30 Years On The Lion King Is Still King of the Animated Jungle | Film Anniversaries
There aren’t many animated films that could go on the Mount Rushmore of animation, but I honestly feel that The Lion King from 1994 is one of them, standing proudly above most. It is a breath-taking story of change, growth, grief and stepping out of the shadow of one’s family to forge one’s own path. It is a tale of family, of friendship, a coming-of-age adventure full of heart. Many animated films manage to hit some strong thematic elements, but few do it as seamlessly as this film. In 2024, The Lion King turns 30 and so, we must look back and see why it deserves such recognition: recognition that has spawned sequels, television series, CGI remakes, stage musicals and countless other forms. Let’s look at the various factors that make this a true animated gem.
Firstly, the music is wonderful. From the first moments of the film, we are treated to Elton John’s superb music, capturing the themes of Africa, and drawing us into a beautiful world. These songs continue throughout the movie, never outstaying their welcome and always adding to the scenes in a way that develops the emotions and narrative aspects of the film. The character moments are believable, and the comedy is dotted excellently through the soundtrack, such as that of “Hakuna Matata”, one of the breakout songs that give us a montage of our protagonist growing up.
Speaking of our protagonist, Simba is a character that goes from a cocky, child to a true leader after the death of his father, Mufasa. The villain, Scar is perfectly despicable, Timon and Pumbaa are the perfect comedic relief and there are just so many more great characters. What makes them so good? Well, firstly, the designs complement each other excellently. They stand out due to their vibrant colours, making each character fit the scene that they command. Secondly, the voices. With actors such as Rowan Atkinson, Jeremy Irons and James Earl Jones, we are treated to well-rounded and three-dimensional characters.
The animation is fluid, capturing the heart of Africa, with so many memorable scenes and moments. The stampede itself, utilising aspects of 3D animation in a 2D setting, is something that will forever be engrained in my memory from childhood. It is a scene that conjures up horrific images, but keeps the plot moving, holding us on the edge of our seats and moving us into a state of grieving, like that of Simba. It truly is a perfect scene.
This trifecta of music, story and animation, I believe, makes The Lion King such a fantastic, animated experience. How was this achieved? How did the film look so visually stunning as a rounded package? Well, reference. Many overlook reference in animation, seeing it as unnecessary, yet it is vitally important. The animators studied their animal subjects, just like their earlier colleagues did on films such as Bambi and Dumbo. Wildlife expert Jim Fowler would often discuss lion behaviour with the team to help support the production, and it clearly shows that the team did their jobs.
In conclusion, these are but a few of the many reasons why The Lion King holds a special place in my heart and has a worthy spot on the Mount Rushmore of animation. I’m sure that if you revisit it, as we have for this look back, you’ll find countless more reasons to fall in love with Simba and his story. So, what are you waiting for? Go watch it, cry and smile, then watch it a second time. It’s the circle of life.
