15 Best Quotes From ‘The Lion King’

With the release of the live-action prequel Mufasa, we’re taking a look at the original animated classic. Disney’s The Lion King was released in 1994 and revolutionized the world of animation forever. Combining awe-inspiring visuals, great characters, top-class voice acting, and one of the greatest original soundtracks of all time, the movie was an instant hit with critics and audiences alike and went on to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It held on to this title until it was overtaken by Finding Nemo in 2023, but still remains the highest-grossing traditionally animated film, as well as the best-selling film on home video.

Aside from the aforementioned qualities, it also boasts one of the finest scripts Disney has ever written. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, The Lion King masterfully blends drama and humor and is responsible for a plethora of iconic quotes that have been etched into the minds of anyone who has had the pleasure of experiencing the movie.

15

“I Laugh in the Face of Danger!” – Simba

Ignoring Zazu and his father’s warning, Simba and Nala visit the forbidden Elephant Graveyard. Simba defiantly declares the line mere moments before he is ambushed by a pack of hyenas.

The Moment Is a Symbol of Simba’s Naivety

Having just sung about his desire to be king, he is filled with youthful recklessness and overconfidence. Desperate to prove himself as a brave future king, he is quickly brought back to reality and is relieved when his father comes to his rescue.

14

“Being Brave Doesn’t Mean You Go Looking for Trouble.” – Mufasa

After rescuing his son Simba from the Hyena ambush at the Elephant Graveyard, Simba admits his recklessness and explains he was just trying to be brave like his father. It’s at this point Mufasa imparts some hard-hitting truths about the nature of bravery.

Mufasa Proves to Be a Wise Mentor

Simba looks up to his father, and it’s this kind of advice that would have subconsciously stuck with him and undoubtedly led to him returning to the Pride Lands as an adult. Learning the true meaning of bravery instead of his previous naive understanding of courage drives him to take his rightful place as the king, later in the movie.

13

“I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts!” – Zazu

With Simba absent and Mufasa no longer alive, Scar has taken charge of the Pride Lands. The tyrannical ruling has led to a food scarcity and appalling living conditions for the rest of the pride. Unphased by the devastation he has caused, he gorges on food and keeps Zazu, the red-and-yellow-billed hornbill, trapped in a cage. Once King Mufasa’s most trusted advisor and assistant, Zazu is now forced to perform at Scar’s beck and call for his entertainment.

Zazu Tries to Find Humor in Dire Circumstances

The scene starts with Zazu singing the downbeat “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” to reflect the circumstances, but Scar insists he sings something more upbeat. He starts by jokingly beginning to sing the annoyingly catchy ‘It’s a Small World After All’ song to Scar’s dismay before settling on the Fred Heatherton 1944 novelty hit “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts.” The scene emphasizes Scar’s cruelty and Zazu’s exasperation, whilst still using the character for moments of comic relief.

12

“Run. Run Away and Never Return.” – Scar

The Lion King undeniably features one of the saddest death scenes ever to appear in a movie, period. The villainous Scar orchestrates a stampede, which he uses to murder Mufasa, King of the Pride Lands. What makes the scene so disturbing is that Mufasa is Scar’s own brother, and to have orchestrated this plan, he also puts his young nephew Simba, Mufasa’s son, in danger, leading to Mufasa rushing to the rescue. On top of that, he gaslights Simba into thinking his father’s death was his fault.

A Pivotal Moment in the Movie

Simba, riddled with guilt, believing he was responsible for his own father’s death is told by Scar that the only way to deal with this and avoid the fallout is to leave the Pride Lands and never return. This leads to Scar taking charge and the downfall of the kingdom.

11

“What Do You Want Me to Do, Dress in Drag & Do the Hula?” – Timon

Timon and Pumbaa are undoubtedly the prime source of comic relief in The Lion King. One scene in particular that stands out is when Timon dresses in a hula skirt and maniacally dances to distract the Hyenas while Simba approaches Scar’s lair.

Timon and Pumbaa add Levity to an Otherwise Ultra Tense Sequence

As Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa attempt to quietly sneak into Scar’s lair past a dangerous pack of hungry hyenas, the initial suggestion of dressing in drag and dancing the hula is made sarcastically by Timon in jest. The quick and unexpected cut to the scene actually unfolding, with Pumbaa served on a platter, not only creates the perfect diversion, but also comedy gold.

10

“When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so, we are all connected in the great circle of life.” – Mufasa

The iconic quote is spoken by Mufasa to Simba towards the beginning of the movie during the scene in which he is showing Simba the Pride Lands from the top of Pride Rock. James Earl Jones’ calm yet authoritative delivery as Mufasa set to the stunning backdrop of the Pride lands makes for one of the most memorable moments in the movie.

It Represents the Movie’s Central Theme

This quote encapsulates the film’s theme of interconnections and balance in nature and is a reference to the Oscar and Grammy-nominated song written by Elton John and Tim Rice. It teaches Simba about respect for nature and his responsibility as a future king.

9

“The Great Kings of the Past Look Down on Us From Those Stars.” – Mufasa

As a young Simba and his father spend time together after a day of bonding and look to the skies, Mufasa, yet again, is on hand to offer Simba words of wisdom, advice, and reassurance.

Mufasa Provides Simba With Some Much-Needed Reassurance

During a rare moment in which Simba puts aside his youthful confidence and exhibits a more vulnerable side, his father is there to offer reassurance. Simba expresses his concerns over being able to live up to his father and take on his royal responsibilities. Mufasa lets him know the spirits of their ancestors, the great kings, will forever look down on him and continue to guide him from the stars.

