Finding the Pride Lands shouldn't feel like a trek through a desert with no water in sight. Honestly, you'd think that one of the biggest franchises in cinema history would be simple to track down. But between the 1994 hand-drawn masterpiece, the 2019 "live-action" (read: very realistic CGI) remake, and the brand-new Mufasa: The Lion King prequel, things get messy.
You've probably searched where to watch the lion king movie and ended up with a dozen different tabs open. It's frustrating. Some platforms have the sequels but not the original. Others want you to pay twenty bucks for a rental when it’s sitting "free" on a subscription service you already pay for.
The truth is, Disney keeps a tight grip on Simba and company. Unlike some studios that license their hits to Netflix or Max for a quick buck, Disney prefers to keep it all in the family. Usually.
The One Stop Shop for Every Version
If you want the short answer: it’s Disney Plus. Since it’s 2026, the landscape has shifted slightly from the early days of the service. Disney has spent the last year merging most of their peripheral content—including everything from the now-folded Hulu standalone app—into a singular experience.
Currently, Disney Plus is the exclusive streaming home for:
- The original 1994 The Lion King.
- The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (the one with the catchy "He Lives in You" opening).
- The Lion King 1½ (Timon and Pumbaa’s weirdly meta retelling).
- The 2019 Jon Favreau remake.
- The 2024 prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King.
Basically, if it has a lion on the poster and a Disney logo, it's there. You don't need to hop around. However, there’s a catch. If you aren't a subscriber, you might be looking at a "rental wall" on other platforms.
Where to Watch The Lion King Movie Without a Subscription
Sometimes you just want to own the thing. Or maybe you're one of those people who refuses to give the Mouse another monthly payment. I get it. Digital retailers are your best friend here.
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You can buy or rent the movies on Apple TV (formerly iTunes), Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home (which absorbed Vudu a while back).
Prices usually hover around $3.99 for a standard rental. Buying it is a different story. Usually, the 1994 classic stays at a premium price—around $14.99—because Disney knows it’s a "forever" movie. Interestingly, the 2019 remake often goes on sale for under ten dollars. It seems the nostalgia for the hand-drawn cells is worth more than the high-tech fur rendering.
The Physical Media Loophole
Don't sleep on 4K Blu-rays. Seriously. Streaming bitrates in 2026 are better than they used to be, but they still don't touch the visual fidelity of a physical disc. If you have a high-end OLED TV and want to see every blade of grass in the Pride Lands, hunting down the 3-Movie Collection or the new Mufasa 4K disc at a place like Walmart or Best Buy is the move. Plus, you never have to worry about "licensing agreements" removing the movie from your library.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Free" Options
Let's talk about the "free" elephant in the room. You’ll see sites claiming you can watch the movie for free on YouTube or random streaming platforms.
Most of the time, these are just "concept trailers" or fan-made edits. There was a lot of buzz recently about a "Lion King 3" coming in 2026, but if you see a trailer for it on YouTube, check the description. It’s almost certainly a fan project using AI-generated clips and old footage. Disney hasn't dropped a surprise third installment to the main Simba saga yet, though the success of the Mufasa prequel has everyone whispering about what’s next.
Also, be wary of "free" movie sites. They are usually a nightmare of malware and "hot singles in your area" ads. It’s not worth the risk to your laptop just to save four bucks.
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The Mufasa Prequel Situation
If you’re specifically looking for Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins, that's the newest addition to the digital pride. It hit theaters in late 2024 and finally landed on Disney Plus in March 2025. By now, in 2026, it’s a staple of the library.
It’s an interesting watch because it’s both a prequel and a sequel. It uses the frame story of Rafiki telling the legend to Kiara (Simba’s daughter), which means it technically takes place after the 2019 movie. If you’re doing a chronological marathon, it’s a bit of a toss-up where to put it.
I’d suggest:
- Mufasa: The Lion King (The Backstory)
- The Lion King (1994 - Because it's better than the remake, let's be real)
- Simba's Pride
- The Lion King 1½ (For a laugh)
Why Location Matters
Where you live changes the game. In the US, it’s Disney Plus all the way. But if you’re traveling or living in a region where Disney Plus hasn't fully rolled out its "Star" or "Hulu" integration, you might find the movies on local services.
In some parts of Europe and South America, licensing deals from years ago occasionally pop up, putting the 2019 version on services like Movistar or Canal+. But these are becoming rare. Disney is "re-platforming," which is corporate-speak for "we want all the money for ourselves."
If you’re using a VPN to find where to watch the lion king movie, pointing your server to the US or Canada is the most reliable way to ensure the full library is available. Just make sure your subscription is active.
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Making the Final Call
If you have kids (or you’re just a 90s kid with a soul), the 1994 version is the essential watch. The colors are more vibrant, the expressions are more human, and the music hits harder. The 2019 version is a technical marvel, sure, but it feels a bit like a National Geographic documentary where the animals suddenly started singing.
Mufasa is the middle ground—it has the visual style of the remake but brings back some of the heart and original storytelling that made the first one so iconic.
To get started right now, check your Disney Plus app first. It’s almost certainly there. If you don't have that, head to Amazon and look for the "2-Movie Collection" digital bundle. It’s usually cheaper than buying them separately and covers your bases for a weekend marathon.
Go ahead and clear your afternoon. Grab some snacks—maybe not grubs, unless you're really committed to the Timon and Pumbaa lifestyle—and settle in. The circle of life is only a few clicks away.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night:
- Check your subscription: Open the Disney Plus app and search "Lion King" to see the "Collection" page which groups all films together.
- Compare prices: If you don't have Disney Plus, open the Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV app to see if the 2-Movie bundle is currently on sale.
- Update your hardware: If watching the 2019 or 2024 versions, ensure your streaming device is set to 4K HDR for the best experience.