16 Must-Watch Movies Like The Lion King

Get ready to embark on a wild cinematic adventure! If you loved "The Lion King" and its captivating blend of animation, adventure, drama, family, and music, then you're in for a treat. We've compiled a list of 16 must-watch movies that will transport you to fascinating worlds, ignite your imagination, and leave you feeling a roar of emotions. These films are sure to capture your heart, just like Simba's journey in the savannah.

1) The Thief and the Cobbler

The Thief and the Cobbler is reminiscent of The Lion King in its epic scope and fantastical storytelling. Both movies transport us to vibrant and imaginative worlds, filled with larger-than-life characters and breathtaking visuals. While The Lion King takes us to the African savannah and tells the tale of a lion prince's journey to reclaim his throne, The Thief and the Cobbler takes us to the magical city of Baghdad, where a lonely princess and a poor cobbler embark on an adventure to retrieve stolen magical orbs. These movies share a sense of adventure and a cast of lovable characters, from Simba and his father in The Lion King to the bumbling thief and the seductive Princess Yum Yum in The Thief and the Cobbler. However, they also have their differences. The Lion King is a Shakespearean-inspired tale of family, betrayal, and redemption, while The Thief and the Cobbler blends surrealism, comedy, and pop culture references to create a unique and innovative animation experience.

Release date: October, 1996
IMDB Rating: 7.1

2) Tarzan

Tarzan, released in 1999, is reminiscent of The Lion King. Both films are Disney animated classics that explore themes of family, identity, and finding one's place in the world. While The Lion King takes place in the African savannah and tells the story of a lion prince named Simba, Tarzan is set in the same continent and follows the journey of a man raised by gorillas who discovers his human heritage. Both movies feature stunning animation and memorable musical numbers. However, Tarzan distinguishes itself by incorporating a more comedic tone and a soundtrack by Phil Collins that adds a fresh and energetic vibe. The film beautifully captures Tarzan's athleticism and agility as he swings through the jungle, and the emotional depth of the story resonates with both children and adults. Tarzan is a delightful adventure that offers a unique twist on the classic Disney formula, making it a must-watch for fans of The Lion King and animation enthusiasts alike.

Release date: November, 1999
IMDB Rating: 7.3

3) The Wild

The Wild is reminiscent of The Lion King, but with its own unique charm. While The Lion King tells the story of a lion prince and his journey to reclaim his throne, The Wild takes a different approach by following an adolescent lion who is accidentally shipped from the New York Zoo to Africa. Both movies explore themes of adventure, friendship, and the animal kingdom, but in their own distinct ways. The Lion King is a timeless classic that captivated audiences with its stunning animation and powerful storytelling, while The Wild offers a visually gorgeous experience with its impressive texture work and attention to detail. The Wild also brings a fresh dose of humor, which sets it apart from its predecessor. With a fun and self-referential attitude, it manages to entertain both kids and adults alike. So, if you loved The Lion King and are in the mood for a wild and hilarious adventure, The Wild is definitely worth a watch.

Release date: May, 2006
IMDB Rating: 5.2

4) The Swan Princess

The Swan Princess, released in 1996, is reminiscent of The Lion King in several ways. Both movies fall under the genres of Animation, Adventure, and Family. While The Lion King is set in Africa and revolves around a lion prince's journey to reclaim his throne from his uncle, The Swan Princess tells the story of a princess cursed to live as a swan by day due to a power-hungry sorcerer's curse. The Swan Princess may not have the same finesse in animation as Disney's films, but it still manages to captivate with its watchable visuals. The songs, although not particularly memorable, contribute to the overall charm of the movie. However, the characters in The Swan Princess have their flaws. Princess Odette lacks agency and relies on her animal friends to save the day, while Prince Derrick, though initially a flaming idiot, becomes a likeable and sympathetic character who learns from his mistakes.

Release date: March, 1996
IMDB Rating: 6.4

5) Magic Journey to Africa

Magic Journey to Africa is a whimsical adventure that takes you on a magical trip to the beautiful continent. While it may not reach the same heights as The Lion King, it still manages to captivate its audience with its enchanting storyline. The film follows a young girl named Jana as she embarks on an extraordinary journey to Africa. Just like The Lion King, Magic Journey to Africa transports you to a world filled with vibrant colors, breathtaking landscapes, and extraordinary creatures. However, where The Lion King is a timeless classic with exceptional animation and a heartfelt story, Magic Journey to Africa falls short in comparison. Despite its shortcomings, Magic Journey to Africa is still worth a watch for those who are seeking a lighthearted and magical adventure.

