Three decades later, The Lion King still hakuna matatas its way into our lives!

Lion King is not just a movie, it’s a feeling that stays with you for years on end. Here's why the movie is still so celebrated three decades after its release!

The minute I say The Lion King, the OG soundtrack starts playing in your head, doesn’t it? That’s simply the power this movie holds over our minds. It’s not just a random animated film about a cub that grew up and took his throne. It's a life lesson disguised as a Disney movie. The iconic voice of James Earl Jones as Mufasa is imprinted in my mind every time life puts me at a crossroads, I hear his ‘remember who you are’ crawl up on me. The movie was released in 1994, when I still wasn't born but little did I know that it would be my first introduction into the world of cinema. Just like little Simba, I remember how the ‘circle of life’ concept stuck with me even as a kid. But as an adult, Hakuna Matata has started to hit closer to home now more than ever! Like Timon said, it means no worries for the rest of your days, it’s our problem-free philosophy and who wouldn’t want to adapt to that life? It looks too good to be true! 

Everything from the songs to the attention to detail does not go unnoticed even 30 years post its release and there’s a reason why there have been so many sequels, prequels and live action remakes on it. It’s a legacy that simply keeps living on and passed down generation after generation. The Lion King has also been deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, leading to its selection for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. This designation acknowledges its impact and lasting value beyond its entertainment success and how the film went on to become one of the biggest Disney franchises ever!

Also Read: 11 Disney movie songs I enjoy till date as an early 2000s kid!

Here’s why it manages to stay relevant even today!

The familial values taught in the film never feel outdated!

The Lion King is all about loving your family, your tribe. It’s about carrying forward traditions and standing up against evil. Sometimes life needs you to take your place in the circle of life and sometimes it simply isn’t that serious and you can Hakuna Matata all the way! 

The songs make you want to sing along no matter where you are or what mood you’re in

From the Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Hakunana Matata, I Just Can’t Wait to be King to Be Prepared, there’s a song for every mood in The Lion King album. These songs elevate the film on another level and the album is perfect for jam sessions with your friends group!

It gave us a hero’s journey like no other!

Simba’s journey is inspirational to say the least! From being outcasted from his own clan to finding his way back to pride rock, he made us root for him as he rose from the ashes quite literally! 

Scar is arguably one of the best on-screen antagonists we’ve seen in three decades

Scar wasn’t just your typical villain who did bad things. He was cunning, you never knew what his next move would be and his eyes screamed evil. His anger is something I am petrified of even today but, more than that, it’s the smirk that he has on his face when he puts together his next plot against Mufasa.

The female characters are just as strong as the male leads

Nala and Sarabi were lionesses who did not come to play! They stood up for their pride when the lions were gone and survived Scar’s reign even though it was the toughest thing they ever had to do. Let’s not forget it was Nala who motivated Simba to go back home at the end of the day and Sarabi who gave Simba the strength to fight against Scar. They were fierce female characters who also wore their heart on their sleeves when they needed to.

Even the supporting cast is just as popular as the leads 

It’s not that The Lion King is just popular because of Simba’s arc. Timon, Pumba and even supporting characters like Zazu and Rafiki have a fan base of their own. Their character arcs are just as interesting and add to the film’s iconic image till date.

The film is a masterclass on voice acting

Even though the makers showed emotions through the animation, it was the voices that did the real acting. James Earl Jones’ voice as Mufasa, Jeremy Irons as Scar, or Nathan Lane as Timon - everyone brought their A game to the table and made us believe in every emotion that these characters went through!

Here’s to three decades of one of the best Disney movies of all time and here’s to us passing the baton to the next generation who’ll grow up watching this film!

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