The other day, the family got together after dinner to watch The Lion King again (the 1994 animated film, not the photorealistic CGI remake) for the third time now. And while The Lion King is just that good of a movie, the main reason for the rewatch is a bit personal.
I mentioned in a previous article how my Mom never remembers watching this movie. That’s because it reminds her of the violent nature docuseries her father forced her to watch, which he used to condition her to believe that women were inferior to men. But she’s been working really hard to work through her trauma and confront her demons. So what better way to start than by taking a trip to the past?
Watching The Lion King again as an adult made me appreciate the rich storytelling Disney crafted. It doesn’t dumb itself down despite the fact that it’s supposed to be a kid’s film. It’s a compelling story that isn’t afraid to dive into the complex world of grief, guilt, the cycle of life and death and the struggles of fulfilling one’s destiny. Anyone can relate to the characters in some capacity.
Although I’ll admit, watching Mufasa’s death scene was still hard to watch. And I know the part where Scar manipulates poor Simba into running away from home was just as triggering for Mom as it was for me. It’s one thing to see Scar stab his family in the back as a child, when you don’t fully understand the nuances of his actions. This scene reminded me of instances where I experienced gaslighting from relatives who I now realize were narcissists. But I powered through it. We both did.
The rest of the film was easier. My brother thoroughly enjoyed the musical numbers, with the opening scene featuring “The Circle of Life” being a particular favorite of his. All in all, it was a fun family night with just the three of us. We’ll probably rewatch The Lion King again in a couple of years; though by then, we’ll likely be watching the new live-action remake.
Edit – May 23, 2025:
Oh, and in case you were wondering: Mom does remember watching the movie with us. Even better, watching it led Mom to discover a love for lions. Her Instagram Explore page is filled with pictures and reels from wildlife conservancies showcasing these beautiful, loving creatures. It’s been amazing watching my mom take something that once traumatized her and turn it into something that brings her joy. It’s a reminder that survivors of narcissistic abuse can reclaim their power and bring hope, strength, and happiness into their lives.
📌 Changelog
- May 23, 2025: Article re-written to add additional information.
- Sep 14, 2019: Original article posted.
