In the era of the Marvel cinematic universe era and computer-generated animations, The Lion King(1994) continues to roar. It is among the top 15 highest-grossing animated films of all time and the only 2D-animated movie among the bunch.

Forbes also called it the most successful franchise ever after its net worth reached over $11 billion in 2019 during its anniversary. What made this film compelling after all these years?

1. The Animation Is Beautiful

The Lion King was the recipient of the 1995 Annie Awards for Best Animated Feature. (If you’re wondering why it didn’t grab an Oscars, the award-giving body didn’t include this category until the 2000s.)

This recognition is a testament to the gorgeousness of its animation. The animators used some of the most beautiful 2D drawings. The vivid hues and flawless movements are so artistic.

Audiences also loved the way it depicted animals and their emotions. It made viewers feel like they were also part of the story because everything looked authentic. Critics noted how well-rounded each character is to identify with even the villains immediately.

Many people may now view this type of animation as “ancient.” However, this film proved that it still has the capacity to wow viewers, which is why hiring 2D animation outsourcing companies still makes sense today.

2. The Plot Is Solid and Engaging

The main characters need to be loveable and relatable in a family-friendly movie. Mufasa, Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and Scar all have these traits.

If you want to make a movie that will resonate with audiences, having characters people can relate to is a good idea. It also helps if you give them unique personalities that set them apart from the rest of the cast. The Lion King did that well, which explains why it became a massive success among families and millennials alike even after almost three decades.

3. The Music Rocks

Music is one of the essential parts of a movie. The right song can help convey messages and evoke certain emotions from viewers (remember “Let It Go”?). It also enhances the impact of a scene, letting audiences feel what characters experience as they go through life’s struggles.

Because of its music, kids who grew up with The Lion King learned important messages without even realizing it. For example, “The Circle of Life” teaches them about the cycle of life, while “I Just Can’t-Wait to Be King” reminds them not to brag too much.

On top of that, the songs are entertaining to sing along with, so you can remember these truths every time you hear them. It makes people fondly recall how the film impacted their lives.

It isn’t surprising then that “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. This tune is now regarded as one of Elton John’s best songs and became a best-selling single in the UK when it was released.

4. The Voice Cast Delivered

Famous artists lent their voices to the animated movie, giving it exceptional production value. Critics hailed the cast for bringing life into their roles. The animals sound convincing even when they speak, which is a testament to the directing and acting chops in this film.

They’re also spot-on regarding inflections, from Simba’s timidness to Mufasa’s firm authority. Even Scar, a villain, has a distinct voice that makes audiences remember him as an individual rather than just another bad guy in the story.

In the end, no one can fault celebrities from around the world jumping on board to be part of this project. And due to their efforts, The Lion King became one of the best-received Disney films ever.

It takes more than beautiful graphics and CGI to make a movie sell and beat the test of time. It requires relatable characters, excellent storytelling, beautiful music, and a star-studded voice cast. The Lion King has all these things, making it a classic that will be remembered for years to come.