Top 25 Lion Movies That Roar: Essential Viewing for Wildlife Enthusiasts

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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Horror filmmakers and enthusiasts have turned these locations into hubs of activity. Throughout much of this year, production companies have unleashed a greater number of horror films compared to dramas, comedies, action movies, or any other category.