It’s time for another Disney+ battle. This time we are comparing two films that, at different points, have been called the pinnacle of Disney animation. One ushered in the Silver Age of Animation and brought back feature length narratives to animated films. The other is considered to be the peak of the Renaissance despite being made by Disney’s “B team” of animators. Let’s compare “Cinderella” and “The Lion King.”

1. PROTAGONIST

The main characters of “Cinderella” is Cinderella. She’s a teenage girl who wants to go to the ball and meet the prince. She does everything asked of her and then her evil stepmother and stepsisters wreck her dress. She gets some help from her Fairy Godmother who sends her to the ball where she wows the prince. Meanwhile, the main character of “The Lion King” is Simba, a lion cub who will eventually be king. But when his uncle plans a coup that kills his father, Simba has to run to save his own life. He grows up and returns, dethroning his uncle and taking his rightful place as King. Both are great characters that do things to help themselves and get help along the way. This is tough, but I think Cinderella is slightly better. Point to “Cinderella.”

Cinderella 1 | The Lion King 0

2. ANTAGONIST

The villain of “Cinderella” is Lady Tremaine, the wicked stepmother. She punishes Cinderella by making her do all of the chose instead of requiring her children to do some too. Plus, she allows her daughters to rip Cinderella’s dress to shreds. And when she learns Cinderella is the girl the prince is looking for, she locks her up so the prince can’t find her. Meanwhile, the villain of “The Lion King” is Scar, the jealous brother of Mufasa. Scar works with the hyenas to kill Scar and attempts to kill Simba. Murder is more evil. Point to “The Lion King.”

Cinderella 1 | The Lion King 1

3. SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

Both of these films have excellent supporting characters. The Fairy Godmother is amazing. Jaq and Gus Gus continue the trend of Disney’s amazing work with mice. But Timon, Puumba, Nala and Rafiki are so much better. Point to “The Lion King.”

Cinderella 1 | The Lion King 2

4. MUSIC

Both of these films have great music. “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” is amazing. “Bippity-Boppity-Boo” is legendary. “Cinderelly” is fun. But “The Lion King” has slightly better music written by a music legend in Sir Elton John. “The Circle of Life,” “Hakuana Matata” “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” are awesome. Plus, while Sir Elton John didn’t write it, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is perfect for this film. Point to “The Lion King.”

Cinderella 1 | The Lion King 3

5. MEMORABLE MOMENTS

These are two of the most memorable movies in the Disney canon. The memorable parts of “Cinderella,” to me, are the music, the ball, the glass slipper, the Fairy Godmother, Jaq and Gus Gus and the happily ever after. The memorable parts of “The Lion King” include all of the music, Simba being lifted up by Rafiki, the elephant graveyard, the stampede, Timon and Pumbaa, Simba’s return and victory over Scar. Both are memorable. “The Lion King” is slightly more memorable. Point to “The Lion King.”

Cinderella 1 | The Lion King 4

“The Lion King” wins this battle. It was 4 to 1 on the scoreboard, but it was very close in every single category. Watch one of these films soon. Watch them both. They’re both great. Which do you prefer?

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Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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