The Lion King (1994) - AniMat’s Classic Reviews 

I love how Disney unintentionally made a masterpiece

I still find it funny that Disney tried to make Pocahontas the greatest animated movie ever and The Lion King was just a side project, but in the end the exact opposite happened.

Story: 10/10 Animation: 10/10 Characters: 10/10 Songs: 10/10 Overall: 10/10

It’s a MASTAHPIECE. ‘Nuff said. And I’d also watch it over the 2019 version any day of the week.

I can’t even imagine what the world would be like if The Lion King never existed. There’s a huge reason as to why this movie is so memorable. Long before I got into film criticism, and even on my very first watch of the movie when I was just barely a year old or so, I always knew that there was something very special about it. It was always my favorite movie of all time. The music, the score, the characters, the story, the animation, the emotional impact, the dialogue, the comedy, the whatever. The Lion King is a masterpiece. Also, you did point out the fact that they don’t need to be animals. The thing is: that is true, but also not true. Think about it. If they were just humans, it might leave the same impact, but it wouldn’t leave the biggest impact that much. Making them animals makes the movie a lot more interesting. There’s a reason why all the characters are animals. Those are my thoughts on The Lion King, and I hope everyone has the same thoughts too. I feel like I haven’t said everything, but I’m sure everyone knows what I’m trying to say. Again, The Lion King is a masterpiece.

Hooray 😃 Happy 100th Classic Review Animat

When I was kid, my day would never be complete without watching this movie and sometimes back to back. This shows how impactful and nostalgic 'The Lion King' is to alot of people. And no matter if the 'remake' makes over a billion dollars worldwide, the original will always be the rightful king. As for the next film: Aw, hell! XD

This movie will always be a classic. Pick this, over the recent remake.

Thank you for giving credit to Hans Zimmer. He's sucha heavenly legend of a music composer.

You know. I didn’t remember much watching this film when I was just a baby. All I remembered was the opening and the music. My baby mind wasn’t as well made as nowadays. It wasn’t until the 3D re-release in 2011 until I really got a better understanding of the film as it was practically my first full viewing of the film. And after that viewing, it would take it’s spot as one of my favorite animated movies of all time. The presentation is one of the best I’ve seen in any animated movie, every single characters is likable, believable, and entertaining, the music is unforgettable from the songs to Hans Zimmer’s score, and its powerful message about responsibility. It was one of the few animated features I’ve seen on the big screen during it’s run, not once, but twice. It’s one of the films that I’d say would deserve an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Like, if they’re gonna nominate Up just for the opening alone, then they should’ve just given a nomination to this immediately as it has one of the best openings in any animated feature just like Up, on top of a grander scale and mature message. So, no surprises, this film is among my top 5 favorites animated movies of all time and I was really lucky to get my first full experience on the big screen in 3D. I almost wanna turn the clocks back to 2011 to see it again. 10/10

Happy 100th Classic Review Animat and truly this was the animated disney film from my childhood!

This was the movie I grew up with. The center of my childhood, and the very reason I hold animation in high regards. It absolutely deserves it's final rating.

That 10/10 score reveal, with the actual film title card. Awesome. Now when you review The Incredibles anytime, give it The Lion King 1994 treatment, with the opening logo at the start and first bit of The Incredits when revealing the review score.

When circle of life played at the beginning I grab a simba plushie and lift it just like rafiki Also congrats on your 100th classic review animat and for reviewing my favorite disney movie of all time thank you

The Lion King is #2 on my list of my favorite animated Disney Movies, second only to Pinocchio. I was born in 1994, so I was a one-year-old baby when this movie first premiered. I don't remember when I actually started watching this movie, but I do remember that I loved it very much. I especially loved the sequences from when Simba was still a child. Simba always looked cute, even when he got overconfident about becoming the new king. But even though it's his child cuteness that makes me like Simba, I cannot deny that I like his adult life as well. That's when Simba decides to go back to being royalty and take the Pride Lands back from Scar. That's when Simba develops his compassion for those who cannot defend themselves. I am also impressed that this was once the highest grossing animated movie in existence. That makes this feel like undeniable proof that hand-drawn animation is superior to computer animation in every single way. I should like to see another hand-drawn animated movie out-gross the Lion King to prove that point further, but don't let that deter you from seeing the Lion King as a landmark. By the way, yes, I did go see the stage play in New York City. And I did in fact have a good time at that stage play. I love The Lion King. I love everything about it, and I am proud to put this on my list of favorite animated Disney Movies.

Hard to believe that this MASTERPIECE came out 25 years ago. Fun Facts: "Circle of Life" was released as a teaser trailer back in the early 90s. "Hakuna Matata" was also featured in Toy Story 1 as a Lion King reference.

