Top 10 Best The Lion King Characters

The Lion King is a 1994 Disney film that is widely acclaimed as one of Disney's greatest, and broke box office records. The story centers on Simba, a young lion whose father Mufasa is murdered by Simba's uncle Scar. Under Scar's manipulation Simba flees into exile, before returning to challenge Scar and take his place as the rightful King.
The Top Ten
Scar Scar is the main antagonist of Disney's 1994 animated feature film The Lion King. He is the second son of Ahadi and Uru, who were once the King and Queen of the Pride Lands. This makes Scar the younger brother of Mufasa and the paternal uncle of Simba... read more

I have been a HUGE Lion King fan since 2002 when I first saw it. A few days ago, I saw the movie for the first time in 10 years. God, it felt different. From this point of view, I can really understand Scar: all he ever wanted was to be loved and appreciated because he was neglected as a kid. He was treated by both his father, Ahadi, and his older brother, Mufasa, like crap. Just watch the scene with the mouse, and you'll understand it.

Scar is smart, calm, and collected, while Mufasa is strict and bad-tempered and wants everybody to obey him. The first movie sends this message: if you didn't have luck once, you never will. In real life, it's NOT like that. That's why I prefer the second movie, where lovely Kiara chooses forgiveness instead of revenge. If you're reading this, Scar: we love you!

Mufasa Mufasa is a major character in Disney's 1994 animated feature film, The Lion King. He is the father of Simba, the mate of Sarabi, and the older brother of Scar. Mufasa was the King of the Pride Lands until his death... read more

"Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope."

What Mufasa said makes sense: Everything on this earth has a purpose. We may not understand what that is, but we must show respect to every living thing, even if it's something we don't like, such as mosquitoes or rats. Even Mufasa respected the hyenas. He didn't allow them to live in the Pride Lands, but he never abused them for fun. Clearly, Mufasa practiced what he taught. Such a wise and good king.

Simba Simba is a fictional character who appears in Disney's The Lion King franchise. Introduced in Walt Disney Animation's 32nd animated feature film The Lion King (1994), the character subsequently appears in its sequels The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998) and The Lion King 1½ (2004).

Simba is a good character. With his past dealings, especially the death of his father Mufasa, and realizing that his uncle is a crazed lunatic who killed his father to become king, he still maintains some positivity because of Timon and Pumbaa. If it weren't for these guys, Simba would have given up and might never have returned to claim his place as king.

If it wasn't for Rafiki and his father Mufasa as a spirit in the skies, he also wouldn't have gone back either. But who helped him grow up and become the person he is today? Timon and Pumbaa. Because of their humor, positivity, and support for Simba, I love them so much. And, of course, this is why I love Simba and The Lion King movie itself.

Timon Timon is a meerkat and one of Simba's friends from The Lion King. He and Pumbaa took care of Simba after he ran away from the Pride Lands and helped him defeat Scar to reclaim his rightful place as king... read more

Not only are they the comic relief, but they are big parts of the movie. They helped Simba grow up into the king he became at the end of the movie. Without them, Simba would have died most likely without people to take care of him. Not only that, but also the fact that Rafiki and Mufasa (in spirit form) got to reach Simba and tell him to go back to be king since he was of the proper age.

They also distracted the hyenas willingly (even though Timon didn't want to do it at first) by doing the hula. Now that takes guts! This is why I love them so much, besides their silliness, care for Simba, and positivity.

Nala Nala is a fictional character who appears in Disney's The Lion King franchise and is introduced in the animated film The Lion King in 1994.

Nala needs to be number one! She helps Simba and is loyal to him. She wants to convince him to do the right thing. She is just so pretty and kind and fights for what she wants. Also, how is Scar first? He is the villain that killed Mufasa and almost Simba, just so he could be king, which is so sad and dumb!

Nala is the best character in The Lion King. She deserves to be number one because she is cool, smart, brave, and awesome! She is Simba's best friend and girlfriend later on, and she becomes queen. Also, in the Broadway production, she has an amazing song called Shadowland as well as Can You Feel the Love Tonight.

Pumbaa

He's totally the best character and totally adorable! He is funny and kind-hearted, plus a great father for little Simba (and a great singer). I don't think he should be number one because that spot belongs to Simba, but at least number two! Vote if you agree! Also, it kind of upsets me to see him and Timon so far away from each other in this top ten. They are inseparable.

Pumbaa is seriously one of the best characters. My cousin got Pumbaa for a play, and I got Rafiki. So, in my opinion, those are the two best characters.

Rafiki Rafiki is a fictional character from Disney's 1994 animated feature film, The Lion King He also appears in the film's sequels and spin-off TV series.

Rafiki is so underrated as a character. He/she (Rafiki is female in the musical) is funny, wise, and a great character! Rafiki is my favorite character in The Lion King, even though I LOVE Timon and Pumbaa. Rafiki was made a she for the musical because Julie Taymor, the director, wanted a strong female lead. A.K.A. Nala really shouldn't be above Rafiki. Rafiki is the best part of the show. 'Nuff said.

