There's No Way You'll Pass This Quiz On The Lion King... But You Can Try!
- by Claire Ross
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase... Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze! It means no worries... For the rest of your days! It's our problem-free... philosophy... Hakuna Matata!
Do you hear the music in your ears at the sight of those lyrics? Did you just break out into song at the expense of your family/roommates/significant other? I bet you did, and too bad for them. The Lion King was the best movie of a generation, full of heartbreak, love, and responsibility. I bet you know every lyric to every Lion King song there is! You must be a real treat on karaoke nights, always picking these classic sing-alongs.
But we won't be asking you any questions about music today. That would be too easy! We know you're already on top of your Disney music... and so does everyone you live with. This quiz is for experts only, so buckle up and wrack your brain for as much trivia as you can muster. Do you remember Simba's mother's name? Do you remember Scar's snappy one-liners meant for adults only? If you remember the movie well, this quiz won't be a problem for you.
What does Timon say grubs taste like?
Timon and Pumbaa are one of the best duos of all time. Did you grow up wishes you had a BFF like Timon? Or a sibling like the secretly-smart and lovable Pumbaa? These two do nothing but sleep, have fun adventures, and eat bugs in their paradise home. When Simba first joins their troop, Timon and Pumbaa are afraid of him, but that quickly fades when they realize how useful he could be to their survival. First thing's first, Simba needs to eat! What does Timon tell him grubs taste like?
What area is Simba specifically forbidden from going to?
The Pride Lands is a gorgeous kingdom ruled by Simba's family with many landmarks. It is an African savannah, and it appears to be the home to numerous other animal herds, epitomizing the abundance of life that originally existed in Africa. Pride Rock, a colossal rock formation, serves as the residence of the king of the Pride Lands. There are many different areas explored in the movie, all with very different atmospheres and moods. Do you remember which area Simba is forbidden from exploring?
What does Hakuna Matata mean?
Hakuna Matata is the anthem of the Lion King... and maybe even my entire generation of classic Disney VHS lovers. The phrase is a Swahili sentence from Central East Africa, and because of the film's success, it is heard often at resorts, hotels, and other places appealing to the tourist trade in CEA. The song was written by Elton John and Tim Rice, who found the term in a Swahili phrasebook. It was nominated for Best Original Song at the 1995 Academy Awards!
What kind of animal is Timon?
Timon is first seen riding on Pumbaa's back, running among a flock of vultures to scatter them for fun. Pumbaa notices that the vultures have gathered around Simba's unconscious body. When Timon surveys Simba and realizes that he is a lion, to his horror, he tells Pumbaa to flee, but Pumbaa insists that they remain and nurture the cub. What a great but unlikely pair of friends? Pumbaa's species is a little easier to guess... Timon is a bit tricky.
What does Timon think stars are?
Stars have been filling humans with wonder since the dawn of mankind, but have you ever wondered what animals might think of those very same objects? Disney likes to put their characters, especially the animal protagonists, in very humanoid situations, like this wonderful scene in The Lion King. We humans know that stars are a type of astronomical object consisting of a luminous spheroid of plasma held together by its own gravity. In other words, they're huge suns burning a long way away! What does Timon think they are?
The first major character to appear on screen is...
We all know the famous opening lyrics... "From the day we arrive on the planet; And blinking, step into the sun; There's more to see than can ever be seen; More to do than can ever be done; There's far too much to take in here; More to find than can ever be found; But the sun rolling high; Through the sapphire sky; Keeps great and small on the endless round..." But how much do you remember about the animals that appeared in the animation?
What kind of animal is Zazu?
It's pretty hard to like Zazu in the earlier parts of the movie, when he's seen usually annoying or ratting out Simba. But later on, Zazu is imprisoned and forced to entertain Scar by singing songs like "Nobody Knows the Troubles I've Seen" and "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts" (but not before briefly singing the lyrics of It's a Small World). When the hyenas come in to complain about the lack of food and water, Scar casually tells them to eat Zazu. Poor bird! He was a great character. Do you remember what kind of bird he is?
Can you finish these lyrics?
