Are Frozen and The Lion King basically the same movie?

May 5, 2014

There have been articles going around regarding how Frozen and The Lion King are basically the same movie, if you break it down. I read it and found it interesting, so I thought I’d share with you! Let me know what you think!
*Info from Buzzfeed.com*

Both movies open with a chanting-like song in a different language.
Frozen’s “Frozen Heart” begins with traditional Saami yoiking.
The Lion King’s “Circle of Life” kicks off with Zulu.

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The Genie Transportation Services

Then, we meet the royal family.

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Of course, there’s a horrible family tragedy.

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Which makes the hero run away.

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Where they then sing a showstopping number about being free.

Elsa belts out “Let It Go”
Simba (and Timon and Pumba) sing “Hakuna Matata”

Not realizing that everything at home is a super bummer….
Because there’s a new evil guy who wants to be king.

Who knows exactly how to make the hero feel guilty.

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So the hero has to go back home and deal with the bad guy.

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After s/he does, the kingdom returns back to normal.

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AND THEY ALL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!

Did you notice the similarities before? Do you think it’s just a coincidence? Let us know!

author avatar
Michele Atwood Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Main Street Mouse
Michele Atwood is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources since 2010. A credentialed Disney Partner and media professional, Michele serves as a theme park contributor and insider for Fox 35 Orlando and WDBO radio covering Disney and Central Florida attractions. Michele has also contributed to the Orlando Sentinel, WESH 2, and Spectrum News 13. Michele is the published author of four books — "Moving to Main Street U.S.A.," "How Many Sleeps Till Disney?," "How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?" and "Daydream Believing: Confessions of a Grown Up Princess" and is co-owner of the House of Mouse Expo and Lost Princess Apparel. With over a decade of hands-on coverage of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Central Florida theme parks, Michele brings firsthand expertise and media access to every story she covers.



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One thought on “Are Frozen and The Lion King basically the same movie?”
  1. Your comparison is not that much of a stretch. You could probably make the same case for Alladin as well. They are all good examples of what Joseph Campbell calls the Hero’s journey (famously used in Star Wars: A New Hope). The hero is introduced in his ORDINARY WORLD where he receives the CALL TO ADVENTURE. He is RELUCTANT at first to CROSS THE FIRST THRESHOLD where he eventually encounters TESTS, ALLIES and ENEMIES. He reaches the INNERMOST CAVE where he endures the SUPREME ORDEAL. He SEIZES THE SWORD or the treasure and is pursued on the ROAD BACK to his world. He is RESURRECTED and transformed by his experience. He RETURNS to his ordinary world with a treasure, boon, or ELIXIR to benefit his world.
    Hero’s come in all genders, shapes and sizes.

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