Raising The Lion King age rating: what parents of kids 4–7 should know
The Lion King age rating: the 1994 animated film is rated G in the US, according to the MPA, which means general audiences, all ages admitted. It's rated U in the UK and 0 in Germany. The UK's BBFC says the scene where young Simba deals with his father's death is sensitively handled. Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit, lists it for ages 6 and up. For comparison, the 2019 remake is rated PG in the US for sequences of violence and peril, PG in the UK and 6 in Germany.
The Lion King at a glance
- –Official rating above age 7
MPA: G; BBFC: U; FSK: 0 - –Violence in rating descriptors
BBFC: mild fight scene only, no injury detail - –Scary content in rating descriptors
BBFC: very mild threat only - –Bad language in rating descriptors
BBFC: very mild bad language only - –Sexual content, drugs, or alcohol in rating descriptors
None in MPA or BBFC descriptors - –Rated 12 or higher in the UK or Germany
BBFC: U; FSK: 0
Each flag is a yes-or-no fact from the sources on this page. The number is a count of flags, not a safety score. How we count. Rating reasons marked mild, very mild, or brief don't count.
| Type | Disney animated musical (1994) about Simba, a lion cub exiled after his father's death source |
|---|---|
| US (MPA) | G (general audiences; all ages admitted) source |
| UK (BBFC) | U (universal; all ages) — scenes of mild emotional intensity source |
| Germany (FSK) | 0 (no age restriction), per Filmstarts source |
| Common Sense Media | 6+ — Mufasa's death in a stampede; menacing hyenas |
| For comparison | 2019 remake: MPA PG (violence and peril), BBFC PG, FSK 6, Common Sense 8+ source |
Checked October 2026. Ratings and settings change; check the official source before you decide. What do these ratings mean?
Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.
What The Lion King is about
The Lion King is a 1994 Disney animated musical directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. Simba, a lion prince, is exiled after his father, Mufasa, is killed by Simba's uncle Scar, who takes the throne. As he grows up, Simba must decide whether to go home and face Scar. It opened in the US in June 1994, with a wide release on June 24.
The Lion King age rating: what's in it
Short answer: G in the US, U in the UK, 0 in Germany.
- US (MPA): G.
- UK (BBFC): U.
- Germany (FSK): 0.
The BBFC describes scenes of mild emotional intensity: Simba learns of Mufasa's death after a stampede, and at the end Simba fights Scar, with no detail of injuries. Common Sense Media notes that the hyenas chase and threaten to eat two cubs, that an elephant graveyard is creepy, and that the cub finds his father's body.
1994 vs. 2019: how the ratings compare
Short answer: The 2019 photorealistic remake is rated higher.
- 1994 film: MPA G, BBFC U, FSK 0; Common Sense Media 6+.
- 2019 remake: MPA PG for sequences of violence and peril, and some thematic elements; BBFC PG for mild threat, violence; FSK 6; Common Sense Media 8+.
Common Sense Media says the remake's realism makes the violence more intense. The 2024 prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King, is PG in the US.
The habit kids may copy: running away
After his father's death, Simba runs away. Scar has made him think it was his fault. Common Sense Media lists "running away from your problems isn't the answer" among the film's messages. Common Sense Media lists "running away from your problems isn't the answer" among the film's messages.
Try tonight: whose basket?
Draw two baskets. Name a few things, like rain, a spilled cup, a friend's mood, and ask: "Is this up to me, or not up to me?" In our program, this is the lesson "Two Baskets": what's up to me, and what isn't.
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FAQ
What is The Lion King rated?
The 1994 film is G in the US, U in the UK and 0 in Germany.
What age is The Lion King for?
There's no age limit in the US, the UK or Germany. Common Sense Media lists the 1994 film for 6+.
Is The Lion King scary?
The BBFC describes scenes of mild emotional intensity, including Mufasa's death, which it says is sensitively handled.
What is The Lion King 2019 rated?
PG in the US for sequences of violence and peril, and some thematic elements. It's PG in the UK and 6 in Germany.
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