This amazing scene featuring Scar (Jeremy Irons) trying to convince his hyena underlings to help him defeat Mufasa is set to the song "Be Prepared". It's a less famous song than some of the others, but if you listen carefully, the lyrics are funny and smart! Can you finish this line? "I never thought hyenas essential; They're crude and unspeakably plain; But maybe they've a glimmer of potential; If allied to my vision and brain; I know that your powers of retention; Are as wet as _______"?
What are Mufasa's last words?
After Mufasa heroically saves his son Simba from the terrifying stampede caused by the hyenas (and Scar), he's dragged back into the chaos. With a powerful leap, Mufasa clings to and scales the slope of the gorge, only to meet Scar at its top. After drinking in the helpless form of the powerful lion, Scar pierces Mufasa's paws and taunts him with the words "long live the king." Scar lets go of his brother's paws, and Mufasa falls to his death. What were Mufasa's last words?
Which of these species is NOT present in the opening scene?
The famous Lion King opening sequence puts most of the animals of the savanna on display in one of the most beautiful animated songs of all time! The animals bow (or kneel) before Simba as he's raised by Rafiki before them in triumph. But not every animal is present for Simba's presentation ceremony. Do you remember which of these animal doesn't make an appearance? Think carefully! Only a true Lion King expert will know the answer to this tricky question.
Who is the last new character introduced in the film?
After Simba defeats Scar and takes back Pride Rock, there are a few sequences still left to view. They're a lot less important to the plot, but they really matter to the overall message of the film, that the circle of life continues through hardships no matter what. As the Pride Lands turn green and life returns to Pride Rock (as well as lots of new lionesses moving in!) one new character is introduced at the very last moment. Do you remember who it is?
What song do Nala and Simba fall in love to?
Ah yes, young love. Was there a single 7 year old watching that Lion King scene with Nala and Simba falling in love who didn't think, "I'm not sure what that crazy love emotion is, but it looks pretty damn good!" No? Maybe it was just me, then. I remember this movie being an emotional rollercoaster, first mourning Mufasa's passing, then meeting BFFs Timon and Pumbaa for some laughs.... then love? Wow! Were you paying enough attention through your tears to remember what this love song is called?
What is Nala's mother's name?
Nala's mother is first seen sleeping with the other lionesses inside Pride Rock with Nala in her paws as Simba arrives to wake up Mufasa. She is then seen later that day bathing Nala while visiting Simba's mother. When Nala asks for permission to accompany Simba to the watering hole, she asks Simba's mother for her opinion. She later appears along with the rest of the pride, mourning when Scar tells them that both Mufasa and Simba had perished in a stampede.
Which character speaks to Simba right before he becomes king?
After rain falls on the Pride Lands and extinguishes the fire, Simba walks down to greet the pride. Simba then walks over to somebody, embraces them, then climbs up Pride Rock. As he reaches the promontory, he looks at the hole through the rain clouds to see a patch of stars, one of them shining brightly. Who is the key character who speaks with Simba before he sees his father for the last time, and accepts his new role as king?
What insect is Pumbaa chasing when he gets separated from Timon?
Do you remember this hilarious scene? While out on a musical walk with Timon, Pumbaa is distracted by a bug, which he follows into the jungle. The bug leads him right to a hungry lioness prowling around, who then tries to hunt him down. She chases the warthog until Simba springs into action, and the two lions engage in conflict. When the lioness pins Simba, he recognizes her as Nala, his childhood playmate. Do you recall what kind of insect drew Pumbaa away from his friends?
How many of the hyenas fall into thorn bushes while chasing Simba out of the Pridelands?
These dopey hyenas definitely come off a bit dumb, but they have a few funny qualities. Scar has an extremely low opinion of them, considering them to be stupid and incompetent - but without them, he would never have risen to become king of the Pride Lands. Still, they do the occasional embarrassing mistake! At one point, the trio is chasing Simba, who disappears into some thorn bushes. How many hyenas followed the little cub into the bushes, getting thorns stuck all over themselves?
What does Scar say while he strikes Simba's mother?
