What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Lion King
Film · 1994
If you loved The Lion King, start with Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh, 1996) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Lion King across media.
What hooked you in The Lion King was the way a young hero finds their true path through profound loss.
Start with the source
The source
Hamlet
Kenneth Branagh · Film · 1996
Adaptation
Ophelia
Claire McCarthy · Film · 2019
Adaptation
Mufasa: The Lion King
Barry Jenkins · Film · 2024
Books on the same thread
King Lear
William Shakespeare · Book · 2009
Explores: familial betrayal, descent into madness, filial ingratitude.
If the betrayal and power struggle in The Lion King gripped you, this classic tragedy explores the devastating fallout of familial conflict and the heavy burden of ruling a kingdom.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Clive Staples Lewis · Book · 1998
Shares a thread with The Lion King: Coming of Age.
Like Simba in The Lion King, the young protagonists here face a grand destiny that requires them to overcome great evil and embrace their roles in a wider world.
Tarzan
Edgar Rice Burroughs · Book · 1914
Shares a thread with The Lion King: Coming of Age.
Much like the coming-of-age journey in The Lion King, this story follows a character finding his place in the wild while grappling with the responsibilities of his true nature.
The Chronicles of Narnia
C. S. Lewis · Book · 1950
Shares a thread with The Lion King: Coming-of-Age.
The epic battle between good and evil mirrors the stakes of The Lion King, offering a sweeping narrative of sacrifice and redemption that resonates with Simba’s own path.
Series on the same thread
Naruto
Series · 2002
Shares 2 threads with The Lion King: Coming of Age, Destiny.
If you valued the underdog’s journey to leadership in The Lion King, you will connect with this story of a young outcast determined to earn recognition and protect his home.
Pokémon
Series · 1997
Explores: Friendship, Personal Growth, Overcoming Challenges.
The spirit of personal growth and facing challenges alongside loyal friends in The Lion King is perfectly echoed in this quest to master new skills and reach a dream.
Spider-Man
Series · 1994
Shares 2 threads with The Lion King: Responsibility, Coming-of-Age.
The weight of responsibility that defines Simba in The Lion King serves as the core of this narrative, where a young hero balances his personal life with heroic duties.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Series · 2019
Explores: Demon Hunting, Sisterhood, Revenge.
The grief and drive for justice that propel the plot of The Lion King are central here, as a character embarks on a perilous journey to avenge his family.
Podcasts on the same thread
Motivation by King The Beasts
Podcast
Explores: Personal Growth, Goal Setting, Positive Thinking.
If the motivational themes of destiny and self-improvement in The Lion King inspired you, this podcast offers daily guidance on finding your purpose and directing your own life path.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This show captures the sense of high adventure and group dynamics found in The Lion King, providing a comedic but epic experience centered on characters finding their own fortune.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Lion King based on Hamlet?
The Lion King draws significant thematic inspiration from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. While the 1994 film follows Simba's journey to reclaim his throne, you can explore the original narrative structure by watching the 1996 film adaptation of Hamlet or the 2019 film Ophelia to see how these classic stories compare.
What order should I watch The Lion King movies in?
To follow the narrative timeline of the Pride Lands, you should start with the 1994 version of The Lion King. After experiencing Simba's journey to the throne, you can watch Mufasa: The Lion King, which serves as a prequel exploring the history of his father before the events of the original film.
Does Mufasa: The Lion King explain the backstory of the original film?
Yes, Mufasa: The Lion King functions as a prequel to the 1994 film. It provides essential context regarding the life of Mufasa and the events that shaped the Pride Lands before Simba was born, offering deeper insight into the characters featured in the original The Lion King story.
Are there other movies like The Lion King that deal with royal betrayal?
If you enjoyed the themes of betrayal and usurping the throne in The Lion King, you should watch the 1996 film adaptation of Hamlet. The story of Simba confronting his uncle Scar mirrors the classic Shakespearean conflict of a prince seeking justice against a treacherous relative who stole his crown.