THE LION KING (2019)
Technological wonder with a strong moral heart and some scary moments.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. This technologically innovative remake is very well produced, with amazing graphics, stunning images of African scenery, and the same great music as the original animated movie. Its central moral is also strong: Simba must learn that leadership means sacrificing for others rather than living only for himself.
The movie does contain pagan mysticism, and its realistic images of animals fighting may trouble younger children who cannot easily separate the images from reality. Those concerns call for parents’ discernment, not a blanket rejection.
Take your family if your children can handle the scary animal scenes; for very young or sensitive viewers, choose something gentler.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESSimba is a young lion in line to become king of Pride Rock. He wants to grow up quickly, but his father teaches him that a king must rule for the good of others.
After Simba follows the advice of his deceitful uncle Scar and gets into trouble, he must face grief, guilt, and the temptation to live without responsibility. When his homeland falls into bleak conditions, Simba must decide whether to return and help save the ones he loves.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is an outstanding family film. The production is very strong, with amazing graphics and stunning African scenery. The live-action remake follows the original animated movie closely, nearly scene for scene, while retaining its great music.
The casting choices are interesting, fun, and enjoyable. Many viewers will sing along, and the film’s moral purpose gives its spectacle a meaningful center.
The Worldview
The film presents a strong moral, redemptive worldview centered on sacrifice, honor, and responsibility. Simba has a purpose beyond himself: he is meant to serve others and become the kind of king who helps his subjects. The story also emphasizes a strong father-and-son relationship and the honorable way to run a kingdom.
The movie’s positive moral vision aligns with biblical ideas about sacrificial love and serving others. It also includes pagan mysticism, including a shaman character who shows Simba his father in the clouds speaking to him. That spiritual element departs from a biblical understanding of God and the dead.
The film’s longing is for a leader who will accept responsibility and sacrifice for his people. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Strong moral worldview with emphasis on doing the honorable thing and sacrificing for others and a strong father/son relationship that extol some Christian thinking of the love the Father has for his Son and His people and the honorable way to run a kingdom, plus one scene that has a Romantic tone when characters sing “Can you Feel the Love Tonight,” and a few scenes highlight pagan mysticism
Foul Language
One light profanity, characters pass gas, giraffe feces shown
Violence
Some moderate and light violence includes scenes of animals fighting, a lion’s brother pushes him into a stampede of oncoming buffalo and he dies, and blood is depicted as a lion eats an antelope
Sex
No
Nudity
None
Alcohol Use
No alcohol
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drugs;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Trickery, murder, and selfishness, but rebuked.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Simba learns that leadership means helping others rather than benefiting only himself. What responsibilities has God given each of us, and how can we use them to serve?
Mark 10:43–45 · Philippians 2:3–4The story values sacrifice for the good of others. What makes sacrifice difficult, and when have you seen sacrificial love bless someone else?
John 15:13 · Romans 12:1The film includes pagan mystical ideas about the past and the dead. How does the Bible teach us to seek guidance and hope?
Deuteronomy 18:10–12 · Psalm 119:105Simba must face guilt and decide whether to run from responsibility. What is the difference between hiding from wrongdoing and bringing it into the light?
Proverbs 28:13 · 1 John 1:9The Final Word
With stunning images, memorable music, and a strong message about sacrifice and honorable leadership, THE LION KING is a rewarding family experience. Parents should use discernment with younger or sensitive children because of its pagan mysticism and realistic animal violence. For most families, it is WORTH THE TRIP.
