Many individuals are captivated by lions, often referred to as the kings of the jungle. They are renowned for their ferocious protection of their family groups. Numerous folks view lions as some of the most awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. Lions command respect and admiration from others due to their power and courage. Various filmmakers have made movies featuring these big cats to highlight both their positive attributes and less favorable traits.
Certain individuals view films as a way to fill their time, whereas others gain some knowledge from them. Numerous television shows, documentaries, animated features, and movies featuring lions have drawn inspiration from these regal animals. The compilation of lion-centric films takes into account IMDb scores, viewer interest, and the significance of the lion within each film. It’s worth noting that this selection might be somewhat biased due to individual preferences differing widely.
Summary of Films Featuring Lions
| Ranking | Movie title | Year |
| 1 | The Lion King | 1994 |
| 2 | The Last Lions | 2011 |
| 3 | African Cats | 2011 |
| 4 | Secondhand Lions | 2003 |
| 5 | Born Free | 1996 |
| 6 | Madagascar | 2005 |
| 7 | Zootopia | 2016 |
| 8 | Savage Harvest | 1981 |
| 9 | The Wizard Of Oz | 1939 |
| 10 | Beast | 2022 |
| 11 | Madagascar 3: The Most Wanted in Europe | 2012 |
| 12 | The Wild | 2006 |
| 13 | The Lion Guard: The Return of the Roar | 2015 |
| 14 | Mia and The White Lion | 2018 |
| 15 | The Last Lioness | 2009 |
| 16 | Roar | 1981 |
| 17 | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa | 2008 |
| 18 | White Lion | 2010 |
| 19 | To Walk With Lions | 1999 |
| 20 | Jungle Emperor Leo | 1997 |
| 21 | The Phantom and the Lions | 1996 |
| 22 | The Lion Cub from Harrods | 2009 |
| 23 | Relentless Enemies | 2006 |
| 24 | The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe | 1988 |
| 25 | The Wolf and the Lion | 2021 |
Top 25 movies featuring lions
Certainly! There are numerous excellent films featuring lions across various genres including drama, documentary, and even horror. Below is a selection of some top lion-themed movies worth watching.
Here’s a curated list of the finest movies starring lions:
1. The Lion King (1994)
- IMDb rating: 8.5/10
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Directors: Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff
- Writers: Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton
The Lion King It stands as one of the greatest animated lion films ever produced. This Disney production revolves around a young cub called Simba. His father, Mufasa, meets his end at the hands of Scar, who harbors ambitions of seizing power for himself. Consequently, Simba must flee and escape with his life from the Pride Lands. After many years, he comes back to the Pride Lands to seek justice for his father’s demise. The Lion King is a must-watch.
2. The Last Lions (2011)
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Director: Dereck Joubert
- Writer: Dereck Joubert
If you're searching for films titled after lions, think about watching The Last Lions The movie features a mother lion called Ma Di Tau, who faces challenges as she tries to safeguard her three offspring following an assault by another pride. Recognizing that victory over this opposing clan would result in the demise of her young ones, she opts to guide them towards Duba Island instead. This decision highlights the lion’s courage.
3. African Cats (2011)
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Directors: Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill
- Writers: Keith Scholey, John Truby, and Owen Newman
African Cats It ranks among the top movies featuring lions and was shot more than ten years ago within the boundaries of Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. This cinematic work presents a lovable young lion cub called Mara, along with Sita the cheetah and Fang, who leads the pride. African Cats , the group has to take all necessary measures to safeguard their community from a vicious opposing lion.
4. Secondhand Lions (2003)
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Director: Tim McCanlies
- Writer: Tim McCanlies
Secondhand Lions It is a family-oriented comedy-drama featuring Walter Caldwell, a 14-year-old boy, alongside a lioness named Jasmine. When his mother, Mae, decides to send him off, he goes to stay with his uncles, Hub and Garth. Secondhand Lions , Walter and Jasmine share an impressive chemistry.
5. Born Free (1966)
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Directors: Jim Hill and Tom McGowan
- Writers: Joy Adamson and Coleman Lester
Born Free The film is adapted from a non-fiction work titled "Born Free" by Joy Adamson. Upon its release, it became one of the highest-grossing movies in British theaters. The narrative revolves around a powerful lion named Elsa, whom George successfully domesticated. However, Elsa causes an uproar which leads George’s superiors to return her to the wilderness. One year later, George finds joy as he discovers that Elsa recognizes him despite being back in nature. Born Free will leave you wowed.
