The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Performance & Direction: The Lion King II: Simba's Pride Review
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Family.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Lion King II: Simba's Pride features a noteworthy lineup led by Matthew Broderick . Supported by the likes of Neve Campbell and Jason Marsden , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Quick Plot Summary: The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is a Family, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Romance film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. The circle of life continues for Simba, now fully grown and in his rightful place as the king of Pride Rock. Simba and Nala have given birth to a daughter, Kiara who's as rebellious as her father was. But Kiara drives her parents to distraction when she catches the eye of Kovu, the son of the evil lioness, Zira. Will Kovu steal Kiara's heart? The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Ending Breakdown: The Lion King II: Simba's Pride concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to family resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Lion King II: Simba's Pride?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
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Where to Watch The Lion King II: Simba's Pride Online?
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VI movies and tvThe Lion King II: Simba's Pride Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about The Lion King II: Simba's Pride age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is 81 minutes (1h 21m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lion King II: Simba's Pride worth watching?
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Lion King II: Simba's Pride parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Lion King II: Simba's Pride identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride?
The total duration of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is 81 minutes, which is approximately 1h 21m long.
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How The Lion King II: Simba's Pride Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
If the first is Hamlet with lions then this one is Romeo & Juliet with lions. And if the first is a great kids' movie then this one is a passable kids' movie. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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