The Lion King is an artistic work.
Simba . Introduced in Walt Disney Animation 's 32nd animated feature film The Lion King ( 1994 ) , the character subsequently appears in its sequels The Lion King II : Simba 's Pride ( 1998 ) and The Lion King 1 1/2 ( 2004 ) . The Lion King . Upon maturation living with two wastrels , Simba is given some valuable perspective from his childhood friend , Nala , and his shaman , Rafiki , before returning to challenge Scar to end his tyranny and take his place in the Circle of Life as the rightful King .