A very wise character indeed. He gets important messages from Mufasa and helps Simba return to be the rightful ruler of Pride Rock. He can be humorous and silly (in a funny way, though), but he also teaches lessons during these moments, keeping the mood light-hearted but serious at the same time. This balance is hard to achieve, which is why I appreciate him.

Kovu Kovu is a male lion from Disney's The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. He is the prince consort of Pride Rock through his marriage to Kiara. He is the son of Zira, the younger brother of Nuka and Vitani, and the mate of Kiara... read more

I wouldn't say he had the best character arc. That goes to Simba. But he's one of the most relatable TLK characters, especially if you've ever felt like an outcast or a disappointment, not really belonging anywhere. And Kovu manages to stay kind and calm during those times, even though he's not very strong (neither physically nor emotionally). He's flawed and fragile. If you've ever felt the same, Kovu will definitely give you hope and make you feel less alone with, of course, the standard "be yourself" message, just done in a more serious manner.

Ed

Ed isn't actually all that dumb. He is the first to notice Simba and Nala escaping in the elephant graveyard, nods in agreement with Shenzi's statement about the lions, and understands when Scar betrays the hyenas. If Ed were a complete nut, none of those things would have happened.

I love Ed. He's really funny and sweet. And not only that, he loves animals. And I love hyenas! Love ya, Ed!

Ed's a very cute hyena. Even though he's a bit dim, he still deserves some love!

Shenzi Shenzi is a spotted hyena who first appeared as one of the secondary antagonists in Disney's 1994 animated film, The Lion King. She is one of the loyal followers and minions of Scar.

I am Shenzi in The Lion King play, and not only is she the lead, but I think she is also the smartest of the hyenas. She has a pack of over 200 hyenas and can still deal with them after coming back to the Outlands after being beaten up and then having to listen to Ed laugh forever. Overall, I think she just deserves the most likes after being the only girl in the Outlands! She's got my vote for sure.

The hyena trio better not die in the live-action remake! If any of them do, that will probably be the most disliked moment in the movie. I want the hyenas to be let back in again by Simba after Scar is defeated. I don't want them to die (the trio, that is). That would be awful. Otherwise, I think the remake will be good. Or maybe great. Who knows? We have to see the movie to find out! God bless you all!

The Newcomers

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The Contenders
Kiara Kiara is a female lion from The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, a direct-to-video sequel to Disney's The Lion King (1994). She is the princess and heir of Pride Rock, the daughter of Simba and Nala, the sister of Kion, and the mate of Kovu... read more

Kiara as a character gets way too much criticism from the fans, I swear. She's generally a very happy type of person, friendly, caring for her pride, energetic, and usually very kind (but knows when to be serious). She risked her life to save Simba while still being a child at heart. What's not to love about that?

I love Kiara so much! I also love Nala, but this lovable lion has good looks. She looks like a female version of Simba, but even prettier. She's so beautiful, and I just love it! She's clumsy, silly, playful, and gets into trouble. She loves Kovu, the son of the main villain from the past. She kind of reminds me of Squirrelflight from Warriors. Anyone heard of that? Yeah, I love The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride because of Kiara. Such a pretty name! Go Kiara!

-Hopestar

Zazu Zazu is a male hornbill from Disney's The Lion King. He serves as the majordomo of the Pride Lands.

Initially, Zazu was the royal advisor to King Mufasa. However, after Mufasa's untimely death, Zazu was imprisoned by Mufasa's younger brother and usurper, Scar. During Scar's reign, Zazu was kept... read more

The reason is that he can sometimes be kind of bossy, but he is very funny. He is also an important character. You have to give him credit!

Zazu is well-played and realistic as an advisor while also putting up with so much torment and abuse that you have to feel bad for him.

Zazu is such a savage. He's so sassy and makes the whole movie more entertaining. He also has a British accent, which is a plus.

Banzai

I'm his biggest fan ever. He should be higher on the list. In fact, I was actually Banzai in a Lion King play, so he should be in the top ten!

People think he's the meanest, but he was just the most starving, so he needed food the most. I really love Banzai. He's awesome and adorable.

I was in a Lion King play, and I was Banzai. I loved him ever since. He's hilarious.

Sarabi Sarabi is a female lion from Disney's The Lion King. She was the queen of Pride Rock before Nala and the mate of Mufasa, with whom she had a son, Simba... read more

I like Sarabi. She's friendly, cool, calm, outspoken, and not afraid to stand up for herself. She was the only lioness that stood up to Scar. Her voice is low and sounds a little bit like Adele. She is very brave. I think she's a wonderful character.

I love her so much. She is kind, loving, devoted, fierce, and such a good mother. The school play at my school this year is The Lion King, and of course, I'm Sarabi.