I knew the lion king was going to get a 10/10! As for the Next review: Open season 2, Open season 3, or Open season: Scared silly.... I don’t care which one it is. All of them suck.... so next review isn’t going to be as spectacular as it was with reviewing one of the greatest animated films of all times... ah well

"It is time"- Rafiki

I remember watching this movie so much, the VHS tape we had got so worn down it almost snapped... I can probably recite EVERY line from this film and sing every song word for word. If you grew up in the 1990s and had a VCR, I would very surprised if you didn't have a copy of The Lion King on your entertainment unit shelves... It is THE definitive 90s kids movie. Nuff said

Nice review! This is absolutely my favorite Disney movie. It was the first film I ever saw in the theater and was a huge part of my childhood. I can't even express how much I love this one. The most iconic movie opening ever, fantastic songs, and amazing story, wonderful animation, and memorable characters. Perfect movie.

One of the best films of all time.

The Lion King has always been my favorite animated film. And it still is. I loved this film since I was a child and I still love it.

Personally, I like the remake fine. But, it will never hold a candle to this phenomenal film.

1994: My favourite childhood movie of all time 2019: I'm sticking with the original one.

14:31 I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE A 10!

This was the golden era of Disney. The Little Mermaid. Aladdin. Beauty and the Beast. And the Lion King. From 1989-1994 Disney created some of the best animated films of all time. Must've been quite the experience to grow up as a kid during that time.

The Lion King is one of my top ten favorite movies of all time and it’s my 2nd favorite Disney movie.

Congratulations on your 100th classic review, and I'm surprised you didn't make any Kimba the White Lion references, but still great review anyway. P.S., I'm still waiting for somebody on patreon to request a review for Stitch! The Movie (2003).

I did not expect for him to review the original Lion King after the remake.

My all time favourite Disney animated film

Yeah, it still holds up. 😀

"Remember who you are"

This movie didn't need it a remake.

This film (the original, not the remake) contains what's essentially my mantra for life. "I'm surrounded by idiots."

Fun fact My parents has a cat called nala and she was named after the character from this movie

Uh-oh one of the open season sequels are up next. It's going to be animat smash.

Animat predicted the future on his open season review He knew he would have to review one of it’s sequels

Thank you, Lebo M and Carmen Twillie. Your singing is beautiful. The opening scene is a great example with its breathtaking scenery and colorful visuals to bring the world of Africa to life.

For this film was always full of amazement, and forever timeless, especially for Disney. I think even the remake can see that. "Often imitated, never duplicated.

I haven't seen the new one, only this one, and I hear that the new death for Mufasa is hilarious. It sounds hilarious, too.

You should review The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Tarzan; they're the only Disney movies of the Renaissance that need to be checked

Me: (clicks on a video about the 1994 Lion King) RU-vid: (plays an ad for the remake) Me: IMPOSTER!

One of the many things I really appreciate about this movie now a days looking back is how exceptionally well. It was dubb’d into Swedish. fun fact the guy who voiced Scar almost looke like him too.

I love the Lion King. I actually own a blu Ray of it that actually includes a 3 frame film tape from the movie. Also Open season 2 is next

I don’t care if people call this an overrated movie, I watch it several times and it’s still a masterpiece as I remembered and you said it best what makes it such a wonderful experience. Even if it’s not everyone’s favorite, I will always treasure The Lion King in my heart.

This movie was my childhood!

We all know it’s a 10, why bother?

There's a reason why people say "you can't top a masterpiece". You can't improve on something that's perfect. It can't be done.

Was actually in college when this came out. I still watched it at age 19.

Oof! Missed one 10/10. But regardless, I absolutely agree. Of all the Disney Classics, The Lion King is my all-time favorite!

Just a perfect movie Great story, amazing Animation recognizable characters that I grew up with and beautiful music It's a movie i could watch again and again

The Lion King is one of the best animated Disney films and best animated masterpieces next to Fantasia and Spirited Away. Since I do love the film in my childhood, this motivate me to love animation and become a great animation filmmaker and why animation should considered an art form and be appealed to all ages from kids to adults and even families. As for the 2019 live action remake, uh..........I have yet to see it. The Lion King became influenced and inspiration for my untitled wolf project about the kingdom of wolves in the forest fighting against humanity with strong theme of environmentalism. It's kinda like the Lion King but with wolves and to have wolves as good guys than cliche bad guys.

Bruh i actually wheezed when scar slapped mufasa off the cliff and dropped my popcorn when lil simba screamed

Favorite movie ever

I have an upcoming school assignment about this movie, so I am watching this to refresh my brain. One of my favorite movies!

I always love the lion king since I was little, and it will forever be in my heart forever, next to how to train Your Dragon franchise and Steven universe, thanks for reviewing for my favorite animated film, animat!!

It’s remarkable when looking back on this, when the studio thought Lion King was gonna be a huge failure and it just became the complete opposite. Man, those were times when Disney were taking chances with their animated films. Not anymore today at least with the pointless remakes. I want that back.

I knew Animat was gonna give this movie the animat seal of approval

Today, I met Aaron Blaise, the supervising animator of Young Nala.

100th classic review! Also next is one of the open season movies haha

I remember watch the 1990s film of The Lion King before of my childhood and it was awesome then and it’s still awesome today for Disney fans

The live-action remake looks like one of those Disney Nature films.

Best movie ever! No matter how many times I've seen this film, it always finds a way to fascinate me one way or another.

