The Lion King

The Lion King is arguably one of the best Disney movies ever. With a wonderful cast, Broadway ready songs, and multiple awards, it stands as one of the most well known Disney movies throughout the franchise. The movie is very loosely based off of Shakespeare's Hamlet and examines very similar problems with the death of Simba's father and the scheming uncle Scar ready to take the throne at all costs. 

This movie is very relatable actually. With young children it can be very traumatic witnessing such a death in an animated movie and such a corrupt and maniacal villain like Scar. However, as childhood progresses and the once young children come back and watch this movie again, it really hits in a different place. This movie really examines the idea of growing up and accepting who you are and your past. Simba had to grow up throughout the movie. He had to learn things for himself and grow into a better man (or in this case, lion). However, he also had to stop running from his past. Since he believed most of his life that he was responsible for his father's death, he had to forgive himself and move forward. One of the famous lines from Rafiki is "Ah yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it." This is one of the wisest quotes from the movie and is really the driving force towards the climax and the falling action of the plot. Simba finally accepts his past and returns. By doing this he finally accepts his place and the king of Pride Rock and grows into the king he was meant to be from the start.