6. Madagascar (2005)
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Directors: Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath
- Writers: Mark Burton, Billy Frolick, and Eric Darnell
Madagascar is one of the top movies featuring lions available on Netflix. Madagascar A group of fleeing penguins inadvertently helps four pampered animals break out from their enclosures at the New York City Zoo. Once free, these animals end up in Madagascar where they have to adapt to life as wild creatures. Madagascar Is a must-see film in 2024.
7. Zootopia (2016)
- IMDb rating: 8.0/10
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Directors: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush
- Writers: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush
Even though Zootopia It isn’t focused on being a lion-centered film; instead, it’s part of a collection featuring animated movies with lions as characters. The narrative centers on Judy, a new police officer working for the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD), as she endeavors to uncover a sinister conspiracy. Among the cast is Mayor Lionheart, portrayed as a regal yet arrogant leader serving as the mayor of Zootopia.
8. Savage Harvest (1981)
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Director: Robert L. Collins
- Writers: Ralph Helfer, Ken Noyle, and Robert Blees
In Savage Harvest, A family in Africa finds itself under assault from a group of hungry lions. The beasts are desperate due to the ongoing drought. Despite enduring numerous attacks, several members of the family are killed by the lions as they struggle for survival.
9. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Directors: Victor Fleming along with King Vidor
- Writers: Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and Edgar Allan Woolf
Most of the time, lions are portrayed as strong and ferocious, yet The Wizard of Oz unveils a timid side. A young girl named Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, are transported to the enchanting realm of Oz when a tornado strikes their house in Kansas. Alongside three newfound friends, they set off on an adventure to meet the wizard, the sole individual capable of assisting them in finding their way back home.
10. Beast (2022)
- IMDb rating: 5.6/10
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Director: Baltasar Kormákur
- Writers: Jaime Primak Sullivan along with Ryan Engle
Beast falls into the category of movies where lions attack humans. It presents the story of a newly single father and his two adolescent daughters who choose to go to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. Their aim is to strengthen their relationship with each other but end up confronting an aggressive lion. Beast seeks to communicate the anti-poaching message through an event filled with action, adventure, and dramatic moments.
11. Madagascar 3: The Most Wanted in Europe (2012)
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Directors: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, and Conrad Vernon
- Writers: Eric Darnell, Noah Baumbach, and Mark Burton
Madagascar 3: The Most Wanted in Europe It is part of the roster of Lion-themed movies in Hollywood. This film marks the third installment of the widely praised series. Madagascar The movie series follows Marty, Melman, Alex, and Gloria as they undertake a challenging journey back to Central Park Zoo after inadvertently crashing a celebration, which draws the notice of animal control authorities. Be sure to catch it! Madagascar 3: The Most Wanted in Europe soon.
12. The Wild (2006)
- IMDb rating: 5.2/10
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Director: Steve 'Spaz' Williams
- Writers: John J. Strauss, Ed Decter, and Mark Gibson
The Wild Follows the tale of Ryan, a young lion mistakenly sent to Africa from the New York Zoo. As his family frets back home, Ryan looks forward to exploring the wilderness where his dad, Samson, used to roam. To save him, Samson and his companions must set aside their conflicts and journey to Africa together. The Wild The herd of animals faces severe peril.
13. The Lion Guard: Reign of the Rover (2015)
- IMDb rating: 5.6/10
- Runtime: 44m
- Director: Howy Parkins
- Writer: Ford Riley
The Lion Guard: The Return of the Roar It’s a fantastic lion-themed movie perfect for marathon viewing. The animated film, brimming with adventure and humor, takes place in Africa's savanna. It revolves around Kion as he gathers all the members of the Lion Guard for their duty to safeguard and monitor the Pride Lands throughout their journey. The Lion Guard: The Return of the Roar The varied group of young creatures must come together to harness and utilize their distinct abilities.
14. Mia and the White Lion (2018)
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Director: Gilles de Maistre
- Writers: Prune de Maistre, William Davies, and Gilles de Maistre
If you're seeking an exciting adventure, dramatic moments, and a heartwarming family story featuring lions, Mia and the Snowy Lion Should be your top choice. This story revolves around an 11-year-old girl named Mia, who moves to South Africa with her parents to oversee a farm. Mia forms a strong connection with Charlie, a young white lion that was born at her family’s house.
15. The Last Lioness (2009)
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Runtime: 50m
- Director: Bronwyn Watkins
- Writer: Bronwyn Watkins
The Last Lioness Is a TV film designed to acquaint audiences with the challenges faced by lions as a species. It centers around Lady Liuwa, an independent female lion residing in the Liuwa Plain in Zambia. Left without a pride to support her through life on the plains and threats from hunters, she must take every measure necessary for self-preservation. Can The Last Lioness endure?
