The Lion King is, in many people's opinions, the greatest Disney movie of all time. It's a film that is jam-packed with everything a great animated film needs: from heartwarming characters and emotional moments to humor and a fantastic storyline running throughout.
However, while the story is incredible, it really is the characters who bring fans back to this movie repeatedly. They are all varied with their own personalities, strengths, and flaws. That also includes intelligence. The characters in this movie are certainly different in that regard, but yet again, that's what makes things so exciting. Within this article, we will take a look at the characters within The Lion King, ranking them all based purely on their intelligence throughout the film.
The Hyenas
The hyenas of The Lion King play a big part in the movie, as they are essentially the army of Scar's to make things happen. However, while they might be great at tearing people about and being incredibly scary, they aren't exactly the brains of the bunch.
They are easily manipulated and quickly talked into helping Scar by Scar himself, who takes advantage of the fact they are simply animals that often don't think before they act. His manipulation quickly brings them on board to work for him, but they are just not the smartest characters.
Timon/Pumbaa
Much like the hyenas, Timon and Pumbaa spend all their time together and have very similar levels of intelligence, making it hard to rank them separately. Everything they do, they do as a pair and that seems to come with their thoughts and feelings as well.
While it is often Pumbaa who thinks of ideas first, it normally ends up being Timon that takes the credit for them. However, that doesn't mean that the meerkat isn't as clever as Pumbaa. He often showcases some intelligence in his own right, and he is certainly observant as to other animals' behaviors, which Pumbaa often lacks. Together, they work great balancing out each other's flaws.
Simba
He might be the main character of this movie, but that doesn't mean that Simba is the smartest character. When it comes to bravery and comedy, he would certainly rank higher, but intelligence is not exactly his strong suit.
This is mainly because at the start of the film we see Simba as a child, and he understandably acts that way. He doesn't listen and believes he knows best. He then gets brought up by Timon and Pumbaa and he learns to let loose and have fun, which doesn't help make him the smartest lion in the pride.
Nala
Nala grew up alongside Simba as a young child, but she was always smarter than he was. She listened to people older than her and clearly took on their advice as she grew into a strong and powerful character. While she isn't featured as much as others, every time she is on screen it's clear she's a smart character.
Nala seeks out options to help the animals of the pride land and is smart enough to know when she finds Simba that she will find the answer. She plays as big of a part as anyone in the lions retaking the throne from Scar and the hyenas, and that is why she's an intelligent character.
Zazu
Zazu's role in the pride is to be an advisor to Mufasa, and he wouldn't be placed in that position without a strong sense of intelligence. He is quite a nosey bird who wants to know all of the gossip and details going on in order to provide the morning report back to his boss.
While he can seem quite annoying at times, that is simply just because he wants to do his job to the best of his abilities. Zazu knows exactly what is going on with everyone around the pride land at all times, and he also offers brilliant advice throughout the movie.
Scar
He might be the villain of the movie, and Disney villains are often not the smartest, but Scar breaks that stereotype. He's an incredibly intelligent individual who is cunning and clever with his ability to scheme and make plans behind people's backs.
Scar is one of very few Disney villains who actually succeeds in his goals. He kills Mufasa, sends Simba away, and manipulates the hyenas into doing all of his work. He doesn't have physical power of his brother, so instead, he outsmarts him.
Rafiki
Rafiki seems to know exactly what is going on at all times across the pride land, even though he doesn't really say much. Rafiki is always watching and seems to just have a sense of what is happening while remaining quiet as he waits for things to simply play out.
If he spoke a little more and really explained his intelligence, rather than just hitting people on their head with a stick or painting things onto a tree, then he would likely take the top spot. He does always have an answer for everything though, which is a clear sign of high intelligence.
Mufasa
When it comes to The Lion King's smartest character, Mufasa certainly takes the top prize. He might not be in the movie as long as some of the other characters, but his impact is massively felt. He is an incredibly wise person who knows what it means to be a leader and gives out some amazing advice throughout the film.
Even after death, he is still able to have an impact with his words to Simba, helping him get himself back together. There's a reason that all the characters in the movie respect him (outside of his brother) and that's because he is such a wise character.