When Scar questions Simba's mother and Mufasa's widowed queen, as to why she and the rest of the lions are not hunting for food, she replies that there is nothing left and suggests they leave Pride Rock to survive. Scar rejects the idea, pushing Simba's mother beyond composure. She openly compares Scar to Mufasa in a condescending manner, angering Scar to the point of violence against Mufasa's widowed queen. What does Scar angrily yell at her as he strikes her?
How many times does it rain in the movie?
The Serengeti is The Lion King's real-life setting and inspiration. When Disney started developing the story of Simba, they sent a team of animators to this part of East Africa to absorb the sights, sounds, colors, moods, plains, craters, jungles and sunsets of Tanzania. This also includes the climate, which is relatively accurate! Of course, in the film, the weather usually reflects the story and mood of a particular character, not real life. Do you remember how often it rains in the movie?
When was the film released?
The Lion King was first released on VHS and laserdisc in the United States. Ah yes... the VHS days. Do you still have your original Lion King tape from your childhood? I know I do. The film was released under Disney's "Masterpiece Collection" video series. The VHS tape contained a special preview for Walt Disney Pictures' then-upcoming animated film Pocahontas, in which the title character sings the musical number "Colors of the Wind". Does that give you a hint at the answer?
What type of animal is Rafiki?
Rafiki is extremely wise. His way of using his intelligence, however, is highly irregular; he prefers to teach his pupils by bombarding them with cryptic metaphors, typically in a way that purposely annoys them. He takes great joy in this, especially with Simba, and although unconventional, his methods have proven to be effective time and time again. It should be noted that part of the reason Rafiki's teachings are rather eccentric is the fact that Rafiki, himself, is fairly eccentric. What kind of monkey is this crazy guru?
What is Simba's mother's name?
This fierce lioness appears as the careful mother of Simba and mate (later widow) of Mufasa. As the queen of Pride Rock, she is shown to be in charge of the lionesses and their hunting parties. She is depicted as being wise, courageous and strong, but gentle and humorous at the same time. She first appears at the start of the film for Simba's presentation ceremony. Many years later, she argues with Scar for the sake of the pride, though he hurts her for it. What's her name?
What color are Nala's eyes?
As a child, Nala is sassy and defensive of her own accomplishments, giving her best friend Simba a lot of attitude. Though Simba sometimes tries to claim her ideas as his own, Nala will not stand for being overlooked and is clever and strong enough to do something about it. Despite this, Nala is an encouraging and kind friend, grieving heavily when Simba supposedly dies. And who can forget their romantic reunion after so many years apart? But do you remember the color of her eyes?
What is Scar doing when he first appears in the movie?
Scar grew up to be bitterly jealous of his elder brother but was allowed to live in the Pride Lands anyway. He did not attend Simba's presentation, much to Mufasa's disappointment. Do you remember what he was doing instead? Here's a hint: Zazu interrupts him to tells him off for missing Simba's presentation, causing Scar to attempt to exact revenge on Zazu by eating him. Mufasa interferes, forcing him to spit Zazu out. This is one of the best scenes in the movie!
What type of animal tramples Mufasa in the canyon?
Despite his majestic exterior, Mufasa is kind-hearted and playful, showing respect for all the creatures, even those who are perceived as lower than himself. He is not strictly business, often playing games with his majordomo Zazu, and is unafraid of showing affection. Mufasa's death is one of the most iconic and terrible of all-time, with many millennials referring to it as their first heartbreak. That's wild! Do you remember what kind of animal tramples the king to death, or did you block it out?
Who says this line in the movie: "He's mad as a hippo with a hernia"?
There are so many hidden gems in this movie, and dozens you probably didn't catch as a kid. When was the last time you watch The Lion King as an adult; did you hear all the jokes for adults? The film had many writers... over 17 people got story credits on this classic movie! Some would call that "too many cooks in the kitchen," but they must have done something right! Do you remember which character said this hilarious one-liner?
What do the stars represent to the pride lions?
After Mufasa briefly plays with Simba after scolding him for his disobedience, he takes him out into a field where they gaze up at the stars together. This heartwarming scene carries an important message that carries through the rest of the movie. Mufasa tells Simba what the stars above represent; something powerful and eternal for all the lions living in the Pride Lands. Do you remember what the stars are supposed to mean to the king and his family members?