8

“Long Live the King.” – Scar

Scar, one of the most despicable villains ever committed to film, utters the iconic line “Long live the King” moments before throwing his own brother, the king of the Pride Lands, to his horrific death.

A Cruel Twist

The phrase is used as a cruel twist on a line from Macbeth, as Scar is both taking the life of the current king and setting himself up as the new king. The haunting delivery from Jeremy Irons as Scar as he looks his brother dead in the eyes before committing the atrocious act has no doubt scarred the minds of thousands of children (and adults) across the globe.

7

“I’m Surrounded by Idiots.” – Scar

Positioning himself as the leader of the hyena pack may have been a strategic move for Scar in his plans to rule Pride Rock, but his inflated ego and his exasperation at his “inferior” minions is never kept secret.

The Meme-Worthy Quote Is Often Used on ‘Lion King’ Merchandise

It’s safe to say that almost everyone has experienced, at least once, a similar sense of exasperation. Used in many a meme about incompetent coworkers and plastered across a plethora of Lion King merchandise, it’s this relatability that has made this particular quote so enduring.

6

“Look Simba, Everything the Light Touches Is Our Kingdom.” – Mufasa

Another iconic moment between Mufasa and Simba from atop Pride Rock. Overlooking a gorgeous sunset, Mufasa calmly explains to Simba what to expect from being king, and just how vast the kingdom and, ergo, the ruling responsibility truly is.

Even Being a King Comes With Limitations

The light represents the areas under his care and protection, emphasizing the balance of nature that a ruler must maintain. But the quote also hints at the limits of power, as the shadows beyond signify the unknown or forbidden. This moment teaches Simba that being king is not just about authority but also about safeguarding and respecting the delicate harmony of their world.

5

“Oh Yes, the Past Can Hurt. But from the Way I See It, You Can Either Run From It or Learn From It.” – Rafiki

After reuniting with Nala, Simba is forced to face some harsh truths, and it becomes somewhat overwhelming. Previously, his wise father would have undoubtedly been on hand to offer fatherly advice but since his passing, Simba feels alone. Then, as if by magic, Rafiki, the wacky Mandrill, enters the picture. In the movie’s most surreal moment, using cryptic wisdom and zany humor, he reminds Simba of his true identity and reignites his drive. Combining intelligence and wit, after hitting Simba on the head with a stick, Rafiki imparts these particular words of wisdom.

Rafiki Is a Wise Yet Eccentric Presence in Simba’s Life

Throughout his life, Simba received most of his advice and guidance from his father. Since his father’s untimely passing, though, a void was created. Rafiki, despite being by far the most eccentric character in the movie, actually proves to be pivotal to Simba’s story arc. The advice he provides spurs him on to return to the Pride Lands and fight for what’s just.

4

Simba: “What’s a Motto?” Timon: “Nothing. What’s the Motto with You?”

This simple pun perfectly encapsulates Timon and sidekick Pumbaa’s fun and carefree nature. It’s a perfect introduction to the movie’s funniest characters.

Timon and Pumbaa Serve as the Movie’s Comic Relief

In true Disney fashion, The Lion King masterfully blends a serious and emotionally powerful narrative with plenty of fun and humor, creating a rich and balanced storytelling experience. The film tackles weighty themes like loss, responsibility, and identity but being a family film, jokes like this as well as songs and plenty of visual gags are thrown in to prevent the film from getting a little too heavy.

3

“Asante Sana, Squash Banana, Wewe Nugu, Mimi Hapana” – Rafiki

This is a nonsensical chant hilariously sung by Rafiki. What makes it even funnier is that this eccentric is sandwiched between genuine words of wismon, making it a challenge for Simba to distinguish what is what.

The Words Actually Derive From Swahili

It is based on a Swahili playground rhyme “Thank you very much (squash banana), you’re a baboon and I’m not!” Which makes it even more funny as Simba, a lion, is clearly not a baboon, adding to the absurdity of the rhyme and emphasizing Rafiki’s quirky and eccentric manner.

2

“Before Sunrise, He’s Your Son.” – Mufasa

A quote many parents across the globe can relate to, Mufasa playfully attempts to shift parental responsibility of his son. The words are jokingly uttered by Mufasa to his partner (Simba’s mother), Narabi after Simba comes bounding into the lair, at an ungodly hour in the morning, looking for attention.

A Refreshing Glimpse at Mufasa’s Humorous Side

Mufasa very much serves as the voice of wisdom and reason throughout the movie, he is on hand to protect and guide Simba and is in charge of ruling and maintaining harmony throughout the Pride Lands. Here, however, it’s refreshing to see him exhibit a slightly more lighthearted and playful side to his otherwise very serious personality.

1

“Hakuna Matata!” – Timon and Pumbaa

Following the death of Mufasa, Simba has run away from his kingdom, riddled with grief and guilt, things appear to be at an all-time low. Enter Timon and Pumbaa. The pair bring a much-needed sense of joy and happiness into Simba’s life with their fun-loving antics and carefree lifestyle. This is summarized by their own motto of “Hakuna Matata,” which they also, coincidentally, have an incredibly catchy song about.

It Means No Worries

A Swahili phrase meaning “no worries” or “no troubles” it is the perfect embodiment of everything Timon and Pumbaa stand for. They live a carefree lifestyle focused on taking it easy and having fun. They develop a strong bond with Simba, though, and despite this carefree attitude, prove to be very loyal, supportive, and caring towards him when he needs it.