Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Lion King

film

The Lion King

2019

Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? PG family entertainment with sustained peril, frightening hunts and battles, exile, grief, and a central parental death. Younger children may find the intensity and loss upsetting. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

High brand visibility associated with Disney franchises and tie-in merchandise.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A primary character's death is a central plot point and is depicted with emotional weight.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Injuries and death are mostly shown without graphic blood or detailed wounds.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional insults, threats, and rude remarks, with no sustained strong profanity.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Features spiritual themes regarding nature and ancestors, but no specific religious practice.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Simba and Nala develop an affectionate romantic relationship, with brief courtship and kissing.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Predator attacks, hyenas, stampedes, cliffs, exile, and threatening confrontations may frighten younger viewers.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Animal attacks, chases, fights, stampedes, and battles are repeated; violence is largely non-graphic but sometimes intense.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Simba and allies face grief, danger, oppression, and guilt, ultimately choosing responsibility and principled action.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The imaginative animal world, musical storytelling, and problem-solving can strongly engage children’s imagination.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Animal species and an African setting add some variety, but human cultural, identity, and ability diversity is limited because the story centers on fictional animals.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental exposure to animal life, ecosystems, leadership, and social responsibility rather than formal teaching.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, loyalty, care, and helping others are important, though the story also contains betrayal and cruelty.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes include responsibility, facing the past, resisting tyranny, family, friendship, and restoring justice.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Simba grows into responsibility; Mufasa, Nala, Rafiki, and others model loyalty and courage, though some choices are reckless.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Lion King would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Lion King, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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