Release date: August, 2011
IMDB Rating: 3.3

6) The Lion King

The Lion King! So, you've already seen the original animated version and you're wondering whether it's worth watching the 2019 "live-action" remake. Well, here's the scoop: the remake, like its predecessor, follows the journey of a young lion prince who must face his destiny and reclaim his kingdom. The similarities don't end there, as both films explore themes of responsibility, bravery, and the circle of life. However, the new version takes a different approach by employing stunning visual effects to bring the animals to life in a realistic way. While some argue that the remake lacks the charm and magic of the original, it still manages to captivate with its stellar cast, including Donald Glover and Beyoncé. So, if you're a fan of the original and want to experience the story in a fresh and visually impressive way, give it a go.

Release date: July, 2019
IMDB Rating: 6.8

7) Toy Story

Toy Story: In Andy's Room, his toys lead lives of noisy desperation come every birthday and Christmas - no one wants to be one-upped by a new addition to the toy box. Nominally led by Cowboy Woody, Mr. Potato Head, Rex the Dinosaur, Ham the piggybank, Bo Peep, Slinky the dog, and a smattering of other playthings go about their toy business, until Andy's birthday party, when they gather expectantly around a transistor radio, listening to the reports of their toy soldier troops downstairs, hoping that no gift will be exciting enough to cause Andy to neglect them. There is. His name is Buzz Lightyear, Space Ranger. Directed by Pixar mainstay John Lasseter, with the voice talents of Tom Hanks as Woody, Don Rickles, John Ratzenberger, R.

Release date: April, 1996
IMDB Rating: 8.3
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8) Aladdin

Aladdin, released in 1993, is reminiscent of The Lion King, released in 1994. Both movies are animated classics from Disney, filled with adventure, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters. While The Lion King tells the story of a lion prince named Simba who must reclaim his throne from his power-hungry uncle, Aladdin follows the journey of a kind-hearted street urchin who teams up with a magical genie to win the heart of a princess and defeat an evil grand vizier. Both films take place in exotic settings, with The Lion King set in the African savannah and Aladdin set in the mystical city of Agrabah. They share common themes of royalty, family, and the pursuit of true love. However, Aladdin adds a touch of humor with the iconic performance of Robin Williams as the voice of the genie, showcasing his incredible talent for improvisation and comedic timing.

Release date: December, 1993
IMDB Rating: 8
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9) Babar: The Movie

Babar: The Movie, released in 1989, shares similarities with The Lion King. Both movies fall under the genres of Animation, Adventure, Family, and Musical. However, while The Lion King takes place in Africa and revolves around lions, Babar: The Movie centers around a young elephant named Babar who must save his homeland from invading rhinos. Despite their differences in plot, both movies explore themes of self-confidence, kingship, and the importance of friends. The Lion King, with its Shakespearean undertones and iconic vocal cast, captivates audiences of all ages. Similarly, Babar: The Movie, though lesser-known, provides a charming and delightful experience for young viewers, with singalong songs and a heartwarming story.

Release date: July, 1989
IMDB Rating: 6.3

10) The Princess and the Goblin

The Princess and the Goblin is a delightful movie that shares similarities with The Lion King. Both films feature a royal theme, with The Princess and the Goblin showcasing a brave princess and a poor mining boy teaming up to save their kingdom from mischievous goblins. Similarly, The Lion King revolves around a lion prince named Simba and his journey to reclaim the throne from his treacherous uncle. While The Lion King is set in Africa and draws inspiration from Shakespearean themes, The Princess and the Goblin takes place in a magical underground realm and has a more whimsical and fantastical atmosphere. Despite their differences, both movies captivate audiences with their enchanting animation, memorable songs, and compelling storylines. If you loved The Lion King, you should definitely give The Princess and the Goblin a watch for a delightful and refreshing animated experience.

Release date: September, 1999
IMDB Rating: 6.7

11) Up

Up is reminiscent of The Lion King in its ability to touch the hearts of viewers. While The Lion King tells the story of a lion prince who must overcome adversity to reclaim his rightful place as king, Up follows the journey of a 78-year-old man who embarks on an adventure to fulfill his late wife's dream. Both movies explore themes of love, loss, and the importance of family bonds. However, Up takes a more lighthearted approach, infusing humor and charm into its narrative. The film's unique premise of a house lifted by balloons adds a whimsical element, while its heartfelt storyline resonates with audiences of all ages. Up's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, is a testament to its exceptional storytelling. So, if you loved The Lion King and want to experience another emotionally captivating film, Up is a must-watch.