What animals do Simba and Nala ride in "I Just Can't Wait to Be King"?
Did you know that during this famous sequence in The Lion King movie, the background changes to brighter colors and more geometric shapes to reflect Simba's naive perspective of the world? Or that in early versions of the song, the crocodiles were gray, only to be completely re-done in the 2002 IMAX re-release? That's some seriously minuscule trivia... this question is a bit easier. Do you remember what animal Simba and Nala ride while making fun of a frustrated Zazu?
What is the film's final spoken line?
After Simba returns to Pride Rock and confronts Scar in their final battle for dominance, Simba comes out on top, winning back his rightful place as king. With Scar and the hyenas gone, and with the rightful king in place, the Pride Lands are restored and begin turning green with life again. The film concludes with Rafiki presenting Simba and Nala's newborn cub into the air, thus continuing the Circle of Life. That's a lot of action to pack into a final act! But do you remember what the last spoken line is?
What animal sits on Zazu at the end of "I Just Can't Wait To Be King"?
As the king's majordomo, Zazu is knowledgable, diplomatic, and stern. He takes his position as a royal advisor very seriously, and carries himself in a no-nonsense—and often times, pompous—manner. Unfortunately, the demanding, and sometimes dangerous nature of his job has left Zazu with a considerable amount of anxiety and emotional instability; he is prone to falling into panic when things go wrong, and he can be rather irritable and snappish. What animal sits on this fancy bird at the end of "I Just Can't Wait To Be King"?
Pumbaa is also known by what title?
Pumbaa is a loving, open-hearted character who sometimes displays childlike naivety and innocence that is sometimes confused for stupidity. Though Timon would say otherwise, Pumbaa is actually the true brains of the outfit, having both common sense and impressive knowledge over things from nature to science, which he often tries to teach the more dim-witted Timon, but to no true avail. This fantastic warthog knows how to fight as well. What is his battle-ready, hilarious warrior title in the film?
Who says, "I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the gene pool"?
Pride Rock is the home of the Lion King and his lionesses and functions as Mufasa's throne and palace. The area serves as a gathering place for many events as well as a key part of the Circle of Life. It also happens to be the place where a lot of family dr-a-m-a takes place, and boy do these lions know how to sass each other out! Which clever Lion King character has this funny thing to say about themselves?
Who convinces Simba to return home?
Every good coming-of-age story needs a conclusion that takes the protagonist back to where they started to face their demons. It wouldn't have been a good story if Simba didn't listen to his friends and just stayed in the jungle with Timon and Pumbaa for the rest of his life. What kind of lesson would that teach kids watching the movie? But Simba didn't make his decision to face Scar alone, he had a lot of help! One character in particular convinced him to go back. Who was it?
Can you finish this lyric?
The song "Circle of Life" is not one usually sung on karaoke nights, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone in their late 20s who doesn't know most of the lyrics. Can you finish this line? "From the day we arrive on the planet; And blinking, step into the sun; There's more to be seen than can ever be seen; More to do than can ever be done; Some say eat or be eaten; Some say live and let live; But all are agreed as they join the stampede; You should never take _______"?
What are the villainous hyenas' names?
Did you know that the young hyenas appear in the canon long before the first film, where they surround a helpless Rafiki who had just arrived in the Pride Lands? King Ahadi comes to the rescue just in time, with his sons Mufasa and Scar in tow, and demands that the hyenas leave. Later, Scar meets with the hyenas, who advise Scar to make himself look good by making Mufasa look bad... what tricksters! But that all leads to what happens later on in the actual film.
What happens to Scar at the end of the film?
As king, Scar allowed the hyenas to poach the land, and the Pride Lands slowly fell into ruin. The desolation of the kingdom eventually drew a full-grown Simba back to Pride Rock, where he challenged Scar for his throne. An epic battle ensued, in which Scar made one last attempt on Simba's life, but he was defeated. Afterward, high above, Simba reclaims the throne and Pride Rock as the rightful heir. The Pride Lands turn green again and all is well with the world. But what happened to Scar?