entertainment / Sunday, 24-Aug-2025

I Love Frozen And The Lion King Equally, But One Of These Disney Classics Has A Clear Advantage Over The Other

The Lion Kingand Frozen are both beloved Disney movies with devoted fans. From James Earl Jones' captivating performance as Mufasa toFrozen's spectacular musical sequences, both movies have provided meaningful moments that become cherished memories. The timeless themes of growing up and learning how to become your person, combined with the music and lovable casts of characters have made Frozen and The Lion King standout entries in Disney's catalog.

However, those franchises are currently on opposite trajectories. As of today, The Lion King has had two movie sequels, a pair of TV shows, and two live-action movies. Meanwhile, Frozen has only had one sequel, but Disney has already announced a third and fourth entry into the Frozen franchise, ensuring that Elsa and Anna will continue to be on the big screen. These opposite paths show the differences between the two franchises but also demonstrate the clear advantage that Frozen holds over the 1990s classic.

Frozen Has A Better Sequel Than The Lion King

Frozen II Lives Up to the Original Better than Simba's Pride

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is not a bad sequel, but the direct-to-VHS movie fails to capture the same magic as the original. While the story of young love makes this a bit more kid-friendly, the animation, music, and emotional impact of the story all lag in comparison. The Lion King is more memorable and has more to keep you intrigued. On the flip side, Frozen II has a soundtrack that feels closer to its original and stunning animation that looks even better than the original. Their compelling story adds new layers to the franchise's growing world.

"There’s not enough spectacle, action, or emotional intrigue between the start and finish of Simba’s Pride." - Rick Stevenson - Screen Rant's The Lion King 2: Why Disney's Live-Action Sequel Won't Adapt Simba's Pride.

Simba's Pride feels stuck in the past at times, utilizing familiar villains and rehashing part of the first movie. Frozen II avoided that mistake by going to a new world, expanding the world within the franchise. The introduction of the spirits and utilization of new characters allowed for the story to feel fresh and give an explanation that fans had been asking for. That world-building opened up the door for more sequels and allowed for a richer story. Through learning more about the characters and their past, you can connect with them better, something that Simba's Pride lacked.

The Lion King Franchise Never Lived Up To The Original Movie

None of the Movies or TV Shows Could Capture the Magic

Hakuna Matata in The Lion King
Hakuna Matata in The Lion King

The Lion King set a very high bar to live up to, but none of its sequels, prequels, or remakes could figure out what made the original so good. Both of its direct-to-consumer sequels failed to garner as much praise, with the soundtracks lacking big hits and the stories feeling less impactful. Simba's Pride was closer in feel, but The Lion King 1 1/2 understood itself and gave beloved characters more backstory, helping make the original better. However, their animation styles lacked the same edge that the original had, leading to less critical acclaim.

10 Best Lion King Songs, Ranked

The best songs in the Lion King franchise bring every emotion to life, enhancing the story and making the movies unforgettable classics loved by all.

5

While the live-action movies have been received decently, they lack the feel of the original. Both look beautiful, but the updated cast doesn't bring about the feeling of nostalgia that the original does. The classic animation style told the story beautifully and the emotion was felt easier than with live action. Frozen does not have a live-action remake and has kept the emotions high throughout its sequels, putting it a notch above The Lion King. While both franchises are adored and every movie will have its fans, Frozen has shown that it's on top for now.

  • 01141228_poster_w780.jpg

    Your Rating

    Frozen
    8/10
    27
    8.6/10
    Release Date
    November 27, 2013
    Runtime
    102 minutes
    Director
    Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
    Writers
    Jennifer Lee

    Cast

    See All

    Frozen, released in 2013, follows young princess Anna of Arendelle on a perilous quest to halt an eternal winter cast by her sister, Elsa. Joined by Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and snowman Olaf, Anna navigates themes of friendship, courage, family, and love in her journey.

  • The Lion King (1994) - Poster

    Your Rating

    The Lion King
    44
    9.4/10
    Release Date
    June 24, 1994
    Runtime
    88 Minutes
    Director
    Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
    Writers
    Linda Woolverton, Jonathan Roberts, Irene Mecchi

    Cast

    See All
    • Headshot Of Matthew Broderick
      Matthew Broderick
    • Headshot Of Moira Kelly
      Moira Kelly

    The Lion King is an animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Released in 1994, it tells the story of Simba, a young lion cub who faces the responsibilities of adulthood and reclaiming his birthright as king of the Pride Lands. Featuring an iconic voice cast that includes Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons, the film explores themes of family, duty, and the circle of life.

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