Release date: October, 2009
IMDB Rating: 8.3
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12) Alakazam the Great

Alakazam the Great is a delightful animated film that is reminiscent of The Lion King. While they may appear to be different on the surface, these two movies share some interesting similarities. Both films follow the journey of a prince, albeit in different settings. The Lion King takes us to the African savannah, while Alakazam the Great transports us to a land filled with gods, monsters, and cannibals. Both movies explore themes of royalty, with the main characters facing challenges and obstacles along their paths to self-discovery. The animation in both films is visually stunning, showcasing the incredible talent of the animators. Additionally, the vocal casts of both movies deliver outstanding performances, bringing the characters to life. However, where The Lion King shines with its Shakespearean influences and heartwarming story, Alakazam the Great adds a touch of magic and whimsy to its narrative.

Release date: August, 1960
IMDB Rating: 5.9

13) Shrek 2

Shrek 2 takes us back to the quirky and hilarious world of everyone's favorite green ogre. Just like its predecessor, this film is an absolute delight, filled with humor and imagination. In Shrek 2, we are introduced to new characters, such as the charming Puss In Boots, voiced by the talented Antonio Banderras. The original voice cast returns and shines with fresh and well-done material. Eddie Murphy, love him or hate him, brings plenty of laughs, especially with his recurring line "Are we there yet?" The animation is just as lovely as in the first film, captivating us with its vibrant colors and attention to detail. While the plot may not always be as engaging as the original, Shrek 2 still delivers solid entertainment that can be enjoyed by everyone. So, if you loved the first Shrek, don't miss out on this equally funny and imaginative sequel.

Release date: July, 2004
IMDB Rating: 7.3

14) Yellowbird

Yellowbird is reminiscent of The Lion King in its captivating storytelling and stunning animation. While the plot of The Lion King revolves around a lion prince and his struggle to reclaim his throne from his treacherous uncle, Yellowbird follows the journey of a small orphaned bird leading a flock of birds on their migration to Africa. Both movies beautifully portray the adventures and challenges faced by their protagonists, showcasing themes of heroism and self-discovery. The animation in both films is top-notch, with Yellowbird impressively capturing unique cinema scenes and motives. While The Lion King is a timeless classic with a score of 8.5, Yellowbird holds its own with a more modest rating of 5.5. Despite the difference in critical acclaim, Yellowbird's heartwarming story and delightful characters make it a movie worth watching, especially for those who enjoyed the love and plot twists in Rio.

Release date: March, 2015
IMDB Rating: 5.5

15) LEGO Chima

LEGO Chima takes us into a magical world ruled by anthropomorphic animals. It may seem like just another kids show, but let me tell you, it's surprisingly captivating. The universe of Legends of Chima is richly detailed, with a wide array of characters and complex relationships between them. The story line is another strong point, with a real effort put into its development. And don't even get me started on the vocabulary - even though my son watches it in French, the level of language is pretty decent. Plus, there's a series of video games based on the franchise, including a Free To Play MMORPG called Legends of Chima Online. As a former hardcore gamer, I can tell you that this game is actually quite good. And when my son and I play it together, it adds even more fun to the show.

Release date: August, 2016
IMDB Rating: 6.1

16) The Lion Guard

"The Lion Guard" is a delightful continuation of the "The Lion King" universe that will bring back fond memories of the original movie. Just like its predecessor, this series takes us on a thrilling adventure in the Pride Lands, following the son of Simba, Kion, as he leads his friends known as the Lion Guard to protect their kingdom. While "The Lion King" captured our hearts with its beautiful animation and Shakespearean undertones, "The Lion Guard" keeps the magic alive with its vibrant animation and catchy music. The voice acting in both films is outstanding, with talented actors bringing the characters to life. However, "The Lion Guard" stands out with its focus on valuable life lessons and positive messages, making it a fantastic show for children and adults alike. So, if you loved "The Lion King" and want to dive back into the enchanting world of Simba, "The Lion Guard" is definitely worth a watch.

Release date: May, 2017
IMDB Rating: 6.4

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