In 1994, 'The Lion King' became the highest-grossing animated film of all time (until Finding Nemo). It was the pinnacle of the 'Disney Renaissance,' an era where Disney returned to producing massive musical hits. The film was unusual because it was an original story (influenced by Hamlet and the Bible) rather than a direct fairy tale adaptation. Its success was bolstered by an Oscar-winning soundtrack by Elton John and Tim Rice. The film's 'blockbuster' status extended into a massive Broadway show and one of the best-selling VHS tapes in history. It proved that animation could be a 'top-tier' summer blockbuster, competing directly with live-action action films.