Movies like The Lion and the Song (1959)
The best movies like The Lion and the Song (1959) are Lambert the Sheepish Lion (1952), The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2016) and The Lion King 1½ (2004). If The Lion and the Song hooked you with its animation, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Lion King (1994)8.3/10 from 20,404 votes
- NewestMufasa: The Lion King (2024)Released 2024
Lambert the Sheepish Lion (1952)
Disney Legend Sterling Holloway narrates this classic animated short. A mix-up by Mr. Stork finds a little lion cub in the care of a gentle flock of sheep. Doted on by his mother, but teased by the other lambs, Lambert soon grows to become a massive lion, but as shy and gentle as the ewe who raised him. When a hungry wolf begins to stalk the herd, will Lambert find the courage to protect his mama?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2016)
Set in the African savannah, the film follows Kion as he assembles the members of the 'Lion Guard'. Throughout the film, the diverse team of young animals will learn how to utilize each of their unique abilities to solve problems and accomplish tasks to maintain balance within the Circle of Life, while also introducing viewers to the vast array of animals that populate the prodigious African landscape.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Lion King 1½ (2004)
Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog are best pals and the unsung heroes of the African savanna. This prequel to the smash Disney animated adventure takes you back -- way back -- before Simba's adventure began. You'll find out all about Timon and Pumbaa and tag along as they search for the perfect home and attempt to raise a rambunctious lion cub.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMufasa: The Lion King (2024)
Mufasa, a cub lost and alone, meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of a group of misfits searching for their destiny.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Lion King (2019)
Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMickey's Circus (1936)
Mickey is ringmaster of a circus for orphans. Donald has a trained sea lion act, and does a bit of juggling himself. Mostly, though, he fights with a baby sea lion who keeps stealing both the fish and the show. Donald then finds himself and Mickey in an unrehearsed high wire act, which kicks into high gear when one of the orphans electrifies the wire. They end by doing a high dive into the seals' tank.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBoundin' (2003)
On a high mountain plain lives a lamb with wool of such remarkable sheen that he breaks into high-steppin' dance. But there comes a day when he loses his lustrous coat and, along with it, his pride. It takes a wise jackalope - a horn-adorned rabbit - to teach the moping lamb that wooly or not, it's what's inside that'll help him rebound from life's troubles.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRock Dog (2016)
When a radio falls from the sky into the hands of a wide-eyed Tibetan Mastiff, he leaves home to fulfill his dream of becoming a musician, setting into motion a series of completely unexpected events.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPiece by Piece (2024)
A unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music's most innovative minds.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRango (2011)
When Rango, a lost family pet, accidentally winds up in the gritty, gun-slinging Western town of Dirt, the theater-loving lizard suddenly finds himself the newly appointed sheriff. Welcomed as the last hope the town has been waiting for, Rango is forced to play his new role to the hilt and uncover the truth behind a looming water crisis—before his act catches up with him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisVivo (2021)
A music-loving kinkajou named Vivo embarks on the journey of a lifetime to fulfill his destiny and deliver a love song for an old friend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisArlo the Alligator Boy (2021)
Upon learning that he is from New York City, a wide-eyed boy, who is half human and half alligator, decides to leave his sheltered life in the swamp and search for his long lost father. A musical adventure.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSing: Thriller (2024)
Buster Moon dreams up a star-studded spectacle set to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in this animated short featuring characters from the hit "Sing" films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMinions & More Volume 2 (2022)
This collection of 11 short films produced by Illumination includes: From the "Despicable Me" franchise: Mower Minions (2016); Yellow Is the New Black (2018); Competition (2015); Cro Minion (2015); Binky Nelson Unpacified (2015); Panic in the Mailroom (2013). From the "Secret Life of Pets" franchise: Super Gidget (2019). From the "Sing" franchise: Eddie's Life Coach (2017); Gunter Babysits (2017). From the "Lorax" franchise: Serenade (2012); Wagon Ho! (2012).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRock Dog 2: Rock Around the Park (2021)
When Bodi and his band 'True Blue' leave Snow Mountain to tour with pop sensation Lil' Foxy, they learn that fame comes at a price.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSing 2 (2021)
Buster and his new cast now have their sights set on debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City. But with no connections, he and his singers must sneak into the Crystal Entertainment offices, run by the ruthless wolf mogul Jimmy Crystal, where the gang pitches the ridiculous idea of casting the lion rock legend Clay Calloway in their show. Buster must embark on a quest to find the now-isolated Clay and persuade him to return to the stage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMusic Land (1935)
