Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
A magic carpet ride of a movie from Disney.
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Aladdin
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Based on 75 kid reviews
Kids say the movie features whimsical characters and memorable music, with many praising the Genie for his humor and charm, although opinions vary widely on its suitability for children due to perceived problematic themes. While some viewers appreciate its classic Disney magic, others criticize the portrayal of women and cultural stereotypes, finding them inappropriate for a children's film.
- fun characters
- memorable music
- problematic themes
- cultural stereotypes
- classic Disney magic
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In this animated Disney adventure, street urchin ALADDIN (voiced by Scott Weinger) woos Arabian Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin) by pretending to be a prince. He gets help from an exuberant blue genie (Robin Williams), who grants him three wishes. But before this story ends happily ever after, Aladdin must tell Princess Jasmine the truth about his identity, and defeat evil royal adviser Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) -- neither task an easy one!
Is It Any Good?
Jasmine is no Belle and Aladdin is no Beast, but add a big blue genie voiced by Robin Williams to the picture, and you've got a very entertaining Disney movie. Williams brings humor and vitality to a movie that might otherwise be just another "princess forced to marry against her will" story. His imagination and antics clearly inspired the animators, too, and every scene with the genie is off-the-charts creative.
Songs like "A Whole New World" and a magic carpet with more personality than all of Disney's animal sidekicks put together help give scenes without the genie a lift. Jasmine is spunky even though her predicament isn't very original, and Aladdin is sweet and eventually learns his own self-worth. DVD extras include a virtual magic carpet ride in which viewers speed through different Arabian settings as if on a roller coaster, a fun interactive 3D tour of Genie's lamp, and music videos by pop singers Clay Aiken and Jessica Simpson.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the contradictions in the characters in Aladdin -- how people can be both good and bad, and learn from their mistakes. Ask kids how they think Aladdin acted selfishly or unselfishly throughout the movie.
What are some other examples of Disney adapting classic folktales? Is it cultural appropriation to use stories from other cultures when only White directors, writers, and voice actors are hired in the making?
How do the characters in Aladdin demonstrate perseverance, humility, and courage? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 25, 1992
- On DVD or streaming : October 5, 2004
- Cast : Linda Larkin , Robin Williams , Scott Weinger
- Directors : John Musker , Ron Clements
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Perseverance
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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