Voice actors: Donald Glover, Beyoncé, James Earl Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor

The Lion King (2019), directed by Jon Favreau, is a live-action/CGI remake of Disney’s beloved 1994 animated classic. The film follows Simba (Donald Glover), a young lion cub who must overcome tragedy and betrayal to reclaim his rightful place as king of the Pride Lands. After the death of his father, Mufasa (James Earl Jones), at the hands of his treacherous uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Simba flees the kingdom, believing he is responsible. He grows up in exile, forming friendships with Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), before realizing his duty to return and face Scar.

The film features breathtaking visual effects, utilizing photorealistic animation to bring the African savanna and its iconic characters to life. The music is another standout, with Hans Zimmer returning to score the film and Beyoncé contributing a new song, “Spirit,” alongside the classic songs like “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

The Lion King (2019) stays faithful to the original story while updating the animation style to appeal to modern audiences. With a star-studded voice cast, impressive visuals, and a nostalgic connection to the 1994 version, the film was a major box office success and became a visual spectacle for both new viewers and fans of the original.