The Lion King Trilogy (2004)

Wild Africa is the setting for one of Disney's most successful animated classics, THE LION KING. THE LION KING TRIOLOGY features the adventures of a young lion cub whose evil uncle usurps his father's crown and lets hyenas overrun the kingdom. In THE LION KING, Simba dodges danger, befriends some oddball characters, and wanders the Earth until he can take over the throne. The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Original Song (Elton John and Tim Rice: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"). In the direct-to-video sequel, THE LION KING 2, majestic jungle king Simba prepares his daughter, Kiara, to inherit the throne of the Pride Lands. While out roaming the countryside, she meets Kovu, who has been chosen by the defeated Outland Pride to destroy Simba. The two lions thwart the plan when they realize their union may be the key to resolving the two warring Prides. In the hysterical prequel, THE LION KING 1 1/2, some of the gang reunites to explain how events unfolded from their perspectives. Packed with funny, behind-the-scenes stories, Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog explain how King Mufasa introduced baby Simba to the jungle. In addition to the new spin on this timeless story, there's a catchy new Elton John song ("That's All I Need") to go with it. Among the famous voices featured in this trio are Whoopie Goldberg, Cheech Marin, James Earl Jones, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Jeremy Irons, Julie Kavner, and Jerry Stiller.