<P> The Lion King was released on June 15, 1994, to a positive reaction from critics, who praised the film for its music, story, and animation; it finished its theatrical run as the highest - grossing release of 1994 and the second highest - grossing film of all time . It is also the highest - grossing traditionally animated film of all time . The Lion King garnered two Academy Awards for its achievement in music and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture--Musical or Comedy . The film has led to many derived works, such as a Broadway adaptation; two direct - to - video follow - ups--the sequel, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998), and the prequel / parallel, The Lion King 11⁄2 (2004)--; two television series, Timon and Pumbaa and The Lion Guard; and a 3D re-release, in 2011 . </P> <P> In 2016, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". A CGI live - action remake of the film directed by Jon Favreau is scheduled for a July 19, 2019 release in the United States . </P> <P> In the Pride Lands of Africa, a lion rules over the animal kingdom from Pride Rock . King Mufasa's newborn son, Simba, is presented to the assembled animals by Rafiki, a mandrill who serves as shaman and advisor . Mufasa shows young Simba the Pride Lands and explains to him the responsibilities of kingship and the "circle of life", which connects all living things . Mufasa's younger brother, Scar, covets the throne, and plots to kill Mufasa and Simba, so he can become king . He tricks Simba and his best friend Nala (whom Zazu reveals is betrothed to Simba) into exploring a forbidden elephants' graveyard, where they are attacked by three spotted hyenas who are in league with Scar . Mufasa is alerted to the danger by his majordomo, the hornbill Zazu, and rescues the cubs . Though upset with Simba, Mufasa forgives him and explains that the great kings of the past watch over them from the night sky, from which he will one day watch over Simba . </P> <P> Scar sets a trap for his brother and nephew, luring Simba into a gorge and having the hyenas drive a large herd of wildebeest into a stampede that will trample him . He informs Mufasa of Simba's danger, knowing the king will rush to save his son . Mufasa saves Simba, but ends up hanging perilously from the gorge's edge, and is betrayed by Scar, who sends him falling to his death . Scar convinces Simba that the tragedy was Simba's own fault and advises him to flee the kingdom . He orders the hyenas to kill the cub, but Simba manages to escape . Scar tells the pride that both Mufasa and Simba were killed in the stampede and steps forward as the new king, allowing a large pack of hyenas to live in the Pride Lands . </P>

Where do the lions in the lion king live