SIMBA’S PRIDE: THE LION KING II
A worthy successor with great songs, moral lessons, and heart.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. This direct-to-video sequel offers high-quality animation, confident voice acting, brilliant African landscapes, fast-paced action, humor, and strong music. Its moral center is even stronger: obedience to parents, forgiveness, self-sacrifice, love conquering all, and the danger of refusing to forgive.
The film also carries clear Christological references. Songs such as “He Lives in You and Me,” “Love Will Find a Way,” and “We Are One” support its themes of love, reconciliation, and unity. The main concern is the practice of seeking advice from the deceased Mufasa, which families should discuss together.
Some scenes may frighten younger children, including lion fights, a fire, and an alligator attack. For a quality family movie with meaningful themes, watch it with children ages 7 and up.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESSimba is now grown and raising a daughter, Kiana. Like her father, Kiana wants to explore the world for herself, even when Simba sends Timon and Pumbaa to watch over her.
During an excursion into the forbidden Outlands, Kiana meets Nuka, a young lion connected to Simba’s old enemies. Their meeting draws Kiana into the conflict between two rival prides—and forces Simba to confront the wounds of the past.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is excellent family entertainment. The production quality is high, with brilliant hues in the African landscape, well-painted and well-animated animals, and voice talent that is perky, confident, and powerful.
The story moves through fast-paced, exciting sequences with some humor and great music. The songs are not completely memorable, but several carry strong spiritual and moral themes. This sequel does not skimp on animation, making it a worthy successor to the original.
The Worldview
The film strongly emphasizes obedience to parents, love, forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and unity. Its central moral movement is away from vengeance and unforgiveness and toward reconciliation. Parents will also appreciate its solid two-parent family structure and its clear consequences for disobeying parents.
The movie contains many Christological references, including ideas about “a father’s will,” “The Chosen One,” and a father who watches over others. It presents love as stronger than hatred and forgiveness as the answer to inherited conflict. At the same time, Simba and Rafiki seek counsel from the deceased Mufasa. This can be interpreted as ancestor worship, though the lion-as-king metaphor also allows some viewers to understand Mufasa as a picture of a heavenly father. The source review compares this kind of lion metaphor with the one found in The Chronicles of Narnia.
The film’s longing for peace and forgiveness reflects Scripture’s call to love others: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Strong moral worldview with lessons such as obey your parents, love one another & forgiveness, with strong Christological references & some non-Christian elements such as talking with the dead; no foul language but a little name calling, such as calling another lion a “termite”; some scary action violence such as lion fights including scratching & chasing, scary alligator attack & act of arson; no sex; no nudity; no alcohol use; no smoking; and some mild off-color humor such as warthog scratching his hind-end on the ground & vengeance themes which are rebuked & proven to be harmful.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Kiana wants to explore the world independently, while Simba wants to protect her. What does honoring parents look like as children grow in wisdom and responsibility?
Ephesians 6:1–3 · Proverbs 1:8–9The film contrasts vengeance with forgiveness. Why is refusing to forgive harmful, and what does genuine forgiveness require?
Colossians 3:13 · Ephesians 4:31–32The story presents love as powerful enough to overcome hatred. How can your family practice that kind of love when conflict continues?
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 · Romans 12:20–21Mufasa is treated as a source of guidance after death. What does Scripture teach us to do when we need wisdom?
James 1:5 · Isaiah 8:19The Final Word
With beautiful animation, strong music, moral clarity, and memorable family themes, Simba’s Pride: The Lion King II rises above the usual sequel. Discuss the scary moments and the movie’s treatment of advice from the deceased, then enjoy it together. WORTH THE TRIP — AGES 7 AND UP.
