The film industry today is pretty hard to discuss without bringing up the impact Disney has on it. Even going as far back as the studio's first projects, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Steamboat Willie, Disney has been responsible for creating soundtracks, fairytales, and characters that bring our imaginations to life. Disney’s branding has made it an absolute empire that has, per Inc., pretty much owned the animated family movie scene for years. In fact, many of our childhoods have been defined by some undeniably remarkable Disney classics.

With all that in mind, it is time for us to discuss one of the most successful projects they’ve developed in The Lion King. It has been nearly 30 years since the original animated Lion King came out, and it has aged beautifully. From a couple of sequels and a Broadway show to the live-action film from 2019, and now a possible prequel story from Barry Jenkins, The Lion King continues to be one of the best movies Disney has made. Whether it be the flawless soundtrack or the heartwarming characters, it is pretty hard to dislike a movie like The Lion King. We have put together a list that ranks the best characters from the original animated movie.

9 Sarabi

Sarabi (1)
Walt Disney Pictures

The Lion King showcases some really strong and powerful female characters. Although Sarabi, Simba's mother, is not prominently featured throughout the film, her presence and importance are not lost on us. Sarabi, after losing Mufasa (and thinking she loses Simba), remains a pillar of hope and strength that keeps their spirit alive despite Scar's reign of terror. And, that moment when she stands up to Scar? Iconic.

Related: The Best Cat Movies of All Time

8 Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed

Hyenas
Walt Disney Pictures

Now, clumping these three together is pretty much a given. In the same way we love a great sidekick, we also hate to love some reliable and equally silly henchmen. The pack of hyenas we see in The Lion King acts as a secondary threat/antagonist next to Scar. We are introduced to this wonderful trio Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed to do some of Scar's dirty work. The banter between these three is top-notch, and we just can't help but chuckle. Also, there is something about Ed's empty gaze and empty head that really adds some character to the hyenas and their roles in this movie.

7 Rafiki

Rafiki (1)
Walt Disney Pictures

One of the most iconic moments from the Lion King movies is when Rafiki holds up baby Simba. So many of these movies just need the classic wise, old grandfather-figure that always seems like they know anything and everything. For The Lion King, Rafiki is just that. We know that he may seem a little unpredictable at times, but his presence in this movie feels like it is grounded despite how dire the situation seems under Scar's rule.

6 Zazu

Zazu
Walt Disney Pictures

Even though we love young Simba and young Nala, they would definitely get into even more trouble without Zazu's presence. Zazu acts as Mufasa's trusted right-hand man and occasional babysitter for the young cubs. As children, we definitely related to Simba and Nala's desire for freedom, making Zazu's role unfavorable on the surface. However, his loyalty, hard work, and dedication to Mufasa and to Simba make him one of the most admirable and important characters in this movie.

5 Nala

Nala (1)
Walt Disney Pictures

Of course, Nala is one of the best characters in The Lion King. We see her relationship with Simba since they were children, so it feels like we are growing with them. Nala and Simba's reunion is a reminder to audiences that Nala is home to Simba. She is what pulls him back into the orbit of their kingdom because he is the rightful king. In addition to all that, "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" is a duet that we will never forget, and the magic and love that unfolds between them is just perfect.

4 Mufasa

mufasa (1)
Walt Disney Pictures

First off, we need to address that Mufasa's death remains one of the saddest and most traumatizing scenes in movie history. Even though we are still crying to this day, Mufasa's impact on The Lion King is not lost in his early death. Mufasa was the epitome of power, leadership, strength, and bravery that sets a beautiful example for Simba. Even though he dies, Mufasa continuously inspires Simba and instills in him the strength he needs to defeat Scar and take back what is rightfully his.

Related: These Are Some of the Best Movie Death Scenes

3 Timon & Pumbaa

Timon And Pumbaa
Walt Disney Pictures

Whom we consider family does not necessarily mean blood. Chosen families have just as much significance as families people are born into, and Timon and Pumbaa are the perfect examples of that. When Scar sends Simba away, he is completely isolated, alone, and pretty much hopeless with the guilt of having caused the death of his father. When he is discovered by Timon and Pumbaa, they take him in and raise him like one of their own. Timon and Pumbaa are responsible for who Simba is. They also remind us of Hakuna Matata, a wonderful phrase that means no worries, for the rest of your days.

2 Scar

scar (1)
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Although Scar is the main villain of The Lion King, his character is definitely one of the best. He's absolutely terrifying, cunning, and absolutely ruthless. Along with that, he is also extremely charming and, therefore, manipulative. His constant thirst for power and his dedication to stop at nothing until he is seated on that throne makes him the perfect villain for this movie. He kills his own brother, sends his henchmen to kill an actual child, and is willing to let other animals die for his own comfort.

1 Simba

Simba (1)
Walt Disney Pictures

At the top of our list is Simba! We see Simba throughout every phase of his life in The Lion King. From his rambunctious childhood and losing his father as well as himself, to finding what it means and what it takes to be king, Simba is the main character we all need. He is the hero of this story and needed the most growth to get to the point where he can defeat Scar and take back his throne. He finds more people to call family, he finds love, and he fills in his father's shoes perfectly.