Simba, Mufasa, Hakuna Matata and the Pride Lands. Ten questions, from Pride Rock to the hyenas.
10 questions about The Lion King. From the 1994 classic to production secrets, characters and iconic songs.
Pick your level
Released in 1994, The Lion King became the highest-grossing animated film of its time and an absolute cinema classic. Simba's journey from exile to triumphant return is carried by a soundtrack from Elton John, Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer that has moved generations.
This quiz covers the original 1994 film: the characters, the songs, the iconic lines and production details only true fans will know. From "Hakuna Matata" to Mufasa's roar, every question takes you back to the African savanna.
All ten easy level questions, with the answer and the reasoning behind it.
Correct answer: Scar
Scar, the bitter younger brother of the king.
Correct answer: Circle of Life
Circle of Life, with a sunrise that made the film's first trailer on its own.
Correct answer: A hornbill
A hornbill, and a very fussy royal adviser.
Correct answer: Sarabi
Sarabi, Mufasa's mate, who stands up to Scar when it matters.
Correct answer: Africa
Africa, in an imaginary kingdom inspired by the Kenyan savannah.
Correct answer: Nala
Nala, who later finds him in the jungle and tells him some home truths.
Correct answer: Insects
Insects. 'Slimy, yet satisfying'.
Correct answer: His father
His father, in the clouds, reminding him who he is.
Correct answer: Lion
Lion, and 'rafiki' means friend.
Correct answer: Elton John
Elton John, who won an Oscar for Can You Feel the Love Tonight.
Want to warm up before playing or double-check something? Open any question to reveal the correct answer and a short explanation.
Correct answer: Mufasa
Mufasa is the king of the Pride Lands and Simba's father. His deep, reassuring voice (James Earl Jones) and his tragic death in the gorge are among the most impactful moments in animation history.
Correct answer: His uncle
Scar is Mufasa's younger brother, making him Simba's uncle. Jealous of the throne, he orchestrates Mufasa's death and convinces young Simba that he is responsible for his father's death.
Correct answer: Hakuna Matata
"Hakuna Matata" means "no worries" in Swahili. Timon and Pumbaa teach it to young Simba to help him forget his painful past. The song became one of Disney's most famous ever.
Correct answer: A meerkat
Timon is a meerkat. Meerkats are small mammals from southern Africa that live in colonies and stand guard upright on their hind legs.
Correct answer: A warthog
Pumbaa is a warthog, recognizable by his tusks and flat snout. His flatulence problem is a running gag in the film. Despite his appearance, he's a sensitive and loyal character.
Correct answer: Rafiki
Rafiki (meaning "friend" in Swahili) is the mandrill shaman who serves as a wise figure in the kingdom. The opening scene where he holds up newborn Simba to the rising sun is one of Disney's most iconic images.
Correct answer: Hamlet
The Lion King draws directly from Shakespeare's Hamlet: an uncle murders the king (his brother) to seize the throne, and the son (the prince) must confront his past to reclaim what is rightfully his.
Correct answer: Hans Zimmer
Hans Zimmer composed The Lion King's orchestral score, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1995. The songs were written by Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics).
Correct answer: Shenzi, Banzai and Ed
Shenzi, Banzai and Ed are the three hyenas in the original 1994 film. Shenzi is the leader, Banzai is impulsive, and Ed never speaks but laughs constantly. The 2019 remake changed some names (keeping only Shenzi).
Correct answer: Can You Feel the Love Tonight
"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" accompanies the reunion of adult Simba and Nala. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1995 for Elton John and Tim Rice.
Stuck on one, or just curious how nasty it gets? Every hard mode question is here with its answer and the reasoning behind it.
Correct answer: Nathan Lane
Nathan Lane. Ernie Sabella is Pumbaa, and Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen took over in 2019.
Correct answer: Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson, of Blackadder and Mr. Bean. John Oliver took the role in 2019.
Correct answer: Matthew Broderick
Matthew Broderick. Jonathan Taylor Thomas voices the young Simba, and Donald Glover the 2019 adult.
Correct answer: Beyoncé
Beyoncé, who also wrote Spirit for the film.
Correct answer: Ed
Ed, who just laughs, and eats his own leg at one point.
Correct answer: Kiara
Kiara, who falls for Kovu, Scar's chosen heir.
Correct answer: His stick
His stick. 'Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it.'
Correct answer: Zulu
Zulu, sung by Lebo M, whose opening cry became the film's signature.
Correct answer: King of the Jungle
King of the Jungle, changed once someone pointed out that lions tend not to live in jungles.
Correct answer: Julie Taymor
Julie Taymor, the first woman to win a Tony Award for directing a musical.