Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- warm
- playful
- earnest
- family movie night
- children's viewing
What critics said
Critics generally found it a winning, unusually strong direct-to-video sequel for children and families, while noting that its music, animation, and artistic flair fall short of the original.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Kiara and Kovu's growing bond is opposed by Simba's distrust and Zira's inherited vendetta against the ruling Pride Lands.
Simba and Nala's daughter Kiara becomes the central protagonist while the previous film's heroes occupy parental and supporting roles.
Kovu is raised by Zira to avenge Scar and overthrow Simba, forcing his personal identity to contend with his family's ideology.
Zira's plan to use Kovu against Simba is known while Kiara approaches Kovu as a genuine friend and romantic connection.
Films like The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, and why
The Lion King
animated coming-of-age romance centered on divided families, inherited conflict, and reconciliation
The Swan Princess
animated romantic drama adapting a forbidden-love structure through colorful animal characters and musical storytelling
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
family animation combining romance, generational conflict, comic sidekicks, and an uplifting reconciliation arc
Movie Details
- Director
- Darrell Rooney
- Release Date
- 1998-10-24
- Runtime
- 81 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (4764)
Cast
- Matthew Broderick
- Neve Campbell
- Jason Marsden
- Nathan Lane
- Ernie Sabella
- Andy Dick
- Robert Guillaume
- James Earl Jones
- Moira Kelly
- Suzanne Pleshette
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- Rent
- Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Lion King II: Simba's Pride about?
- A headstrong lion princess and a rival heir challenge their families’ inherited hatred through friendship, romance, and reconciliation.
- What is The Lion King II: Simba's Pride like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Lion King II: Simba's Pride violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride as mild.
- What did critics think of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride?
- Critics generally found it a winning, unusually strong direct-to-video sequel for children and families, while noting that its music, animation, and artistic flair fall short of the original.
- Which films are like The Lion King II: Simba's Pride?
- Films with a similar feel include The Lion King, The Swan Princess, and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
- How long is The Lion King II: Simba's Pride?
- The Lion King II: Simba's Pride runs 81 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Lion King II: Simba's Pride?
- In United States, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride streams on Disney Plus.
