredible soundtrack, without a single unrecognizable song, the epic moments and beautiful animation, and the highly memorable characters, come together in a cacophony of a film that is fast-paced, endlessly watchable and quotable, and yet to be outdone either by an animated movie or by any film in the franchise that has sprung up around this story.
