Mufasa: The Lion King roared into theaters and left me laughing, crying, and gasping for air—sometimes all at once. While the emotional weight of the story packs a punch (as expected from a prequel about one of Disney’s most iconic kings), what genuinely surprised me was how funny the movie was! The comedic timing, clever banter, and returning side characters added an energy that balanced the film’s deeper moments beautifully. Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh this much… but I did. A lot. And I must say, Mufasa had some truly funny characters.
So with that said, let’s celebrate the laughs that made Mufasa: The Lion King even more enjoyable. From quirky sidekicks to scene-stealing animals, the film gives us a handful of characters that know exactly how to deliver a punchline (or trip over one). It’s time to rank the top 5 funniest characters in the Mufasa: The Lion King. I’m gonna rank the ones who had me smiling the widest and chuckling the hardest. Let’s get into it! 🦁
5. Zazu: The Feathered Fussball Who Still Brings the Laughs
When watching Mufasa: The Lion King, it’s honestly pretty easy to forget that Zazu’s even in it. He tends to get overshadowed by louder, flashier, more central characters — and that’s totally fine. But it’s also the reason why this royal bird only flaps into the #5 spot on my list. Still, don’t count him out just yet! He still managed to snag a spot on my list of the funniest Mufasa characters! 🐦
After watching Mufasa twice, I can confidently say that Zazu earns his place with a few hilarious one-liners and awkward moments that feel ripped straight from the classic Lion King. He’s still that uptight, clumsy little guy who struggles to keep his composure — but this time, there’s a slightly more immature and lighthearted twist to his personality. It works, though. He’s not the scene-stealer, but he delivers just enough chuckles to start off this ranking strong. Zazu may not soar to comedic greatness, but he does exactly what he’s meant to do: make us laugh. Mission accomplished, my feathery friend! 👏
4. Mufasa: Long Live the Funny King!
Let’s be honest—no one thinks of Mufasa as the funny guy. Whether it’s the OG 90s Lion King or the more recent live-action remake, he’s always been the stoic, wise, deep-voiced dad-lion, full of life lessons and gravitas. 😂 But surprise, surprise! In Mufasa: The Lion King, we get a fresh take on the iconic king, and it’s lowkey hilarious. He’s still strong, protective, and royal to the bone, but he’s also a lion who can chill out, crack a smile, and even sprinkle in a little humor. Who knew the king could let his mane down?
It’s this balance—between power and playfulness—that makes him feel way more relatable. He’s no longer just the all-knowing father figure; he’s also a lion trying to enjoy life while guiding the next generation. That little extra spark of personality? It brings Mufasa to life in a whole new way. That’s why he claws his way to #4 on this list—because even kings deserve to have a laugh sometimes. 👑✨
3. Taka (Young Scar): The Prince of Playfulness
Who knew Scar was once the life of the party? 😲 In Mufasa: The Lion King, young Taka is one of the most light-hearted and playful characters in the whole film. It’s not just the way he acts—carefree, energetic, and full of laughter—but also how he approaches life with joy rather than ambition. While others worry about thrones and legacies, Taka just wants to vibe.
Whether he’s singing about wanting a brother or asking Mufasa for dating tips (yes, really), Taka comes off as this sweet, silly lion cub who’s just loving life. There’s an innocence and pure-hearted charm to him that’s hard to resist. It’s that energy, that youthful zest, that makes him stand out—and why he deserves a spot on this list! While there are many funny lions to choose from, I think that young Scar is obviously one of the funniest in the Mufasa film! 🦁
2. Timon & Pumbaa: The Hilarious Duo Who Always Steal the Spotlight
Timon and Pumbaa not taking the #1 spot? Outrageous, right? 😱 Well… not reeeaaaally! While I get why you’d place this legendary duo at the top of your list of the funniest Mufasa characters, I had to slide them into #2 — because honestly, they deserve a spot of their own. These two go together like bugs and grubs, always showing up with the perfect one-liner or hilarious interruption. In every Lion King installment, they’re the ultimate comic relief, and Mufasa: The Lion King is no different!
Now, here’s the twist: Timon and Pumbaa aren’t actually part of Mufasa’s origin story. They’re chillin’ in the present timeline with Simba’s daughter, Kiara, as Rafiki shares the emotional tale of how a young orphan with no royal bloodline became a king. But of course, Timon and Pumbaa can’t help themselves — they jump into the story with jokes, commentary, and even a brilliant musical moment where they belt out, “Hakuna Mufasaaaa!” 😂 It’s not just funny, it’s perfectly timed, offering comic relief when the story gets deep and emotional. Honestly, they’re the voice of the audience, giving us laughs, warmth, and just the right amount of sass.
1. Rafiki: The Positive and Wisecracking Heart of Mufasa’s Tale
Who would’ve guessed that the old, weathered, wise and mature Rafiki would make himself the funniest character in Mufasa: The Lion King? Well… now that I think about it, maybe it’s not that surprising at all! 😄 After all, Rafiki has always had a knack for balancing wisdom with wild humor, and in this film, he truly shines. Whether he’s staying optimistic while surrounded by three hungry lions and a sarcastic bird or belting out an unexpected tune, Rafiki brings a smile in even the tensest moments. In a story packed with emotional gut-punches and intense action, he somehow made me laugh out loud more than a few times — and that’s no small feat.
But the best part? Rafiki’s comedy has depth. It’s not just about jokes — it’s about his positive spirit, his charming resilience, and how he turns every step of his journey into a reason to laugh and keep going. When he’s cast out by his kind, does he sulk? Nope. He sings, he smiles, and he embraces the path ahead. Rafiki doesn’t just guide Mufasa — he lifts the entire story, reminding us that there’s joy in the journey, even when it hurts. With his trademark grin, soulful singing, and “Asante Sana Squash Banana” energy, he’s the heartbeat of the film’s humor. And the way in which he is able to burrow deep into my heart, with a light hearted response here and a heartwarming moment there is enough for me to value him above the rest.
If you haven’t watched Mufasa yet… what are you waiting for? It’s an emotional rollercoaster — and Rafiki is all the highs. 🎢 And thus, he’s the funniest of the funniest characters in Mufasa! Crown well-deserved! 👑