Vitani Vitani is a female lion from Disney's The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. She was initially a secondary antagonist in the movie. Vitani is the daughter and middle child of Zira, the older sister of Kovu, and the younger sister of Nuka... read more

She's cool, sassy, funny, and sarcastic at times, but she can be spunky and tomboyish too. What's not to like about this adorable tomboy lioness?

I love her character! She was sassy and adorable at the same time. I wish we got to see more of her during the movies.

I choose Vitani as number three because even though she changed over to the Pridelanders, she would have made a very evil mastermind.

Zira Zira was a female lion from Disney's The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. She was the leader of the Outsiders and the mother of Kovu, Nuka, and Vitani.

After Scar became the king of Pride Rock, he chose Zira's son, Kovu, as his heir and protégé. However, when Simba overthrew Scar and reclaimed... read more

The only reason she isn't higher is because she's from the sequel, not the main movie. Which is a shame because she's a better villain than Scar.

I choose her second because she is so cool. She wants revenge and practically sends war against the Pridelanders but gets knocked off by Kiara. So that's why I choose Zira as second.

She wants to reunite with Scar. How kind! She remembers him even though Scar is dead. How kind! I will rate her number four.

Kopa

Everyone thinks Kopa dies. He doesn't. Those are just fake stories. Disney hasn't revealed a real story about Kopa.

It's a shame he isn't canon. I would have loved to know more about this cub.

He has a very interesting story. It would be great if they made something like a movie based on Kopa's story.

Uru
Jasiri Jasiri is a spotted hyena cub who appears in the Disney Junior show "The Lion Guard." She is voiced by Maia Mitchell and has been described as "friendly," "spunky," and "idealistic." Jasiri is an ally to the Lion Guard and is closest to Kion. She helped him fight Janja and his clan, as well as the Outsiders... read more

A friendly hyena with a gorgeous design, voice, and an amazing song. What more could you want?

She has the best humor in the world. She's adorable with Kion, and I love her!

What a cutie! Come on now, she needs more love!

Nuka Nuka was a male lion from Disney's The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. He was a member of the Outsiders and the son of Zira, making him the elder brother of Kovu and Vitani... read more

Personally, I think his death is much sadder than Mufasa's. He just wanted his mother to love him, and he didn't even get that until his last few seconds of life. He is jealous of Kovu for very relatable reasons. I also feel bad for him because he doesn't have a canon mate. Everyone in his family does. Mufasa died knowing he was respected by his family. Nuka died knowing he would never be as superior as Kovu in his mother's eyes. And he was actually really close to killing Simba! But no, he had to bite the dust.

He was such an interesting character. But I don't like comments on this like "eww, he's infected," because no, he is only in that physical state because he has so much more on his mind that he doesn't even pay attention to his body.

Tiifu Tiifu is a young lioness cub from Disney Junior's 2016 series "The Lion Guard." She is best friends with Kiara, Zuri, and Thurston. Tiifu is voiced by Sarah Hyland in "Return of the Roar," season 1, and "The Rise of Scar," and was later replaced by Bailey Gambertoglio for the rest of season 2. She has... read more

I love her. She's my third favorite after Kiara and Nala. Okay, hear me out. She's arrogant, snarky, immature, reckless, laid-back, carefree, and irritating, but she's also kind, caring, cheerful, intelligent, brave, curious, and enthusiastic. She's not as snobby as Zuri can be sometimes and is more loyal to Kiara because of their friendship rather than just because Kiara is the future queen.

She has her moments of bravery, such as running back into the dark tunnel when she was scared just to save Kion, Bunga, Thurston, Muhanga, Zuri, and Kiara. She

Kion Kion is the main protagonist of the 2016 Disney Junior The Lion King spin-off series "The Lion Guard." He is a lion cub, the youngest child of Simba and Nala, and the younger brother of Kiara. He is the leader and fiercest member of the Lion Guard as well as the prince of the Pride Lands. Kion is voiced... read more

Kion is the best. He is the leader of the Lion Guard (protectors of the Pridelands), king of the Tree of Life, son of Simba, and much more.

He is always protective of the Pridelands, and I also like his powerful roar.

Sarafina Sarafina is a minor character in Disney's The Lion King. She is a female lion and the mother of Nala.

Although she has limited screen time, Sarafina is briefly seen interacting with Nala and Sarabi. Her most notable moment in the film is when she responds to Sarabi's question about where Nala... read more

Sarafina is a lioness hunter and mother who looks after her child, Nala. She is graceful and proud.

She needs more love and respect. After all, without her, Nala would have never been born!

I love Sarafina. She is my favorite lioness from the Pridelands. She is not in the movie much, but I still love Sarafina. She is a good mother to Nala.

Ono Ono is the quinary protagonist of the 2016 Disney Junior show "The Lion Guard". He is a cattle egret who is voiced by Atticus Shaffer who serves as the keenest of sight in the Lion Guard. He is the only non-mammalian animal in the guard being a bird and is the only one who can fly. He has been described... read more
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