The Lion King

Right now you can watch The Lion King in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus — and the writing holds up regardless of the format's reputation. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 19,842 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Watch it in order — the character development is cumulative. Put it on tonight on Disney Plus and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Lion King earns its spot. The look of The Lion King gets people in the door, but the writing is what keeps them there. Young lion prince Simba, eager to one day become king of the Pride Lands, grows up under the watchful eye of his father Mufasa; all the while his villainous uncle Scar conspires to take the throne for himself. Amid betrayal and tragedy, Simba must confront his past and find his rightful place in the Circle of Life. Every line from Matthew Broderick and Moira Kelly lands with more craft than you'd expect. The Lion King came out in 1994. What makes The Lion King more than a curiosity is writing that would hold up in any format. The consistency throughout is what elevates it — not every moment is the best, but none of them are a reason to stop watching.

If you have been sleeping on The Lion King 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's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. If you have been sleeping on it because of the format, the format is not the thing here.