Musical instruments are the stars of a romantic fable set in the Land of Symphony and the Isle of Jazz, two islands separated by the Sea of Discord. The violin princess and the saxophone prince fall in love, but must meet secretly in order to avoid the wrath of their parents, the Symphony queen and the Jazz king. The queen finds the boy saxophone on her island, attempting to woo her daughter. She has him locked in the metronome, but the young lover manages to send a note - in fact, several musical notes on sheet music - that conveys the message that he has been imprisoned. The Isle of Jazz declares war by blasting musical notes across the sea. The only thing that can bring peace and harmony to the Sea of Discord is love.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMelody Time (1948)
In the grand tradition of Disney's great musical classics, Melody Time features seven timeless stories, each enhanced with high-spirited music and unforgettable characters. You'll be sure to tap your toes and clap your hands in this witty feast for the eyes and ears.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Land Before Time VI: The Secret of Saurus Rock (1998)
Littlefoot's grandfather narrates the story about the Lone Dinosaur that killed a Sharptooth. A giant monolith formed after the fight and if it's destroyed, bad luck will loom over the valley.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Lion King (1994)
Young lion prince Simba, eager to one day become king of the Pride Lands, grows up under the watchful eye of his father Mufasa; all the while his villainous uncle Scar conspires to take the throne for himself. Amid betrayal and tragedy, Simba must confront his past and find his rightful place in the Circle of Life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisEl Materdor (2008)
Mater is a matador fighting a herd of bulldozers in Spain. When Lightning McQueen enters the story, the bulldozers begin to chase him due to his red paint.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
SnoozefestMovies like thisThere is exactly enough time (2021)
Oskar Salomonowitz, the 12-year-old son of filmmakers Anja Salomonowitz and Virgil Widrich, had drawn 206 pictures in a flip book when he died in an accident. His father continued to draw the film with the remaining 482 sheets.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Return of the Monster (2017)
A little boy is bedeviled by recurring nightmares of a monster that just won’t go away.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Health for the Americas: Cleanliness Brings Health (1945)
The comparison of two rural families to demonstrate the need for proper hygiene and the consequences of its neglect.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Night (1930)
The moon and two owls sing to the Blue Danube Waltz, celebrating the night. Moths dance around a candle flame, fireflies glow, frogs chorus, and so forth.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Cactus Kid (1930)
Mickey walks into the tavern where Minnie is dancing, and begins to dance and play piano himself. Pegleg Pete comes in and treats Minnie badly. Mickey tries to defend her, but Pete steals her away. Mickey, riding Horace Horsecollar, gives chase. He manages to throw Pete off a cliff.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Shitcom (2013)
This work was created for screening at the "3rd Unko (Poop) Film Festival" (held on September 19, 2012), organized by manga artist Shintaro Kago. The Unko Film Festival is a rather unique event dedicated to screening video works—ranging from live-action and animation to CG—centered on themes like poop, toilets, and excretion (though actual feces and anuses were strictly off-limits). I participated both as a guest and as a filmmaker submitting a piece. While I had previously dealt with internal organs and vomit in my work, this was my first time tackling poop, so I was quite nervous. - Takena
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Touch (1991)
Made when the director was at the Royal College of Art, an animated film illustrating that life is made up of a succession of meeting and partings.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Bonita & the Bandit (2024)
Bonita & the Bandit is a short film and the full, color-version, of the 'mini-Episode' that plays throughout the Short Film GRUFF.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Sweet Dreams (2003)
A little boy is having trouble falling asleep because there are monsters in his bedroom
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Like The Lion and the Song and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Lion and the Song?
The closest matches to The Lion and the Song are Lambert the Sheepish Lion (1952), The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2016) and The Lion King 1½ (2004). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Lion and the Song?
Start with Lambert the Sheepish Lion (1952), the closest match to The Lion and the Song.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Lion and the Song?
The Lion King (1994), rated 8.3/10 by 20,404 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Lion and the Song?
Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to The Lion and the Song chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Lion and the Song, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.