Regardless of what anyone says, The Lion King is, and always will be, the greatest piece of cinematic art ever created by Disney.

From the quintessential opening song, viewers are immediately transported to the African Sahara where lions are the key to maintaining balance. The classic genres of betrayal, deception, heroism and young love and all highlighted in the iconic Disney classic. While Simba may be a fictional character, there are more than a few lessons we can learn from the inhabitants of Pride Rock.

1. Your past doesn’t define you.

Spoiler alert: Scar kills Mufasa and Simba runs under the impression that he killed his father. So yeah, Scar is the world's worst uncle and Simba hates himself for a crime he didn't even commit. But in the wise words of Rafiki, "The past can hurt. But the way I see it you can either run from it or learn from it." Take a lesson from the baboon: everyone has things that they would like to change about their past, but instead of focusing on the mistakes we should live in the present. Our past doesn’t determine our future and no matter what we’ve done, there’s always a chance for a step forward—a step in the right direction.

2. We need each other.

For Simba, it was Timon and Pumba that got him through his worst days, and our need for others is no different than his. Everyone needs those people in their life who are going to stand by them during the lows and celebrate with them during the highs. We aren’t meant to go through this life alone, so we must seek those out those friends to help us through.

3. Everyone has a place within the circle of life.

Even though we aren’t all animals connected on a biological level, I do believe that each and every one of us has a place and a purpose in this world. Everyone has something to contribute to society and we all must do our part to make the world around us a better place. No other person on the entire planet has been given the same gifts and opportunities that as you, so take advantage of who you are and what you’ve been given.

4. You can’t run away from your future.

Simba ran away from his future and eventually time (and Nala) caught up with him, forcing him to realize that you can’t run from your future no matter how hard you might try. We all have responsibilities, and working toward that future goal is apart of growing up and getting ready for the real world. There comes a time when we wake up, look in the mirror and realize that the future is here and instead of running away from it we have to run toward it.

5. Hakuna Matata.

Timon and Pumba’s breakout single is more than just a catchy song. Take a lesson from the dynamic duo: “hakuna matata.” It means, "no worries." Although we can’t all live on a beautiful phantom island without any responsibilities and rules, it’s important that we don’t stress about the things we cannot control. So much of our lives are spent worrying, we often miss out of some of life’s greatest joys and opportunities.

The Lion King is a must-see for audiences of all ages. If you haven’t already seen this iconic movie, you need to watch it. There’s a lot to be learned, so be sure to take a lesson from the King of Pride Rock.