The Lion King is turning 25, so we ranked the original songs

On June 24, the beloved Disney film celebrates its 25th anniversary. Let’s celebrate the classic by ranking The Lion King’s original songs.

The 1994 animated hit The Lion King has so many amazing songs that make fans feel all kinds of emotions. It’s hard to choose a favorite.

From “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” to “Circle of Life,” to “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”, each song is capable of putting a smile on fans’ faces. As much as The Lion King is about the characters and the storylines, the music is such a huge part of the movie — just like the songs are in every Disney film.

Just think, when The Lion King live-action movie comes out on July 19 of this year, fans will get to relive the classic songs all over again. Who else just got chills?

Until then, let’s take a moment to rank the original songs that make fans fall in love with the movie over and over again.

8. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” – Elton John

There’s no denying Elton John is a talented musician. He even helped bring the songs of The Lion King to life. Yes, his version of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” is good, but it just doesn’t live up to the film’s version.

7. “Be Prepared”

Oh, Scar. Not only does he murder his brother, but he even makes Simba think he was responsible for his father’s death. As for Scar’s big solo, it’s memorable, but it doesn’t live up to most of the other songs. Plus, who really wants to jam to a song about Scar preparing to kill Mufasa? Yeah, no thanks.

6. “Circle of Life” – Elton John

Fans can’t help but hear “Circle of Life” when they think of The Lion King. It’s a truly chill-inducing song. As for John’s version, it’s definitely moving, and he can tickle the ivories like no other.

5. “Hakuna Matata”

“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!” Who knew two words could be so powerful — and memorable? This is definitely a fan favorite.

4. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” -Elton John

Raise your hand if “Can You Feel the Love” tonight makes you weepy. Yeah, same. It’s the song that follows Simba and Nala’s budding romance and where they realize their friendly feelings are actually so much more than that. And John singing it? He’s a superstar.

3. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”

This is definitely the one song from the movie that can get fans on their feet and make them want to dance. Who else can’t wait for “I Can’t Wait to Be King” to come on every time you watch the movie? It’s just so catchy.

2. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”

As previously mentioned, John’s version of this song is amazing, but the movie’s version is capable of hitting you right in the feels in the right ways, all while tugging on your heartstrings and making you reach for the tissues. We just have goosebumps talking about it.

1. “Circle of Life”

And, finally, this will forever be the best Lion King song. “Circle of Life” is the very first song heard in the film. The track accompanies such the powerful and opening scene showing Rafiki lifting up Simba after his birth and revealing him to his fellow animal kingdom. “Circle of Life” is truly special.

It’s hard to believe that The Lion King was released 25 years ago. What’s your favorite song from the Disney favorite?