16. Roar (1981)
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Director: Noel Marshall
- Writers: Noel Marshall and Ted Cassidy
One of the finest lion attack films is Roar The movie is regarded as the most perilous production due to the involvement of numerous tigers and lions throughout the filming. This led to several incidents where cast members faced animal assaults. In the film, the family comes face-to-face with these hazardous beasts.
17. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Directors: Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath
- Writers: Etan Cohen, Eric Darnell, and Tom McGrath
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is the follow-up to the film from 2005 Madagascar . The animals from the New York Zoo—Marty the Zebra, Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippopotamus, and Melman the Giraffe—are still stuck in Madagascar. Determined to return home, they construct an airplane to fly back to New York. However, upon their departure, the local wildlife ends up Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa spiral down into an uncultivated area of Africa.
18. White Lion (2010)
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Director: Michael Swan
- Writers: Ivan Milborrow, Michael Swan, and Janet van Eeden
In White Lion, A young African lad called Gisani thwarts an illegal poacher intent on taking down a revered white lion named Letsatsi. The lion, exiled from his group, must fend for himself alone. Even though shunned due to his unusual coat color, Gisani spares no effort to rescue the animal from these unlawful hunters.
19. To Walk With Lions (1999)
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Director: Carl Schultz
- Writers: Keith Ross Leckie, George Adamson, and Tony Fitzjohn
To Walk with Lions Highlights the struggles of the king of the jungle. Based on the life of George Adamson, a naturalist, this film also drew inspiration from his story for a book with the same title. Born Free. The movie tracks George and his aide as they manage a lion sanctuary. To Walk with Lions The pair help lions transition smoothly back into the wild from various zoos.
20. Jungle Emperor Leo (1997)
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Director: Yoshio Takeuchi
- Writers: Osamu Tezuka and Yoshio Takeuchi
In Jungle Emperor Leo, The expedition of ambitious miners seeking valuable gems for personal profit is examined. Driven by their unyielding quest, they inadvertently venture into the domain of a majestic white lion named Leo. Upon the humans' appearance, Leo, along with his clan and allies, perceives an imminent threat.
21. The Phantom and the Lions (1996)
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Director: Stephen Hopkins
- Writer: William Goldman
In The Ghost and the Shadows A bridge engineer and an seasoned veteran hunter set out to track down two lions that have begun preying on local construction workers. Interestingly, just one scene employed a mechanical lion during production; all other scenes featured five live adult male African lions instead.
22. The Lion Cub from Harrods (2009)
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
- Runtime: 45m
- Directors: Suemay Oram and Jackie Osei-Tutu
- Stars: Barbara Flynn, George Adamson, and Anthony Bourke-Kenah
In The Lion Cub from Harrods In the late 1960s, a young lion cub called Christian was bought from a London department store. Three years afterward, he was released into the wilderness of Africa. This documentary includes authentic archival video clips and pictures capturing Christian’s journey from his time in London to his life in Kenya.
23. Relentless Enemies (2006)
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Directors: Beverly Joubert and Dereck Joubert
- Writer: Dereck Joubert
In Relentless Enemies In the Okavango Delta, a group of lions finds themselves with a herd of buffaloes on an isolated island. This compelling documentary, voiced by Jeremy Irons, follows the lion pride as they pursue these exceptionally strong buffaloes through challenging landscapes within the delta.
24. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1988)
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- Runtime: 29m
In The Chronicles of Narnia : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , four children journey to the enchanting realm of Narnia, where they have to confront a malevolent queen under the guidance of the noble lion, Aslan.
25. The Wolf and the Lion (2021)
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Director: Gilles de Maistre
- Writers: Prune de Maistre, Gilles de Maistre, and Richard Sadler
In The Wolf and the Lion In the midst of Canada's wild terrain, a young girl rescues a wolf puppy and an abandoned lion cub. This bond transforms both their destinies irrevocably.
Which movies feature a lion as one of the characters?
Take a look at the top films featuring lions listed above.
Which film features an actual lion?
Roar In 1981, a film utilized actual lions, which led to several animal assaults. This movie ranks among the most hazardous productions ever created.
Which film features many lions?
Roar is a movie that includes numerous lions. The film came out in 1981.
Which Disney film features a lion as one of its characters?
The Lion King And its follow-ups are Disney creations starring lions.
Although movies featuring lions are highly engaging, they carry significant messages too. Certain films encourage people to safeguard nature, whereas others emphasize the importance of combating poaching. Consequently, these movies serve as excellent entertainment for both children and grown-ups.
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