Movie or TV show · Low risk
Is The Lion King safe for your child?
Age guide
6+
We advise The Lion King from age 6 and up. Overall risk 3/10 (low risk).
- 5-8
- Younger children will appreciate the vibrant animation and catchy songs, though the themes of loss and betrayal, particularly Mufasa's death, can be intense for this age group.
- 9-12
- Children in this age range can better understand the narrative arc, including themes of responsibility, leadership, and overcoming adversity, while still enjoying the musical and visual spectacle.
- 13-15
- Teenagers might revisit the film for its nostalgic value or appreciate its classic storytelling structure and emotional depth, including the complexities of family dynamics and destiny.
- 16+
- Older viewers may engage with the film's allegorical elements, its cultural impact, or simply enjoy it as a timeless piece of animated cinema, reflecting on its enduring themes of life and death.
This animated Disney classic tells the epic coming-of-age story of Simba, a young lion cub destined to rule the Pride Lands. After a tragedy orchestrated by his evil uncle Scar, Simba flees and must eventually return to reclaim his rightful place.
- Age guide
- 6+
- Overall risk
- 3/10
- Violence
- 3/10
- Toxic behaviour
- 1/10
- Stranger contact
- 1/10
- Addiction risk
- 8/10
- Language
- 1/10
- Influence
- 4/10
What parents should know
The Lion King is a classic animated film with strong themes of family, responsibility, and overcoming adversity. While it contains emotional moments, particularly the death of a parent, it ultimately delivers a positive message about courage and leadership. Parents should be prepared to discuss the more intense scenes with younger children.
What to do about The Lion King
Free with a Parentwise account. The age-by-age verdict needs your child's age, which is why it lives behind the account.
- The age-by-age verdict
What we advise for under 8, 8-12 and 13+ - our age guide for The Lion King is 6+, and the answer changes with your child's age. - The one setting to change tonight
The exact The Lion King setting that cuts the most risk, with the steps to find it. - What to say
Word-for-word openers for talking about The Lion King without a row. - Red flags to watch for
The signals in The Lion King that mean it is time to step in.
The Lion King age rating and parents guide: common questions
What age rating is The Lion King?
Parentwise puts The Lion King at 6+. We advise The Lion King from age 6 and up. Overall risk 3/10 (low risk). Violence scores 3/10, language 1/10, stranger contact 1/10 and addiction risk 8/10.
Can a 10 year old watch The Lion King?
Yes, 10 is at or above the age we advise for The Lion King (6+). Children in this age range can better understand the narrative arc, including themes of responsibility, leadership, and overcoming adversity, while still enjoying the musical and visual spectacle.
Can a 12 year old watch The Lion King?
Yes, 12 is at or above the age we advise for The Lion King (6+). Children in this age range can better understand the narrative arc, including themes of responsibility, leadership, and overcoming adversity, while still enjoying the musical and visual spectacle.
Can a 13 year old watch The Lion King?
Yes, 13 is at or above the age we advise for The Lion King (6+). Teenagers might revisit the film for its nostalgic value or appreciate its classic storytelling structure and emotional depth, including the complexities of family dynamics and destiny.
Is The Lion King appropriate for kids?
The Lion King is a classic animated film with strong themes of family, responsibility, and overcoming adversity. Parentwise rates The Lion King overall as low risk (3/10), with stranger contact at 1/10 and addiction risk at 8/10.
Is The Lion King family friendly?
The Lion King is one of the lower-risk titles we rate. While it contains emotional moments, particularly the death of a parent, it ultimately delivers a positive message about courage and leadership.
The Lion King parents guide: what should a parent know first?
The Lion King is a classic animated film with strong themes of family, responsibility, and overcoming adversity. The parts that most often catch parents out are stranger contact (1/10) and how hard it pulls for more time (8/10).
Is The Lion King safe for kids?
We advise The Lion King from age 6 and up. Overall risk 3/10 (low risk). While it contains emotional moments, particularly the death of a parent, it ultimately delivers a positive message about courage and leadership.
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Release and popularity data comes in part from RAWG, TVMaze (CC BY-SA) and Wikidata (CC0). Safety guidance is written by Parentwise.