Many individuals are captivated by lions, often referred to as the kings of the jungle. These creatures valiantly safeguard their family groups, earning them recognition among countless humans who regard them as some of nature’s grandest beasts. Lions command respect and admiration due to their power and courage. Various filmmakers have brought these majestic animals to life on screen through different productions aimed at highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of lions.

Certain individuals watch films merely to fill up their time, whereas some gain knowledge from them. Numerous television shows, documentary features, animated works, and cinematic productions featuring lions have drawn inspiration from these regal animals. The compilation of movies involving lions takes into account IMDb scores, film recognition, as well as the significance of the lion within each production. Please bear in mind that this listing might be influenced by individual perspectives since preferences can vary greatly.

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 plenty of excellent films featuring lions across various genres including drama, documentary, and even horror. Below you’ll find a selection of some of the finest lion-centric movies.
1. The Lion King
2. Pride Rock: Up Close and Personal
3. Roar: The Predator’s Prey
4. Ghosts of Africa’s Past
5. Lions vs Hyenas: A Savage Saga

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

This Disney production ranks among the greatest animated lion films ever made. The movie follows a young cub called Simba. His dad, Mufasa, meets an untimely end at the hands of Scar, who covets the throne for himself. Consequently, Simba must flee from Pride Lands to protect his own life. After many years have passed, he comes back to reclaim Pride Lands and 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 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. Recognizing that defeating this opposing clan would result in harm to her offspring, 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 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 an adorable young lioness called Mara, a swift cheetah known as Sita, along with Fang, who leads the pride.

African Cats

, the group has to go to great lengths to safeguard their community from a vicious adversary 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 unfold.

Secondhand Lions

, Walter and Jasmine share an impressive rapport.

5.

Born Free

(1966)

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

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 an impressive lion named Elsa whom George manages to tame. However, Elsa causes quite a stir, leading George’s superiors to return her to the wilderness. After a year, George finds joy when he discovers that Elsa 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

is one of the top movies featuring lions available on Netflix.

Madagascar

A group of runaway penguins accidentally helps four pampered animals break free from their enclosure at the New York Central Zoo. Once they manage to flee the zoo, these creatures end up in Madagascar where they have to adapt to life as wild animals.

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

is not a lion-themed movie, it is on the list of cartoon movies with lions. The story revolves around Judy, a rookie officer at the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD) and her mission to unearth an ominous plot. It features Mayor Lionheart, a lion who is the noble but pompous 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 predators are desperate due to the ongoing drought. Despite enduring several attacks, they lose some members who are killed by the lions.

9.

The Wizard Of Oz

(1939)

• 
  IMDb rating:
  
  8.1/10
• 
  Runtime:
  
  1h 42m
• 
  Directors:
  
  Victor Fleming and King Vidor
• 
  Writers:
  
  Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and Edgar Allan Woolf

Most of the time, lions are portrayed as strong and ferocious creatures, yet

The Wizard of Oz

unveils a timid side. A young girl named Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, get 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 featuring lions assaulting humans. This movie presents a story about a recently bereaved father and his two adolescent daughters who choose to go to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. Their aim is to strengthen their family ties but end up confronting a vicious 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 lineup 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 crashing a celebration, which draws the notice of animal control officers. 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:
  
  Mark Gibson, Ed Decter, and John J. Strauss

The Wild

Follows the tale of Ryan, a young lion who mistakenly gets 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, a place where his dad, Samson, previously roamed. To save him, Samson and his companions must overcome their disagreements and journey to Africa together.

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 savanna. It revolves around Kion as he gathers all the members of the Lion Guard to embark on a quest to safeguard and oversee the Pride Lands. Through

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 close 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 viewers with the challenges faced by lions as a species. It centers around Lady Liuwa, an independent female lion residing on the Liuwa Plain in Zambia. Left without a pride to assist her in surviving both the wilderness and poachers, she must take every measure possible 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 lions-in-action films is

Roar

The movie is regarded as the most perilous production due to the involvement of numerous tigers and lions throughout the filming. Consequently, several animal assaults occurred on set. The characters within the film face exposure to 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 sequel to the 2005’s

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 creatures

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

crash-land in a wilderness 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 stops a poacher from slaying a revered white lion called Letsatsi. The lion was ousted from his group and now must fend for himself alone. Even though he faces rejection due to his pigmentation, Gisani goes to great lengths to protect the animal’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 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 return to the wild peacefully 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 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 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 for shooting purposes; all remaining scenes utilized five adult wild 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 were mentioned.

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 successfully reintroduced into the wilderness of 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 target find themselves isolated on an island. With narration provided by Jeremy Irons, this compelling documentary follows a lion pride attempting to chase down and catch the highly formidable buffalo amidst the challenging landscape of 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

, a wolf pup and a lost lion cub are rescued by a girl in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. Their friendship changes their lives forever.

What films have a lion in them?

Check out the best films with lions above.

What movie has a real lion in it?

Roar

In 1981, a film utilized actual lions, which unfortunately led to several animal attack incidents. This movie stands out as one of the riskiest productions ever undertaken.

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 a character?

The Lion King

and its sequels are Disney productions featuring lions.

Despite their captivating appeal featuring majestic lions, these movies carry significant messages too. Certain films encourage people to safeguard natural habitats, whereas others emphasize the importance of combating poaching. Consequently, such productions serve well for viewers young and old alike.

Recently, LIFEHACK.co.ke released a compilation of the most terrifying horror films ever made for enthusiasts of the genre. If you’re searching for the ultimate scary movies, platforms like Netflix, Showmax, Hulu, as well as box office hits and popular offerings on YouTube provide an abundance of choices.

Horror filmmakers and enthusiasts have transformed these locations into bustling 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.