By Marquee Editorial3 entries
The Lion King franchise consists of three feature films released between 1994 and 2004. The entries follow young lion prince Simba as he grows up to become king, the continuation of the circle of life with his daughter Kiara, and a prequel focusing on the backgrounds of Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog before Simba's adventure began. These films connect through the characters and settings of the African savanna and the Pride Lands. Watching the films in release order or chronological order offers different viewing experiences regarding Simba's life and the events that take place before his adventure.

The Lion King
Movie, 1994
Young lion prince Simba grows up under his father Mufasa while his uncle Scar conspires to take the throne. Amid betrayal and tragedy, Simba must confront his past.

The Lion King 1½
Movie, 2004
This prequel takes you back before Simba's adventure began to follow best pals Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog on the African savanna.

Read what its ending meant, or search for another franchise.
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The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Movie, 1998
Simba is now fully grown as king of Pride Rock and has a rebellious daughter named Kiara, who catches the eye of Kovu.
| # | Title | Type | Year | Rating | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Lion King | Movie | 1994 | ★ 8.3 | Not yet |
| 2 | The Lion King 1½ | Movie | 2004 | ★ 6.6 | Not yet |
| 3 | The Lion King II: Simba's Pride | Movie | 1998 | ★ 6.9 | Not yet |
Average audience ratings, in watch order.
You can start with the 1994 film which introduces young lion prince Simba, Mufasa, and Scar, or begin with the 2004 prequel focusing on Timon and Pumbaa before Simba's adventure.
Release order places the 1994 original first, followed by the 1998 sequel and the 2004 prequel. Because the 2004 entry is a prequel set before Simba's adventure, viewing orders can vary.
None of the three entries can be skipped if you want to view all available movies in the franchise, which consist of the 1994 original, the 1998 sequel, and the 2004 prequel.
Watch in this order: 1. The Lion King, 2. The Lion King 1½, 3. The Lion King II: Simba's Pride.
This guide lists 3 entries, released between 1994 and 2004.
The Lion King has the highest average rating in this guide, at 8.3 out of 10.