The Lion King Movies In Order (Release Date Order At A Glance)
The Lion King(1994)
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride(1998)
The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata(2004)
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar(2015)
The Lion King(2019)
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosure here.
Disney’s Lion King movies are a classic set of films that many people enjoy. The story of Simba, Mufasa, and Scar is one that has been told time and time again, with new generations becoming fans of the series after seeing the masterfully told story. The original is one of a few films that will probably live on forever!
It seems like many people don’t know that there are actually a few sequels to the first Lion King which is why we are here. We’re going to tell you exactly how to watch all the Lion King movies in order as well as where you can watch them. So get ready for a Lion King marathon and let’s get started!
The Lion King Movies In Order Of Release Date
We’ll be starting off with watching The Lion King movies in order of their release dates. The franchise has made a name for itself over many years and even recently has a live-action version of the original film made.
Below you’ll find all the information you need about each movie including a trailer, synopsis, where to watch each movie, and more!
1. The Lion King
Details
Release Date: June 23, 1994
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Musical
Runtime: 89 minutes
Rating: G
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Ratings
Watch NowEndless Popcorn
93%Rotten Tomatoes
8.5/10IMDB
88/100MetaCritic
Cast
Name
Character
Rowan Atkinson
Zazu
Matthew Broderick
Simba
Niketa Calame-Harris
Young Nala
Jim Cummings
Scar
Jim Cummings
Ed
Whoopi Goldberg
Shenzi
Robert Guillaume
Rafiki
Jeremy Irons
Scar
James Earl Jones
Mufasa
Moira Kelly
Nala
Nathan Lane
Timon
Zoe Leader
Sarafina
Cheech Marin
Banzai
Ernie Sabella
Pumbaa
Madge Sinclair
Sarabi
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Young Simba
Frank Welker
Lion Roars
Frank Welker
Hyenas
Frank Welker
Wildebeests
Jeff Bennett
Zazu (segment “Morning Report”)
Where To Watch
The Lion King Movie Description
Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is a lion who is the son of Mufasa (James Earl Jones), the king of the Land. Scar (Jeremy Irons) is Simba’s wicked uncle who plots to usurp Mufasa’s throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. Simba escapes, but Mufasa is killed.
Scar tells Simba that it is his fault and forces him to leave his homeland. As an adult, Simba (Matthew Broderick) returns to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella).
2. The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Details
Release Date: October 27, 1998
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Musical, Romance
Runtime: 81 minutes
Rating: G
Ratings
Worth WatchingEndless Popcorn
62%Rotten Tomatoes
6.5/10IMDB
n/aMetaCritic
Where To Watch
The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride Movie Description
The young daughter of Simba and Nala befriends the eldest son of Scar and they work together to try and reunite their divided herds.
3. The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata
Details
Release Date: February 10, 2004
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family, Musical
Runtime: 77 minutes
Rating: G
Ratings
Worth WatchingEndless Popcorn
76%Rotten Tomatoes
6.5/10IMDB
n/aMetaCritic
Where To Watch
The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata Movie Description
Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), a meerkat and warthog respectively, tell the story of how they became friends and their journey to find a new home. When Timon is forced to leave his colony because he doesn’t fit in, he meets up with Pumbaa, and the two become companions. They search for a new home together, having all sorts of misadventures along the way.
Eventually, they meet the lion prince Simba (Matthew Broderick) who is in exile from his kingdom. Simba needs help overthrowing Scar, the evil lion who killed his father and took control of the kingdom. Timon and Pumbaa team up with Simba to take down Scar and restore order to the kingdom.
4. The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar
Details
Release Date: November 22, 2015
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Family, Musical
Runtime: 44 minutes
Rating: UNRATED
Ratings
Worth WatchingEndless Popcorn
n/aRotten Tomatoes
5.6/10IMDB
n/aMetaCritic
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar Movie Description
Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, assumes the role of leader of the Lion Guard.
The Lion Guard is a group of the bravest and brightest tasked with preserving the Pride Lands.
5. The Lion King
Details
Release Date: July 19, 2019
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Musical
Runtime: 118 minutes
Rating: PG
Ratings
Worth WatchingEndless Popcorn
52%Rotten Tomatoes
6.8/10IMDB
55/100MetaCritic
Where To Watch
The Lion King Movie Description
The King’s new son, Simba, is born and celebrated by all except Scar, the former heir to the throne who now plans to take back what he believes is rightfully his.
Pride Rock turns into a battle scene of betrayal and tragedy which leads to Simba being exiled. With help from some unlikely friends, Simba must journey back home to reclaim what is his.
The Lion King Movies In Order Chronologically
That about covers it for the Lion King movies in order of their release date! But what if you want to watch them in chronological order? Well, the order does change a little bit so we’ll walk you through it.
For this franchise though we recommend you stick to the release date order instead. Also, we’ll be sticking to just the core Lion King movies and none of the shorts or extras for this. Below you’ll find the movies in chronological order.
- The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata (2004)
- The Lion King (1994) / The Lion King (2019)
- The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998)
The Lion King Movies FAQs
Now that you know how to watch all the Lion King movies in order, we’re going to cover a few more of the most frequently asked questions about the franchise.
What Is The Meaning Of Hakuna Matata?
‘There are no troubles.’ is what Hakuna Matata roughly translates to.
Is There A Lion King 3 Movie?
Yes, The Lion King 1 1/2 is also known as The Lion King III.
What Is The Meaning Of Mufasa?
Mufasa means king.