Amazing job on the review, Animat! I gotta say, this is probably one of your best reviews. And no, I'm not saying that as a "Lion King" fan (though it helps), but rather for how well you explained your thoughts on the film. You did an especially great job discussing the royalty theme in the story. Ooh... better be prepared for your next classic review. I'm sure it'll be all slime and no satisfaction.

AniMat's Classic Reviews 2019 #1 The Lion King *9.8/10* #2 (Tied) Perfect Blue & Toy Story 2 *9.7/10* #4 Aladdin *9.3/10* #5 The Great Mouse Detective *9/10* #6 The Point *6.7/10* #7 The Transformers: The Movie *5.8/10* #8 Tentacolino *1.6/10*

This is my all time favorite movie in the world!!!!! I give it a 10/10. As for the remake, I’ll give it a 9/10; even though the original will always be better, I still really loved it.

Id say this is the best animated movie ever made

still one of the best. Will you review the underrated sequel too?

Great Review Animat. I love The Lion King and I agree on the praises you gave to this movie. And also, throughout this year, you watch a lot of good movies the Patreon people gave to you (except for the Animated Titanic movie starting this year) they gave you really good movies like; Aladdin, Toy Story 2, The Great Mouse Detective, and a few more. But Sadly, your streak has ended with watching good movies, as it is time for you to watch an Open Season sequel!

At last! The review of my favorite film of all time! I have loved this movie ever since I first watched it as a kid! It has everything an animated film should have: a great story, a great cast of characters, great animation, and great music. Now, Animat has only two more nineties Disney movies to tackle: Beauty and the Beast, and Tarzan.

I'm glad you're giving it a perfect score. Now, I'll admit, I'm surprised that it doesn't hit # 1 on Disney animated classics for my rankings, because I'm in my 30s now, and I was 9 when it was 1st in theaters, and to this day this is even still one of my favorite movies. Of course, there is that there are some other Disney animated movies that are around as high as this one, but this is in my top 5. There were just a few other movies that for me were up there with this one. But, this is definitely one of the best animated movies out there, and as a movie nerd this is still a movie I watch over and over again as an adult!

Open Season 2 is next ( I think )

To interpret the life cycle and royal lyniage in a inspiration way was a huge accomplishment by everyone involved. Another informative and entertaining review. Keep it up!

here we are 30 years later and still a classic

Open Season Sequel Prediction: 3/10-5/10

You want to know how The Lion King surpassed all? It's The Lion King!!!!! They did above and beyond with this script.. I was birth 12/26/1993 and the movie spoke to me hardcore then as it does now almost 30 years later.... This is and will ALWAYS be my favorite movie of all time..... I still tear up like a baby when Mufasa passes away due to a stampede...... 😥😥😥😥😥

This is my Dad & Me movie. I remember he took me with him to work, he'd park his truck somewhere high. and we'd stare at the landscape and he'd teach me stuff about life. Often we'd talk about girls, his work, sports (you name it). We really bonded and to this day if I ever see the movie or something that reminds me of that movie. I get nostalgic and remember my old man. I'm so proud to be his son, nowadays we talk everyday and hopefully if I ever have kids, I'll show them this amazing masterpiece and tell them the stories I had with my dad

I think The Lion King is the Climax of Animat's reviews. not just Classics, but his Reviews in general.

Story: 9/10 Animation: 9/10 Characters: 8/10 Songs: 9/10 Score: 9/10 (Great)

at least the songs in The 1994 Lion King is better then The 2019 Lion King remake

The Lion King is and still remains to this day one of my favorite Disney films, animated or not, and I’m glad and excited to see you do a review of it and hear your thoughts on this iconic Disney film. Thanks 🤩

Masterpiece: 10/10

This is one of my favorite movies of all time

What you said with the movie "still having power no matter how many times you watch" is so true. I can't count how many times I've seen this movie, but I never tire of it. I still get emotional, and I still find myself dancing/singing to the songs. It's just such a perfect movie. Which is why I have no freaking idea why Disney felt the need to remake it, other than to make a few bucks. :/

I looooooooooooove the lion king it's the definition of disney and my childhood

The highlight of this film is the Orchestra & African music by hans & lebo

I can still remember when this first came out--hard to believe it was 28 years ago as I'm watching this video--and I remember walking out of the theater and thinking just one word. "Wow."

My score The Story 10/10 The Animation 10/10 The Characters 10/10 The Songs 10/10 10/10

I just realized that with the exception of Tentacolino, Animat was on a pretty good streak with animated films in the classic reviews series this year...that is until we learn that (spoiler alert): the next classic review will be open season 2

The next classic review is an Open Season sequel.

Happy 30th Anniversary To Disney's The Lion King (1994-2024)

Happy 25th anniversary “The Lion King”! Long live the king!

The Lion King is my favorite movie of all time

It's one of my Favorite movie"s❤🦁

I have a sudden urge to watch the 1994 Lion King again.

Open Season sequels are next! Oh, boy...

"One of the greatest animated movies of all time"...You GD right!

Looks like Disney having the best time in the 90s decade

He already reviewed Open Season. Is he reviewing one of the sequals?

FINALLY, A REVIEW OF THE LION KING! Can you do teacher Pet next?