The Lion King

What’s it about?

The Lion King follows Simba, a young lion prince, as he navigates life after the tragic death of his father, King Mufasa. Overcoming exile and betrayal, Simba returns to reclaim his rightful place as king of the Pride Lands.

The facts 

• Directed by Roger Allers
• Several songs composed and performed by Elton John
• English language 
• Disney has released a te Reo Māori version of this film
• Runtime: 84 minutes
• Disney original

Why did it get this rating? 

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Scary and intense scenes

Although this film is rated G, there are some very intense scenes that may have lasting impacts on younger viewers. 

The most intense moment is when Simba is dangling from the side of a cliff during a wildebeest stampede, and his father Mufasa attempts to save him. The rapid movement and the size of the herd make this sequence overwhelming and suspenseful. Then, in an unexpected act of violence, Mufasa is pushed off the edge of the cliff by his villainous brother Scar and is trampled, leading to his death. Musafa’s death is central to the film and is revisited many times.

Another scary scene is when Simba and Nala explore an elephant graveyard, which is a dark setting with skeletal remains, and they also have an encounter with dangerous hyenas.

Scar is an intimidating villain who may be unsettling for younger viewers. The hyenas, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, have moments that could be frightening for little children.

Sad scenes

After Mufasa falls from the cliff, Simba goes down to see his father and tries to wake him up. He soon realises his father is dead and mourns over his body. This scene is very emotional.

Violence

Though you don’t see it happen, it’s clear that a character is killed by hyenas. 

Further information 

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Death in Disney Movies: Making the Most of Teachable Movie Moments - Blog with some great advice for parents and how to approach death in films with tamariki, including The Lion King (What’s Your Grief)
• How to help kids cope with the scary stuff at movies like The Lion King – Article (Stuff)
• Death and Disney: How Movies Help Kids Learn About Death - Article (Metro Parent)