You’ve probably seen the trailers. The sweeping vistas of the African savanna, the photorealistic fur that looks so real you almost want to reach out and touch it, and that iconic, booming legacy of the Pride Lands. But if you’re planning a trip to the theater—or settling in for a home viewing—the big question isn't just about the plot. It’s "how long is Mufasa movie anyway?" Nobody wants to get caught halfway through a bucket of popcorn only to realize they've still got two hours to go.
Honestly, the answer is pretty straightforward, but there’s a bit of nuance to how it feels compared to the 2019 remake.
The Short Answer: How Long Is Mufasa Movie?
Mufasa: The Lion King has an official running time of 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Basically, you’re looking at just under two hours of screen time. If you include the credits—which, let’s be real, most of us sit through for the music or potential stingers—it’s roughly 118 minutes. It’s not quite as long as some of the massive superhero epics we've seen lately, but it definitely feels substantial enough to tell a full origin story.
How it compares to the others
When you look at the 2019 "live-action" (though technically photorealistic animation) The Lion King, that movie clocked in at about 1 hour and 58 minutes too. It’s almost eerie how identical the runtimes are.
The original 1994 animated classic? That was a tight 88 minutes. Movies have definitely gotten longer since the 90s, haven't they? Barry Jenkins, the director of this prequel, clearly wanted to take his time exploring the backstory of how an orphaned cub became a king.
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Why the Mufasa Movie Runtime Matters
It’s a prequel and a sequel. Sorta.
The film uses a "Princess Bride" style framing device where Rafiki is telling the story to Kiara (Simba and Nala's daughter). Because it has to juggle the "present day" scenes with Timon and Pumbaa and the "past" where young Mufasa and Taka (the lion we eventually know as Scar) are adventuring, the 118-minute runtime is packed.
You aren't just watching a linear story. You're jumping between timelines.
The film explores the Namib Desert, the Okavango Delta, and the Rwenzori Mountains. With all that ground to cover—literally—the two-hour mark makes sense. If it were any shorter, the relationship between Mufasa and Taka might have felt rushed. As it stands, critics have noted that while the movie moves fast, it tries to pack a lot of world-building into those 118 minutes, from how Rafiki got his staff to the origins of Pride Rock itself.
What to Expect During the 118 Minutes
If you’re worried about kids getting restless, here is the vibe. The movie is rated PG for some action and "peril."
- The Musical Numbers: Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the songs for this one. Since it’s a musical drama, a good chunk of that hour-and-58-minute runtime is dedicated to the soundtrack.
- The Emotional Weight: This isn't just a happy-go-lucky animal romp. It deals with loss, adoption, and betrayal.
- The Visuals: Barry Jenkins (the guy who directed Moonlight) brought a very specific eye to this. Even though it's CGI, it's a "big" movie. It was designed for IMAX, so those two hours are meant to be an immersive experience.
Interestingly, many viewers have commented that it feels faster than the 2019 movie. Why? Probably because the animals actually emote this time. One of the biggest complaints about the previous film was the "documentary" look where the lions looked bored while singing. In Mufasa, the faces are more expressive. It keeps you engaged.
Planning Your Viewing
If you're heading to the cinema, factor in about 20 minutes of trailers. That means from the moment the lights dim to the moment you leave, you’re looking at roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes.
For parents: there isn't a natural "intermission," but the middle section involving the trek through the mountains is usually where the pace breathes a little bit.
Final thoughts on the length
Is it too long? Probably not for Lion King fans. Is it too short? It covers Mufasa's entire childhood through his ascension to the throne, so it's a lot of ground. It feels like a complete meal.
Next Steps for You:
If you're planning to see it soon, check your local theater's showtimes for IMAX or Dolby Cinema. Given the 118-minute runtime and the high-end visual effects, this is a movie that definitely benefits from the biggest screen possible. If you're waiting for the Disney+ release, it's expected to hit the streaming platform in late March, roughly three months after its December theatrical debut.