The Live-Action 'Lion King' Remake Is Now on Disney+

Back in the old days, Disney used to re-release all of their animated classics in theaters every seven years, thus giving a new generation of fans the chance to see old films in the theater. That tradition came to a stop in the early '90s, as all the Disney classics became available to own on home video. However, that tradition is alive again, albeit in an unexpected and expensive manner: the live-action Disney remake.

Instead of re-releasing Aladdin and Dumbo and The Jungle Book in theaters, Disney's tasking filmmakers with bringing that old Disney magic to life via photo-realistic animation and human actors. This new method's paid off big time for Disney, with many of these remakes grossing over a billion dollars at the box office. That was definitely the case with the 2019 Lion King, which pulled in almost $1.7 billion worldwide.

The film comes from Iron Man and Jungle Book director Jon Favreau and features an A-list cast of voice talent. Donald Glover, Beyonce, Alfre Woodard, James Earl Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogen–you're not gonna find a more star-studded cast! And of course there was Billy Eichner's scene-stealing turn as the meerkat Timon. Truly, the Academy was foolish for not carving out space for Eichner's vocal performance!

As of today, you can finally stream The Lion King on Disney+! But what about the other Disney live-action movies? And is Lion King really never going to stream on Netflix? Here's your answers!

Is The Lion King on Disney+?

Yes! The Lion King, which hit theaters in July 2019 and roared onto VOD last October, is now available to stream on Disney+. That means that you're now able to stream the 2019 remake alongside the original 1994 animated classic on the same platform. You can go scene-by-scene and compare the two! Lane vs. Eichner: The Battle of Timon!

Will The Lion King be on Netflix?

No, the 2019 Lion King will never be available to stream on Netflix. That's because Disney now has its own streaming service, so all of its movies will go straight to Disney+ when it comes time for them to stream. There are, however, some Disney movies still running out their old contract on Netflix. They will eventually leave the platform and jump to Disney+ (more on that below).

The Loin King Nala and Simba
©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett Collection

When will the live-action Disney remakes be added to Disney+?

Disney has reignited interest in their back catalogue with a string of live-action remakes, including 2019's The Lion King. These films have gained a new generation of fans, fans probably upset that you can't stream some of these flicks on Disney+. But don't worry, they're all on their way! Here's when the rest of the live-action remakes, movies that you can't currently stream anywhere, will make their streaming debut.

  • September 1: Cinderella
  • October 1: Beauty and the Beast, Maleficent
  • May 30, 2021: The Jungle Book

When will other live-action Disney movies leave Netflix? When will they be added to Disney+?

Even with Disney+ around, there are a few Disney movies running out the clock on Netflix. Here is when those films will leave Netflix and debut on Disney+.

  • March 5: Bedtime Stories
  • March 15: G-Force
  • March 25: A Wrinkle in Time
  • April 30: National Treasure
  • May 2: John Carter
  • June 1: Race to Witch Mountain
  • September 5: Christopher Robin
  • November 28: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
  • January 9, 2021: Mary Poppins Returns

Stream those movies on Netflix while you can! And in the meantime, enjoy seeing the new "Circle of Life" on a new streaming service.

StreamThe Lion King on Disney+

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  • Disney
  • Disney+
  • The Lion King (2019)