Opened: June 24, 1994

Directed by: Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff

Starring: Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Moira Kelly, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Niketa Calame, Ernie Sabella, Nathan Lane, Robert Guillaume, Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings & Madge Sinclair

This is a film that needs no introduction, but I’ll do one anyway. Young Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is going to be king one day and he’s learning all about it from his dad, Mufasa (James Earl Jones). However, when Mufasa’s brother Scar (Jeremy Irons) takes over after – not so spoiler alert – killing him, adult Simba (Matthew Broderick) must take his place.

Among the greatest animated films of all time, The Lion King is still as incredible today as it was 24 years ago. The opener, “Circle of Life,” is easily Disney’s most powerful opening to a film.

The storyline moves quickly – much quicker than you realized as a child. They go from killing Mufasa to singing about no worries in a matter of minutes, but that can be easily overlooked as you’re singing along.

Final say: Still the king. ★★★★★