The Lion King

A young lion prince, Simba, is forced to flee his kingdom after his treacherous uncle Scar murders his father and claims the throne. Years later, living in exile with his friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba must decide whether to return and challenge Scar to reclaim his rightful place as king. He is aided by his childhood friend Nala and the wise Rafiki, who remind him of his duty and destiny.

The 2019 photorealistic animated remake of Disney's classic was met with a mixed critical response. While audiences were generally enthralled by the stunning visual advancements and the realistic animal portrayals, many critics found the film lacked the emotional depth and vibrant personality of the original 1994 animated version. The voice performances were praised, but some felt the 'live-action' style constrained the expressive potential of the characters.

• Praised for its groundbreaking visual effects and realistic animation.

• Criticized for a perceived lack of emotional resonance compared to the original.

• The voice cast was generally well-received, though some felt the realism limited character expression.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the visual spectacle and the faithful adaptation of the beloved story, finding it a worthy successor to the original. Many enjoyed the updated music and the familiar characters presented in a new, lifelike format.

Nominated for one Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

Director Jon Favreau aimed to use cutting-edge CGI technology to make the animals appear as real as possible, creating a "live-action" feel even though every creature and environment was digitally rendered.