The Lion King II: Simba's Pride

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is currently streaming in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus, and it uses the format for more than just a visual hook. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. With 4,705 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Matthew Broderick's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride is worth clearing space for. Visually distinctive and narratively ambitious, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride operates well above the genre average. The circle of life continues for Simba, now fully grown and in his rightful place as the king of Pride Rock. Simba and Nala have given birth to a daughter, Kiara who's as rebellious as her father was. But Kiara drives her parents to distraction when she catches the eye of Kovu, the son of the evil lioness, Zira. The voice work from Matthew Broderick and Neve Campbell adds real texture, not just recognisable names. It hit screens in 1998. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you have been sleeping on The Lion King II: Simba's Pride because of the format, the format is not the issue here. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Matthew Broderick brings more to the role than the format usually demands. A harder one to justify skipping than to start.