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. These creatures valiantly safeguard their family groups, leading countless people to regard them as some of nature’s most awe-inspiring beings. Lions command respect due to their power and courage, evoking both admiration and trepidation among humans. Various filmmakers have capitalized on these traits, producing cinematic works that highlight both the positive and negative aspects of these majestic beasts.

Certain individuals watch films merely to fill up their time, whereas some gain knowledge from them. Numerous television series, 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, film popularity, as well as the significance of the lion within each story. It’s worth noting that this list might be somewhat biased due to varying individual perspectives.

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: Reign of the Fallen Star	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 plenty of excellent films featuring lions across various genres including drama, documentary, and even horror. Below is a selection of some top movies starring these majestic creatures. Here’s a list of the finest lion-centric films:

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 ranks among the greatest animated lion films ever produced. This Disney production narrates the tale of a young cub called Simba. His father, Mufasa, meets his demise 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 have passed, Simba comes back to the Pride Lands to seek justice for his father’s murder. 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 movies 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 cubs following an assault by another pride. Realizing that defeating this opposing group would result in the demise of her offspring, she opts to guide them towards Duba Island instead. This demonstrates 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 stands out as one of the finest films featuring lions, shot more than ten years ago within the boundaries of Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This movie presents us with an adorable young lioness known as Mara, a swift cheetah called Sita, and Fang, who leads the pride. African Cats , the group has to go to great lengths 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, dispatches him to stay with his uncles, Hub and Garth, various adventures ensue. Secondhand Lions , Walter and Jasmine share a remarkable chemistry.

5. Born Free (1966)

• IMDb rating: 7.2/10
• Runtime: 1h 35m
• Directors: Jim Hill and Tom McGowan
• Writers: Joy Adamson and Coleman Randolph Grahame III

Born Free The film draws inspiration 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 centers around an impressive lion named Elsa, whom George successfully domesticated. However, due to some disturbances caused by Elsa, George’s superiors decide to return her to the wilderness. To his joy, a year later, George discovers that Elsa still recognizes him despite being back in the wild. 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 ranks as one of the top movies featuring lions available on Netflix. Madagascar , runaway penguins inadvertently help four pampered animals break free from their enclosure at the New York City Zoo. Once they boldly flee the zoo, they end up in Madagascar. There, they have to discover what life as truly wild creatures entails. 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’s not specifically about a lion-centric film; rather, 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), whose objective is to uncover a sinister conspiracy. Among the cast is Mayor Lionheart, a regal yet self-important figure 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 themselves under assault from a group of hungry lions. The drought has pushed these creatures to extreme measures. Despite enduring numerous attacks, several members of the family succumb to the lions' hunger.

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 version. A young girl named Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, get transported to the enchanting realm of Oz when a twister 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 depicting lions assaulting humans. This movie presents a story where a man who has lost his spouse not long ago embarks on a trip with his adolescent twin girls to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. Their objective: to strengthen their family ties and confront a menacing 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 appears on 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 accidentally crash landing at a celebration event, which draws the notice of animal control authorities. Make 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: Mark Gibson, Ed Decter, and John J. Strauss

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 is thrilled at the prospect of venturing into the wilderness, just like his dad, Samson, used to do. To save him, Samson and his companions must overcome their conflicts and make the journey to Africa. The Wild The herd of animals faces severe peril.

13. The Lion Guard: The Return of the Roar (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 savannah region. It revolves around Kion as he gathers all the members of the Lion Guard for their duty to safeguard and monitor the Pride Lands during their quest. 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 adventurous, dramatic film filled with family-friendly content and 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. The story centers around Lady Liuwa, an independent female lion residing in the Liuwa Plain of Zambia. Left without a pride to support her against threats like hunting and surviving alone on the plains, she must take every measure possible for self-preservation. Can The Last Lone 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 animal attack incidents on set. 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 The sequel 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. They construct an airplane to return home to New York. However, the creatures end up Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa plunge into a wild area in 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 boy named Gisani thwarts an attempt by a trophy hunter to kill a revered and majestic white lion calledLetsatsi. Having been ousted from his pride, Letsatsi must fend for himself alone. Even though he faces rejection due to his coat color, Gisani goes to great lengths to protect the lion’s life against 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 faced by the king of the jungle. This film draws inspiration from the life of George Adamson, a naturalist. In addition to the movie, George’s tale also served as the basis for a book entitled Born Free. The movie tracks George and his helper 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 impending threat.

21. The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)

• IMDb rating: 6.8/10
• Runtime: 1h 50m
• Director: Stephen Hopkins
• Writer: William Goldman

In The Phantom and the Lions A bridge engineer and a 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 subsequent 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-Kington

In The Lion Cub from Harrods In the late 1960s, a young lion named Christian was bought from a London department store. Three years afterward, he was successfully reintroduced into the wild in Africa. The movie includes authentic archival video and photos capturing Christian’s journey through his time in London and 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 and their buffalo quarry find themselves confined to an island. This intense documentary, voiced by Jeremy Irons, follows a lion pride as they pursue and endeavor to take down the exceedingly strong buffaloes amidst challenging surroundings 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 enchanted 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 forests, a young girl rescues a wolf pup and an orphaned lion cub. This bond transforms their destinies irrevocably.

Which movies feature a lion as one of the characters?

Take a look at the top films featuring lions mentioned above.

Which film features an actual lion?

Roar In 1981, a film utilized live lions, which unfortunately led to several animal accidents. This movie ranks among the riskiest productions ever created.

Which film features many lions?

Roar is a movie featuring numerous lions. It came out in 1981.

Which Disney film features a lion?

The Lion King And its follow-ups are Disney creations starring lions.

Though movies featuring lions are enjoyable, they carry important messages too. Certain films encourage people to safeguard nature, whereas others spread awareness against poaching. Consequently, these movies serve as excellent entertainment for both children and grown-ups.

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