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Parents' Guide to

Aladdin

By Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

A magic carpet ride of a movie from Disney.

Movie G 1992 90 minutes
Aladdin Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 20 parent reviews

LandonJames
LandonJames Adult
December 30, 2021
age 3+

Great film appropriate for all ages.

Mysterious at times and really adventurous. This film is a classic . Every child should see it once in their childhood.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
2 people found this helpful.
Mum of 2girls
Mum of 2girls Parent of 7 and 10-year-old
May 25, 2023
age 8+

Great classic movie for older kids

I have loved this movie since I was a kid, it’s a classic. Some things to note though: -There are scary moments like when Aladdin is tied up, chained to a rock and thrown to the bottom of the sea, struggling and drowning. Or when Jafar becomes a giant evil genee and it’s a scary scene - every single woman in the movie is over sexualised and wearing belly dancing outfits. Except some stereotypical old poor peasants in the background -there are lots of swords and fighting, chasing, slashing and cartoony violence. For kids older than 8 they can overlook this stuff or you can have a conversation but it’s not great for little ones
See all 20 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (20 ):
Kids say (75 ):

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

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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